IRAN: Hillary's threat to "obliterate" in war reverberates

 

Better be careful what you say in the heat of a political campaign. It could have global repercussions.

Presidential contender Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's vow to "obliterate" Iran, presumably with nuclear weapons, if it attacked Israel on her watch was duly noted in the U.S.

[UPDATE: To see a video and full transcript of the comment, click here.]

Jaded American insiders shrugged off the remark as typical campaign season bluster, filed away with myriad other exaggerations and gaffes.

But it prompted shock overseas as well as headlines from Bulgaria to New Zealand.

The statement triggered alarm bells in the Persian Gulf, which would likely suffer the consequences of any war between Iran and the U.S. In a harshly worded editorial, the Saudi-based daily Arab News trashed Clinton's comment today as insane:

This is the foreign politics of the madhouse. It demonstrates the same doltish ignorance that has distinguished Bush’s foreign relations. It offers only violence where there should be negotiations and war where there could be peace. At a stroke, Clinton demonstrated to everyone in this region that if she were the next occupant of the White House, Iraq-like death and destruction would be the order of the day.

The paper generally stays  true to the line of the Saudi government, which is a key U.S. ally. But criticism of the remark also came from even friendlier quarters.

In the United Kingdom, which has been a steadfast U.S. ally in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as on the issue of Iran, Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, a ranking British diplomat, criticized Clinton's remark as gratuitous:

While it is reasonable to warn Iran of the consequence of it continuing to develop nuclear weapons and what those real consequences bring to its security, it is not probably prudent ... in today's world to threaten to obliterate any other country and in many cases civilians resident in such a country.

—Borzou Daragahi in Beirut

Photos: Image from a 1954 U.S. nuclear test in the Pacific Ocean. (Wikimedia Commons) Hillary Rodham Clinton (Official picture).

P.S. The Los Angeles Times issues a free daily newsletter with the latest headlines from the Middle East, the war in Iraq and the frictions between the West and Islam. You can subscribe by registering at the website here, logging in here and clicking on the World: Mideast newsletter box here.

Comments

[Carly Corday]

"Well, you all are talking about nuking IRAN and some on here think that ok. They're terrorist so it's ok, right." (From Katy)

They aren't terrorists. They are the Iranian people. Hillary Clinton threatened that "the people of Iran had better know..." Those were her own follow-up words in defense of her threat to obliterate their country. Iranian citizens are among the most civil, American-loving people on earth, and no more fond of their current leaders than we are. Hillary Clinton either doesn't KNOW this, or as a Cheney-like sociopath, she doesn't CARE, and doesn't even realize how it looks to talk of murdering millions of people if their leaders threaten Israel.

Hillary is a bad little girl playing grownup on the world stage, accustomed to the only adults on the scene being HER mommy and daddy, letting HER take it as far as she pleases. I never thought so until now. But that's what Hillary Clinton is. She is a "madman." She is the equal of John McCain, may in fact be even worse. Truth is, Hillary is the closest thing I've seen to Bush. And Bush is the closest thing I've seen to unworthy, crazy, ignorant, but allowed to sit at the World's controls and fly the craft straight into the ground.

A President Hillary Clinton could leave us thinking that Bush/Cheney were just "Hillary lite."

Maybe that's why certain powers seem so determined to get her into the White House. Maybe McCain is just the distraction...

[Skeeter Sanders]

Hillary's gone off her rocker. Has she forgotten that Iran lies geographically on Russia's doorstep? What makes her think that Moscow is going to sit idly by and not respond to a U.S. nuclear strike against a country that lies in Russia's neighborhood?

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in fact, issued a warning last November that Russia would regard any U.S. military strike against Iran as an attack on Russia itself -- raising the threat of Russian retaliation.

Putin is stepping down as president in May, but there's no guarantee that his successor, Dimitry Medvedev, won't maintain Putin's tough stance on Iran.

See for yourself:
http://www.skeeterbitesreport.com/2007/11/putin-russia-may-strike-back-if-us.html

[katy]

Well, you all are talking about nuking IRAN and some on here think that ok. They're terrorist so it's ok, right. Well, I heard today our own home grown terrorist have threaten to bomb Obama's church, we talk about cleaning up the world and we can't even clean this country of crazy lunatics. I place some of the responsibility for these luns on Hillary and Bill with their race baiting campaign, they've unleashed these hounds and now here we are back in the 60's, but I guess some think it's ok to bomb a church with innocent women, men and children, who's only crime is the color of their skin. How said this country is, how very sad indeed.

[Ann Augustine]

Mrs. Clinton specifically said that if they were to consider an attack, wherever they might be in the development of their nuclear program, we WOULD BE ABLE TO obliterate them. She was referring to the fact that they will always be little brothers in the nuke fight and cannot hope to succeed. She suggested, she would hope, that our advanced abilities on this front would deter them.

[Beer-Bongin' Hillary]

You really can't fault Hillary for her radically bellicose word.

After all the whiskey shots and beer bongs she's been downing lately, she's getting up some real courage!

Where's my monster truck, Goddammit?

[Mok]

Hillary has a real complex. She wants to show toughness by talking and acting tough, by lying and exaggerating things. She lacks character. She drank wisky and beer to show she is tough. She lies about Bosnia to show she can be the commander-in-chief. She lies about the Northen Ireland peace accord to show she can negotiate peace agreements. This is very dangerous for someone who will occupy the White House. It appears she is very insecure.

[gmathol]

Immature talk of a person who claims to be experienced. America has been terrorized by a 3% minority of it's population - the Jews - for too long.

Clinton may win, we will see wether she is able to turn around this country!

Let the Bushies have another 4 years... Clinton or McCain - who cares.

[Mark David Azman]

Is it any wonder that the Mid-East, Arab population, would distrust the U.S. at face value regarding any topic. If I were Iranian I would be voting for being nuclear armed. That is directly because of Hilary Clinton's rediculous comment. Seriously how could anyone argue against Iran defending itself against this nonscence? If the situation was in reverse, every American would be voting for going forward into being a nuclear power. Yet, Iran as a nation endured America's overthrough of their democratically elected government in the 50's is no doubt angry and distrustful of the West. Why should they not be? Why doesn't Hilary adress this issue along side of making threats the majority of the U.S. population, that might elect her, do not agree with. Nobody asked me, as a U.S. citizen, if it is o.k. to start WWIII, and maybe fifty-years of war thereafter. I believe that Israel should defend itself. But that also means Iran should also. Because, I as a U.S. citizen don't trust my own government to act trust-worthy anymore with the current administration still in power; I can not trust their take on Iran anymore. Do they really think everyone does not see through the smoke-screen to see this is all about oil; not in a conspiracy theory way anymore, but in real news coverage kind of way. I know Hilary Clinton is only playing to the audence who will elect her. But that disappoints me about her. That is why I won't vote for her. I'm with Jesse Ventura, I'll vote none of the above because they don't deserve my vote.

[OH]

Clinton is on board with Killer Bush, even though trying to out-do McCain in a killing-provocation contest is a losing battle. American boots are already on the ground in Iraq, if Clinton non-chalantly kills off a few Iranians, right there America is toast - and experts agree on this. Iran has the cards, and these killers - Killer Clinton, Killer McCain, just like Killer Bush, they want to sell America out, our freedom, our principles, our lives - in wars based on lies.

[Susan in Pennsylvania, US]

A few days later, I was discussing her comment with my husband, who had not seen nor heard her make this fabulous remark.

I couldn't find it on any US websites, but it was being reported in all the international press.

Hillary Clinton is an embarassment to women, and is acting like George Bush in a pantsuit. She will do or say anything to secure this nomination and doesn't quite seem to get it: the world is watching. Idiot.

[Saint Michael Traveler]

Mrs. Clinton's statement about Iran is just a political foolishness. Is she politically mature to assume the presidency of the United States? American people have started to question her every words.

Mrs. Clinton demonstrated that if she would become the next occupant of the White House, death and destruction would follow. She will continue the same foreign policy of George Bush.

Our own national problems, among them: education, employment, health insurance, roads, and our national banking problems are much more serious than Iran, a country 7500 miles from home. We have very serious problems in our own hemisphere.

[Steven Hutchinson]

One thing that we have to remember, It is all about oil. The US has the highest oil consumption in the world, for now. We would care less about the middle east if it were not for oil. American people refuse to except the fact that this whole mess is because of oil. HRC is pandering to the fact that we need a lot of oil to keep Americans happy. I say take the billions of dollars we spend in weapons and death and get us off oil. That is hard to do in this country since Big Oil seems to be running this country. Vote Obama

[Steven Hutchinson]

One thing that we have to remember, It is all about oil. The US has the highest oil consumption in the world, for now. We would care less about the middle east if it were not for oil. American people refuse to except the fact that this whole mess is because of oil. HRC is pandering to the fact that we need a lot of oil to keep Americans happy. I say take the billions of dollars we spend in weapons and death and get us off oil. That is hard to do in this country since Big Oil seems to be running this country. Vote Obama

[Fateh]

Iran will bomb Israel into the stoneage......fact.

It could barely fight off Hezbollah which is like the Klu Klux Klan compared to Irans core hardened commandos.

Its not some dinky country with no army or 85% Guest Workers or a delusional 8th century cult

75 Million people will not lay down....prepare for Vietnam x1000

[Josh in Seattle]

Obama 2008!

Possibly destined to be one of this nation's greatest leaders.

He wants to start an "Apollo Project" with the goal of finding the next generation of energy. He means that. The hope and grace put forth by this man is a wonderful change from what we are so used to.

We have become so cynical it is ridiculous! Change is not a scary word! Barack Obama! 2008

[SSgt. Richard C England USAF (retired) Viet Nam 65-69]

Muslims speak of peace while plotting to murder. Muslims worldwide are the enemy of the United States. Hillary's response was in support of those Americans who wish to survive this Muslim crusade to conquer the world. The same people who would attack Israel would hijack planes and attack the US. A nuclear response? Of course! A circle of eight-20 megaton nukes around the tallest minaret in Mecca during Ramadan should get their attention the same way they got ours on 9-11.

Posted by: J Gustafson | April 24, 2008 at 05:43 PM

---------------------------------------

J Gustafson,

Right under where it says "Post a Comment" it also says this:

If you are under 13 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate.

Time to get off the computer. You truly think just like a reptile you know that? You love war, as long as it is on the tv or in your freaking video game don't you. Have you ever seen anyone in combat walking along, in shock, holding there intestines in their own hands, and crying like a little baby and saying "Momma..Momma"!

Back to your room with you you punk.

[mo]

you think it is that easy to bomb iran and sit back and watch the blood? yo will be surprised what is going to happen to all these little sheikdomes you have created - they all fall apart like a big stones left with no small stones around.
i feel pitty for american people, who i am one of them, to let any body support a crazy-nonsense war in iraq and afghanistan.
we have to try to get our good name and fame back by prisoning the fanatics, bullies and ignoring the puppets around the world.

[Kiumars]

To Eli; April 25, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Save your money because your money will be paid to Rupert Murdock’s Foxnews and eventually goes to Israel! Buy a gun and some bullets with that money and defend yourself and your family against the occupying forces of Israel in your country. Did you hear about the Israeli spies in your country? They have taken you people for an easy ride!

[eli]

What can we do together to obliterate Hillary's chance to poison the minds of Indiana and NC people?

The media is now with her. All they talk about are the few sound bites of Jeremiah Wright. And she gets away with anything.

Now, McCain is asking Obama to apologize for his offensive "bitter comments".

Why wouldn't the media ask him to apologize for voting for war, patrit act, lying for the sake of war, his comments about the housing market (small people's falt), voting against equal pay for woman?)

The reason everyone grasped on Obama's bitter comments and his pastor, is because that is the ONLY thing they have against him. And......that's all we hear about !

Ohhh, I'm going to have an ulcer! Is there anything we can do to the next 8 voting states to realize that and save the world from tiranny!

Any ideas?

A simple one: If we really care we can at least send some money to Obama now. I send $100. What about you?

[tommy jonq]

before reagan/bush, the u.s. had decent, if not necessarily perfect, relations in the mideast because the u.s. treated all mideast countries more or less equally. since the early eighties, we have favored israel more and more and made enemy after enemy after enemy. the israelis have their own bomb. they don't need ours. and we need more nuclear enemies like we need a "democrat" running as a republican.

[James]

Well, you don't have to be a fan of Hillary (and I am not) to see that what she said is much more nuanced than what is being reported. She first referred to a nuclear attack on Israel by Iran, not just any attack. Secondly, she said the US "could" obliterate Iran, not that it necessarily would. [As a practical matter, everyone knows that no Democratic administration is likely to do anything militarily, other than to cut the Defense budget, regardless of the provocation.]

[ALincoln]

Hillary's totally irresponsible and even outrageous comments about waging nuclear war against Iran, (or any other country for that matter), clearly demonstrates to the world that she is totally unqualified to be president of the United States. Her campaign claims that she has the experience to lead, but her public statements on US declarative foreign policy clearly demonstrate how unqualified she is to be the Democratic candidate, much less the next President.

It is time for foreign leaders around the world to let US political leaders and voters know how they feel about a Clinton presidency. She has personally insulted many countries and their leaders around the world and now she threatens nuclear war in the Middle East just to further her own political ambitions.

You may not be able to vote in the election, but you can certainly make your interests known through public statements condemning her declarative nuclear policy and by contributing to her opponent's campaigns.

[ali]

America is all about lie and stupidity. Iran has never said to destroy by military means but israeli will disappear if there are fair and free election. Second death to USA means death to USA meddling in middle east etc. USA was the one overthrowing Mosadeq gov, encouraging saddam to attack etc. I hope average americans will take a notice and take care of USA.

[ubuwalker31]

If Iran successfully invades Israel, Iranian and Arab troops will kill every single Jew living in the country. It would be a massacre of an entire population. Faced with a genocidal threat, it is appropriate to counter with a threat of a nuclear attack.

[John Westwood]

Some of you are truly sick. You delight in the talk of destroying other countries. You need to get a life. Maybe if you got a job and a date you'd have better things to think about then razing third world nations.

[david]

i do not think Hillary is a good person for the USA as she is a mad person,she does not how to talk ,she has benefit for israel not for America

[Kiumars]

Hillary’s comment is another proof that the USA is an enemy of the Iranian people and the Muslims of the world and wishes to kill and "obliterate" all of them. USA has made it very clear repeatedly that it will destroy the world to defend Israel, but is Israel really worth it?
Isn’t it better to give some land in the sunny California to the Jews and make a small state for them in the USA and end all this? Should the world be obliterated for the sake of 3 million Jews (mostly Russian expats) in Israel?

[latinovoter1]

War-monger mentality. And she and Mccain criticize Obama for wanted to have dialog with difficult leaders. That is why he is the front runner. Hillary Clinton is SO COLD WAR. So OLD SCHOOL WASHINGTON.

[Rita]

If this were Barack, or even McCain, but especially Barack, Hillary would have her chest puffed out and voicing her outrage over their unpreparedness for the presidency, foriegn relations, etc., in that tone of voice and pitch that only she reaches. She is a true blond parading in our country as if she had reached the pennacle of expertise in all matters. A disgusting amateur, who is so far is being permitted to publically pull off the biggest political fraud and heist in history.

[Omid]

That's exactly why iran should obtain any weapon that it can icluding atomic one.with savages like Bush and clinton that's the only deterrance.

[Ed]

This woman is scary. She sounds just like George Bush!!! This country has huge problems if this nut job is elected.

[Peter Belew, London UK]

Ready from day 1 obviously...
Looks like 4 more years to me.
Pete

[ali kafi,MD]

First Israel does not need US to defend herself. Has the most powerful army in middle east.They can obliterate Iran and they have claimed it already. So her comment was a blunder and unnecessary. What is scary is paranoia and assumption that Iran is planning to attack Israel. Who has decided that and then comes pre-emptive attack contrived by neo-con as they did for Iraq.

[Bijan]

Hey Gustafson (and alikes):
You must have been watching John Wayne movie again. Besides, It will take you more than a year to figure out how to find Mecca on the map

[Robin Dicken]

Hillary is a fool. And a racist. And a liar. I'm ashamed she's been allowed to go this far tearing down the Democratic party, when far better candidates graciously bowed out. Shameless, naked power hunger. If she steals this nomination, god damn america will be a very good motto.

[J Gustafson]

Muslims speak of peace while plotting to murder. Muslims worldwide are the enemy of the United States. Hillary's response was in support of those Americans who wish to survive this Muslim crusade to conquer the world. The same people who would attack Israel would hijack planes and attack the US. A nuclear response? Of course! A circle of eight-20 megaton nukes around the tallest minaret in Mecca during Ramadan should get their attention the same way they got ours on 9-11.

[Computer Expert]

Let's see, they say, "Death to America" and Sen. Clinton says, "Obliterate..." Excuse me but if it is a choice between "Death to America" and "Obliterate," well someone has the courage to realize that the time for talk and half-measures has run out for certain scoundrels. My thoughts, "Nuke the B*st*rds!" They'd do no less to us if they had the chance. This way, there wouldn't be a need for GITMO and we'd have a lifetime supply of glass for manufacturing material. As Gen Schwarzkopf aptly said, "What do we do about Osama bin Laden?" And they
asked me, "Can we forgive him?" And I said, "Forgiveness
is up to God. I just hope we hurry up the meeting."

[Ash Jasseb]

Is the American government so stupid that they cannot see that slowly but surely they are turning out to be the country to be in global isolation. The world is sick of American threats and bullish behaviour. When are they going to realise they are not the world police, that they are not a better race than the middle east and that they are simply a nation that is run by uneducated, uncultured war mungers. America has killed more people and civilians than any other country in the world but yet they seem to think their killings are for peaceful purposes. They couldnt be more further than the truth. Their killings are the dirtiest in the world as they kill for oil, resources and global domination. It was America that funded sadam hussein for years on end to wage a war on Iran in the 80's. It was America that created the Taliban in the 70's to fight the soviets. If America cares for the world why do they not interfere in militia wars that happen every day in Africa and South America, why do they not help remove mugabe from zimbabwe. I will tell you why - it is because there is nothing in it for them.
But we are starting to see a change - countries like china and india are fast developing. Their economies are strong and booming and the world is doing business with them whilst America's popularity is dropping day by day and we can all see what is happening with their economy. America it is time to stop bullying and respect other countries as we are all equals. It is up to the international community to decide when to take action and not solely yours. Please lets all just live in peace.

[Michka El]

It is perfectly OK with me to obliterate Iran IF they obliterate our "ally".

The problem with the question and the answer is that it is reframing the reality.

The reality is that Israel, not Iran, is committing genocide in Palestine.

Our media and our politicians who cloud the reality of the Middle East with playing with hypothetical are accomplices in that genocide.

[Bijan]

She knows how stupid her audiances are. Even though we are in deep trouble already in a war that we started based on lies, still the "audience" buys this kind of BS with no question asked.

Very disappointing indeed.

[San Ying]

For this remark alone, Hillary Clinton should NEVER EVER be put in the Whitehouse. The next president should first of all apologise to the world for having obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Then proceed to destroy its nuclear arsenal to set an example to the world. By this remark Hillary has shown she no longer belongs to the human family.

[Say, what?]

Iran has no known nuclear weapons whereas Israel does (although it staunchly denies having them). The only country so far which has deployed nuclear weapons is our very own USA. Let me get this straight. Hillary is threatening Iran with obliteration it if bombs Israel? Hello?? Common sense please. What stupid comments!! It's obvious Bush, McCain, and Hillary pretty much row in the same boat, and it's heading downstream, fast....

[Teresa]

Thank you Don for making me realize just how blindly I too have been reacting to her comment. I read the transcript of her response; You people that are writing about it with so much hatred and bile should be ashamed of yourselves. Her response was carefully worded, incisive and to the point. She was not careless, or arrogant, or stupid, or irrational, or pandering to anyone. Read the transcript you hateful people.

[Sam]

Why does everyone describes Clinton's remarks as pandering to the Jewish vote? Are Jews presumed to be inherently pro-genocide? Why should Jews choose to vote for a wannabe mass-murderer? Maybe SHE thinks that Jews want to hear this, but is she right? Has anyone asked them? Or, could it be the result of her own Christian-Zionist Church background and belief in the Rapture that will carry her and her co-congregation to Jesus once she has off Armageddon?

[Drew]

Hurrah for Clinton! She is the only sane one in the race. Of course we should obliterate Iran if they nuke Israel. This is what we told the Soviets for 40 years if they tried and nuked us. And it worked. Its the only thing those moronic Nazis in Iran will understand. Sheer, raw, naked threats and power. Anyone who appears to be "shocked" by her comments is a fool. When the Iranians come after you, they're take us all down, and they won't ask or care whether you're a liberal fool or not. Its time to defend the West against the barbarians.

[Mauricio Galvao Anderson]

Very stupid of her. Acting thougthlessly as Goerge W, Johnson and others is the best way to kill.... AMERICANS! And, yes, US is being obliterated bit by bit by China and India, the great conqueros of XXI century. Trigger happy pay more for gas, lose houses to banks and yes, baks get a slack from Washington. Makes me laugh..
Mauricio from Atibaia, Brazil

[betz55]

Yea, and what if Israel attacks Iran ? The Iran issue is 100% Israeli. Iran is no danger to the US. Israel refuses to sign the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty which Iran has done. Israel refuses to allow IAEA inspections of their nuke facilites which Iran has done. Israel refuses to comply with any UN resolutions, which the US protects it from. Make Israel adhere to the standards that it and the US want to impose on Iran. Israel is the biggest bully,destabilizing,warmongering,belligerent aggressor in the ME and needs to be dealt with before Tehran. Iran has every right to defend themselves against Israel. It's absurd the pretense that Israel stands as the pathetic guardian against the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the ME. The IAEA in Israel ? The reaction would be spectacular and filled with claims of persecution and divine right. Israel's call for bombing Iran is utterly arrogant and typical.Unconditional, unquestioned, never ending financial support of Israeli policy is bad for the US. Israeli policies are no longer in line with US policies, and, as a result are making the US more of a target than ever in the Islamic world.The US arms Israel and shields Israel from international and UN repercussions which does us enormous harm in the eyes of the world. Good news? There will be when Israel and the US recognize a two-state solution, a separation between their country and this one, the United States.

[Carlos]

Obviously if we obliterate Iran, we cannot get to the oil. So yes, Hillary is not thinking straight for a Republican.

[Don]

I wonder how many of you pin heads actually read the transcript of hil's statement?

In the first place she was referring to a US response of a NUCLEAR ATTACK by Iran on our ALLY Israel.

In the second place, she didn't say she WOULD obliterate IRAN, she said we COULD obliterate Iran. Hell, we can obliterate anyone today if we were so inclined. That doesn't mean it's going to happen.

I'm no big Clinton fan by any stretch, but some of you people here are too much.

[Matt]

How can you compare Clintons comments to "obliterate" Iran to Obama's that we would strike in a limited way in Pakistan if we had intelligence that we could catch Bin Laden? If you think there is some parody there you are even crazier than she is.
Maybe Clinton and McCain should do a duet in bomb bomb bomb Iran?

[Teresa]

Chill everyone. This is a campaign. They are all (including Obama) politicians trying to get elected. You Obama supporters act as if Hillary is the only politician ever to say anything 'wild' 'stupid' 'careless' etc. Hillary has been in the public eye for many years. She is not a 'new' face. We all know where she stands, what she is capable of doing, and what her stregnths and weaknesses are. I am voting for Hillary because she is a strong, intellegent fighter who has been there for the underdog always. Sure she has made mistakes. She takes risks. Obama has been following the 'safe' route all his political life. He has not been tested. My fear is he is a nice, charismatic, intellengent man that would be eaten up alive by the Congress and everyone and anyone that does not want to 'hold hands and sing kumbaya with him'.

[Graham]

Let's not forget how Obama's comments on how would attack Bin Laden without Musharraf's permission almost pushed Pakistan into a state of emergency.
In the end, it's a good thing Iran knows we're trigger happy -- especially when the gun is pointed right at their face.

[Bijan]

Her comments were the usual suck-up to the AIPAC and Jewish lobby which all US politicians have to do. Nothing new

[Warren K]

H. Clinton
Application: Dog Catcher
Where: USA

Qualifications:
1. Ducked incoming fire - Bosnia
2. Obliterate proposal - Iran

Application Evaluation: Unqualified
Application Location: Sent to the Indiana primary voters

[T. Hodge]

This is EXACTLY why Senator Obama is the BEST person FIT to be Commander-in-Chief!! I just cannot believe the MSM isn't reporting this! They're still talking about the PA primary when we've got a presidential candidate pisssing off the whole world!! And THAT gets ZERO coverage? Give me a friggin break!

[Jason]

The question is not how she would react to Iran attacking Israel but would she do anything to prevent an imminent attack? Because, although I'm sure Israel would appreciate the retaliation, they'd rather not be attacked at all.

[American Woman]

So many keep making excuses as to why this parasite made these unforgivalbe remarks: Oh, she just said it to pander to Jewish voters...
What a sack of Horse doo doo! She means it! This is her way of trying to show that she has balls, that she is just like a "man" - But what she showed was her absolute stupity on foreign affairs!
There is a checks and balances for nuclear warfare. Threatening WW III is not a joking matter! Neither is killing innocent people! Talking tough and being tough are two different things. She is a stupid broad if I have EVER seen one!

[Ario]

UN should charge Sen. Hillary Clinton with violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the United Nations Charter because of her calls for the destruction of the Nation of Iran"

[Steve Wimer]

Obliterate Iran? Sounds good to me.

[Jeff Wood]

Betty-

Your lobotomy appointment is set for this Monday. Please be there 15 minutes early to fill out some general paperwork.

Sincerly,
The Human Race

[Tally]

When ever you put a WOMAN in charge, this is what you get, CHAOS. I am a woman and I would never want a woman for president, woman feel that they always have to prove themselves better.

[John Finley]

Until this remark, I was preferring Obama but willing to vote for the party (Hilary, if she wins the nomination). Now I'm truly dismayed. Either she's just shown her stripes OR she'll say anything (or do anything?) to get what she wants. Though I disagree with his positions and worry about what another conservative Republican president will mean to the makeup of the Supreme Court, John McCain certainly is coming off as more civilized at this time.
And Obama just looks better and better.
And Democrats are looking worse and worse when they vote by gender and race. For shame!

[Charles Thompson]

So, this is what you call being ready on day one. I can't believe that a presidential candidate would make such a statement. Does she realize the seriousness of such a statement. How does she explain this to the people of the middle east? I am sure the Saudi Prince and all the other middle eastern leaders are really giving this some serious thought. How can a president who thinks like this ever manage to bring change and reduce oil prices and change the economic outlook of this country.

HILLARY HAS REALLY GONE MAD. WE DON"T NEED ANOTHER CRAZY< FANATIC PRESIDENT.

[ZimboChick]

Chingwaru taura zvako! The similarities between Hillary and Mugabe as the dearly departed Muzenda would say .....are same like similar! People believe that she is "just talking" not realising that she can and will actually do it....thinking it will not affect her and her precious Chelsea and chinadoll Bill. After all, what is a couple million dead Iranians, Zimbabweans, Somalians, Sudanese ....ohh wait they do not look like her therefore they are terrorists. Obliterate them quick! Is she even thinking of her fellow Americans in her madness? She needs to sit down coz right now she is just being an oxygen pirate!

[fteter]

While I'm generally happy about Hillary's intent to continue support for Israel, I'm unhappy about the comment.

For one thing, it just pours fuel on an already-raging fire. There is more than enough agitation in the Middle East without adding another inflammatory comment to the mix.

For another, it gives the impression that any attempt at either imposing other types of consequences or brokering some type of settlement would not be seriously considered. I doubt that's really the case, but the comment does give the impression that she's ready to push the button right now.

[firebrand]

Now everyone here realizes what us Obama backers and supporters have had to deal with for the past few months. We've been fighting this Republican-in-Democratic clothing, and as you can see, it hasn't been easy, especially when she plays the fear card. I hope this dispels any illusions overseas that Hillary would somehow be a desirable President. She's just like McCain - another 4 more years of Bush. Spread the word people - Obama is your ONLY hope!

[Howard]

Betty - "Had someone had the backbone to tell Saddam the same thing years ago maybe we wouldnt be over there fighting right now"

Um, did you miss the entire lead-up to the Iraq War? That's such a ridiculous statement to make.

"Any one notice that BO refuses to comment on Jimmy Carters trip to have tea with Hamas?"

No, I noticed that he actually did comment and said that he didn't agree with Carter's decision: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/04/obama-contrary.html

[jonnierae]

She voted for the war, with the repubs, she voted for Kyle Lieberman, with the repubs, she voted for the Patriot Act, with the Repubs, you are surprised she is promising to nuke Iran, obliterate it off the face of the earth? When asked a question about Penn and the Colombia connection, she says,"How many angels can dance on the end of a pin?" Is this woman stable? Is this the person you want as commander in chief. Trying always to prove she is just as macho as the guys, downing shots? Come on, wake up. Obama 08

[douglas smith]

It is unfortunate that we do not learn our lessons from history. And the leasson to be learned is that violence has never solved a problem and it will only bring death and destruction. This is a sad moment of history where we are responding to our animalistic instincts as oppose to utilizing our intellect. The policy of fear that Hillary is proposing, can only attract further fear and violence. In my opinion the constructive way would be to talk to all concerned countries, listen to their issues and see how we can broker a deal that all parties walk away happy and we come up on top for being a peace maker. I sincerely hope that she recognizes the consequence of her statements in terms of world opinion and rethinks her campaign strategy

[Khoa]

In 2007, more than one hundred members of the United States House of Representatives co-sponsored a bill "Calling on the United Nations Security Council to charge Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the United Nations Charter because of his calls for the destruction of the State of Israel."

WHAT WILL THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATTIVES DO ?????

WHAT WILL THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DO ?????

[Never Voting for a Liar]

"I believe she was hee-hawing about Iran to satisfy the Jewish community in Pennsylvania and therefore to desperately get their votes."

Yes, but that makes her statement even more reckless and dangerous. She said it to get votes? WTF

[Krishna]

Her comment was meant to win over the 7% or so Jewish voters in Pennsylvania.
This proves that she is not only a warmonger but also a Zionist, which automatically makes her a hypocrite.

Unfortunately for her, I think she will loose a few percent of the national voters for such comments.
She certainly lost me.

[sam]

If Iran Attacks, US does not have to worry. I am sure Isral will have the capacity to and will obliterate center points in Iran. When some heads of governments can say what they want and no one has the guts or can do anything about it, I do not think a candidate should not have the right to speak what will be an obvious outcome.

[NR in U.K.]

I am a student in London. It's true -- people who are casually following the election definitely took note of the word "obliterate." Two British students today asked me, "how can she say that so casually?"

[Rabii]

Hillary is a disgusting panderer. If she were to "obliterate" Iran, she would take out some 71 million civilians including: 30,000 Jews; 30,000 Zoroastrians; 400,000 Christian Armenians, and 4 million Kurds {these are our allies in Iraq}. Plus it would take a lot of nukes to do so and the resulting radiation will likely take out much of Russia; China; India; Tibet and so on. Hillary is one nut case who should get her brain examined. By the way I was a Democrat who made the mistake of voting for her in the past. Thanks to Hillary the racist nut case, I just switched to Independent.

[Mark]

Hillary is prostituting herself with such outrageous remarks. Hillary, get the f*** out of my party, you war mongering, husband pleasing jerk.

[Tane]

Nuclear Cold War with Iran? Saber rattling from a Dem? The other Republican in this race:

Hillary Clinton's statement on ABC's Good Morning America:

"I want the Iranians to know that if I'm the president, we will attack Iran," Clinton said. "In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=4701159

Clinton's Iran Threat Contradicts Previous Position on Making Such Comments:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/clintons-iran-t.html

Hillary’s bad Iran vote:
http://pundits.thehill.com/2007/10/25/hillary-clinton%E2%80%99s-bad-iran-vote/

Obliteration:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-scheer/clinton-puts-iran-in-her_b_98133.html

[T]

Shocking! She is shocking. Her voters are shocking!

[Al]

Are we really ready for W W III?? Have you watched any of wwII or I movies?????!!!!!!

[Mario DelRosa]

What an ignorant remark. Racist and savage mentality of killing and violence. She will say anything to get elected, she is deceiving and not trustworthy. She says this to please the lobby she will sell the common workers to the corporate too. No morality and ethics except whatever the situation requires her to say. She will obliterate God too, to get elected.

[Benjamin]

There is more than sees the eyes in Hillary's comments. She is running out of time to win the nomination for the Democratic party as Obama is still in the lead. Hillary was not realy talking to the Iranian people but to those who run the show in America. She is giving a clear signal to those who are able to put her in the White House that she will do anything they want if they get her elected.
We all know who controls the media as there is hardly any discussions on her comments in the public airways. However, if one dares to threaten Israel in the same manner that Hillary threatened Iran, then there would have been public outrage all over the news on every major network.
I think Hillary would have a far better chance of winning the presidency of Israel than America. But if you realy think about it they are both one and the same.
American policies are put together in Israel and go through the formalities in the US senate. Then they are signed by our Isreali backed president.
And before you respond to these comments as another Anti-Jew comments; let me say that I have nothing against Jews. They are as good/bad as any other religion. It's the state of Israel that is the root of all the tentions in Middle East. Of course, that is another disucssion all together.
As Americans we owe it to our children to speak-out against wrong and fight for the right of the people who can not do it themselves. United we are stronger than any force, regarldess of which institutions they control. They might be able to discredit one or hundred people, but they can't stop the free spirit of the American pepole.
May the force protect the United States of America as it's fighting an invisible enemy within.

[Kate Poe]

Well now Hillary plans to blow up the world how Clintonian;however, I would not get to bent out of shape it is just another false campaign promise. She has made hundreds of them you know.

HILLARY'S TO DO LIST

1. Get More Money From Oil Companies
2. Stand By Her Man While He Goes On Trail For Fraud
3. Make sure Bill has Money While He Is In Jail
4.After Being So Upset About Bill Being In Jail She Finally Decides To Obliterate The World.

[chingwaru]

The most disturbing thing about these elections is the lack of candidates to address global problems,eg Zimbabwe, Angola, Somalia etc. Besides destroying people maybe Hillary can talk about healing people. Hope for Zimbabweans struggling under Mugabe, Hope for Somalians and hope for the world. Change we can believe in.

[George W. Bushleague]

Betty~

The ignorance of your statement and sentiments, while astounding, is not too uncommon; they are the reason we will likely be stuck with another Republican in the White House. Whether her name is Hillary or his name is John.

[chingwaru]

I am from Zimbabwe, and the arrogance that Hillary Clinton is showing is similar to that shown by Mugabe. Hillary will do anything for votes, and the worst thing she did was to talk about Martin Luther King's dream speech and within the same breath claim Obama is not electable. Hillary hates the idea that Obama a black man is about to lead the world, this was Martin Luther King's dream and Hillary is the only stumbling block, so for her to give a speech on how Martin was great man is purely political. By using the word obliterate, Hillary shows she is worse than Bush, worse than Mugabe and who knows where we are heading.

[genia]

Hill made these remarks in Penn.
Large Jewish population in Penna. She was pandering.
Now, moving on to Indiana and NC, ...she will twist and spin this.....sad thing is....she'll get away with it.

[Cathi]

Folks in the middle east would just as soon spit on her as look or listen at/to her -- same thing with Condi Rice...it's just a fact...if she wins ANYTHING, prepare for the consequences -- she opened Pandora's Box when she made that statement with such ease.

[James]

Those comments were despicable and disgusting. It shows Americas true colors as a savage and racist country.

How is it possible that those who make war, drop bombs, make thousands of nuclear arms, torture in their jails, and wiretap—that is to say, the biggest violators of human rights in the world—can try and impose their model on everyone else?

[Betty]

Im glad she said it
Had someone had the backbone to tell Saddam the same thing years ago maybe we wouldnt be over there fighting right now
What if Bush SR told him way back when"Look knock it off or we are gonna come after you with brute force he would have thought about a little more cooporatuion with inspectors but nobody put it out to him plain and simple
If someone was threatening us in the way they threaten Israel no doubt they would defend us in the same way
Any one notice that BO refuses to comment on Jimmy Carters trip to have tea with Hamas?
If he says its great he enrages people who dont like terrorists if he says he doesnt agree with Carters trip he riske Carters support so he says nothing as usual
Ask Hillary what she thinks of it and I would bet she will answer
So let all the BO supporters-Iran- Gaza- Hamas- know that Clinton nor McCain will take any of their crap the way BO will.
I would much rather get a straight answer from a candidate even if I dont agree then to get the run around from one who dodges all questions
Carville said last night BO fears the results of a re vote in Mich and FL and fears another debate for the questioning he is a real tough guy now isnt he

[DVS]

She has made a massive case of how Obama would be a naive (read dangerous) Commander-in-Chief. Sad that it took the international press to see the insanity of her cowboy comments about obliterating Iran.

As a lifelong Democrat, I would NEVER vote for Hillary Clinton after hearing her Iran bravado. We would be much safer with John McCain and a Democratic Congress than with Clinton in the White House,

[Egypt Steve]

Death to the Wogs! By the Millions!

They don't call her "Hitlery" for nothin'.

[jsfox]

For all Senator Clinton's supposed foreign policy creds she seems to be making one blunder after another. Individually minor, but they do start to pile up.

Calling out Putin a soulless - you may agree he is, but not something you say to the world.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0208/Putin_vs_Clinton.html
Telling a joke at the expense of New Zealand prime minister and also thinking she was the ex-prime minister. http://rugbyheaven.co.nz/dominionpost/4490843a23917.html
Angering Pakistan by suggest that Musharraf had Benazir Bhutto killed.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20080101-43204.html
Also not understanding the basic structure of the Pakistan government.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0108/Clinton_errs_on_Pakistan_.html

[Fred Reza]

I say to Hillary . Bring it on baby . If you want to Nuke the 70 million people of Iran and spread the radiation all over the Middle East, bring it on . I am sure the Lakudist do not give a damn if the price of oil goes to $2000 a barrel as the result and whole world would come to an stop . Not to mention genocide of unprecedented proportion that makes the Hiroshima crime look likes child's play.
So I dare you .
Fred R

[Jodie]

A few months ago Hillary was calling Senator Obama niave for saying that he would speak with leaders of countries we did not agree with. Remember her high and mighty condescension about that....Then when he said that he would strike Bin Laden if he had actionable intelligence, he would strike Bin Laden on the Afganistan/Pakistan border if Musharaff wouldn't or couldn't do it himself and Hillary again high and mighty said that was dangerous and niave talk and that there were some things a President should not say out loud.....I would say Hillary, "Totally Obliterate" is definately one of those things you never say, it is beyond reckless and vile. Hillary proves to me everyday that she does not have the needed temperment to be a leader, especially in dangerous times.

[Elena]

Yep, she's READY on Day 1 to start WWIII. Enough IS Enough. This arrogance AND ignorance is what has gotten America caught up now!

[Mae]

I agree with Mike. However I do think she is morally capable of destroying the people of Iran. She has shown that in her campaign. She will go for broke to appease IAPAC.

[Mike]

I believe she was hee-hawing about Iran to satisfy the Jewish community in Pennsylvania and therefore to desperately get their votes.