CBS "Early Show" - Transcript

Interview

MR. SMITH: (In progress) -- drew a breath and you said you were honored to be there with Barack Obama. And I whispered, as you said that, "Valedictory." Is that the beginning of the end of your campaign?

SEN. CLINTON: No, of course not. It is a recognition that both of us are on the brink of historic change. You know, I'm very proud that we have the two of us in this contest seeking the Democratic nomination, hoping to become our next president.

Obviously I believe that, you know, my record and my plans for what we can do for our country are ones that, you know, really are rooted in my experience and my strength, being able to bring about the positive differences that people talk to me about.

You know, there are, you know, the kind of contrasts between us. You know, you saw that last night. I have a health care plan, like Senator Edwards did before, that would cover everyone, and Senator Obama's doesn't. And I have a specific plan to stop home foreclosures that, if I had been president, would have already been in effect.

MR. SMITH: Let me --

SEN. CLINTON: So there is so much that I have been, you know, working on my entire life. And it is very motivating to me, because I can see the differences that I've already made in helping people get health care in Texas and Ohio, and I'd like to continue that.

MR. SMITH: Here's the thing. I'm watching this debate last night. And as you well know, we've been paying very close attention all the way through, for so many months. And I thought I saw some of the fight leave your body last night. I thought I saw -- there was almost a sign of body language like, "This guy has won 10 states in a row. He has a significant lead in delegates. You know, is it worth going after every single vote tooth and nail for the next two, three, four weeks?"

SEN. CLINTON: Well, it certainly is, Harry. And probably what you saw was, you know, lack of sleep, which finally does catch up to you with all of the cross-country traveling we're doing. But, you know, I have a great campaign here in Texas, a great campaign in Ohio and the other states that are going to be coming up. And it's because people really believe that, you know, we are going to make a difference, that as president I would be able on day one to begin turning the economy around, and I could step in and deal with the problems.

We have an embassy on fire in Serbia. You know, we have potential changes in Pakistan and Cuba. We've got the independence of Kosovo. You know, problems come to the president at 3:00 in the morning. There are no predictions. And I think I am prepared and ready to handle those problems, no matter what they are.

MR. SMITH: Last question, very quickly, in closing: More important for you to be elected or for a Democrat to be in the White House a year from now?

SEN. CLINTON: Well, we're going to have a unified party. I've said that repeatedly. And we're going to do everything we can to elect whoever our Democratic nominee is. Obviously I think, by strength and experience and leadership and preparation, I would be the better president or I wouldn't be up here at, you know, 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning talking about what I want to do and reminding people about the changes I've already brought about. You know, if you want to know what somebody will do, look at what they have done.

MR. SMITH: Hillary Rodham Clinton, thank you very much for your time this morning. You can't say I didn't try. (Laughs.)

SEN. CLINTON: (Laughs.)

MR. SMITH: Thank you, Senator.

SEN. CLINTON: It's always good to talk to you, Harry.

MR. SMITH: All right. Take care.

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