In Defense of Hillary Clinton

So Bill Clinton has coughed up the names of the donors to his presidential library. It's about time, but there don't seem to be any surprises, which isn't surprising. Countries that have been less than passionately interested in promoting democracy and the better the state of the world such as Saudi Arabia are the leading donors. The list reveals that Bill Clinton has behaved exactly as he did as president. He's been running a shakedown operation. In essence, the former president has been, and remains, an influence peddler.

But does this cast a dim light on Hillary as Secretary of State? No, it does not. Undoubtedly, her detractors will seize upon the list to argue that she is preemptively hostage to foreign governments that have donated to the library out of motives other than simply to increase the size of its book holdings. But this doesn't stand up to scrutiny. It assumes that Hillary is simply an appendage of her husband.

But it seems far more likely that this is her moment to outstrip him rather than to cater to his interests. Imagine Hillary accomplishing what Bill could not -- a Middle East peace agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis. As Secretary of State, she will have a host of opportunities to make her mark, to emerge even more fully from the shadow cast by Bill. It's also the case that with Hillary as Secretary of State, Bill will have to practice full disclosure on his financial activities -- something he has been loath to do.

FInally, there is this to ponder. With the financial crisis and the collapse in oil prices, the shady customers that Bill Clinton has relied upon to fund his library may take a second look before they lavish further donations upon him.

Bottom line: Hillary is in the clear.