Carl Bernstein: Hillary Will Continue Bush's Legacy of Secrecy

The following piece is part of an ongoing series of OffTheBus reports by citizen policy experts critiquing different aspects of Campaign 08.

"Hillary's fear of humiliation, her fear of secrets being revealed, absolutely permeates her life," Carl Bernstein told a packed auditorium at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA., earlier this week.

Bernstein is the Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter on Watergate, and author of a new book on Hillary, A Woman in Charge. His appearance in Yorba Linda was a historic moment of sorts, as he himself noted: if he had said in 1999, when he started doing research on Hillary, "that I would be invited to speak at the Nixon Library, and that I'd be talking about Hillary as possibly the next president of the United States, I'd be accused of smoking something - and inhaling."

The event marked the transformation of the Nixon Library from a private institution run by Nixon loyalists to a public one run by the National Archives, under the direction of historian Tim Naftali. Bernstein spoke to a full house - 300 people - including many students from nearby colleges getting extra credit for showing up.

Hillary's life with Bill, Bernstein said, was one of "remarkable sacrifices and embarrassments," because "she undertook the job of containing and covering up the effects of his sexual compulsions."

At lunch before his talk, Bernstein emphasized Hillary's continuing obsession with secrecy. He told me he did not think Hillary would repeal Bush's Executive Order on Classification, the most restrictive ever, which has outraged advocates of freedom of information in Congress and the media. Bush's order gives the president or any former president the right to withhold the former president's papers from the public. At the time it was issued - shortly after 9-11 - it seemed intended to conceal from the public information about the presidency of Bush senior, many of whose staffers held high positions in the White House of Bush junior.

But the Bush executive order on classification would have a special appeal for Hillary as president, Bernstein said. "Do you think she wants to open the papers of Bill's presidency, which include all the material on her role?" Asked about the legislation introduced by Congressman Henry Waxman to repeal Bush's classification order, Bernstein was skeptical it would pass in the next congress: "Do you thing Democrats in Congress would demand repeal in the face of Hillary's opposition?"

"Nixon's history is settled," Bernstein told the audience at the Nixon Library. "What is not yet settled is the history of the Clintons--their use and abuse of power." That's important because, if Hillary wins, "we're talking about a restoration."

Her obsession with humiliation and secrecy can be traced back to her "hellish childhood," Bernstein said, in a family where her father "verbally humiliated and abused her mother." The question asked by people at the time, according to Bernstein, was "why did her mother stay with this man?" He couldn't help noting that the same question would be asked about her.

While Hillary's concern with secrecy remains a constant today, Bernstein said, she has changed in other ways since her days as First Lady. In the White House she had "a take-no-prisoner combativeness, an anger that was consuming." It had disastrous effects: the 1994 victory of New Gingrich and the Republicans, which transferred control of the House away from the Democrats for the first time since the New Deal, he said, "was a result of the failures of Hillary Clinton."

But in the Senate "she became self-confident in a way she had never been since she met Bill." Her old combativeness "is gone." As for the senators who voted to convict her husband in his impeachment trial, Bernstein said, "she joined their prayer group."

Finally, does Carl Bernstein think Hillary going to win the presidency? He replied, "The night the Supreme Court voted to make Bush president, I said on TV I thought he would be a compassionate conservative, reach out to Democrats, and govern from the center. So don't turn to me for predictions about politics."

Read more OffTheBus coverage here.

Comments

[pahpah25]

bernstein is another gas-bag desparately trying to be relevant.

[Pete Ross]

Hillary experienced the equivalent of a political proctoscopy during the witch hunt the right wing "religious values" hypocrites did on Bill Clinton.

What "secrets" does Bernstein think are left?

There aren't any. All Bernstein's nebulous allegations accomplish is a dishonest method to sell his book.

What Bernstein is doing is churning his own personal money machine - period, and any hypothesis he might have at this time is pure conjecture based on nothing and designed to titillate those who represent the readership of tabloids like the National Inquirer.

The millions of dollars spent on the Republican witch hunt found nothing, and Bill made an egregious error in responding to questions about his sexual escapades. So he did what almost every man would do and tried to hide what should have remained only his and Hillary's own business - Bill's old sexual relationships. Of course Bill's sexual proclivities remain more important and more devastating to the country in the minds of the "conservative" mental midgets than Bush's continual stream of lies and deceptions that led us to war, but Hillary was not to blame for any of that anyway. But, still, they hate her!

She has been a pretty good Senator, representing her constituency well and gaining their support - even among the "conservatives" in her district, but still, the rest of the mindless "conservatives" in the country hate her.

Well, too bad for them. She will probably be elected, and she is indeed more intelligent than any of the other candidates and more experienced due to her experience and superb job in the Senate.

[rh654]

Um - anyone who takes power from either side will take advantage of the all of the sweeping changes that Bush has put in place - it would take someone of monumental character to say - No, I will not let my Presidency benefit from the stuff that Bush put in - and there isn't anyone from either side except may be Paul who would do that.

The funny thing is that the Republicans and Neocons who 100% support the Bush secrecy changes - will be hollowing made if Hillary wins and she uses the Bush tactics to force issues.

I will be voting for a Democrat for the first time in 2008 just because of the disaster of Bush and to watch the Neocons go ballistic when Hillary turns the tables of the Bush policies against them.

[gonnuts]

Don't bet on Hillary being POTUS.

One has to remember that we don't have legitimate elections. Everything that rove put into place is still there and more.

My spin is that it will be Gouliani as our next POTUS. All we need is another "false flag" attack and/or a bombing of Iran and we'll have the cross-dressing fascist thug beating the unelectable Hillary.

It should be obvious that our elections are a sham. When only millionaires are placed in positions of power, only the billionaires that propel them there will be represented. We the people aren't even an after-thought. We're consumers and cannon fodder.

But it really doesn't matter who wins (unless of course by some miracle Kucinich wins - but then he'd be assassinated) this country in finished. We're infinitely closer to reassembling Nazi Germany than anything the Founding Fathers envisioned.

[BushSunkOurShip]

**********­**********­******
Carl Bernstein is to publish a hard-hitting portrait of Hillary, which reveal discrepancies in her official story.
**********­**********­******

Sounds to me like Bernstein is a Rove's hit man for the republicans. Democrats might not like Hillary, but I be d... if she isn't on top or any list of republican candidates. Democrats are bitching about of democratic candidates, well first you should get rid of the real criminals; the republicans, then work on the democrats of your choice.
A lot of the posts from so called democrats, sound like republican BS , hate and propaganda.....

[mediamarv]

I agree.
How can he possibly know what she will do over a year from now???
Bernstein has some strange agenda these days. Maybe he's worried that he won't be considered a DC insider, and thus not invited to bloviate on the hot air shows.

[ElkoJohn]

yes, Hillary & Bill would be the lesser of the evils, but we'll never rid the Dems of the DLC.

[ProudPrimate]

How dare Bernstein put both sides under equal scrutiny? I thought he was on our side against Nixon! Turncoat!

[repubesnivel]

Eighty-one percent (81%) of Democrats say that Clinton is at least somewhat likely to win the White House if nominated by her party. That's up from 75% a month ago and the current total includes an astounding 50% of Democrats who believe she is Very Likely to win it all if nominated. No other candidate—­Republican or Democrat—comes close to that figure. A month ago, 41% of Democrats thought Clinton was Very Likely to win.http://news.yahoo.com/s/rasmussen/20071019/pl_rasmussen/demelectability20071019;_ylt=Ag28pG3nz5Y0nWKJI1tstGOs0NUE

[researcher]

In a republic the politicians are a reflection of the majority of the voters. It is not about changing politicians it is about changing the consciousness of we Americans.

Until we Americans figure this out we will continue to blame politicians.

No turning back we are heading for a dictator and fascism. Part of the growing pains we Americans have to endure for our ignorance.

But we will learn and in time overthrow the dictator and fascism with a constitution that reflects the 21 century not the 18th century. This new constitution will be more of a democracy than a republic. Today most Americans don’t understand the difference. We are a young nation and we act like naïve and selfish teenagers with a heavy dose of arrogance.

We have met the enemy and it is us. Pogo must have been an American.

[DickTater]

I agree wholeheartedly. There is no white knight (or lady) who is going to ride in on a shining charger and get rid of the cynicism, the greed, the powerhunger, the backdoor meetings.

It is only US. The people, who are going to change that. And as long as we have shows like Ugly Betty, Big Shots, Dirty Sexy Money (may the best millionaire win), and Desperate Housewives that constantly portray (and glorify) greedy, corrupt, ruthless and conscienceless behavior....we have no shot.

I have come to the opinion that term-limits for our Senators and Congresspeople are one very powerful measure. There is no sensible argument FOR unlimited terms. Most of what you hear FOR unlimited terms is purely Pro-Business, Pro-Power Entrenching...a far cry from being Pro People.

Hillary would no longer be on the national stage if she didn't have multiple long-terms as a Senator to have cozily rode out her years away from the White House. The Encumbent Divide is killing us. Greedy bastards, proven to rip-off the public, use their money and prestige and Juice to keep themselves nicely situated right where they are...sometimes for the rest of their lives. Even long after their own constituencies want them gone. See, that is one of the favorite arguments of Anti-Term Limits folks. They say, "Why should a constituency give up a powerful, proven representative who has garnered power and seniority...?" Well, number one reason...they use that power and seniority and Juice to make sure they don't have to be accountable to their constituency, and to make sure no-one else comes within pissing distance of winning their seat. Including the choice of the people.

BTW, how did Hillary become responsible for the rise of Newt Gingrich and the house takeover of 94? I agree HillBill made huge errors, but that accusation goes right past me....

[Tshober]

There is some truth to your observation that our pols tend to be a reflection of us but I believe that reflection has been distorted considerably by the corruption of big money power interests. Sadly, I think you may be correct in your prediction about our coming fascism though. Hopefully we will survive it and learn from it.

[StillAmused]

So, uh, Bernstein "thought [Bush] would be a compassionate conservative, reach out to Democrats, and govern from the center"?

Deal-killer!

With that level of insight, why is anyone paying attention to his opinion of Clinton?

He sounds like the rest of the "experts without portfolio" who "know" all this spooky stuff about what Clinton 'believes', the demons she harbors, who she's 'conspiring' with and all the terrible abuses she's guaranteed to commit as President...

... and, of course, all that personal tsoris caused her by Bill -- again, 'cause they "know". Or desperately wish they did.

[BushSunkOurShip]

You have the republicans attacking Hillary already. Of course Bernstein sounds like an a.. h.... You have republicans preparing already to attack whom they think will win the democratic party's nomination.
I just hope democrats have enough brains not to fall for the same BS that the republican party just keeps spitting out.
They have nothing to brag about, so as usual they start ramping and raging their lies , deceit, propaganda and same old BS. I use to disagree with so of the policies, but respect a like of their morals, but of the last 12 plus years they have lost their soul and are as deceitful and corrupted as on can be.
Anyone voting for them needs a brain transplant.

[joselopez]

No kidding. It is obvious since she said she 'WOULD CONSIDER" relinquishing some presidential powers, and when a clinton says one thing expect the opposite.

IF DEMS GIVE HER THE NOMINATION, THEY WILL REGRET IT JUST AS MUCH AS THEY I ASSUME REGRET VOTING FOR NADER IN 2000.

[Tshober]

Yeah. Everyone knows Hillary is always lying and will do the exact opposite of what she says she will do. Unless she says she will do something I disagree with, in which case, she is telling the truth and needs to be denounced for it. I mean how can you not understand that? It has to be true because Rush said so.

[whamtwo]

Carl, Just the facts - not interested in opinions about what some one may do in the future.

[leftLibertarian]

Hillary Clinton. WAR MONGER, beholden to Israel, America's 51st state and the only state which doesn't pay income taxes.

[jbcowan]

The essence of your ignorance is staggering !

[smartstuart]

Bernstein's opinions are like you-know-what ....everyone has one!!! He NEVER substantiates even ONE of them with facts. This kind of reportage only diminishes his former "stardom" of the good old Watergate days!!! hE'S ALREADY cashed in handsomely by bashing Hillary in the past, so I guess this kind of blog belongs on the "Hate Hillary Huffpo page!

[leftLibertarian]

There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton wants to be Queen of America like Bush is King of America.

The reason that Clinton does not want the impeachment of Bush for his crimes is because she wants to commit the same crimes and more.

The non-impeachment of Bush for his crimes sets a precedent which Clinton will exploit to commit even more crimes against liberty.

Just wait....

[FirstShirt]

Bingo...politics as usual with the people being left out. signed: a rightLibertarian.

[BGonia]

It seems to me that over the past 2 years the right-wing pundits on tv have been promoting Hillary to the hilt. They constantly pronounce that Hillary is the absolute hands-down best "Democrat" politician running. They ignore every other candidate. I could not figure out why this is--either (1) Hillary is their favorite nominee because they stand a chance to win against her OR (2)they actually want her to win because she won't upset their apple cart--she's "conservative" enough for them and in-hock to Big Business etc. Am I the only one to notice this--- are the Republican talking heads actually pro-Hillary?

[dcazal01]

Did you read limbaugh flawless campaign? It seems you did not.

[olivia]

1. yes
2. yes

And the neocons crowned Hillary the nominee years ago.

Let's disappoint them.

[partyofone]

Duh, Carl Berstein. Hillary will continue Bush's legacy of secrecy, the imperial presidency at the expense of the Constitution, the corporate profiteering status quo, and war mongering in the Middle East. This is why increasing numbers of citizens are alarmed by the prospect of Bush-Clint­on-Bush-Cl­inton. Hillary next, then Jeb. We need change!

[otispfudpucker]

Yes Party we desperately need change. Even people overseas in other countries can't understand why America doesn't want some one new for President. They also wonder why we want to continue with these two dynasties running our country.

If Hillary gets the nomination instead of any of the other candidates, I shall vote Republican or for an Independent on the ballot, I will not vote for Hillary.

Our country is at a turning point and this election is extremely important. Corporate America wants to continue with the status quo that it has recieved for the past 20 years with Bush, Clinton and Bush. The MSM and all the powers that are out in force right now are already trying to make everyone believe that Hillary is so far ahead in the polls and spewing that she can beat any Republican and so on and so on.It is a very, very powerful money machine and people do not realize the devastating results to this country as well as the world if she is elected.

You think Bush is evil and bad, just wait and see. I can also almost predict the same crew that worked for Bush rigging elections and voting machines are now financing her and a flawed election will happen to benefit her.

I am not a troll or Republican, I am an Independent but lean Dem, I also voted for Bill twice. But enough is enough, our country is on the path of destruction because of these two families and Corporate America.

If she wins I shall leave the country to live in Latin America until this mess is cleaned up and the country I was born and raised in returns to what I knew it to be.
Otis P.

[Tshober]

"If she wins I shall leave the country to live in Latin America until this mess is cleaned up"

Buh bye!

[ricchase]

The fact that Hillary is a woman is not as relevant as electing a candidate with TRUE morals, American principles, personal integrity and the health and welfare of the United States and all of our people, first and foremost!!!!!!!!!

Put up a candidate with these qualities and it wont matter if they are Black, white, brown or purple. Man, woman or some similarity thereof. Providing of course the American people recognize what they would be fortunate enough to have and act on it en mass. This of course is always the deal breaker- Selfishness and ballot box stupidity.