Democratic Presidential Contenders Focus on Iraq (1/3)

The most recent polls show New York Senator Hillary Clinton solidifying her lead in the Democratic field.

Senator Clinton sought to strengthen her position as the frontrunner for the party nomination in separate campaign appearances before a union group and an organization of liberal activists.

Clinton focused much of her remarks on the war in Iraq. She and the other seven Democratic candidates are seeking the support of anti-war activists who are expected to be a major force in the presidential primaries and caucuses next year.

"So I believe that we’ve got to start engaging in diplomacy and that is what I would do, beginning now, if I were president, and if our president does not end our involvement in Iraq, when I am president, I will."

Clinton favors a phased withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq beginning immediately, a view also held by Illinois Senator Barack Obama.

Obama is running second behind Clinton in public opinion polls.

"We have no good options in Iraq left. We have bad options and worse options. The best option, I believe, is to make certain that we begin a phased redeployment, the worst is we are as careful getting out as we were careless getting in."