Clinton told the town meeting that "bad decisions coming out of our government" are undermining "the promise of America" for the poor and middle class. She made clear she would not shy from the issue that was so problematic for her during her husband's administration. "I am committed to universal health care," she said to applause, adding she would offer specific ideas later in the campaign.

Several people asked Clinton how she would handle potential resistance to the notion of a female president. "I don't think I'm the only woman here who feels that sometimes you have to work even harder, right? And I'm prepared to do that," she said. "We are good at breaking barriers and going places nobody's gone before."

Without using the words "Bill" or "my husband," Clinton praised his administration for creating budget surpluses, helping schools finance new buildings and improving medical care for veterans. Talking to the Democratic committee members, she said she has favored repeal of one Clinton era policy — the don't ask, don't tell policy applying to gay people in the military.

Thousands of patriotic Americans have been discharged and "that to me does not make sense," Clinton said, adding the United States should judge military personnel as its allies do: by "actions and behavior, not status."

Clinton took two questions on Iraq from the state committee members. She said she does not support cutting off funds to troops in the field and does support working for a bipartisan resolution in the Senate. "We have to build the political will within the Congress to stop President Bush. That means getting Republicans to turn on this policy and turn against the president," she told them.

link (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-01-27-clinton-iowa_x.htm)