Do you believe Hillary Clinton won't run for president again?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "no" three times when asked if she will ever run for president again. Clinton now works for the man who defeated her in that bruising series of primaries for the Democratic nomination last year. She told NBC News her job as President Obama's secretary of state is great, but "It is a 24/7 job. And I am looking forward to retirement at some point."
If Clinton changes her mind - she would either have to run against President Obama in the Democratic primaries in 2012... or she would have to wait until 2016. She turns 62 this month.
Hillary Clinton is also denying that her voice isn't being heard in the Obama administration... calling that "absurd." She says that it's not her style to try to be the center of attention... and that she believes in delegating power.
Clinton says she wants to be a positive force in enacting the changes that the Obama administration believes in: "But that doesn't mean it all has to be me, me, me all the time."
Of course - we've seen many examples of politicians who swear up and down that they're not going to run for office - like president, but things change somewhere down the line. And when it comes to the Clintons and their political instincts... many believe it's a bad idea to ever count them out.
Here’s my question to you: Hillary Clinton says she won't run for president again. Do you believe her?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
How damaging is an insurance industry’s report on higher premiums?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
On the eve of a crucial vote for health care reform - the insurance industry is playing hardball. The group "America's Health Insurance Plans" came out with a critical analysis of the Senate Finance Committee's reform plan that says health insurance premiums for the average family would increase by $4,000 a year in the next decade - while premiums for individuals could go up by $1,500 dollars.
This report suggests premium costs will rise faster under the government plan partly because it doesn't do enough to force people to buy insurance. That means not enough young and healthy people will pay into the system, which will drive up rates for everyone. It also says a proposed tax on employers' higher cost insurance programs-the so-called Cadillac plans– could mean higher premiums for many consumers.
The White House is blasting this report - calling it inaccurate and self-serving... while the Senate Finance Committee calls it "a health insurance company hatchet job."
But the insurance group is standing by its report - saying it was conducted by a "world class firm with a stellar reputation." Which is partially true.
The report was done by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, a reputable accounting firm. But the company acknowledged late yesterday that it didn't look at the entirety of the legislation... just on the four provisions the insurance industry wanted it to look at.
Here’s my question to you: How damaging is a health care insurance industry’s report on higher premiums?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Time for Pres. Obama to wade into the issue of gay rights?
Activists carry a rainbow flag on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building during a protest. The group gathered to push Pres. Obama's administration and Congress to live up to promises to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to advance civil rights. (PHOTO CREDIT: Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama doesn't have any shortage of critical issues to deal with right now, from health care reform to the economy and job creation to possibly sending more troops into Afghanistan.
But the president is choosing this moment to wade into yet another heated debate - that of gay rights. In a speech to an advocacy group - Mr. Obama promised to end the military's policy of "don't ask-don't tell." But he neglected to say when or how.
Carl Levin, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says he expects the ban to be lifted... but that it's critical for military leaders to agree on the policy change.
President Obama is also calling on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
The 1996 law signed by President Clinton defines marriage as being between a man and a woman... and makes sure that states don't have to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
President Obama doesn't support same-sex marriage and has said he thinks marriage is between a man and a woman. But - he backs civil unions that offer similar rights to gay couples; and just this weekend called for a law to extend benefits to domestic partners.
Meanwhile - Some gay rights activists are getting impatient with the president... saying they've heard his promises before and now want a timeline.
Here’s my question to you: Is now the right time for President Obama to wade into the issue of gay rights?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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