Hillary Strategy on Today Show: Praise Troops, Bash Bush

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

In a just-completed interview on The Today Show, Hillary Clinton, back from her trip to Iraq and Afghanistan, hewed to a very clear strategy: praise the troops while bashing President Bush.

Clinton was aided and abetted by her chief media sycophant, Katie Couric. Try to imagine what an appropriate opening question would have been. Perhaps the neutral "how would you describe the situation in Iraq?" Or if someone wanted to be friendly to the Bush administration, "is there good news in Iraq that is going unreported?"

Instead, Couric helpfully put the worst spin on things, asking "How bad is it in Iraq?"

By the way, it should be mentioned that Hillary was theoretically joined in the interview by Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, who had also accompanied her abroad. But the most unprepossessing Reed had clearly been carefully chosen for the trip as someone who would not possibly upstage Hillary, and went largely ignored in the interview.

Sticking to her "up with the troops, down with Bush" strategy, Hillary opened by enthusing that "the military is doing a terrific job."

But then, Hillary solemnly opined that we "don't have enough of the right mix of troops" in Iraq. Obviously those years of carefully choosing the right troops to serve hors d'oeuvres at White House receptions has made her quite the expert. "It's clear we need more MPs, intelligence and civil affairs troops."

"What we're doing now is not an effective strategy. We need to get the UN involved."

Then it was back to smarmy troop-praising: "I can't say enough positively about what our military is doing on the ground."

Reed was then permitted a brief word edgewise, Couric inquiring about "how US soldiers are holding up, since November was the bloodiest month since "so-called" major operations were declared over in May?"

Reed stated that morale is good, particularly since soldiers know when they're going home. But the next wave of troops won't have replacements lined up, and that will be a problem.

Hillary's plan for Iraq? "Short term, we have to move an quickly as possible to internationalize with a new UN mandate. We need 'the legitimacy of the UN' to move forward."

Couric: "Will the Bush administration be receptive?"

Clinton: "They have to be." And gosh knows you don't want to disobey Nurse Cratched!

Regarding W's surprise visit to Iraq, Couric observed that it "has been getting mixed views. Some have praised it as a huge morale boost. Others called it a big photo op." Of course Couric never asked Clinton if her own trip was a photo op.

Clinton: "I think (the President's trip) was both. I applaud the President. It sends a message of support. But on other hand it isn't a substitute for a plan to increase security or to eventually create more independence for Iraqis."

Next it was time to bash the exit strategy. Again, Couric could have asked a neutral question, asking Hillary to assess our exit strategy. Instead, she served a softball with a negative slant.

Couric: "Is our exit strategy being crafted to get us out quickly at the risk of not creating a true democracy?"

Hillary, in one of her biggest shots at the President, flatly stated: "our exit strategy is being crafted by political considerations rather than by what is good for Iraq."

By the way, not only did Hillary did 90% of the talking, even when the hapless Reed got in a few words Clinton did her famous head nod, visually distracting attention from her sad sack Sancho Panza.

Hillary also insisted on talking about Afghanistan. Her take: Karzai administration doing a good job trying to bring country together, but we need to improve security, secure borders and get NATO more involved.

[SquirrelKing]

Good stuff. Please add me to your list!

[MissAmericanPie]

Are you the author of this article? If so you have a gift I hope you are not wasting.

"But then, Hillary solemnly opined that we "don't have enough of the right mix of troops" in Iraq. Obviously those years of carefully choosing the right troops to serve hors d'oeuvres at White House receptions has made her quite the expert. "It's clear we need more MPs, intelligence and civil affairs troops."

"What we're doing now is not an effective strategy. We need to get the UN involved."

This section, right here, really gets the stomach acids moving first thing in the morning. This is very good word smithing. I'm sitting here in the CTZ willing the hands on the clock to move so I can call my Senator in D.C. and ask for charges of sedition to be brought against this besotted caricature of Pinochio (sp?).

Sorry, but for some reason, Bill, Hill, and Gore have always reminded me of wooden dummies. I guess it's because in the case of all three, their inadequate attempts at presenting to the public the impression of decent human beings has always seemed so very exaggerated and unnatural.

[Toespi]

This is intriguing. Hillary has something up her sleeve and I don't think it is all about running for President. In watching this witch perform for many years now, it seems that every time she goes on the attack it is to deflect attention from breaking news about her or Bill. I think she knows there is going to be a campaing finance scandal around the bend and she can say that they are investigating her only because she has been so anti-Bush. We'll see.

[McGruff]

You and Laura Ingraham must be on the same wave length.

She is going over the same topic just as if she was reading your comments.

Or is that really you?

[Rummyfan]

"I can't say enough positively about what our military is doing on the ground."

The Smartest Woman in the World, you know, has a real hard time with her English, you know.

[Angelwood]

Another potential campaign sign to use when Hillary comes to the rescue of the Democrat Party.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Hold on, let me check. Yup, I can definitively state that I am not Laura Ingraham!

By the way, where was Laura making her comments? Could she be a FR lurker?

[Rummyfan]

Couric: "Is our exit strategy being crafted to get us out quickly at the risk of not creating a true democracy?"

Exit strategy again? The exit strategy is to win, and establish a new government in Iraq. Why is there not this obsession with an exit strategy for Kosovo, where our tropps were supposed to stay for six months, seven years ago? Katie can go to he** as far as I'm concerned!

And as far as Hillary Clinton's views on any military situation are concerned, they are about as useful and pertinent as teets on a bull!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I noticed that Hillary was standing at an angle, this made her appear slimmer, even with the black pantsuit.

The head-nod thing is OVERLY distracting, I tell ya! I think she does that when she disagrees with someone, but wants you to think that she does care.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

The head-nod thing is overly distracting.

I'd say that is precisely her goal. Even when poor old Jack Reed is permitted to utter a few brief syllables, Hillary ensures that attention focuses on her.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Look for this to be the liberal/Democrat strategy and talking point in the months to come. Praise troops/bash Bush policy. Praise troops/bash Bush policy. Help the troops by 'bringing them home.' Yadayadayada.

Now let's strategerize ourselves on some potent counter arguments...commit these to memory, and fire these salvoes at them, early and often, each and every time they open their sorry mouths with this kind of anti-American argument.

[McGruff]

Laura was discussing this topic on her talk radio show this morning on KRLA around 9:15 AM EST.

She had audio clips from Today's Today Show.

[Eastbound]

Good point! The old 'Wag The Turkey' ploy, for sure.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

We are a military (reserve) family. Do not for one minute believe that our troops buy into Hillary, like her, or respect her. At best, they tolerate her.

Sure, there are a few misguided ones everywhere, but ask just about anyone who endured the cutbacks, the broken aircraft, the lack of equipment, parts and fuel, the downsizing of the force, and the social experiment that the Clintons inflicted upon the military during the 1990s and they will emphatically tell you why you should never vote for either of them for anything ever again.

They are evil...pure evil, and that is being kind.

Notice the pure elation from the crowd as President Bush surprised the troops on Thanksgiving? Then take notice of the small camera shots of Hillary gnawing on her turkey, and how few of our troops are actually around her. Half of them are senior officers responsible for Hillary getting back on her broom. Notice too, the serious, sometimes flat expressions on the unfortunate few who were Crazy Glued to Hillary's photo-ops? No one is ever waiting in line to shake her hand. Most know she is rotten to the core.

That said, I have felt for a long time that those serving in the US military ought to be allowed to cast two ballots for their Commander in Chief. After all, they are the extension of the President who ensure domestic tranquility, who provide for the common defense, and secure the blessings of our liberty.

Then again, getting their votes (voices) to count at all needs to come first...

[1Old Pro]

If our military were not so gracious she would have been boo'd out of Bagdad. Sheesh, I didn't see even one soldier seem pleased by her visit.

[tallhappy]

What we're doing now is not an effective strategy

That is the sound bite they are using. That is meant to be Clinton and the media's take-home message.

I don't watch these shows, but this morning I saw the opening promo for the Today show. It showed a Hillary in Iraq montage and then voiced over "what did she find out?" (or something to that effect).

Cut to Hillary staring point blank in to the camera saying rather derisively:
What we're doing now is not an effective strategy

The entire point of this trip was to say that and put that line forth.

I think it will back fire. Even if it were true, her attitude and timing make her very callous and creepy to those who aren't particular;y political and shift their support from party to party and politician to politician.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

They are pure evil, and that is being kind.

Hmm, if "pure evil" is a kind description, I'd love to know what you really think of the Clintons!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Thanks, McG. Laura's show is on in the evening in my area - hopefully I'll catch her comments.

[McGruff]

Here's the list of radio stations carrying Laura's show along with the times.

I'm listening to KRLA on-line and she is all over Hitlery on this topic.

[Pagey]

Hillary solemnly opined that we "don't have enough of the right mix of troops" in Iraq.

Pure and utter Blathering from the wretched one.What exactly is that supposed to mean? "Right mix of troops". Did she run out of negative things to say about GWB and this is her latest "off the cuff" comment? It sure appears to be the case.