Words: Clinton feels that the “don’t-ask-don’t-tell” policy should be repealed. She has consistently supported a tough line on terrorism, advocating threat assessments, protection of the food supply and high-risk sites, increased homeland security grants, and improved security at our embassies. She opposes a draft, but advocates deferring or forgiving student loans for national service. Clinton strongly supports funding and training first responders in the US. “We haven’t secured our borders, our ports, our mass transit systems. You can go across this country and see so much that has not been done. The resources haven’t gotten to the front lines where decisions are made in local government the way that they need to.”

Actions: Clinton has not served in the US military. She voted FOR the authorization for the use of force in Iraq (2002), FOR restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders (2005), FOR restricting business with foreign companies with links to terrorism (2005), AGAINST the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision (2005), FOR reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act (2006), FOR requiring CIA reports on interrogation techniques (2006), FOR preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees (2006), and FOR implementing the 9/11 Commission report (2007). Peace Action has given Clinton a rating of 100% and the Center for Security Policy has given him a rating of 32%.

UPDATE: Some have descirbed this recent appearance on MSNBC Keith Olbermann’s program, Countdown, as Sen Hillary Clinton playing the terror card.

More about: Hillary Clinton, National Security.