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Hillary Compares Nigeria Democracy to Florida 2000

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 13, 2009 3:54 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hillary Clinton told an audience of Nigerians yesterday that while their country's democracy is deeply flawed, the Florida presidential race recount shows America's isn't perfect either, the Guardian reports. "Our democracy is still evolving," Clinton said. "We had some problems in some of our presidential elections. In 2000 our presidential election came down to one state where the brother of one of the men running for president was governor of the state. So we have our problems, too."

State Department officials stood by Clinton's comments, saying that she made the comparison to stress that a peaceful transfer of power happened despite the dispute. Clinton held up last year's US election as an example for Nigeria, which goes to the polls in 2011. "In my country the man that I was running against, and spent a lot of time and effort to defeat, asked me to join his government," she said. "So there is a way to begin to make this transition that will lead to free and fair elections."

Hillary Clinton and Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua walk as Clinton arrives at the state house in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday.
Hillary Clinton and Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua walk as Clinton arrives at the state house in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, Pool)
Hillary Clinton meets with Nigerian Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday.
Hillary Clinton meets with Nigerian Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, Pool)
Hillary Clinton waits to address Nigerian government officials and industry leaders in Abuja, Nigeria,yesterday.
Hillary Clinton waits to address Nigerian government officials and industry leaders in Abuja, Nigeria,yesterday.   (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, Pool)
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I know a little bit about running elections and I have won some elections, and I have lost some election. - Hillary Clinton

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
cognitivefilter
Aug 14, 2009 3:50 AM CDT
ps. hills needs to clear up what that bush family comment alludes to. if one of our 'american problems' results from the fact that a small number of families holds the majority of power like a sort of over-rich dynasty, i would think the clintons are part of that 'problem' as well.
cognitivefilter
Aug 14, 2009 3:47 AM CDT
blame florida, whatever. we know the real culprit is the electoral college, that shit needs to GO
Ucantusethatname
Aug 13, 2009 12:46 PM CDT
"In 2000 our presidential election came down to one state where the brother of one of the men running for president was governor of the state." Churlish and the statement of a sore loser, evidence that Ms. Clinton is unworthy to serve as Secretary of State.

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