Clinton says she’s ‘well prepared’ to be president

By Sue Loughlin
The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE March 21, 2008 08:22 pm

— Many Wabash Valley voters, especially Democrats, may be having a hard time deciding who to vote for in the May 6 primary — Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.
In the upcoming weeks, voters should have ample opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s position on the issues, with more expected visits to the Hoosier state from both campaigns.
In Terre Haute on Thursday, Clinton told enthusiastic audiences that she is the candidate who will be “ready on day one to do the toughest job in the world.”
In an interview with the Tribune-Star, she talked about why she is the best candidate to become the country’s next president.
“I would ask people to think about what kind of future they want for themselves, their families as well as for our country and look at my record of accomplishments going back 35 years.
“There are thousands of children right here in Indiana who have health care now, because I helped start the children’s health insurance program.
“The National Guard here in Indiana has access to health care because I reached across the aisle and worked with a Republican senator to make that happen.
“My life in public service has been committed to producing positive results for people, and I believe I am well prepared to be our president, to make some of the decisions necessary to turn our economy around and to get the middle class on a more secure foundation, and as the commander in chief to begin to end the war in Iraq.
“I believe, too, I am the candidate best ready to beat John McCain, so for Democrats they have to ask themselves, how do we get to the White House?
“And for all Hoosiers, they have to ask themselves, who do they want walking into that Oval Office and tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities that await?”
Clinton also was asked her thoughts on the tone of the Democratic presidential campaign and whether she had concerns about some of the negativity and whether it might hurt Democrats in the long run.
“I think this has been a remarkably positive campaign and it needs to be about the future of our country and there are differences between Senator Obama and myself.
“I have a health care plan that is universal. Everyone would be covered, we would lower costs for everyone and improve quality. His plan won’t do that. It leaves out at least 15 million people.
“I have a plan to deal with the rising pressure on homeowners to have to come up with the money for their mortgages. If we don’t tackle this foreclosure crisis, we’re not going to get our economy back on track.
“I have been a strong critic of NAFTA. Sen. Obama said one thing in Ohio and his campaign said something else to the press in Canada.
“There are real difference and I think voters deserve to have that information so they can make the best decision,” Clinton said.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.