As an ardent Obama supporter, I am calling on the Senator from New York to stay in the race for as long as she can stand it. Longer even. I think the calls for her withdrawal are deeply troubling, and even hysterical. Anti-democratic even. This is how an election works. And even though this particular one seems to be poorly designed at best, we are in the midst of the process. Voting: A right, may I remind Mr. Leahy, et al -- for which people have fought hard and died.
Let me be clear: I believe that the Clinton campaign has been simply tragic. It is an object lesson in failed promise and panicked, unstable, virulent war-game tactics. It has been marked by shallowness of the first order, and by the relentlessly divisive behavior of a cynical staff. She is fatally compromised in her stature as a credible voice, even perhaps in the senate, and her husband, an ex-president of the United States, is in danger of squandering what is left of his tattered reputation. The utter absence of statesmanship from the Clintons actually is painful to watch. There are lies about being under fire, there are semi-secret conduits to Matt Drudge, there are methods worthy of the Nixon playbook, in terms of sheer cynical zero-sum brinksmanship. There is an endless contempt for Obama's brilliant oratory, his ability to speak to adults like adults, which makes the Clintons suddenly seem like Bushesque boors, frankly. The sneering at his ability to connect reeks of school yard pique. It need not have been this way. There were early signs of a different kind of race, and they evaporated a long time ago. One day, we may live to see such a race. I doubt it.
However, I utterly disagree with those who cynically are calling for her to go quietly into the good night. I think that would be deadly for the fragile unity of the party, a party that should be on the brink of reclaiming control of the White House, and all that goes with it. A huge percentage of Clinton believers would be turned off. I think any Democrat alive knows what it is like to feel disenfranchised after the chaos of the last few elections.
And as any reader of the Huffington Post knows, she has fervent and patriotic supporters. (They will be writing angry letters even before they finish reading these words.) Supporters who still see more of what's good and great about her, who see her brilliance, her stamina, her staggering capacity for survival, as purely admirable, and even vital to whomever is going to be our next chief executive. I do not disagree with the need for a powerhouse in the Oval Office, I just think we need the purging energy of Barack Obama more. Senator Clinton has people who believe in her just as passionately as I believe in Senator Obama. Those supporters deserve to see their nominee fight for as long as she can, as long as she needs to. Well past the point of reasonable hope. That is America. It's in our sports, it's in our business, it's in our blood. And frankly, there is something admirable about the indefatigable Clinton appetite for power. I find it morally vacuous, not to mention shallow as hell when Bill remarks that if you can't take the hits, you shouldn't run. Really, Bill? Did you love your ongoing and disgusting hazing at the hands of right wing zealots so much that you think those tactics are a reasonable litmus test for the presidency, rather than say, oh, profound and inspirational moral force and an utterly unifying presence? Just asking. And as stomach turning as is the new college campus mini-trend of questioning of the Clinton's daughter about Ms. Lewinsky, well, so long as the Clintons are willing to put her out there to play that particular game of tennis, well then, who are we to stop 'em? Go. Go. Go. Go to town.
Maybe there's something purging about it for them. More than anything else, for purely selfish reasons, I do not, for one, think this race should end until William Jefferson Clinton is asked, and exhaustively and comprehensively answers each and every last question pertaining to the unconscionable pardoning of the crooked financier Marc Rich. Because, he too will be in the White House again, powerful, cynical, and hungry. Who knows what favors would be traded in exchange for God only knows what?
No, Hillary should remain in the race. As Frank Rich pointed out last Sunday, she knowingly fabricated the details of her landing in Bosnia, and she did so repeatedly, shamelessly, even after she was entirely revealed as a fabulator worthy of the hoariest backlot Hollywood schlockmeister. So -- Let it go on and on and on and on. The truth, as it did in the case of her trip to the "war zone", will come out. It always does. the last aria has not been sung, and the Valkyrie has yet to exhaust her lungs. And as the race continues to the bitterest end, I hope that Senator Clinton's many supporters are entirely satisfied that she did this to herself. That she exhausted her every chance.
It could have been different. As I have said before, character is fate, and that is what we are witnessing, as her campaign falters. Let it go on until all hope is exhausted. Those of us who look at the Clintons and see the full dimensions of the failure of their promise to America will also feel some sense of loss when she withdraws. She shied away from greatness, so as to hold on to power. Character is fate.
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Was the title in reference to Mark Penn's taking the bow? Was that the sweet sound of largess singing?
I WILL NOT RELENT!!!!!!
Hillary,
For the love of the Democratic Party, our Nation and the World, BOW OUT NOW.
Well it worked. Hillary has convinced the media, Party big wigs and many in the Dem Party that she has every right to continue on until the convention. She has done this essentially by throwing tantrums and playing the victim. Bill has thrown tantrums. So this reaction is just what she wanted. She's got people saying, "ok, let her continue on". I mean it's like giving into a kid. The child screams and hollows and you give him/her what they want so they will shut up. Bad parenting. Bad for the Democratic Party. But she's got the Dems between a rock and hard place. Way to go Hillary. Whatever works!!! Right?
I think you are correct. Unfortunately, many of Senator Clinton's supporters are currently incapable of appreciating what Senator Obama has to offer the Democratic party. Give Senator Clinton every chance and then maybe they will be able to appreciate what he brings to the Democratic party, this Country and all of us.
I think Senator Obama is squandering a potentially brilliant future Presidency--by running at least 8 years before he will be competent to do so.
What a waste.
Character is not fate. If that were true, Bush would not be in the Whitehouse. Next, the littany of her lies are only touched on in your article. Next, it is rare primaries play out this long - is this the only one you have paid attention too? Hillary would do us all a fovor, including herself, by having the courage and honesty to admit defeat. She has been reduced to a LIAR of the lowest kind - and she did that herself by telling LIES daily. Why should the American people have to be subjected to anymore of her LIES than we should have to be subjected to the lies of our criminal in chief? I can't wait for the day that there will be no more presence of the crooked liar in politics, and I'm suprised you would want to tolerate it one more minute. Haven't we had enough?
Hillary, go far, far away. Today would be good. And take Penn with you - your latest LIE. How can one resign and still be on the payroll? Are you kidding? Hillary is nothing but a LIAR.
Hillary is back to demanding that the votes in FL and MI be counted. Write to www.democrats.org and tell them to make public statements to clear up the confusion Hillary is hoping to create.
1) The primaries held in MI and FL are disqualified by previously established DNC rules.
2) The MI and FL state legislatures are responsible for willfully breaking those rules.
3) Hillary and the other candidates pledged not to "campaign or participate" in the disqualified contests.
4) Hillary puiblicly acknowledged that the votes from those contests would not count.
5) Hillary's recent requests to count those votes contradict her actions and statements and are inconsistent with the party's rules: those votes do not count.
A Court recently ruled that the January primary in Michigan was unconstitutional (mainly because voters were told it would not count). Hence, those votes cannot count. This is now a moot point -- I keep wondering why this is not covered more since it effectly leaves Michigan with two options:
a) a caucus, b) a 50/50 split with some sort of loss of delegates for the original rule-breaking.
Since Senator Clinton is so opposed to caucuses (I wonder why?), it is unlikely that there will be a caucus in Michigan. This leaves us with a 50/50 split. What I find so interesting is that the MSM is not discussing the Court ruling or the options that are still available.
By the way, the Michigan legislature (heavy in support of Senator Clinton) recently tabled any idea of a primary revote. This, too, should be covered in the MSM. I don't think anybody in the press is tilted toward any candidate, but they do seem to be "spun" by the "spin" of the campaign of Senator Clinton. It seems to me that all of this should be discussed so that voters in Michigan understand what the options are and exactly who is stopping any of those from occurring.
I sincerely hope that they don't fire Mark Penn. The Obama campaign, that is. I mean, IT HAS to be the case that Penn's firm was hired by Obama's team to undermine her campaign, right? It's simply not possible that he could have dealt her the death blow by secretly campaigning to push ahead NAFTA like deals with a country that MURDERS pro union workers in the thousands as a way of keeping business flowing, while actually TRYING to support her campaign, right? Just as she's been trying to sell all these lies about being anti NAFTA? What would that say about her? What would that say about him? all of this right before the Pennsylvania (heavily union oriented) primary?
So hang in there as long as you can , Mr Penn. Were counting on you.
GO OBAMA!!!!!
the public has made their decision about HRC. She is thought of favorably by a significant number, but in the end, unfairly or not, unfavorably by too many. She knows this, and since losing the 11 states has used a kitchen sink strategy to not attempt to win votes for herself, but damage obama instead. It is this policy, including praising of the republican nominee that has led many of us to wonder whether we should allow one of our own (lieberman anybody?) to damage what is mathematically almost assuredy our nominee. No one would be calling for her to get out of the race if her campaign was simply to tell us why she is well qualified. It is because she is virtually campaigning for the republican nominee. She keeps speaking about disenfranchising Fla and Mich. and all that will really do is convince more of those voters to remember what happenned during their primaries in the general.
As for answwering questions about her honesty by pointing out other politicians dishonesty is what the republicans have been doing for years. Don't we need better than that from our own? As for people questioning chelsea (or any of the clinton's) about Lewinsky, i find the whole matter disgraceful, it is a private family matter to which the public has no right to know. Whoever they are, shame on them for being a part of all that is wrong with our political system.
Hillary is an eternal victim. She and her followers will never admit that she did anything wrong. They will never acknowledge that her failure as a candidate is because she is a bad manager who puts loyalty over competency, lacks the qualifications she claims, is fundamentally dishonest, prefers calculation over sincerity, lacks sound judgment, and is incapable of inspiring and leading.
When she is finished blaiming the media, the Democratic candidates, the Republican candidates, the vast right wing conspriacy, Bill, and all the evil men, she and her followers will ulitmately blame their defeat on sexism. They will ignore the fact that HIllary's gender was not a factor for the vast majority of those who opposed her. Hillary is being defeated because MANY Americans have looked closely and listened and are rejecting her on her "merits." Being Mrs. Bill Clinton isn't enough, and may be too much in the final analysis.
"Tra..La..La..La..La..La..La..La...." ....the fat lady is warming up, folks.
But, Hillary isn't trying to win anything. She's trying to STEAL it. Hysterical and anti-Democratic? How come the author doesn't characterize Clinton hacks demanding to ignore the delegate vote and just pay attention to a popular vote as hysterical and anti-democratic? Clinton's even suggesting that delegates in states Obama has already won abandon him and the will of the voters who selected him. That's why I want her gone. Clinton has made it clear that if she doesn't get in the White House, the GOP will. That's extortion. Calls for her withdrawal from the race are attempts to preserve democracy, not circumvent it.
It's time for Clinton supporters to decide if they support Clinton or if they support the Democratic Party.
I completely agree. It is kinda sad watching Hillary self-destruct-- but it is great that everyone is getting to see who she REALLY is, so they will be completely clear that Obama is the best person for the job this time. NO DOUBTS will be the most uniting factor.
We need a "powerhouse" in the White House?
Oh, do we now?
So, Hillary has to gain a lot of weight huh? Oh what a long long opera this is.
Your blogs are so damn refreshing. Cheers, bro!
"...restoring abundance amid an economic shortfall, securing peace in a time
of global conflict, sustaining hope in this winter of anxiety and fear. More than any time in
recent history, America's destiny is not of our own choosing. We did not seek nor did we provoke an
assault on our freedom and our way of life. We did not expect nor did we invite a confrontation
with evil. Yet the true measure of a people's strength is how they rise to master that moment when
it does arrive...every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and
we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless. this is a time for American heroes. We will
do what is hard. We will achieve what is great. This is a time for American heroes and we reach for
the stars."
-Pres. Bartlett. The West Wing
Did he just call Hillary Clinton fat? SEXIST!!!!!!!!
For Christs sake, I've heard her sing before, and if theres some way we could get her to buzz off before it comes to THAT, it would better for everyone involved.
Jon, I think you're onto something here,even the staunchest Hillary supporters have to be getting tired of watching her sink to new lows on an almost daily basis. I work with several middle-aged ladies who used to love talking policy with me as we tried to convince each other our preferred candidate was superior. (I supported Edwards, then got behind Obama when John pulled out) After Hill's McCain endorsment the conversations got less frequent , neither has engaged me politically since Snipergate. I fell bad for them to tell you the truth.
Agreed that this is good for the party, ultimately, since it will be better to fight it out, and earn the Clinton supporters, instead of stealing them, as Clinton wants to steal delegates. I followed a similar path, except it was my wife, instead of coworkers for me. I too followed Edwards until he had to drop out due to being the wrong demographic (who would have thought). Obama won me over easily, as I hear he did many Edwards supporters.
I find it ironic that the party may actually come out stronger, in spite of the GOP promoting a heated debate to the finish. They never expected that it would overshadow their candidate's trip down war memory lane.
There are a lot of ABC's out there, myself included. (anyone but Clinton) But the subject matter came up at a recent family gathering, and the other side was basically ABO. (anyone but Obama) Since we're completely out of the decision loop, and it wasn't worth polarizing the family about, I suggested that they fight it out to the convention, where after further polarization and heated un-civility, both sides accept Al Gore as a compromise peace candidate. In my family, 3 support Hillary, I support Obama. We all agree Gore would be best. They are not strong Hillary supporters, but they really don't want Obama as president.
I agree with this author, and also I think we have to adopt the idea that a spouse of a former president should not be president, because of the term limit idea of the 22nd amendment of the constitution. In fact, all family members, like sons, daughters, sisters and brothers should have a 20 year restriction on being the president. The political nepotism of the Bush-Clinton families have sorely hurt this nation. We must move on.
stamina? pigheadedness more like
an embarrassment to american politics and politicians in general.
we know they all lie, but to be busted in such spectacular fashion while on a presidential campaign and not to feel any shame whatsoever, absolutely incredible
I agree with Jon,
Hillary needs to contine this fight, she needs to do everything legally possible to win this race for the white house. Not Hillary or Bill can concede until they are absolutely sure they have no chance of winning.
Both Hillary and Bills integrity have both come into question during this campaign, I am sorry to say. I am not a Clinton hater. But I do fear that if Obama gets this nomination and then wins the presidency Hillary will be back in 2012 to run against a seated democratic president.
who said Obama is Ghandi? maybe read and comprehend before you type?
My sentiments exactly. Thank you.
Great, insightful piece!!!
The women in this country deserve the first woman candidate to be someone of high integrity that will fill the pages of history as someone worthy of study and emulation for all women for many genrations top come. That candidate is NOT Hillary Clinton!
Yes , let the race go on. Obama needs to build a powerful campaign organization in the coming 10 states and there is no better battleground. She will be out organized and beaten by every single measure by the time it is all over.
She will lose her superdelegate edge now at 30 by April 22. Greater and more intense demoralization is setting in her camp. The latest comments by Corzine ( I reserve the right to switch) and Cleaver ( Obama will be President) are just the beginning. It is a campaign that will serve as a teacher by negative example.
During these times---our economy in ruin; a war in the land of oil----we need someone with the experience and moxy of Hillary Clinton.
Obama---if he were an economist, or some brilliant, and successful business person, then he should be considered. But he is not. He is a puppy in comparison to Hillary.
Wake up. How in God's name could Obama cure the woes our country faces today?
Vice President----not President Obama.
Your exactly right Maureen, the world is in a mess and solutions to problems will NOT be easy. Do you really trust Hillary? if you can, by all means vote for her. I voted and supported Bill with extreme passion, and felt joy early-on at the possibility of Hillary replacing Bush, and reclaiming our country. So Maureen, support your candidate, but after this primary Democrats need to unite for good of the country.
Hillary is just one more of the same politicians we've been putting in power for the last fifty years. She brings nothing new to the table. The old is obviously not working, maybe it's time we tried something new. Obama brings ideas. Right now, I value ideas over experience.
Obama is just a shady politician from Chicago, this is what his people did in Texas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIJVLxhmbXw
This is Obama at his best...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xtNr5-up0U
Sorry I can never support him or his minions.
MaureenSharkey: Hillary's experience is a long line of corruption. Whitegate; Vincent Foster; Rose Law Firm; Billy Dale to name a few things that quickly come to mind. Peter Paul fund raising FEC fraud or non-disclosure is another example of her experience. Interesting is how the press refuses to report on Peter Paul versus William Thomas Jefferson trial scheduled to start in Los Angeles court on 4/25/08. Especially due to the fact that it has a lot to do with her own lack of integrity in financial dealings.
The other bothersome thing about Hillary's experience is her yes vote to the Iraq war and her yes vote to the Iran Resolution; her constant lies or mis-remembering what she said yesterday and what she says today. I truly can not have a president who says Iran is "make-up" "fantasize" and a non-issue. How dare she dismiss citizens as if she were Queen Bee.
Her health INSURANCE discriminates and anti-freedom of choice with the mandatory and government penalty clause. Her experience is she could not garner support for her secretive plan in 8 years worth of trying. Could go on. Basically experience~hers and mine~tell me she is not presidential material. Not at all.
God don't like ugly!!
I have read a comparison of the legislative enterprises of both Hillary and Obama, he in the Illinois Senate as well as the US Senate. He has actually produced more legislation of greater substance. Check the facts.
Clinton supporters like to tout her so-called experience which if researched is as insubstantial as the bullets she dodged in Bosnia.
Obama is ridiculed for his "rhetorical" skills but Hillary is a skilled rhetorician too, of the order that gave the word rhetoric a bad conotation.
Cicero wrote that the best orator is one who speech embodies the best values and traditions of his society. Obama represents the best ideas and principles in American culture. As for Hillary, she fits the modern meaning of a sophist: one who uses confusing illogical arguments for the purpose of decieving others.
I feel sorry for the Clinton campaign too. Voters haven't been interested in her achievements (like legislation she wrote and crossed party lines to get passed), her toughness (which we need for a president), or her policies, e.g. what economists have said in print is her more progressive, more far-reaching economic plan (versus Obama's plan, which has been described as "weaker" and "vague").
Nope, the kinds of things that Americans respond to are MTV-style video clips, dirt, and gossip.
As for Obama not engaging in dirty politics, not lying, look a little deeper: (for example, from "New York" magazine)
For all its rhetoric about practicing a new, more virtuous brand of politics, the Obama campaign has been going after Clinton hammer and tongs. Rarely a day passes without his people dubbing her a liar and a fraud. (Although when it comes to Snipergate, it"s hard to blame them.) They have accused Bill Clinton of McCarthyism and invoked the infamous blue dress on which he left his, er, DNA"the latter coming on a blog post arguing that he actually makes McCarthy look benign. Indeed, it sometimes seems as if the Obamans are actively trying to cede the moral high ground.
Posted March 31, 2008 | 11:20 PM (EST)