Then why did Chuck Schumer, the other New York senator, vote for AUMF? He clearly had no presidential ambitions and was quite happy where he was in the Senate. Did it ever occur to you that, for better or worse, these and other senators were spooked by 9/11 and wanted the UN inspection team to return to Iraq and finish the job -- and also believed that if we ended up having to remove Sadam Hussein from power, that wouldn't be such a bad thing either.

It was a stupid, stupid, stupid vote, but as someone living in New York City, I had many stupid, stupid liberal friends who were fully behind that vote, friends who believed that this vote was actually in the best interest of the Iraqi people because it would bring about the end of crippling economic sanctions on Iraq.

If you watch episodes of the The Daily Show from back then, you'll see that even John Stewart expressed more sympathy towards the pro-AUMF side than to the anti-AUMF side (I know this because I remember sending him several angry emails at the time).

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, in Obama's district, public sentiment was running heavily against the AUMF and any possible invasion of Iraq. So if you are going to call Hillary's vote a cold and calculated political move, you could probably say the same thing about Obama's "anti-dumb wars" speech.

Let's also not forget that Hillary never bothered to show her outrage if she really didnt think her vote for the war wasnt really a vote for the war when Bush did decide to go to war.

Thank you for this comment, and I really hope both candidates supporters here read it.

Wow...NONE from McCain?  In how many years?  That's surprising.

Thanks for doing a little homework for us ;)

Senator Clinton has sponsored more bills for helping Soldiers than ANY OTHER SENATOR----mostly for equipment, medical care and help for military families.

She's brought more than 2600 bills to the Senate floor--mainly for education, children, and the economy. I found it interesting she never puts her own name on the title of the bill. Rather than call it Clinton- __, like others do, she names them "Provide for the Common Defense" which provided $7 Billion to protect US cities and potential targets from Terrorists, or "National Sex Offender Database" also known as Dru's Law that lets parents know if a sexual predator has just become your neighbor.

But you never hear about her work. Are we so anti-Clinton that we won't give her credit? Would we choose a general or a surgeon because of their charm? I doubt it. Don't choose a President for theirs either.

Here's her Military/foreign affairs history sourced from the encyclopedia, government docs and old press releases. Like her or hate her, here are the facts.

Hillary Clinton----military and foreign affairs

1997 Pushed to investigate reports of an illness affecting veterans of the Gulf War, later known as the Gulf War Syndrome.

1992 - 2000 ---Traveled to 80 countries, solidifying alliances with Foreign Leaders and fulfilling President Clinton's orders. She has stayed friends with many of them, specifically Former Prime Minister Tony and Cherie Blair of Great Britain, Prime Minister Ian Paisley and Alec McGuinnes (Sinn Fein) of Ireland, The Royal Family of Jordan especially Queen Nor, Israel, The Arab League. This is an important asset considering the deteriorating reputation of the US abroad. The Clinton Roladex is famous for its World Leaders who respect the Clintons and could be relied on to help in negotiations with Palestine - Israel and other hotspots.

Spoke out against the treatment of Afghan women by the Taliban that had seized control of Afghanistan when few did.

Along with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, she helped create Vital Voices, an international initiative sponsored by the United States to promote the participation of women in the political processes in all countries. As General Mac Arthur said, when women vote, there is less chance that country will engage in war.

Clinton traveled to Ireland on 7 official trips, giving speeches and meeting with leaders, including Nobel Prize winner for the negotiations John Hume, Alec McGuinness (Sinn Fein), Prime Minister Ian Paisley of N. Ireland, PM Tony Blair of England and their wives, (all of whom confirm Clinton's claims of helping with the Irish Peace Process), pushing women to stand for peace in Northern Ireland and get involved in the political process, who, prior to Hillary, had been more passive in the political system. Some proponents claim it was that new women's movement that enabled Northern Ireland to become more receptive to the acceptance of the Good Friday Agreement which ended up passing with 52% of the vote. Each year, Hillary Clinton meets with the Taoiseach and other party leaders from Ireland and continues to take calls from all parties to provide help behind the scenes and to keep the process moving forward. She has held meetings in her office at the request of Northern Irish officials on job creation, trade, agriculture, autism, policing, and economic development.

Hillary Clinton arrived in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia during the war over Kosova and traveled near the war zone to visit refugees. She met separately with Prime Minister Georgievski and President Gligorov, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Macedonia Christopher Hill, emphasized America's support for the stability and security of Macedonia and discussed refugee policy. Before her arrival, the Macedonian government had an inconsistent border policy that frequently severely restricted the flow of refugees trying to escape the war zone. After talks between Hillary Clinton and the Macedonian leadership, including two million dollars in US aid, the government kept its borders open and saving lives. As a Senator, Hillary Clinton championed recognition of Kosovo's independence in the context of full protection of minority rights, especially for Serbs and supported full integration of the Western Balkans into Europe and the transatlantic community. (Time Magazine and Christopher Hill confirmed Clinton relayed messages from the President and brought a promise of jobs to sweeten the deal which she herself orchestrated. e.g. Liz Clairborne.)

Hillary welcomed hundreds of foreign dignitaries and World Leaders to the White House, many with whom she established long-term relationships. This detail should not be under-rated as the United States was well respected in the 1990's and that aided our foreign policy.

Hillary Clinton is the only member of the Senate to serve on U.S. Joint Forces Command's (USJFCOM) Transformation Advisory Group (TAG). A division of the Department of Defense, the TAG force provides the USJFCOM independent advice and recommendations on strategic, scientific, technical, intelligence and policy-related issues, with emphasis on how these issues relate to the command's efforts to develop battle and disaster ready, multi-national joint-force capabilities to combat global terrorism, urban warfare and multi-national operations today and in the future. USJFCOM holds large scale terrorist-disaster joint-training missions of 10,000 soldiers, police and firemen and assesses tactics and response. Hillary Clinton is the only Senator the Pentagon asked to serve on the TAG force. 2004 - Present.

2001 - Present Commissioner of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe also known as the Helsinki Commission, which monitors compliance with the 1975 Helsinki Accords of national sovereignty. The Helsinki Accords include 10 points: I. Sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, II. Refraining from the threat or use of force, III. Inviolability of frontiers, IV. Territorial integrity of States , V. Peaceful settlement of disputes, VI. Non-intervention in internal affairs , VII. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief , VIII. Equal rights and self determination of peoples, IX. Co-operation among States, X. Fulfillment in good faith of obligations under international law

2001 - Present Committee on Environment and Public Works oversees environment and infrastructure issues including Nuclear Safety and Infrastructure Security.

2001 - Present Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Monitors measures relating to education, labor, health, and public welfare. These include Aging, Agricultural colleges, the Red Cross, Biomedical research and development, , Individuals with disabilities, Labor standards and labor statistics, Mediation and arbitration of labor disputes, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Private pension plans, Public health, Railway labor and retirement, Regulation of foreign laborers, Student loans, Wages and hours of labor, including the federal minimum wage

2003 - Present Committee on Armed Services is empowered with legislative oversight of the nation's military, including the Department of Defense, military research and development, nuclear energy (as pertaining to national security), benefits for members of the military, the Selective Service System and other military matters. Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Carl Levin noted Hillary Clinton introduced more legislation to address problems facing wounded service members than any other Senator

2001 Clinton was Senator from NY during September 11, 2001 bombing of World Trade Center and was involved in recovery issues for years following the national disaster that devastated New York, especially in helping 1st Responders, including the National Guard, get the help they needed.

2001 Sought and obtained funding for the recovery efforts in New York City and security improvements in her state. Working with New York's senior Senator, Charles Schumer, she was instrumental in securing $21 billion in funding for the World Trade Center's redevelopment.

2001 Leading role in investigating the health issues faced by 9/11 first responders, including National Guard, and was instrumental in getting them healthcare benefits after the government refused to honor their coverage

2002 Petitioned the US postal service to create a commemorative stamp to pay tribute to the "Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit". The proceeds provide funding for the Veterans' Health Care Administration.

2002 Co-sponsored, with Senator Chuck Hagel (NE), "National Purple Heart Recognition Day", honoring all soldiers who were severely injured while serving their country and who were awarded a Purple Heart

2002 Co-sponsored the Chemical Security Act S.1602 which regulates manufacturing plants and distribution centers that handle particular chemicals that could be used in manufacturing explosives. Co-sponsored with Senators Jeffords, Corzine and Boxer

2003 With Senator Carl Levin, Clinton called on the Bush Administration to propose a U.N. Security Council resolution which would formally reject Iraq's conditions on U-2 flights over Iraq, demand that Iraq not endanger or impede the operation of the U-2, and put Iraq on notice that any action by Iraq that is intended to harm or interfere with the operation of the U-2 would be considered a material breach of U.N. Security Council resolution 1441 and would be considered an act of war against the United Nations

2003 Unveiled bipartisan bill, the Sunshine in Iraq Reconstruction Contracting Act, to explain any decision by federal agencies to award Iraqi reconstruction contracts without a fully open, competitive bidding process. Co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden, Susan Collins, Robert Byrd and Joe Lieberman

2003 Introduced "Provide for the Common Defense Act" , a domestic defense fund to provide $7 billion to support homeland security for cities including $5 billion to communities with base level funding for first responders for equipment, training and infrastructure, $1 billion in an emergency Reserve Fund for cities and states during a high profile terrorist trial, or similar emergency situations, $1 billion for "High Threat Areas" areas considered potential terrorist targets such as ports and tunnels

2003 Introduced amendment and co-sponsored another to enforce fiscal accountability to the Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations bill which provides the General Accounting Office with the ability to conduct a detailed review of how American taxpayer money is spent in Iraq and Afghanistan

2003 Traveled to Ireland, then Pakistan where Clinton and Sen. Harry Reed were briefed by U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Nancy Powell, and the embassy staff

2003 Spent Thanksgiving in Afghanistan with U.S. troops. In Bagram, briefed by Ambassador Khalilzad and his team, met with a group of Afghan women leaders to learn about challenges they face. Met with U.S. Marines then met with President Karzai in Kabul and were briefed on the current situation in Afghanistan from General Austin and his team

2003 Traveled with Reed and Kandahar to Islamabad meeting with President Musharaff of Pakistan

2003 Traveled to Iraq and was briefed by Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, the head of the CPA, and Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq. Later met with Brigade commander, Colonel Fuller, and discussed with U.S. troops challenges they face. Met with representatives of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), who provide assistance to Iraqis and discussed challenges they face. Visited Iraqi women leaders to discuss greater protections for women's rights in Iraq. Met with General John Abizaid, commander of Central Command and discussed both Afghanistan and Iraq. In Kirkuk, in Northern Iraq was briefed by Major General Raymond Odierno of the 4th Infantry Division and then went to downtown Kirkuk and met with a group of local Iraqi leaders including the provisional Governor

2003 Announced a spending bill of approximately $1 billion in direct aid to the City and State to cover costs related to September 11 and within that, $90 million for baseline screenings and long term health monitoring of thousands of Ground Zero workers and volunteers.

2004 Chairwoman for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) which helps military widows receive grief counseling and assistance for their children after the death of a soldier

2004 Awarded the Intrepid Freedom Award for distinguished action in promoting and defending the values of freedom and democracy which are the core beliefs of our nation. The only other women to receive this award are Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

2004 Co-sponsored the DREAM Act which fast tracks immigrants honorably serving in the U.S. military towards citizenship. Co-sponsored with Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

2004 Traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan to visit American troop and meet with military and government leaders.

2004 Secured, with Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), expansion of Department of Defense Authorization bill to provide one additional year of TRICARE eligibility to National Guard and Reserve Members for every 90 days of active duty.

2004 Co-sponsored an amendment to the Dept. of Defense Appropriations Act of 2005, increasing funding for humanitarian operations in Sudan and Chad.

2004 Visited Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY with Brig. Gen. Dana Demand

2005 Co-introduced legislation to increase the size of the regular United States Army by 80,000 soldiers to ease the strain on soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan forced to do multiple tours of duty

2005 Visited Jordan, met with her friend Queen Nor and King Hussein and discussed issues facing the middle east and the situation in Jordan and Iraq.

2005 Visited Israel and discussed the shared security challenges that Israel and the US face, visited the fence, held a series of meetings with Israeli officials and discussed challenges and shared interests. Met with Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom about threat posed by potential of a nuclear Iran - not only to Israel, but to Palestine, Europe and Russia. Met privately with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz then both of them attended panel discussion hosted by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, answered questions from the audience and discussed strategic challenges and opportunities facing Israel and the US.

2005 Offered amendment to the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (S.852) which protects workers, National Guard and residents of New York that were exposed to more than 2,000 tons of asbestos on September 11th and in the days and weeks after the collapse of the World Trade Center.

2005 Visited Israel again in November to attend memorial ceremonies for Yitzhak Rabin. Met with several Israeli leaders and participated in a conference on Middle East policy issues and discussed security challenges for both Israel and the US. Had meeting with Prime Minister Sharon and continued discussion when Sderot was attacked.

2005 Spoke at NATO centered meetings at Munich Conference on Security with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and other World Leaders, suggested an expansion of NATO, assistance to the African Union Mission in Darfur and a restructuring of the United Nations and their role in world conflict.

2005 Awarded, along with Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), The Military Coalition's Award of Merit in recognition of tireless bipartisan work to expand access to TRICARE military health care for all drilling members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families regardless of activation status. The award is the Military Coalition's highest honor. The Military Coalition is comprised of 36 military and veterans organizations representing more than six million members around the world, including active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retired members and veterans, as well as their families and survivors.

2005 Visited New Orleans, Louisiana and Mississippi Katrina victims and met with local leaders, residents and rescue workers

2005 Visited Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) facility in Rome, and the Stratton Air National Guard Station in Scotia, NY.

2005 Pushed for retaining and improving health benefits for veterans, and lobbied against the closure of several military bases, including Fort Drum, Fort Hamilton, West Point and Watervliet Arsenal; Air National Guard installations such as Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) in Rome, Stratton Air National Guard base in Scotia, Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, and Gabreski Air National Guard base in Westhampton.

2005 Introduced the Military Personnel Financial Services Education Act against predatory lending practices which instruct military members on financial information they and their families need to make informed decisions about their future. Requires the Department of Defense to provide consumer education, a trained counselor in financial issues, and make counseling services available, not only to service members, but also to their spouses in order to allow decisions to be made as a family and to ensure spouses have access when a service member is deployed.

2005 Helped pass the Military Death Benefit Improvement Act which raises the military survivor benefit, or "death gratuity," paid to the families of military personnel killed in the line of duty.

2005 Awarded National President's Award from Reserve Officers Association

2005 Secured $200 million to secure Northern Border with Canada for the Northern Border Air Wing for five new installations to provide critical surveillance, interdiction and investigative capability along the Northern Border.

2005 Met with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon at American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference

2005 Joined Sen. Diane Feinstein at conference with Women Leaders from Iraq and Afghanistan to discuss the status of women in both countries.

2005 Fought for military widows over the age of 57 to retain their survivor benefits even if they remarry

2005 Fought for healthcare benefits for families of the National Guard and Reserve, for which she was given the Military Coalition Award of Merit, their highest civilian honor.

2005 Introduced legislation to ensure the National Guard, who responded to New York's security needs following the 9/11 attacks, receive military retirement credit for that service regardless if they were serving under federal or state active duty.

2005 Joined with other Senators to push Secretary Rice to aggressively address Darfur by pushing to strengthen the African Union, give force to existing U.N. resolutions, ensure proper care for affected women and children, hold accountable human rights violators, and appoint a new envoy to Sudan.

2006 Visited Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station with General T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force Chief of Staff, and met with troops and Air Reserve Leaders

2006 Called on Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to testify in public at open hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He declined.

2006 Questioned Sec. Rumsfeld in closed session of Senate Armed Services Committee on the Bush Administration's handling of the war in Iraq. Emphasized common sense overwhelmingly does not either understand or approve of the way Secretary Rumsfeld and the Administration are handling Iraq and underscored the Administration's errors in judgment, strategic blunders and record of incompetence that have led to the current situation in Iraq.

2006 Public hearings of Senate Armed Services Committee received testimony on Iraq, Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism. General Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and General John Abizaid, the Commander of Central Command, testified.

2006 Authored legislation to support Zimbabwe in their efforts to promote democracy and human rights in their country, despite years of repression and violence under the government of Robert Mugabe

2006 Honored with National Appreciation Award by the Gold Star Wives of America for outstanding leadership and tireless efforts to secure legislation that would allow widowed military spouses who chose to remarry after age 57 to continue receiving survivor benefits.

2006 Co-sponsored with Senators Durbin and Salazar the Federal Interoperable Communication and Safety Act S.3172 to establish a federal Office of Emergency Communications to develop, manage, operate and coordinate an interoperable public alert and warning system

2006 Requested with other Senators that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine Pentagon hiring practices following reports that partisan affiliations shaped the personnel decisions for reconstruction effort in Iraq and investigate reports that qualified applicants with language skills and experience in post-conflict reconstruction were rejected in favor of unqualified Republican Party loyalists. Individuals with political connections and little or no professional experience were placed in key positions to rebuild Iraq, including a 24-yr-old with no financial experience who was charged with opening the stock exchange.

2006 Announced the SAFE Port Act with Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), which includes a provision to protect the health and safety of rescue workers, residents, and volunteers that may be negatively impacted in the aftermath of a disaster

2006 Awarded the Inspirational Leadership Award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, "In recognition of her inspirational leadership and dedicated service to America's military service members and America's veterans. Senator Clinton was an early advocate and co-sponsor of legislation to provide guaranteed funding for the VA health care administration." One Member of Congress is chosen for this award each year. Senator Clinton is the first woman to receive this honor.

2006 Outlined three national security principles that should underlie American foreign policy in a major policy address at the Council on Foreign Relations, calling for increased diplomacy, balancing our idealism with realism to reduce American isolation and succeed in the war on terror

2006 Met privately with Tzipi Livni, Israel's Foreign Minister where they discussed Israel's security and the status of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers

2007 Original Sponsor of the Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act which seeks to prevent nuclear terrorism by eliminating and securing nuclear material around the world. Increases funding to convert research reactors around the world from highly enriched uranium to low enriched uranium and remove highly enriched uranium from such facilities; invests in forensic measures to advance capability to identify the origins of a nuclear weapon in event of a nuclear terrorist attack; creates international guidelines to raise security standards at nuclear sites worldwide. Requires the President to develop a comprehensive plan with the international community to secure nuclear weapons and materials all around the world and to create a new post of Senior Advisor to the President for Preventing Nuclear Terrorism to prioritize and coordinate these efforts and report back to Congress. Elements of the Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act were approved by both houses of Congress as part of the FY 2008 Defense Authorization Act in December 2007

2007 Joined Sen. Christopher Dodd and a bipartisan coalition of Senators to introduce amendment to extend Family and Medical Leave Act to family members of wounded soldiers to six months as part of the CHIP bill

2007 Co-Sponsored Legislation with Sen. Webb Prohibiting the Use of Funds for Military Operations in Iran that prohibits the use of funds for military operations against Iran without explicit Congressional authorization (S. 759).

2007 Visited troops and meet with military leaders in Iraq and Afghanistan

2007 Co-sponsored, with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a bill to help soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury to improve detection, assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury and expand support systems to former members of the Armed Services with traumatic brain injury and their families, and to ensure they receive the proper disability benefits

2007 Co-sponsored the Aviation Security Act S.1447 which increases monitoring and security of civil aviation and railways

2007 Co-sponsored legislation to improve protection at U.S. Embassies

2007 Co-sponsored legislation to improve bomb scanning technology

2007 Co-sponsored legislation to identify potential terror sites and targets in the US and conduct annual inspections for security vulnerabilities

2007 Released Plan to Start Phased Redeployment and Involving Other Countries in the Region in the Future of Iraq. These are the basic points of the plan which require the U.S. military begin transitioning to a phased redeployment of U.S. troops in 90 days or the authority of the Use of Force in Iraq would cease. Phased redeployment would concentrate on:

• Training Iraqi security forces to take over protecting Iraq
  
• Providing logistic support and guidance of Iraqi security forces but reduce the number of US troops in combat situations
  
• Protecting United States personnel and infrastructure
  
• Participating in targeted counter-terrorism activities.

The legislation also requires the United States convene an International Conference to:

* Actively involve the international community and Iraq's neighbors in improving Iraq's situation

• Promote a durable political settlement among Iraqis
  
• Reduce regional interference in the internal affairs of Iraq
  
• Encourage more countries to contribute to the extensive needs in Iraq
  
• Ensure that funds pledged for Iraq are forthcoming.

2007 Released legislation for Protecting Troops Sent into Iraq which prohibits funds from being spent to send troops to Iraq unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that the troops are adequately equipped and trained for their mission prior to departure

2007 Co-sponsored, with Sen. Jeff Sessions, the Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act, the Restoring Guaranteed Bonuses for Wounded Veterans Act and the Military Personnel Financial Services Education Act to ensure that service members and their families receive financial support and benefits they have earned, especially bonuses owed to soldiers who are medically retired or discharged due to combat-related injuries and to require financial audit to determine how many service members were affected by the practice of not paying out, and recouping bonus payments.

2007 Introduced the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act to reward the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing them with education, housing and entrepreneurial benefits commensurate with their needs. Veterans serving at least two years on active-duty since September 11, 2001, or deployed overseas in support of a combat operation since September 11, would be eligible for 8 college semesters of tuition, fees, books, room and board and other related education costs. Active Duty service members, National Guard, and Reservists would have equal footing and access to benefits. Education assistance would be on a level consistent with undergraduate education costs paid by non-veterans, and assistance could be used for specialized trade or technical training, and certification and licensing programs. Unlike under the current Montgomery GI Bill, promotes new entrepreneurial opportunities for veterans by establishing a low-interest, no collateral Veterans' Micro-loan Program.

2007 Called, with Sen. Jim Webb, for Investigation into the Effectiveness of Body Armor Issued to Our Troops, to research which particular body armor system offers the best protection for effectiveness and reliability against the threats facing different troops in combat with specific needs.

2007 Sponsored legislation to provide vouchers for families of service members deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan to cover the cost of shipping a package of up to 10 pounds or a letter up to 13 ounces. Funds for vouchers would be provided every two months and transferred from the Department of Defense. Legislation was originally introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Vito Fossella.

2007 Called on Pentagon to brief Congress on any existing plans for withdrawal from Iraq, or provide explanation as to why such plans have not been properly created, both a letter to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and in a private meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace.

2007 Co-introduced legislation with John Kerry (Mass) requiring the Pentagon to prepare a report and briefing for Iraq Redeployment to be given to the appropriate oversight committees on current contingency plans or explain why they decided not to engage in such planning.

2007 Called for Armed Services Hearing to Focus on Redeployment of U.S. Forces from Iraq with Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Robert Byrd (D-WV), and Evan Bayh (D-IN) who, along with Hillary Clinton (D-NY), are on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Possible closed door session would allow Administration to testify on status of withdrawal planning, but also could solicit the views of outside experts experienced in redeployment of large numbers of troops. If necessary, portions of the hearing could be held in closed session

2007 Helped to pass a resolution condemning Hamas and Hezbollah for kidnapping three Israeli soldiers and demands their unconditional and immediate release

2007 Called on President Bush & Defense Secretary Gates to Clarify Administration Policy on Resuming the Military Draft, and Affirm Their Commitment to an All-volunteer Force in light of White House Deputy National Security Adviser, Lt. General Douglas Lute, saying the draft "has always been an option on the table" - which contradicts Administration statements

2007 Sponsored Amendment to Increase Temporary Lodging Expenses for Service members from 20 days to 60 days for service members moving to a military base and experiencing a housing shortage as part of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization

2007 Co-sponsored with Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) the Support for Injured Service members Act which allows the family of wounded military personnel to take up to 6 months of unpaid leave. The legislation expands the benefits provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which currently allows 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

2007 Joined bipartisan group of Senators to introduce bill to Require Report on Iraq Redeployment Planning from Administration from the Department of Defense within 60 days to congressional defense committees, with updated reports every 90 days thereafter. Co-sponsored by Senators Ken Salazar (D-CO), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Susan Collins (R-ME) George Voinovich (R-OH), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Jim Webb (D-VA)

2007 Co-introduced Legislation to Require Congressional Approval for Extending U.S. military commitment to Iraq. Also sent letter warning the President against rushing the United States into long-term security commitments to the Iraqi government and urging him to seek Congressional consent. This was in response to President Bush's signing a Declaration of Principles for a Long-term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship with Iraq. Co-sponsored by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Robert Byrd (D-WV), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Carl Levin (D-MI), and Jim Webb (D-VA).

2007 Called for Investigation of Reported Rape and Detention of American Contractor in Iraq after allegations by Jamie Leigh Jones that she was brutally raped and forcibly detained while serving as a contractor in Iraq. According to news reports, more than two years later, no United States government agency or department has undertaken a proper investigation of the incident. In a letter, Senator Clinton urged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Attorney General Michael Mukasey to take swift and immediate action to investigate rape charges.

2007 Introduced amendments to the National Security Strategy, a National Defense Strategy and Quadrennial Defense Review, key documents that guide national security policy, to consider strategies regarding Natural Disasters and Mass Migration issues that could be caused by Global Warming and Climate Change and how they would impact National Security, add to global tensions, and increase conflict over resources.

2007 Joined colleagues in calling for pay raise for wartime troops to 3.5 percent and to ask Bush not to cut a proposed benefit for grieving spouses, which would provide $40 a month to help these military families cover expenses when a loved one is killed in action. Co-sponsored by Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) and House members Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill. 5th District), Tim Walz (D-Minn. 1st District) and Patrick Murphy (D-Penn. 8th District)

2007 Fought to include a provision requiring the Army audit the pay accounts of 1,216 wounded soldiers in the FY 2007 Defense Authorization bill. The audit, which the Army completed in 2007, found 24% of the wounded soldiers had underpayment issues totaling nearly $400,000.

2007 Introduced the Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act to close gaps in the death gratuity and other survivor benefits intended for family members of active-duty military personnel and protecting children of single parents by allowing guardians of the surviving minor children to access the benefits.

2007 Introduced the Restoring Disability Benefits for Injured and Wounded Warriors to fix the flawed disability benefits evaluation process to be more efficient and make sure wounded service members are treated fairly including an independent review of disability benefit ratings below 20 percent and an increase in disability benefits when warranted.

2008 Co-sponsored with Senator Dodd the Family and Medical Leave Act which was incorporated into the Defense Authorization Act, extending to the loved ones of wounded service members the right to take time extra time off to care for an injured spouse or child.

2008 Joined colleagues to introduce the Civil Rights Act of 2008 which strengthens accountability when civil rights and workers' rights are violated. Legislation ensures accountability for violations of our civil rights and fair labor laws, gives individuals the right to challenge practices that have unjustified discriminatory effect based on race, color, national origin, disability, age or gender. Gives students the same protection from harassment in school that workers have on the job, and holds employers fully accountable for age discrimination and discrimination against our men and women in the armed services. Co-sponsored by Congressman Lewis, Senators Kennedy, Leahy, Dodd, Lautenberg, Bingaman, Kerry, Harkin, Mikulski, Akaka, Boxer, Feingold, Murray, Durbin, Schumer, Cantwell, Obama, Menendez, Cardin and Brown.

2008 Introduced with bi-partisan group Casey, Sessions, an Amendment to Protect Bonuses for Wounded Veterans that would create a reserve fund to guarantee that veterans who are wounded in combat are able to receive full payment of bonuses and incentives so that Medically-Discharged troops are not penalized

2008 Sponsored Bridging the Gap bill to ensure that active duty and veterans' health care services are available to all current and former service members injured after October 7, 2001, and another amendment to require that the development of a DOD-VA electronic medical records system is compatible with efforts to develop a nationwide health IT infrastructure. Senate Armed Services Committee and both houses of Congress adopted these measures of bill

2008 Called for needed focus and funds to the BioWatch program, to develop bio-weapons sensors to detect the early stages of a biological attack

2008 Met with Irish Peace Agreement architects, Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein, who only requested meetings with two Americans when they visited from Ireland: One with President Bush and the other with Senator Hillary Clinton.

2008 Met with British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shaun Woodward, during his visit to Washington, DC

2008 Called on Senate Armed Services Committee to hold oversight hearings on circumstances surrounding resignation of Admiral William Fallon as Commander, U.S. Central Command, voicing concern that Admiral Fallon may have been coerced to resign because of his willingness to offer unfiltered, independent advice

2008 Defense Authorization Act included additional amendment from Clinton to expand burial travel allowances for military families to minor, dependent siblings of deceased service members who currently have to pay out of pocket to travel to their brother's or sister's funeral services.

2008 Called on the Pentagon to implement an aggressive suicide prevention program for military, including a targeted outreach for soldiers at risk of harming themselves. According to recent news reports, more active duty soldiers committed suicide in 2007 than in any other year on record.

Here's some info about Generals supporting Hillary. Maybe you'll find someone you know.
General Henry Hugh Shelton has endorsed her to be the Nation's next Commander-in- Chief. One of our nation's top military figures, General Shelton served two terms as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush. In announcing his endorsement, General Shelton said, "I've been with Senator Clinton when she has been with our military men and women. I know from those experiences that she understands the demands and sacrifice of military life. I am confident she will always put the readiness and well being of our troops first. She is ready to be Commander-in- Chief."

General Shelton joins General John Shalikashvili as the second former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to have endorsed Senator Clinton. General Shelton is the fourth flag officer to endorse Senator Clinton this week.

The first Green Beret to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Shelton served our Nation with distinction over a career that spanned 38 years. General Shelton served two tours of duty in Vietnam , and was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was assistant commander of the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq , and later commanded the 82nd Airborne Division. Prior to serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Shelton commanded U.S. Special Operations Forces. He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation's highest ranking military office, from 1997-2001.

General Shelton joins a distinguished group of 28 retired flag officers who have endorsed Senator Clinton to be our nation's next Commander-in- Chief. In addition, more than 2,000 veterans and military retirees are members of Senator Clinton's national and state veterans' steering committees.

"I am so proud to have the endorsement of General Shelton. He has spent his career commanding our country's elite military units. He commanded at the highest level of our nation's armed forces, while always remaining dedicated to the effectiveness of their combat capabilities and the well-being of their families."

Generals Endorsing Hillary Clinton for President and Commander-in- Chief

1. General Wesley Clark

2. General John M. Shalikashvili
   
3. General Henry Hugh Shelton
   
4. General Johnnie E. Wilson
   
5. Admiral William Owens
   
6. Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard
   
7. Lt. Gen. Robert Gard
   
8. Lt. Gen. Claudia J. Kennedy
   
9. Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick
   
10. Lt. Gen. Frederick E. Vollrath
    
11. Vice Admiral Joseph A. Sestak
    
12. Major General Roger R. Blunt
    
13. Major General George A. Buskirk, Jr.
    
14. Major General Edward L. Correa, Jr.
    
15. Major General Paul D. Eaton
    
16. Major General Paul D. Monroe, Jr.
    
17. Major General Antonio M. Taguba
    
18. Rear Admiral Connie Mariano
    
19. Rear Admiral Alan M. Steinman
    
20. Rear Admiral David Stone
    
21. Brigadier General Michael Dunn
    
22. Brigadier General Belisario Flores
    
23. Brigadier General Evelyn "Pat" Foote
    
24. Brigadier General Keith H. Kerr
    
25. Brigadier General Virgil A. Richard
    
26. Brigadier General Preston Taylor
    
27. Brigadier General John M. Watkins, Jr.
    
28. Brigadier General Jack Yeager

compiled by Cartwright @ CCN

Sure it was a majority if you count the Republicans. Is Hillary a Republican? I remember reading somewhere she was not.

I don't care if every person in New York was for going to war. They would have been wrong, as she was wrong. Obama was not wrong. In the midst of his Senate campaign, when it would have been easy to put a finger to the wind and speak in favor of the war, as Hillary did, he did just the opposite, speaking forcefully against the war, as Al Gore did as well, and they were both right. That's judgment over politics. That's Presidential.

And to get back to the topic, what legislation has Hillary put forward in her extensive Senate career to help veterans?

Everyone was not supporting the president. And we blame Clinton because she is running for president. What does that make Hillary if she supported an idiot like Bush?

Who says Obama supporters blame only Clinton?  I think all who voted for it share equally in the "blame," and moreso those who are killing efforts to get us out.  Bush, of course, and his administration receive the lion's share of blame.  But we don't "blame only Clinton."  And, for most of us, we don't seek to hurt the electoral chances of those Democrats who voted for it.  Maybe some do, but the vast majority would believe any Democrat who voted for this action is still better than the Republican who'd take his/her place.  

But Hillary's the only war voter left in the campaign.  And this is a real issue, despite all the wishful thinking that the public will see her vote as well reasoned rather than poor judgment, at best, or political maneuvering, at worst.  We don't "blame only Clinton," but for those who consider the war their #1 issue, it's pretty easy to see why they'd support Obama over Clinton.  

Yes but most democrats are not running for president. You people are living in some kind of my pretty pony world where decisions to put Americans in harms way are suddendly considered patriotic and supporting of the president.

(a) she did not "vote for the war", she voted for the AUMF...Authorization to Use Military Force. In case you didn't know, this was a redundant bill..the President does not need "authorization" to use military force.

The President put forward this bill to provide cover for the upcoming invasion, and he has used it as such ever since. This was obvious at the time and to argue Sen. Clinton didn't know that is to argue she was incompetent, which I'm not doing.

(b) the majority of the Democrats in congress voted the same way as did Clinton. Those who voted against it (such as Barbara Lee) were a small minority

While this has been spouted by numerous Republicans, it's not true. A majority of Democrats in the House and Senate (i.e. Congress), joined by a Republican and Independent, voted against the resolution. (link)

(c) If she did speak out forcefull for the way, I must have missed it. Do you have a link to supportthis assertion of yours ? Because...you know...most people who voted for AUMF actually spoke out AGAINST the war. The AUMF was supposed to PREVENT war !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkS9y5t0t R0

(d) She did not "read" the NIE. Most members of congress did not "read" the NIE... they were given a briefing on the NIE, wherein nearly the entire NIE was read for them. They were then given the opportunity to ask questioons of the briefers.

You are correct that very few read the NIE. Some, like Pat Leahy, did however, and voted against the war. The fact that very few senators read the NIE is irrelevent. They're not running for President. She is. She made a terrible decision, and 4000 of our soldiers died.

ALL extremely valid points, SevenStrings, that it seems too many Obama supporters continue to conveniently disregard.  I highly doubt many have taken the opportunity to actually read (or view) Clinton's speech that she made on the Senate floor accompanying her vote--much as I try to direct them to it.  Of course, it's much more convenient to simply repeat Obama's repeated misrepresentation that he was the ONLY candidate opposed to the war and tout his speech, while oompletely disregarding her much more knowledgable speech on the situation that shows what a clear grasp she had on the many issues involved and clearly and firmly warned the President about taking it to the step of going to war.  

So I'll try again, for all Obama supporters who believe this, please go read or view Clinton's speech.  The transcript for this speech can be found here:  http://www.barackobama.com/2002/10/02/re marks_of_illinois_state_sen.php .  And Hillary did in fact give a vote that is being represented as having supported the war when she was forced to make a decision as U.S. Senator--something he was not forced to do because he was not yet present in the U.S. Senate.  Or you can watch video coverage of her speech at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wyCBF5Cs CA&feature=PlayList&p=1D57FBDEB2 9740AF&index=6 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8fknhbB- Xo&feature=PlayList&p=1D57FBDEB2 9740AF&index=5.  

I challenge anybody to read or view that and still believe she supported going to war.  Just a few relevant statements:  "If we were to attack Iraq now, alone or with few allies, it would set a precedent that could come back to haunt us.  So Mr. President, for all its appeal, a unilateral attack, while it cannot be ruled out, on the present facts is NOT a good option.  I will take the President at his word that he will try hard to pass a U.N. Resolution and will seek to avoid war if at all possible.  My vote is not, however, a vote for any new doctrine of pre-emption, or for uni-lateralism, or for the arrogance of American power or purpose -- all of which carry grave dangers for our nation, for the rule of international law and for the peace and security of people throughout the world.  A vote for it is not a vote to rush to war--it is a vote that puts awesome responsibility in the hands of our President, and we say to him 'Use these powers wisely and as a last resort.'  ... Thank you, Mr. President."

Here is her speech and a link to a log discussing it. You can also find the speech in the Senate Record so you must not have looked to hard.

http://www.theleftcoaster.com/archives/0 11884.php

"Some people favor attacking Saddam Hussein now, with any allies we can muster, in the belief that one more round of weapons inspections would not produce the required disarmament, and that deposing Saddam would be a positive good for the Iraqi people and would create the possibility of a secular democratic state in the Middle East, one which could perhaps move the entire region toward democratic reform.

This view has appeal to some, because it would assure disarmament; because it would right old wrongs after our abandonment of the Shiites and Kurds in 1991, and our support for Saddam Hussein in the 1980's when he was using chemical weapons and terrorizing his people; and because it would give the Iraqi people a chance to build a future in freedom.

However, this course is fraught with danger. We and our NATO allies did not depose Mr. Milosevic, who was responsible for more than a quarter of a million people being killed in the 1990s. Instead, by stopping his aggression in Bosnia and Kosovo, and keeping on the tough sanctions, we created the conditions in which his own people threw him out and led to his being in the dock being tried for war crimes as we speak.

If we were to attack Iraq now, alone or with few allies, it would set a precedent that could come back to haunt us. In recent days, Russia has talked of an invasion of Georgia to attack Chechen rebels. India has mentioned the possibility of a pre-emptive strike on Pakistan. And what if China were to perceive a threat from Taiwan?

So Mr. President, for all its appeal, a unilateral attack, while it cannot be ruled out, on the present facts is not a good option.

[...]

Even though the resolution before the Senate is not as strong as I would like in requiring the diplomatic route first and placing highest priority on a simple, clear requirement for unlimited inspections, I will take the President at his word that he will try hard to pass a UN resolution and will seek to avoid war, if at all possible.

Because bipartisan support for this resolution makes success in the United Nations more likely, and therefore, war less likely, and because a good faith effort by the United States, even if it fails, will bring more allies and legitimacy to our cause, I have concluded, after careful and serious consideration, that a vote for the resolution best serves the security of our nation. If we were to defeat this resolution or pass it with only a few Democrats, I am concerned that those who want to pretend this problem will go way with delay will oppose any UN resolution calling for unrestricted inspections.

This is a very difficult vote. This is probably the hardest decision I have ever had to make -- any vote that may lead to war should be hard -- but I cast it with conviction.

[...]

My vote is not, however, a vote for any new doctrine of pre-emption, or for uni-lateralism, or for the arrogance of American power or purpose -- all of which carry grave dangers for our nation, for the rule of international law and for the peace and security of people throughout the world."

"I wish she would explain her reason for her vote.  If it was just a political expediency, then she can offer NO reason - it's kinda like a person refusing to testify"

She has explained it countless times already, including at the nationally televised debates, I'm sorry you have missed it. Perhaps someone can find a debate transcript - I believe she most recently talked about it in Ohio, but I could be wrong.

The gist of it was that the Bush Administration told her definitively in private session that they would not use the AUMF to go to war. They said their intention was to try to force Iraq to accept a return of the UN weapons inspectors. Hans Blix himself was asking for this resolution to be passed, to try to intimidate Saddam Hussein into accepting the inspectors he had thrown out. The threat of military force was solely to be used as a diplomatic tactic, and in the past the use of the UN inspectors had successfully averted war with Iraq. Hillary and other Democratic Senators were convinced by the security briefing (NIE) that Iraq did indeed still have WMD, and were invested in the idea of having the inspectors reinstated to avert their use. The Clinton Administration had also used the threat of military intervention in the past to insert weapons inspectors, and that averted war for many years, so there was very good precedent for the tactic of using that type of threat.

Obviously in hindsight the Bush Administration was lying about their intention and had successfully trapped the Democrats into supporting their travesty of an invasion of Iraq. Hillary Clinton has stated that she regrets her vote, but she did everything she could to publicly inform the Bush Administration that she did not intend her vote for the authorization to be construed as a vote for war, it wasn't.

Her explanation is good enough for me, but clearly it is not good enough for everyone, who cannot forgive that one vote. I think it is sad to throw away such an extraordinary candidate for one single vote.

Barack Obama hedged after his little speech against going to war as an Illinois state senator from an ultra liberal district where such an opinion was no risk, that he had not been privy to the WMD security briefing that all the Senators had been exposed to, so he did not know how he would have voted had he been given the responsibility to vote on AUMF. I do not give him credit for any special insight or judgement under that circumstance. His opinion was based on ignorance of the security briefing, not on wisdom or foresight, and he backed away from his anti war stance.

Since he became a Senator his votes on funding the war have been identical to Senator Clinton's.

I hope my rendition helps a little, and that you double check for more information from other sources for confirmation.

http://clinton.senate.gov/speeches/iraq_ 101002.html

Transparent troll.  Not that the name wasn't a give away...

Why did those voters throw Clinton under the bus?

Because the Clintons threw them under the bus, first?

Maybe.  But even then I don't believe for one second that Obama wouldn't do everything he could to keep those people working to elect Hillary, and other Democrats in general.  

It's really interesting to see what's happened to these two campaigns organization in the states that have already voted.  Hillary's organizations in these states have essentially been abandoned, even in places she won.  Volunteers never really got much direction in the first place (and I think that's why she's losing), and now they've been ditched.  Staff let go.  Offices closed.  Obama's are up and running and being actively used by his campaign to help campaign for Obama in neighboring states and more importantly helping out the local Dems.