Over the weekend, Hillary Clinton gave a raucous speech and an assertive press conference in Iowa. Today's Hillary News & Views is Unfiltered Hillary - nothing but direct quotes on a variety of issues from the presidential contender.
Today, why don't we dig into that speech at the Iowa Wing Ding Dinner?
It was something of a greatest hits speech, reviving some of her best stump speech lines but also adding a lot more partisan red meat.
She began with another vocal defense of President Obama's Iran deal:
I want to start by saying something about one of the most serious decisions we face today as a nation, because nobody takes politics and governing more seriously than the people of Iowa. And that is the Iranian nuclear agreement.As Secretary of State, I traveled tens of thousands of miles and twisted a lot of arms to build a global coalition against Iran and impose the most crippling sanctions in history. That pressure delivered a blow to Iran’s economy and gave us the leverage necessary to get to the negotiating table and begin the first preliminary talks.
Now, thanks to President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and Secretary Moniz, we have an agreement that blocks Iran’s pathways to a bomb and gives us new tools for verification and inspection so that we can compel rigorous Iranian compliance.
I know there are people of good faith on both sides of this debate, people who are committed to protecting our security and the security of our allies, especially Israel, a true friend of America. None of us should have any illusions about Iran’s true intentions or its continuing threats to the region, to Israel, to the United States. That threat is real and it must be confronted, including how we enforce this agreement and deter Iranian aggression and sponsorship of terrorism.
But our path is clear. This agreement, combined with strong enforcement and deterrence, is the only way to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. There is simply no viable alternative. That is why I strongly support President Obama. And I encourage all of you to get involved and let Congress know that you support the President as well.
And when this debate is over, we need to come together to ensure that this President and the next president have the tools, resources, and support to send a clear message to Iran: Cheat, and you will pay. And when you threaten the region and Israel, you threaten America. We will keep confronting you on human rights and terrorism.
And make no mistake, we will never allow you to acquire a nuclear weapon. Not just during the term of this agreement – never.