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 1 of 32)
1. I think you are DEAD WRONG!!!! Voters have been craving the days of the Clinton ERA. Regaurdless who is sitting in the chair it is the philosophies that matter. I would do almost ANYTHING to get the Clinton's back in the White House. Whatever that looks like. Bill/Hillary--Hillary/Bill.
Kathy at 4:44PM on Jan 20th 2007
2. Give it up Mrs. Clinton. You are an ego maniac that will do/say anything to serve that ego. You are neither qualified or of a tempermant that the job of President requires (neither is G W Bush for that matter). Bush is very very stubborn and not a good pres. , but your Bill was a "Player" while you failed as a wife/mother and supporter for furthering your own interests. Go away!
Larry at 5:01PM on Jan 20th 2007
3. I think it is about time a woman ran this contry, the men can't muti-task. They sit down too much on their ***, and who is usally left working or covering up their mistakes are the woman! Go Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!
marge at 5:01PM on Jan 20th 2007
4. I can't help but think that if Hillary wins we'll be getting two presidents for the price of one. I can't imagine Hillary not asking for Bill's feedback, nor can I imagine him not giving it to her. They have been and remain a team -- lloking out for each others interests. Having said that, I don't hink it's a bad idea at all. I hope she wins.
Andy Vladimir at 5:30PM on Jan 20th 2007
5. I'm more of a centrist, independent, willing to vote for the best candidate running, regardless of party. It's early, but I think Hillary, if she works on her image, and keeps her agenda toward the popular middle, can become President. I don't think the republican base, especially after Iraq, is big enough by itself to deny her the election.
The key for her is to get in touch with American needs and wants, and to come up with solutions which gain more support than they cost. Bigger government dreams just aren't practical now because of the debt. She'll need some good economic advisers.
Rudy Giuliani went from "who?" to hero overnight. Public perceptions can change. She'll need to do things different to be successful, but it is possible.
Steve B at 6:01PM on Jan 20th 2007
6. I would like to see a more positively anti Iraq war person than Hilary seems to be as president, but other than this, Hilary is fine. But in the long run I'm just hoping for someone who will take the presidency away from the Republicans. Just about any Democrat would do for me!
Charles Perrine at 6:04PM on Jan 20th 2007
7. If this country elected bush twice, then there is still too many ignorant people in this country. I think it is impossible for Hillary to win.
melany at 6:12PM on Jan 20th 2007
8. This could also, be an great opportunity for Democrats to hold the white house for the next 16 years if handled correctly. Look at it this way Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton... Do you see were this can go? President/V.P.
That is getting way ahead of myself, is it not!Just a comment.
Demetrius Robinson at 6:55PM on Jan 20th 2007
9. Today is a great day for americans. Today is a day that we can see a women running for president, an african american running for president and a mexican american running right along the side of them. You go Hillary! The men that have a problem with Hillary are afraid of strong women. The voters that have a problem with Obama need to get out of the dark ages that think slavary was right. The country needs a new outlook and a fresh face.
Lori at 7:06PM on Jan 20th 2007
10. Hillary is as qualified as any individual to be elected. In these great states, a power hungry, ego driven, rich individual has the best chance to win. I believe she posesses all of these characteristics, which will serve her well in sticking to her guns. With the experience she has in The White House and world theater, she already has an edge. We have a chance, as Americans, to make a change. Electing Hillary would be the first step in hopefully a long list of changes for the good of the country.
Tonya at 7:06PM on Jan 20th 2007
11. I think you are right on! There will never be another Clinton or Bush in the White House. Clinton was a disgrace, Bush can't get it wright in Iraq. The next president will be John McCain.
Bill Hopper at 7:06PM on Jan 20th 2007
12. Hillary/Obama or Obama/Hillary
I'll vote it either way!
Lori at 7:09PM on Jan 20th 2007
13. I think Hillary stands a good chance at the presidency. Infact, once again, America has the opportunity to elect someone who represence main stream America. I Believe it matters that she is a woman, and that she has deep and real connections to the viable era of the last Democratic presidency. Go Clinton! I Commend your courage. Despitewhat some may say, America truly loves you.
Alvin Benjamin at 7:12PM on Jan 20th 2007
14. I think it is time for a woman to be president. I think Hillary would be an excellent choice for President. There is too much greed and ego playing for men when they are in power. I think a woman would be better at running the country than a man. After seeing all she has accomplished as Senator she certainly has my vote. Go Hillary, show America that you can win this one.
Randy McFall at 7:22PM on Jan 20th 2007
15. There is absolutely no way this country will run to vote a Republican simply because Hillary Clinton may be the Democratic choice! My God, have you paid any attention to the downward spiral this nation has been forced down since GW has been our "leader"? She could very well win the whole thing and those who think that would be the worst thing possible have had their heads in the sand for the past 2 terms. We all can benefit from a Hillary win. Thanks for having the courage, Hillary!
Cathy Strum at 7:24PM on Jan 20th 2007