Well it's official. Sen. Hillary Clinton is a presidential candidate. She announced on her site. It's not the best opening statement and it's not the worst. It looked 'middle ofthe road' to me. She wants the 'right' end to the war, health insurance, energy independence, reduce the deficit, etc. Hillary throwing her hat in seemed like a foregone conclusion and the least kept secret outside of Sen. Escalate McCain. My reaction?
No secret that I'm one of the few representatives of 'the left' on this blog (at least that's how I've been pigeon-holed) and I've worked on a Dem governor's campaign, coordinated other campaigns and recruited legislators so I certainly have a vested interest in whoever the Dem presidential candidate is. I find it interesting that a number of Republican pundits have practically been cheerleading her candidacy. In this case, they're right. If Hillary gets the nomination, a Democrat will not get the White House. Period.
Nominate Sen. Clinton and it will turn out the Republican base just as if Jeb Bush got nominated by the R's. People will quit their jobs to work for the Republican nominee, it's a huge mistake. It may not even be fair but Sen. Clinton has had negatives in the 40's for 12 years. You just don't turn that around in a year. She has money, endorsements lined up, and so forth. it will be no easy job to beat her but if voters in key primary states don't knock her off, it's over and we'll have more division, more pandering and more lives wasted in Iraq.
Sen. Clinton will be holding three web video town hall events over the next few days. You can sign up for them on the web site. I intend to ask her why she doesn't stay and become a better senator and not run. She has to know she will not win the nomination easily and if she does, she loses the general. What do you think?
UPDATE: As the diary author, I get to comment here. Now I wrote this diary as a Democrat but suggested that nominating Sen. Clinton is a mistake. I'm impressed by the number of comments supporting Sen. Clinton. You've made some good arguements. I'm not changing my opinion but some points were made. Those ranting, raving, cursing and even issuing death threats (the editor removed some comments thank goodness) are remarkably way out there. Gee, if they were smart they wouldn't come off so unhinged but that's never bothered the Right Wingnuts in the past. And for the record, rightwingers, for the most part, are either careless or terrible spellers. Finally, if anyone has read Sen. Barak's books or ever heard him would realize he is a Christian and has deep faith. All this nonsense about where he went to school for two years when he was 6 years old is so absurdly low, cheap and false. Sen. Obama has been a member of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ since 1988. And no, I'm not for Sen. Barak either. Just setting the record straight.
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 32)
61. She is a fascinating woman with a vast knowledge of government and the law, an extrordinary innate intelligence, a sense of humor and a tireless energy that would put anyone to shame. Why shouldn't she run? She certainly has the experience and whether you like it or not, there is no one better suited to be President in either party. Do it, Senator Clinton, and bring to the job the same expertise you have brought to being one of our state's leaders. Brava!
Jeanne at 11:31PM on Jan 20th 2007
62. Are you kidding me people! I hope she does get in and you left wing nut jobs will shut up and realize what you did by voting the CLINTONS in for their 3rd term. We are a country involved in a VERY LONG and NEEDED war and this is the last thing we need in the oval office. Can we all remember what happened on September 11 2001? If so ANYONE is better than Clinton or Edwards. If the Democrats are going to win vote Obama in. Next time you see a soldier out thank him or her for protecting our freedoms and our wonderful country. Without them we may not be blogging right now, also keep this in mind when you are about to pull the Hillary tab on the voting machine!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
G.C. at 11:34PM on Jan 20th 2007
63. You can add my voice to those who have said that America wants the Clintons back and we will be getting two for the price of one. Furthermore, if she were soft on the war effort, people would say it is because she is a woman and she would have no credibility there.
Pat DiPillo at 11:37PM on Jan 20th 2007
64. Senator Clinton has a good chance of winning if we as women support her. It's time for a woman to do the job of cleaning up the mess Bush has gotten us in. He is a dangerous stupid little idiot, and he should have been gone a long time ago. There is no other women in this present day and time who can be compassionate yet strong enough to right the wrongs in this country and also around the world. She will definately be able to curtail the hate that the world has for the United States. If we are to get out of the mess, Hillary could do it.
President Hillary Clinton has a very nice ring to it. Good luck!!!! You have my support.
Angela Hamilton-White at 11:48PM on Jan 20th 2007
65. I personally think that Hillary would make a very good president. She and Bill made a wonderful team at running the country the first time and they would make a wonderful team again.
1. Bush has done a lot of damage to the reputation of the United States and it will be hard for anyone else to undo that. But because the Clintons were very well regarded by the world the first time, they can bring credibility back to the United States by their return.
2. The first time the Clintons were in office they tried to put through a policy of health care reform that was very close to the policies of public healthcare that some states are adopting now and those states are gaining points for their forsight. If it becomes known that this was intiated by the Clintons but they were ahead of their time, that would make them look like they have some great ideas and who knows maybe this is a dream that can be realized by the entire nation with them in charge.
3. They do have one obstacle. I think some men are threatened by a confident and secure woman. It is funny that the United States, who I feel was the mother of democracy, cannot elect a woman for such an office of authority, but other European countries can and have done so in the past.
4. I think the Clintons with all their problems in the past still have the country's best interest at heart and are the most capable to help the United States get back to the great nation it was and to make it an even greater nation.
5. I would feel much safer from terrorist with the Clintons experience back in office. They have great rapport with all our allies and can cash in on that to get cooperation to get credible inteligence which is the key to making out nation safe.
6. The best way to guarantee social security for everyone is a balanced budget. When was the last time the budget was balanced? You got it, when the Clintons were in office. Bush came in to office and said I don't think there is a chance of making Social Security work and really don't care. I 've got to repay my debts and give my buddies a tax cut. After all, isn't that why all those wealthy folks paid big campaign funds to get him elected. So the first thing he did with his EGTRRA legislation was to give a hugh tax cut to the top 1% of the weathiest individuals in the US. Then to hide this fact, he gave a small tax cut to everyone. The only thing is most people at the bottom of the ladder did not realize he putting their Social Security at great risk by doing this. He claimed it would cause economic growth. Have you seen the double digit stock market returns that were seen during the Clinton years? While 401(k)'s turned to 201(k)'s in the year 2000, the stock market is just finally getting back to solid ground. Not the blustering economy of the past and your Social Security is still in grave danger.
I think if anyone can turn around many of the problems that we now facing, it is the Clintons.
Vicki from Iowa at 11:46PM on Jan 20th 2007
66. Being a current Marine Corps F/A-18 Pilot at the rank of Captain I can only legally say a bit without it being construed as anti-official speak condemned by the UCMJ. I, and the majority of decent military officers will exit the military in a military manner if we have to deal with another incompetent Clinton. Other opinions concerning the military response to this from long-haired modern day hippies who have no concept of service may feel free to reply and let me know how we in the military really feel.
Brian at 11:49PM on Jan 20th 2007
67. So, Hilary is in. I could care less. Of course, I am a conservative, a white southerner, a Republican and a Bush loyalist. I will admit that he has made some mistakes. It matters little as I am confident that any Democrat would have made more mistakes. Will I vote for Hilary? Never. Will I vote for a Democrat? Any Democrat? Never!
Robert Warren at 11:51PM on Jan 20th 2007
68. I believe it would be a grave mistake to have H.Clinton as President of The United States ! I do not see that her record as Senator is a good example to give her a chance st The White House, she is in favor of Socialized Medicine , which would ruin our outstanding Medical System ! She is also an individual that I see as having an extra large ego and would do or say, anything to get a vote, make promises that she absolutely has no intention of keeping ! She is a very hostile individual,and can be very loud and has shown that her temperment is not under control , she is the last person I would vote for , for any office !
Rose Ann Quinlan at 11:54PM on Jan 20th 2007
69. It would be a sad day when the best candidate either party could come up with would be an individual who should be in jail (Whitewater) and has had temper tantrums,due to an unfaithful husband,and destroyed our historical artifacts in the White House. This woman actually feels she can alter our Bill of Rights based on "her interpretation" of what was written rather than just enforcing what the words say. People beware here. Don't vote for the party or because a woman may be a good thing to try, look VERY closely at the person here, especially her past. In all honesty are we really ready to have two of the three highest positions in this country run by women? The simple fact is this country will not elect some-one, male or female, with this level of morals. As a country we need to stop looking at which two choices we have to choose from and pick the lesser of two evils or not vote at all but look for the right person to do the job in the "big seat" that has ties to neither party. An independant could make decisions for the people based on what's right rather than along party lines. Like it or not we are at war. We need a warrior to manage our situation while we are still there and a warrior to gets us out safely. General Powell, where are you? God knows you have served this country more than any-one but quite frankly sir, you aren't done yet.
jim fleming at 12:07AM on Jan 21st 2007
70. Coming from a foreign country, I know America's enemies are cheering for Hillary. Is this what America really wants? Some Americans are cheering for her because she is a woman. Are these people willing to sacrifice the lives of their children for Hillary? Don't they know America is facing great danger? Forgot 911 already? It is not hard to know who would be the right leader for America, just look at whom the enemies like and whom they hate. Wake up Americans!
Kate at 12:24AM on Jan 21st 2007
71. I participate in almost every poll that AOL offers on it's homepage. The outcome of almost all of the polls tend to lean to the left slightly or somewhat srongly. I don't think I have ever seen one lean right except right after 9/11. In any case I have never, not once seen Mrs. Clinton come out on top in any poll / matchup on here not once. And, she polls far far belong what you might expect from the slightly left leaning site.
Jon at 12:21AM on Jan 21st 2007
72. "Al Quada longs for the Clinton years" Since Clinton left office Al Quada has been on the run. No longer can they use whole countries as training grounds. They look forward to the return of the "Black Hawk Down" days where they would attack us and we would run away.
Mike at 12:24AM on Jan 21st 2007
73. Anyone?? Any Lib at all? Can any of you people pledging your support of Hillary Rodham name anything this person has done to merit the highest office in the land? Other than being married to a president or being a woman. Come on now, ANYTHING???
Tony Linder at 12:33AM on Jan 21st 2007
74. Let's agree to agree. What matters its the policies in play and tangible evidence of excellent foreign polioy handling. Whomever is the new president must assure safety with good diplomatic strategies and use the US's positive power, which is not fear based to ensure that there are no more deaths in this world. We need a president that doesnt instill fear but works for unity with the rest of the world. We are powerful but are co-dependent on other countries also. Let's not think about parties but about the policies that are most beneficial to the world and the USA. Thank you !
Marlin at 12:44AM on Jan 21st 2007
75. Hillary is the winner. It's time for a change and time for a woman. She has the knowledge, expertise and the ability to fight the GOP attack dogs. Go Hillary!!!
Perry Cecchini at 12:46AM on Jan 21st 2007