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Dear Friend,

I cannot wait for the lights to come up and the cameras to roll at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. When I join Democrats from across the country who are unified and ready to get to work to elect Barack Obama, I want you there.

I hope you will take this chance to come and cheer us on!

So many people have reached out to help us pay down our campaign debt, and I was just overwhelmed by the generous spirit of so many of you. I'm pleased to announce that Leslie of Tacoma, WA won our contest and will be joining me for dinner soon. But so many people participated that I knew I just had to give you another chance. So will you enter today for the chance to join me in Denver?

Join me in Denver. Contribute today.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an event that will truly make history. I'll make sure you get great seats to see me speak on Tuesday night when I address the nation and see Senator Obama accept the nomination at Mile High Stadium on Thursday.

We're going to have an amazing convention and head into the fall campaign unified and ready to work. And if you contribute today to help us pay down our campaign debt, you might be the one to join me in Denver!

Join me in Denver. Contribute today.

If you're the lucky winner, we'll fly you to Denver, where you'll be my special guest at the convention. And I'll make sure that you and I have some time together to chat. You'll get to see me speak Tuesday night and see Senator Obama accept the nomination at Mile High Stadium on Thursday.

You know that we're still working hard to pay off all the small vendors we owe from our presidential campaign. And your help continues to make a huge difference.

So let's have some fun in Denver -- try your luck and contribute today. You might be the one joining me for the 2008 Democratic Convention!

Contribute today, and you might be my special guest for the convention.

Thank you again for your incredible support!

Sincerely,

Hillary

                                           

I want to thank everyone for joining me here today for our live chat. I'm so grateful to all of my online friends for the amazing support you continue to show me. Your kind words mean so much to me, and you have been instrumental in working to help retire our campaign debt. I'll never forget all you've done for me.

It has been great getting back to work in the Senate for the people of New York. And now that the Senate is in recess, I'm very excited about getting back out on the campaign trail to help elect Barack Obama and grow our Democratic majorities in Congress. With the Democratic convention coming up, the excitement and curiosity is certainly starting to build. I want to assure you that Senator Obama and I are working together to make sure it's a big success. We will ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected and our party is fully unified heading into the November election. While no decisions have been made yet, I will make sure that we keep you up to date and involved with all of the Convention activity.  It means so much to me to know that no matter what the coming months and years bring, you'll be working right by my side. With your help, 2008 is going to be a great year for Democrats.

Now let's chat! Click here to ask me question or comment below and let's get started!

Editor's Note: Please continue to refresh the page to see all the latest questions and answers. We are experiencing high traffic and receiving lots of great questions! It may take some time for your comment to appear. Please do not re-post your comment.

Editor's Update: We started taking questions last night.

Question #1: What are you working on now? by Emily (via email)

Answer: A lot! Tomorrow, I am hitting the campaign trail for Senator Obama in Las Vegas, Nevada for a voter registration rally. I have talked so many people about the current economic situation, and what we can do to make the economy work for middle class families again. We have to deal with the cost of energy, both gas and home heating fuel. As you know, I believe we should have a Strategic Energy Fund to invest in developing alternative fuels, and I've now introduced legislation to help families deal with rising prices for home heating oil. Education costs are another concern: I'm glad to report that Congress just passed the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which includes several provisions from the Student Borrowers Bill of Rights I introduced to protect students and their families. And I'm working closely with business and elected leaders in New York to support projects around the state and it has been great to be back in New York again.

I'm especially proud of the work I've been doing with my friend Senator Patty Murray to stop the Bush administration from further restricting women's access to birth control. They're trying to redefine certain types of birth control as abortion, and it could prevent women from getting the care they need. I know many of my online supporters have been a big help on this issue, and I really appreciate it. And earlier this week , I called for an investigation into disturbing reports about inadequate response to sexual assaults by the Department of Defense .
I'm going to keep working on the issues you and I talked about so much during the campaign -- ending the war in Iraq, making universal health care a reality, achieving energy independence, creating new green jobs, and putting the economy back to work for the middle class again.
I'm continuing to work on the issues that matter to the people of New York and helping my constituents in any way I can.

Question #2: What goals do you have for yourself during the next four years both professionally and personally? by Carole (via email)

Answer: My goals include being the best Senator I can be, and to go on fighting every day for the issues I care about, helping America’s working families, and ensuring a better future for every child. I believe in the next fours years, we must ensure every American has healthcare, and our economy once again works for middle class families. As the war in Iraq comes to an end, we must restore America’s relations with our allies and our leadership around the world. I will continue to be an advocate for our troops and our veterans.

I look forward to working with President Obama on these important challenges, working to rebuild a government that once again works for the people, follows the rule of law and respects the constitution.

Question #3:

Hello Mrs. Clinton

My name is Ivanna Pincilotti and I am 16 years old from Davis, CA. First of all I want to say that you’re my hero and an inspiration to me. You are strong, powerful, and an undefeated woman in my option. You have opened so many doors for girls like me such as becoming president. I have two questions to ask you Mrs. Clinton. The first one is I want to go into law one day as my major what is the best piece of information you can give me? The second one is what wanted you to go into politics?   

by Ivanna at 8/7/2008 11:54:51 AM

Answer: Thank you so much, Ivanna, for writing in. I have met so many wonderful young people all across this country who are so active and engaged in politics. It so important that young people get involved and stay involved because you are the future. As you look toward law school,  learn all you can about the American constitution, which has served this country so well with its system of checks and balances and protecting the rights of every individual. My path in politics grew out of my commitment to public service and helping others. I realized that I could be most effective in helping to make a difference by becoming an elected official. It was actually a young woman who urged me to "Dare to compete." That is a piece of advice I now pass on to you.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:27:12 PM

Questions #4:

Hey Hillary you are such a great person I went to a rally of yours during the primary in New Hampshire & did some campaigning for you here in albany ny you put a smile on my face every time I saw you whether in person or on tv. You are a strong women don't give up keep fighting for whats right. I hope our country can take a new step in the right direction once Barack Obama is president. I want to say if he does ask you to be his VP you should and you would make a great vice president Mrs. Clinton:)
God Bless
Larry D.
Albany ny

by lawrenced78 at 8/7/2008 12:14:54 PM

Answer: I have said repeatedly that I will do whatever Senator Obama asks me to do. I am really focused and enjoying being back in the Senate and working on behalf of my New York constituents. This is Senator Obama’s decision and his alone and I am going to respect the privacy of that process by not discussing it.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:38:11 PM

Question #5:

One of the main reasons that I voted for Hillary is her plans for healthcare.  Can you make a comment on how healthcare carried out in the next administration?

by RichardA OH at 8/7/2008 12:02:43 PM

Answer: I am so pleased that Senator Obama shares my commitment to universal health care. Once he is elected, I will be working closely with his administration, members of Congress, health care advocates, and others -- to help develop a plan that ensures access to health care for every American. I know how important this issue is and it will be my top priority.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 12:45:10 PM

Question #6

Special thanks to you for your leadership in the birth control issue!  What is the prospect for the paid family leave bill the house is taking up?

by HoustonAnne at 8/7/2008 12:11:28 PM

Answer: Thanks for your comment on birth control - as you know HHS is considering draft regulations that would restrict access to birth control. Many of you have joined me in opposing this act and we are continuing to monitor this situation closely. I am a strong supporter of extending the Family and Medical Leave Act which has made such a difference for millions of Americans. I was very pleased that the House voted to adopt paid leave for families and hope we can get action in the Senate. This is a good example of smart, pro-family policies we need - helping working families meet their responsibilities at work and at home.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:02:23 PM

Question #7

Hey Hillary,

My 12 year old daughter and I are sitting here, waiting anxiously, for each reply.  Love you!!!!!!

by k12kyle at 8/7/2008 12:39:24 PM

Answer: Thank you, I was so pleased to read your comment. I remember when Chelsea was 12 and what a special time it was. I hope both of you continue to stay engaged and perhaps we can meet along the trail.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:09:10 PM

Question #8

As a college student (one of your biggest student supporters; Go Hillary!) I am wondering what you and Senator Obama feel is the best course of action to deal with rising tuition costs and continued cuts to the higher education budget. (It's gotten really bad here in California-thousands of teachers losing their jobs, tuition costs rising, funding disappearing).

Thanks so much Hillary!! And thanks for your facebook page, i love it! And one final note: COME TO CAL STATE FULLERTON!! WE LOVE YOU!! :)

Richard H., 19, Temecula, CA

by lunchtableguy at 8/7/2008 12:18:29 PM

Answer: Senator Obama and I agree it is so important that we make sure that college education is affordable. Our country needs more educated young people if we are going to meet the challenges before us. Congress has just passed the Higher Education Bill which includes a number of proposals including several that I sponsored as part of a Student Borrower's Bill of Rights. We should be doing more to increase funding to increase Pell Grants and other financial support. I also believe we should reduce student loan repayment for students who enter public service.

P.S. Glad you like my Facebook page!

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:12:05 PM

Question #9

Are you truly supporting Senator Obama and encouraging your supporters to do the same or are you just saying what you have to?

by JR4Hill at 8/7/2008 12:46:53 PM

Answer: Let me first say, I am so grateful for all the support that I have received. To answer your question, I am completely committed to helping Senator Obama become the next President of the United States and urging all of you to do the same. We share a commitment to universal healthcare, bringing an end to the war in Iraq, and getting back to an economy that works for working families again. I believe so strongly that if we want to see real progress in our country and finally break away from the failed policies of the past eight years, we need a Democrat in the White House. I am going to continue to do whatever I can to help Senator Obama and Democrats across the country win in the November.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:15:38 PM

Question #10

As a college student who is participating in his first presidential election, your candidacy really brought to my attention to and energized me about the great things that can be accomplished through our political process. Now that, unfortunately, your candidacy is over, and since you (reading your biography) were able to accomplish so much during your collegiate years:
What would you suggest college-aged Americans do to become more involved in the American politcal system, aside from voting?

by ChrisMIA at 8/7/2008 12:42:12 PM

Answer: Thank you, I am always glad to hear from young people who want to stay active in politics. I so appreciated your  enthusiasm and energy throughout this campaign. This is a great time to be active in politics at every level. Every campaign I know is looking for volunteers who can help with reaching out to voters, and I can tell you that personal contact is so effective. I suggest you look at the campaigns that are taking place near you and sign up for one. The friends you make in these early campaigns are likely to stay with you throughout your whole life.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:18:49 PM

Question #11

Good Morning Senator Clinton:
Thank you for taking time to chat with your supporters. Is there any possibility of your name being placed in nomination for President at the convention? This would at least give your supporters a voice in the choice for the party's nominee.

by alrd1950 at 8/7/2008 12:07:51 PM

Answer: I know that there have been a lot of questions on this subject. Senator Obama and I share the goal of ensuring that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected. I want to assure everyone that we are working together with Senator Obama's campaign and the DNC, and I am confident we will have a successful and unified Convention in Denver.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:21:17 PM

Question #12

Hillary, I hope that we will be able to talk with you at the Convention in Denver!
Please consider meeting with us -- YOUR supporters!

by ginamc at 8/7/2008 12:31:24 PM

Answer: And, I love Texas! I am looking forward to seeing and talking with as many people as I can during the Convention. I will have a very busy schedule, and I am really looking forward to it. Thank you so much for your continued support.

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:24:04 PM

Thank you for sharing some time with me today and for the great questions -- I'm sorry I couldn't get to all of them! This was a lot of fun, and I hope we can do it again soon.

And thank you again for all your support. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate all that you do for me. I'm hitting the campaign trail tomorrow in Nevada for Senator Obama - stay tuned and let's stay in touch!

by Senator Clinton at 8/7/2008 1:27:12 PM

Hillary recorded the following message for her online supporters. Watch her special video below and make sure to join us tomorrow at 12:00 PM EDT on BlogHillary for an online chat with Hillary! 

Got a question? Submit your question for Hillary at http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/ask/.

Dear Friend,

Hillary wanted me to pass along a special message that she recorded to let you all know about a web chat she is having tomorrow at 12pm EDT.
She will be on BlogHillary answering questions from the people most important to her - you.

Please watch her short message and join us tomorrow at http://blog.hillaryclinton.com.

                                
                                     http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/chat/

Thanks,
Katie Dowd
Internet Director

                                                 

Dear National Convention Delegates and Committee Members,

As this letter goes out, we are three weeks away from the Democratic National Convention in Denver. For many months, you have worked tirelessly to ensure that the values we share and the issues we know to be important are reflected in the President that we elect. On behalf of Senator Clinton and the entire campaign - thank you!

Today, Senator Barack Obama sent a letter to the chairs of the Credentials Committee expressing his desire to see the delegations of Florida and Michigan seated at the Convention with full votes. In response to Senator Obama's letter, Senator Clinton has issued the following statement:

"During the campaign, I strongly advocated for the Democratic Party to seat the Florida and Michigan delegation with their full votes.  The Democratic Party has always stood up for the principle of counting every person's vote.  Today, Senator Obama has requested that the Credentials Committee give Florida and Michigan delegates their full votes.  This is the right position for the Democratic Party and for the country and I urge the Credentials Committee to restore full votes to Florida and Michigan delegates."

To read Senator Obama's letter, please go to: www.hillaryclinton.com/credentials.

Over the weekend, in Ohio, the Platform Drafting Committee met to discuss and give voice to Democrats from across the county who shared the issues that are important to them in town hall meetings over the last few weeks. The Drafting Committee will issue a draft to go before the entire Platform Committee next weekend in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. We will give you an update on the progress of the platform later in the week.

I have heard from many of you by email or phone over the last few weeks, and I look forward to meeting you in person on the floor in Denver.  Please feel free to call (703) 469-2008 with any questions or concerns.

Once again - Thank you!

Sincerely,
Jeremy Kennedy
National Convention Delegate Liaison and Coordinator

Dear Friend,

Summer is a time for simple pleasures: family vacations, baseball games, and dinner out under the stars. At least it is if you aren't running for president!
It sure is nice having a little more time on my hands, and I'd love to spend some of it with you. Would you like to join me for dinner?

During the campaign, I had the chance a few times to grab meals with supporters, but they were always rushed thanks to the frenetic pace of the campaign. This is my first chance to sit down and spend some real one-on-one time with you. If you enter today, we could be having dinner together soon!

Join me for dinner. Make a contribution today.

My staff has been calling this my "retirement dinner" -- not because I'm retiring, of course, but because we're working on retiring the debt we owe to small vendors all over the country. And everyone who acts today will have the chance to join me -- along with a guest -- for a dinner to talk about whatever you'd like.

Let's go to dinner! Contribute now, and you and I could be enjoying a summer dinner together soon!

Join me for dinner. Make a contribution today.

Thank you so much for all your wonderful support.

All the best,

Hillary Rodham Clinton