Excelle

Hillary should be used to people asking about her high profile husband.  Shame on her for wearing her feelings on her sleeve.

Connie

Go Hillary!!!! Show them who's boss...lol

I agree with allsanitylost.  Ms. Clinton has her own opinions and they are not her husbands.  It was very sexist to be asked what her husband thought and she, being a woman, should follow her husbands thoughts and advice.  She was very straightforward and direct in her response and I respect her for that.

Her actions are a perfect example of why women (in general) have had to work twice as hard and twice as long as men. 

Rather than laughing it off and responding on her own behalf, she had to take it personally and respond in a most shameful manner.  She was downright nasty. 

Bottomline, her husband was President, not her.  She needs to realize that there will be some reference to him, regardless of his position now.  Remember this is a position held by a professional;  keep the emotions out of it or get out of the position.  Refrain from making women look, once again, like weak and emotional creatures unable to handle simple verbal transactions.

I think the gist and essense of Hillary's response was spot on. I applaud her for not falling into the trap of addressing such an ill-conceived question. That question did not merit a response, other than the one Hillary gave. Having said that, I do think she could have kept the emotions at an even keel, considering the fact that a lot could've been lost in translation from that student's question. However, I don't agree with another poster on how Hillary should've changed her response to be more sensitive to the culture in Congo. The response should've been the same, just the emotions brought down a few notches.

I think Mrs. Clinton handled the question appropriately - she is Secretary of State and still being treated by too many people as Bill's wife.  She has always been held to a higher standard than any man or woman in equal  situations would be because she is assertive and frank. 

I don't remember any other woman politician being grilled in an official capacity about her husband's viewpoints!  I would also be interested to find out that any male politician has been asked to speak on his wife's views in an official capacity.

Hey, Condoleeza Rice/Ann Richardson/Nancy Pelosi/Dianne Feinstein - would you like to tell us what your husband thinks through his wife's mouth?  It doesn't happen!  Hillary elicits the most amazing behavior in people - it's as if they forget that she's human, that she should just accept any behavior toward her to prove herself worthy.

Cultural differences are not excuses to disrepect officials of other countries who visit the US, and US officials who visit  other countries.

Hillary is her own person. It is not 1950! I thought her quip about her husband was witty.

I think we most all agree. It seems to me that Hillary has been overshadowed by her husband much of her public life.  It may have been kind of a 'knee-jerk' reaction, but like so many of us Hillary continues to struggle to have her own voice heard without the echo of the male dominant voice (presence).

Oh Hillary, your insecurities are showing. Also, stop with the pantsuits.  Start showing some leg!

kathybarnes63114 says ...

Frankly,

Hilary needs to be more educated about the cultural influences of the countries she visits.  This student's question was asked from his cultural perspective and should have been answered in like context.  At the very least she should have been more polite about refusing to answer for her husband.  I think she was rude and insensitive.

Our value system in the U.S. may not be in line with that of the Congo, nor of many other nations.  When we declare our freedom and equality to the world, should it be as an imposition to all other nations?  I think not. That is completely contradictory to the idea of cultural pluralism we also declare.

Hilary - Come home! You have made emough enemies!

Kathy, you are kidding me right?  I think she understands far more about cultural influences in other countries than you give her credit for.  The student was out of line asking her a question about what her husband would say by channeling it through Hilary.  It was evident, she did not understand the question and quite frankly if that had been a man up there and the same question was asked of him this subject would not be up for discussion. 

These students are quite bright despite their cultural influences and I would have expected the student to ask questions pertaining to Hilary's position on the issue not her husband's.

Hillary responded angrily at what she thought was a reference to her husband.  This certainly gives us some insight into what is happening between her and Bill.   After Bill's trip to Korea for the release of the two women, Hillary might be feeling undermined like "why couldn't that have been me since I am Secretary of State."  And I am not sure if after you were running for President can you truly be ok with being The  Secretary of State especially if you aren't getting the proper respect.

After some hemming and hawing,  I would surmise that Hilary took the position because she likes being in politics, getting out of the house (that is not a home) and doing something significant.  She is too smart to do nothing of importance.  Can't say I blame her.  I guess after the African incident, thought, she will try to keep her emotions in check. 

One last point, why are women always expected to alter their temperament like we aren't entitled to one?