Iraq Focus for Clinton in New Hampshire

Hillary Clinton wrapped up her tour of New Hampshire this evening, but was hampered throughout the weekend by repeated questions about her previous stance on the Iraq War.

On a weekend where much of the media attention was focused on another candidate, this was not the kind of trip Clinton had wanted for her first visit to the Granite State in 10 years.

Clinton was at Keene High School this afternoon, where over 2500 people came to hear her speak.

At every event, Clinton was asked about her position on the Iraq war, and whether she would admit that she made a mistake. She continues to repeat her assertion that she would not have authorized the war if she knew then what she knows now.

However, Barack Obama, having just announced his candidacy has appeared to emphasise the difference between the two on the Iraq issue. Obama continues to make the point that he was against the war in Iraq from the start.

But he has gone further, saying that even in 2002 it was possible to know that the war would not work out well. Obama also said that he wasn't clear on Hillary Clinton's policy in Iraq, saying that beyond wanting to end the war at the start of the next Presidential term, he didn't know what her plan was to accomplish that.

This issue for Clinton appears to be getting bigger - not only is Obama seemingly on her heels, but third favorite John Edwards is taking a similar approach, speaking constantly about how he made a mistake in 2002 to authorize the war.

Clinton is tough though - she might yet stick it out. However, if this issue doesn't let up, she might be well advised to cut her losses, say she made a mistake, and move on. There is still nearly 12 months to go.

Although she leads in the polls, this is an unwelcome distraction, and one she could do without as she travels around the country.