8:37 PM: Clinton tells Dems "Let's get real"
Hillary Clinton told Democrats "let's get real" about tough issues and "get
back in the solutions business."
Clinton, contrasting herself with the change mantle of Barack Obama, stressed
that she was the only candidate now for true universal health and that it was
time to have a "fighter, doer and champion again in the White House.''
"Yes, toughness," she said. "You know, we need a tough president because we
have tough problems."
Clinton said change is going to happen. "The question is whether we're going to
have the right kind of change," she said, adding she stands for "progress."
Clinton positioned her self as the one who's best preparede to take on Republicans in the general election.
"We know exactly what they'll do. They'll throw everything they've got at one of us," Clinton said. "I've been through it and I've beaten it and I will do it again."
If you stand with me on Tues, then on Jan, 20, 2009 I will be in the whitehouse.
Clinton said the next president will walk into the oval office with two wars, an economy in trouble, and millions of citizens without healthcare waiting for him or her.
Clinton bashed Bush saying that instead of solving problems, Bush has "stood in our way."
"This has done a great disservice to America," Clinton said.
Clinton said that America "will survive eight years" of Bush and Cheney and "enter the future with confidence and optimism again."
Clinton was introduced by Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, who said Clinton "has been preparing all of her life to lead at this moment"
"This is a woman who is determined to serve," she said.
Lawton praised Clinton as a person who will lead with "wisdom and authority" and that "she's ready to set this nation back on track."
Clinton, wearing Democratic blue and a little hoarse, was received warmly throughout her speech. But she got a standing ovation from about a third of the audience when she said she was tough enough to stand up to Republican attacks.
As she left the stage, Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" played over the loudspeakers.
Listen Lawton's introduction here
Listen to Clinton's speech here
Labels: 2008 spring primary