Government

Hillary Clinton Claims: Loughner Motivated by ‘His Own Political Views’

In an interview with CNN today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she believes Tucson shooter Jared Loughner was motivated by his “political views” and his actions are a form of “extremism”:

Via Politico:

“Based on what I know, this is a criminal defendant who was in some ways motivated by his own political views, who had a particular animus toward the congresswoman,” Clinton said in an interview with CNN. “And I think when you cross the line from expressing opinions that are of conflicting differences in our political environment into taking action that’s violent action, that’s a hallmark of extremism, whether it comes from the right, the left, from Al Qaeda, from anarchists, whoever it is. That is a form of extremism.”

Clinton added, “So, yes, I think that when you’re a criminal who is in some way pursuing criminal activity connected to – however bizarre and poorly thought through – your political views, that’s a form of extremism.”

But what may be unsettling is where Clinton suggests she is getting her information from: “From what we know, and of course I’m reading the newspapers and watching TV like everyone else who is deeply affected by this tragedy.”

In the days since the shooting, many have scrutinized the media’s coverage of the event, and pointed out numerous reports that have baselessly suggested politics and heated rhetoric motivated Loughner.

That could be why, while Clinton did not tie Loughner’s political views to any one party, her remarks are in contrast to a former friend of Loughner’s who said today that “There was no political motive in this, [Jared] was just angry at the world.”

“He did not watch TV. He disliked the news. He didn’t listen to political radio. He didn’t take sides. He wasn’t on the left. He wasn’t on the right,” the former friend told ABC News.

You can read our report on those remarks here.

Comments (119)

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  • foolsgold
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:41pm

    As Loughner said: “I planned ahead” –> probably “just after I saw the CROSSHAIRS on Giffords district and took an extra magazine to RELOAD”

    Yeh Sarah “Crosshairs” Palin: you felt GUILTY, didnt ya — thats why you took down the crosshairs graphic JUST AFTER THE shooting.

    Only the guilty do that so quickly. I rest my case.

    Report Post » Select Palin for GOP 2012 to Reelect Obama!  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 5:41pm

      If anyone is guilty of anything it’s the shooter.

      Do you, of yourself, realize what you’re doing? You’re absolving the killer.

      But, OK–I blame you, too, for these murders, for acting out as you’re doing. You support him, in my view. You seek to absolve him.

      And don’t mess with me on that. By the Left–your own kind–the ‘seriousness of the charge’ is enough to convict.

      So, going by the self-presumed ‘righteousness of the Left, you, too, caused this shooting.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 5:57pm

      Now, hotshot…Let’s see what you got, being called on your side and your own words when I get to them….

      The accusation is enough, as libs have been saying for decades, to disqualify you and convict you. I asked to be persuaded to the Left. So, I am. Let’s see you, plain and clear.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • sgallion1
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:40pm

    She should be concerned about her health, instead of spouting her socialist/marxist gooblely-goop crap.
    She looks very tired and rather ill to me. Looks like she should see a doctor. She no longer has any power,respect, or credibility. It‘s only when Bill steps in do people even remember that she’s still in the picture. Retire, Hillary……it’s time. Don’t talk so much. You’re beginning to sound rather silly.

    Report Post »  
  • middleclassprophet
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:40pm

    So many experts on here. So if this mass murderer did not listen to the political debate, then why did he target a Democrat? Where did he get the notion that gov’t is brainwashing us? Why was he so concerned with currency? Did all this info simply come from Mtv?

    Report Post » middleclassprophet  
    • foolsgold
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:45pm

      Lougner got his political education from Beck TV

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHoaZaLbqB4

      See at 3:30 — his gold standard crap is straight from Beck’s chalkboard.

      Just google Beck + Gold Standard, and see what I mean.

      It’s the SAME RIGHTWING CRAZY TALK!!

      Report Post » Select Palin for GOP 2012 to Reelect Obama!  
    • Blakenship
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:46pm

      she was a moderate…and his district rep. it could have been anybody from any party he would have targeted any one even if a Rep. Lib. Demo. he was Hell Bent on killing his rep. not someone from a defined Political party. So if your a prophet why didn’t You see this coming and warn someone???

      Report Post »  
    • HairRazor
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:02pm

      MC.. the psycho had her card (period). anything else I can help you understand?

      Report Post » HairRazor  
    • WTH is up with our government
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:19pm

      He was a loon….that simple, do you guys always have to make such a big deal over something so obvious? Whoever screams first, loudest, & most, HAS to be right? Get a grip…he is a nut job period. She is guilty of the same thing the left media is. Reporting before all the facts are given, just so they can be the first to post FIRST. She is a sellout, of YOUR country. Wake up.

      Report Post »  
    • inexiletill2012
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:27pm

      @Foolsgold….also look at the Wizard of Oz at the end of the “woodsman” scene when Dorothy and company walk, a munchkin is on the set after he hung himself.
      And there are also hidden “Easter Eggs” found in lots of movies

      Report Post » inexiletill2012  
  • comradekoolaid
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:40pm

    Hillary, you are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO inciteful! Do you and Billl get all your misinformation from MSNBC too?!!…

    Report Post »  
  • Republic
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:38pm

    I will cut her some slack on this one….considering she just fell down again and maybe hit her head.

    Report Post »  
  • WTH is up with our government
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:38pm

    Waht waht?! Is anyone even listening to her anymore? She should retire and be with Bill, long happy love affair in retirement….Ewww gosh…what a disgusting mental image that I have given myself and self inflicted…sorry folks……

    Report Post »  
  • number9
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:37pm

    She’s reading newspapers and watching tv? Huh? Isn’t she the Secretary of State or what? Wonder what she’d do, what would happen to our country, if she couldn’t read the papers and watch the boob tube.

    Report Post » number9  
  • SanMarvelous
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:36pm

    Uh, I thought the lib‘s theory was yesterday’s news. If she is so informed by the media, why is Hilarious Clinton just now coming forward? I guess she’s still trying to catch the lib train that she missed earlier in the week while she was out of the country. That train has derailed. Just like the AZ sheriff, she should stick with doing her job.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:36pm

    hillarybillary, slickwillie, ariannahuffinpuffin are all tools, puppets in the hands of georgieporgiepuddin`npie. GOD keeps on uncovering them, so the world can know who they are. Some in the world worship at their feet and are pleased with their continuing attempts to dismantle all countries, including our own. Others in the world serve the ONLY GOD JEHOVAH and we pray continually thanking HIM in all things even when we do not understand what is going on or why. “Do not be deceived, GOD is not mocked, for what a man sows that shall he also reap….” We are promised that we will win IF we do not lose heart. Also remember that “Greater is HE WHO is within us than he who is in the world.” Cling to those thoughts and promises. Claim them and thank GOD every time one of the puppets and one of their puppets speaks in or out of line.

    Report Post »  
  • KarenKat
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:36pm

    She says “I think” but the problem is she dosn’t think!

    Report Post » KarenKat  
  • DeVain
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:34pm

    I guess she missed the part where his best friend said he had no political views.

    Report Post » DeVain  
  • AmericanLass
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:33pm

    Without a shred of evidence or really listening to Jared’s friends reports, she came to this conclusion for solely political reasons. Sad, when the Secretary of State stoops this low. Hope she doesn’t falsely accuse anyone in a Foreign Country of anything, just think of the damage that could cause.

    Report Post » AmericanLass  
  • borismolly
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:33pm

    Bill blamed Rush for Oklahoma City. Taking a page from her husband.

    Report Post »  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:31pm

    The next step is a public statement by the UN with the same stale mis-information.

    Report Post »  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:29pm

    Who is feeding these people their talking points?

    Report Post »  
  • oldguy49
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:27pm

    how long are these socialist going to try to spin this

    Report Post »  
  • Blakenship
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:26pm

    I forgot Hill was there she knew Jared best so where all the other Congress people who where yelling about this. This guy was CRAZY!! No rhyme or reason for lunacy it is just madness, why must we keep trying to relate to madness only when it is convenient, rush to judgment when there is no judgment to make this guy was MAD…

    Report Post »  
  • factcheck
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:26pm

    political whore she is….I am so suprised.

    Report Post »  
  • scguitar
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:25pm

    “Based on what I know, this is a criminal defendant who was in some ways motivated by his own political views”

    Well Hillary, it looks like you don’t know much then

    Report Post »  
  • BeckIsNuts
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:25pm

    Hillary Clinton – the most insincere, hyper-ambitious, phony woman in the world.

    Report Post »  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:25pm

    Next we will hear Sheriff Dupnick will be in charge of negociating peace in the middle east.

     
  • TheHonestAmerican
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:25pm

    And this delusional woman is Secretary of State? Geesh.

    Report Post »  
  • inexiletill2012
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:24pm

    Just another dumb politician who should have waited for all the facts to come out before opening their pie-hole

    Report Post » inexiletill2012  
    • Lesterp
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:29pm

      That does not fit the liberal agenda!

      Report Post » Lesterp  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 7:05pm

      INEXILETILL2012,

      Okay you’re correct. Here’s the problem. She is our Secretary of freaking State! She is inept!
      It is unfathomable to me that Hillary Clinton is where she is.

      She has shamed every woman by standing by her serial cheater husband. It’s all so insane.

      It truly is Wonderland.She is mediocre. She is secretary of State?

      We get the leaders we deserve. Wake up Americans!

      The world does not respect ANYONE in our current administration.

      Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:23pm

    Hillary needs to get her crystal ball fixed!

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • IM_UR_HUCKLEBERRY
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:21pm

    Hillary… does she still have a job?
    Nobody listens to her anyway, so who cares.
    Maybe she can get Loughner a “RESET” button like the one she gave to Russia.
    She really shined as an intellectual with that one.

    Report Post » IM_UR_HUCKLEBERRY  
    • firstHat
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:25pm

      Here’s the proper button http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=53987

      Report Post »  
    • marhee9
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:26pm

      Hillary obviously hasn’t done one shred of research into this. While this is not a shock, she really should keep her mouth shut. She sounds just as stupid as the Pima County Sherriff.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – Great political humor.

      Report Post »  
    • BeckIsNuts
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:27pm

      Does anyone really care what this bloated phony has to say anymore? Hillary, hop a broom and disappear.

      Report Post »  
    • ovrwlmd
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:27pm

      Motivated by politial views from the darkside. Loughner too.

      Report Post »  
    • suttonea76
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:32pm

      Bad story! She made no such outrageous comment that would warrant the assumption she thought FOX or MSNBC was responsible. Although, I feel she is worthless and an opportunist at heart, she made no real controversy here. No reason to stir THIS pot any further.

      Report Post » suttonea76  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:34pm

      Huh???? she is the secretary of State. Shooting off at the mouth without the facts from a high level offical is really irresponsible. She knows more than anyone, that the truth does not matter, get as many lies out there and when the truth comes out only whisper it.

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:35pm

      This needs to be a question of not who is feeding them their talking points, the question is what are they using this as a smoke screen to cram down our throats via regulation or a suprise passage of legislation due to a ‘event’ like this shooting. Any legislation needs to be examined with a finest of the combs to see what is hidden among the rubbish.

      http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • NoMoreGray
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:36pm

      Obviously Hillary is not one of the few people still watching ABC. I’m sure she must have gotten her news from that reliable source… The Huff Puff Newsletter.

      Report Post »  
    • clockn63
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:52pm

      Snowlepard3200 and Suttonea76 must have been reading my mind. couldn’t agree more

      Report Post » clockn63  
    • Highland
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:56pm

      Based on “what I know”? Really, Hilldebeaste? Then it would appear you don’t know anything.

      Report Post » Highland  
    • clockn63
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:08pm

      Snowleopard

      Really enjoyed the artwork! Very interesting characters. I looked at all 42, I’d find a fav. but then there would be another and so on. Is there a story in there somewhere?

      Regards, Debra

      Report Post » clockn63  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:30pm

      @ WALKWITHME…………… if you think she is one of our smartest politicians , God help us, and more to the point, if you think she is smart, i would like to know what scale of comparison you are using.

      she is about the same as all the rest, and seeing that the majority of politicians are self serving hypocrites, and have proven through their actions and words to be complete idiots, i am wary of your intellectual prowess, and would have to consider the chance that your not too bright, if you think she is that much smarter than you .

      in a comparison that i would use, i would pick a box of rocks before h. Clinton, if i was in a search for something smart

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • John 1776
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:34pm

      Hilliary, schizophrenia is not a “political view.”

      Report Post » John 1776  
    • gramma b
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:41pm

      This makes sense. Loughner was motivated by insanity. Leftism is just another form of insanity. So, to her, insanity and political view are synonymous.

      Report Post »  
    • SnapTie
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:48pm

      Barry and her would sellout on a worldwide apology tour.

      Report Post » SnapTie  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 4:52pm

      Hillary…we are not stupid subjects. We know the sources where you get your news. Hello! From the drive-by media. We all know their opinion as to what motivated the gunman…sorry…murderer. So your opinion is consistent with the rest of the liberal progressive media. Blame talk radio, Fox, Palin, etc…etc…etc. We know you are trying to APPEAR to be objective. Give me a break. By the way, you LQQK like you could use a little more bran in your diet.

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 5:05pm

      Hillary is a Manchurian Moonbat!

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 5:15pm

      @clockn63

      Not much of a story so far; the cat folks are a art style I have been developing for a couple of years based on a similar earth style world like ours, yet with some differences. Some of the cat folks are like the tales of faeries, others are ground bound.

      Glad you like them though.

      Mostly I do make them, just for the love of making them.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • OhmEye
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 5:16pm

      Nothing has changed with the Clintons. They are all APPETITE.

      Report Post » OhmEye  
    • Curator_JDR
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 6:04pm

      From everything we’ve learned about Loughner, he is insane, not a politically motivated extremist. He is not part of any faction, and reportedly did not listen to talk radio, nor was he a conservative. Lets call it like it is Hilary.

      Watch Americans take back their country from the “head-up-the-butt” people in this hilarious animated web movie. Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and the grizzly clan are the heroes. Ridicule is an effective weapon against the enemy (can I even say weapon and enemy now?)

      http://www.marcrubin.com/hairmerica.ivnu

      Report Post » Curator_JDR  
    • What-A-Joke
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 6:06pm

      Do we REALLY need more of an explination than “he was a nut”?
      The end, Next….

      http://clubseabreeze.com/TimPhillips/productsnew.html

      Report Post » What-A-Joke  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 7:08pm

      Amen IM_UR__HUCKLEBERRY, Afreakingmen!
      B.T.W. that is my favorite line! Val Kilmer…,Tombstone! Yeh buddy!

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 7:33pm

      If she dropped a little off that big butt of her’s she might not fall down so much … that and lay off the rum and cokes! God, she is dog ugly, and a Manchurian Moonbat!!

      Report Post »  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:16pm

      She has time to read the news?

      Isn’t she busy polishing Muslims shoes in Yemen?
      Shouldn’t she get back to the only thing she is good for and that is to be out shopping around to spend another $5.4 million dollars in taxpayer money to buy foreign crystal stemware for American embassies.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on January 12, 2011 at 11:16pm

      She has time to read the news?

      Isn’t she busy polishing Muslims shoes in Yemen?
      Shouldn’t she get back to the only thing she is good for and that is to be out shopping around to spend another $5.4 million dollars in taxpayer money to buy foreign crystal stemware for American embassies.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • CYCLONE
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 1:13am

      Hillary should be more concerned about her roto-tiller a$$ eclipsing Michelle’s….

      Report Post »  
    • longhorn mama
      Posted on January 13, 2011 at 1:48am

      The Left confuses terrorism for crime and crime for terrorism.

      Report Post »  
  • Clive
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:37pm

    “This voter will be very happy when she’s done with Politics as her blurting out anything she wants is corrupt.” Well said TinyDD! Wait, no, horribly said, you tard. That doesn’t even make sense. You might want to learn the English language before you start to comment on things.

    Report Post »  
  • untameable-kate
    Posted on January 12, 2011 at 3:52pm

    Clive,
    Clearly you feel that your own grasp on the English language is far superior to Tinydds’, and that’s cool, think what you want, but you don’t need to insult over a missed comma or a typo. Most of us are typing as we think (which apparently you do not) and the sentences don’t read as well as they sounded in our heads. Hillary and the political vitriol coming from the left is the topic at hand. Any thoughts on that?

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
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