Sen. Clinton Nixes 2004 White House Run

AP via ABCNews.com ^ | 5.31.2003

[NYC GOP Chick]

(AP Photo)

Sen. Clinton Nixes 2004 White House Run Hillary Clinton, a Popular Democratic Pick for President, Sticks to Senate for 2004 The Associated Press

WASHINGTON May 31 —

When Democratic voters are asked which politician they want as president, one name consistently appears at the top Hillary Rodham Clinton. But the New York senator couldn't make it any clearer that she isn't running for the White House. At least not in 2004.

From her days as first lady, Clinton has accumulated political assets that are the envy of the announced Democratic presidential candidates: universal recognition, a nationwide network of supporters and an extraordinary ability to raise campaign cash

She still is vilified by Republican fund-raisers but is getting bipartisan accolades for her conduct in the Senate. Her profile will be high in the coming weeks as she embarks on a media tour to promote her memoirs, "Living History," which has a first-run printing of a million copies and goes on sale June 9.

Clinton insists she will not consider entering the race for president this year even if that is what some Democrats want. She has not ruled out a run in 2008.

"I just tell them that we have many other great candidates running for the job," Clinton said, demonstrating a deference for her colleagues that has helped her win respect in the Senate.

Clinton took a low profile during her first two years as a senator. Now, she is taking a larger role.

"I think all of her colleagues on both sides respect her work ethic and the way she conducts herself," said South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. A conservative Republican, Graham worked with Clinton on legislation to extend benefits to military reservists.

Graham, a leader in the President Clinton's impeachment, said teaming with Sen. Clinton gave his reservist legislation the clout it needed to win Senate approval.

"People will attribute motives to her on anything she does," Graham said. "I feel sympathetic to her situation as a junior member with such a high-profile status. It's hard because people get jealous. She has handled this better than I think anyone expected."

Clinton has gone out of her way to work with those on the opposite end of the political spectrum on policy issues such as the Middle East and foster care. Her partners have included House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and even Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina, whose husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, lost to Bill Clinton in 1996.

Hillary Clinton also has taken on the GOP. She called the Republican leaders' 2004 budget "the worst piece of fiscal legislation in the history of the republic" and described President Bush's handling of the economy as the worst since Herbert Hoover.

Clinton, who does not face re-election until 2006, is among the Democrats' leading fund-raisers. She spent $30 million to get elected and has raised about $3.4 million for her political action committee, HILLPAC, which she uses to support other Democrats running for office.

Her fund raising and campaign skills could bring added interest in the senator as a potential running mate. She has said she would not accept the nomination for vice president, but Democratic sources close to Clinton say she might look at the ticket if the party's nominee were well-positioned to oust Bush next year.

She said she would make no endorsement before the nominee has been chosen. Several White House hopefuls seek her advice, particularly on health care.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, one of nine running for the Democratic nomination, said he would like to see Clinton run one day. "I think she would be a great president," he said.

She also has proved a fund-raising boon for Republicans.

"Are you ready for a new Clinton era in Washington?" said a letter sent this month from the Republican Presidential Task Force to potential donors.

"If Republicans don't take immediate steps to counter her, Senator Hillary Clinton will continue to rise unimpeded to the very pinnacle of power in Washington, and we will see the dawning of a new, more liberal Clinton era."

Clinton was appointed this year to oversee the Senate Democrats' Steering and Coordination Committee, a liaison with Democratic groups nationwide.

She got a seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. That allows her to improve her national security credentials while looking out for the home state military, including the 10th Mountain Light Infantry Division in Fort Drum, N.Y.

Clinton supported the resolution granting the president congressional authority to wage war against Iraq. At the time, she said it was "the hardest decision I've ever had to make."

The vote opened her to protests from liberal corners. But that has not stopped her from being the favorite choice of many Democratic voters to run for president.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Lindsey Graham needs to put a freaking sock in it already when it comes to talking about her. We get it, we get it already -- OK, she's not a monster and he's not a kneejerk right-wingnut who'd torpedo a project just because her vile name is attached to it. Yeesh.

[lilylangtree]

Hitlery, the Wicked Witch from the North, is going after 2008 when she won't have to face a popular sitting president going for re-election. Oh, Hitlery, knows and struts her political acumen.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

...OK, she's not a monster...

Yes she is!

[abner]

Ick!

[Abcdefg]

That snake ain't dead 'till the head comes off.

[breakem]

She should be out of prison in time to run in 2008.

[Brad's Gramma]

Gosh durn, NEITHER of them are aging gracefully, are they?

Talk about a ROADMAP! Look at her forehead!!

What's those things hanging under her eyes?

[hellinahandcart]

Maybe it's just me, but when Lindsey talks nice about the Hildabeest, it kinda turns me off to Lindsey...

[eddie willers]

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, one of nine running for the Democratic nomination, said he would like to see Clinton run one day. "I think she would be a great president," he said

Just more proof that Howard Dean is a nut.

[EGPWS]

"Are you ready for a new Clinton era in Washington?"

YES!!! In a heartbeat!!!!!...my last heartbeat, that is!

[NYC GOP Chick]

Me too. :(

I swear, ever since I sent him a campaign contribution and wrote that I kinda feel like he's my "adopted senator" because I can't stand her, it's like he goes out of his way to rub my nose in it. GRRR...

[firewalk]

Clinton insists she will not consider entering the race for president this year even if that is what some Democrats want...

She would not win

She has not ruled out a run in 2008...

I believe she has already decided to run in 2008.

[lilylangtree]

Mine too.

[A CA Guy]

Let's hope she loses her Senate seat by then and is competing as a civilian.

[Southack]

"Hillary Clinton also has taken on the GOP. She called the Republican leaders' 2004 budget "the worst piece of fiscal legislation in the history of the republic" and described President Bush's handling of the economy as the worst since Herbert Hoover."

What a liar! Compare Jimmy Carter's 9% unemployment and 20% rate of inflation to what we've got today with tax-free dividends (circa 2004), no inflation, 6% unemployment, TWO tax cuts, and booming productivity!

[CFC__VRWC]

Clinton insists she will not consider entering the race for president this year even if that is what some Democrats want.

Everything that has ever come out of this woman's mouth is a lie - is there any particular reason I should accept this statement as being true? And you're right on about Lindsey Graham - working with her on any legislation is bad enough, but helping her cause by talking her up and disparaging her opponents is inexcusable.

[EGPWS]

Talk about a ROADMAP! Look at her forehead!!

Ever wonder where that would take you?

I would suspect that it would take you to the same place as her legs roadmap, either to Garmin for a GPS, or AAA for more useable navigation!

[spokeshave]

"I believe she has already decided to run in 2008."

but first the little matter of a Senate re-election in 2006

[Consort]

Exactly where does she nix running in 2004?

Clinton insists she will not consider entering the race for president this year even if that is what some Democrats want.

She can enter the race next year after a few primaries set the trend.

[ChadGore]

Hillary: "My brains in a blender, it's jello"

[buffyt]

Can ANYONE say President Hillary?

I didn't think so!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[buffyt]

Just how much airbrushing did they do on the cover of "Her" new book.... She sure doesn't resemble the cover!

[CFC__VRWC]

I would suspect that it would take you to the same place as her legs roadmap, either to Garmin for a GPS, or AAA for more useable navigation!

Or maybe to where you'd meet up with this guy

[Paul Atreides]

GOOD GRIEF! She looks old enough to be Bubba's mother.

[firewalk]

but first the little matter of a Senate re-election in 2006

I would love to see her out of the Senate (-:

[Uncle Hal]

It sounds like this article was written by Hillary's PR department. The liberals are not going to be happy until she is the democratic nominee. The puff pieces for her are just starting. We are going have to live with her for a very long time.

[Types_with_Fist]

She can enter the race next year after a few primaries set the trend.

Good job! Seems it's been such a relief having Dubya in office, we've forgotten that we used to have to parse everything in minute detail. Still, Hillary has no hesitation in telling bald-faced lies either, so my guess is that she will be on the ticket in '04.

[jrlc]

Let's list all the things HELLary is NOT -- she is NOT a seller of pardons, she did NOT organize Travelgate, she did NOT work to socialize medicine in the USA, she did NOT support lesbian rights, she did NOT write a leftist book that it "takes a village" to indoctrinate a child in communist values, she did NOT put on a face while Pres. Bush delivered an important post-9/11 speech to a joint session of Congress etc, etc, etc. Damn her by denial -- sounds like a great idea to me.

[Paul Atreides]

I don't know what it is about Republican congressmen that makes them want to jump in front of a reporter and start kissing Hillary's gigantic butt.

[isthisnickcool]

Her profile will be high in the coming weeks as she embarks on a media tour to promote her memoirs, "Living History," which has a first-run printing of a million copies and goes on sale June 9.

Gee, I thought she was "working hard" for the people of New York. LOL! I suppose it's OK if she and people like Little Dicky Gebhardt are out running the streets instead of doing their "jobs". We are all better off if they are out of Washington. The more the better.

Imagine doing this in any other kind of business? Going to the boss and saying "hey, I wrote (actually someone else did) a book so I'll be leaving for awhile to go sell it. In the meantime you have to pay me for not being here doing my job".

Ah, a self-appointed queen.......

[ErnBatavia]

By 2008, she's gonna look too much like Helen Thomas to get elected.

[LADY J]

""Are you ready for a new Clinton era in Washington?" said a letter sent this month from the Republican Presidential Task Force to potential donors."

I hate being treated like we haven't got a clue!!

They keep working with her and building up her 'prestige'.

There is no way a Rat would do that for one of our frontrunners.

This makes me sick.

[BOBTHENAILER]

What's those things hanging under her eyes?

They are part of the HUGE BAGGAGE she brings with her, politically speaking, of course.

[EGPWS]

What a liar!

To Hillary it doesn't matter. She understands now, after covering her arse while "Der Shlikmiester" was in office, she realized that the rhetoric is useful, for most of the public has a short memory. Right or wrong, whatever it takes to promote herself will be used! It's the long held motto of the Dimocratic party.

[givengo]

I agree its a puff piece, one of many to come, especially if she manages to keep her promise to fill out her Senate term. That will show her to be, er, trustworthy, if that is at all possible.

[Aeronaut]

GOOD GRIEF! She looks old enough to be Bubba's mother.

That's probably the only fantasization he could use to..., oh geez, let's don't go there.

[TN4Liberty]

Hillary Clinton also has taken on the GOP. She called the Republican leaders' 2004 budget "the worst piece of fiscal legislation in the history of the republic" and described President Bush's handling of the economy as the worst since Herbert Hoover.

Amazing what passes for debate when it comes from a liberal.

[Liz]

From her days as first lady, Clinton has accumulated political assets that are the envy of the announced Democratic presidential candidates: (1) universal recognition, (2) a nationwide network of supporters and (3) an extraordinary ability to raise campaign cash....

Phooey. Asset? She's a huge liability. The nine Dumbocrats prez wannabes would just as soon Hitlery wasn't there.

Supporters? She has supporters? Oh, I guess they mean arch supporters.

She does have money only b/c she and Bill looted the WH, selling it out for cold cash. The conniving Clintons sold pardons for enormous amts of cash and cashed in sub rosa on scads of shady business deals.

[EGPWS]

so my guess is that she will be on the ticket in '04.

They had better "beef up" Dubya's personal security then for the only reason she would take POTUS running against Dubya' is if he were dead!!

[Consort]

Possible alternate scenerio: Hillary paves the way for Popular Vote winner Al Gore to get the nomination and "even the score" with Geroge Bush — as long as she is the VP nominee. If they get elected, she Arkancides Gore and chooses an Hispanic or African American to be her VP.

[EGPWS]

Or maybe to where you'd meet up with this guy

I don't know the guy you referenced in your "pic", BUT he doesn't look like the type that I would look forward to meeting...EVER!! :)

[daviddennis]

I don't think she will necessarily run.

She'll put off the decision as long as possible, knowing she can nuke the existing (pathetically weak) candidates.

She will decide to run only if she feels she's going to win. The way I see it, it all depends on President Bush's popularity early next year. If he's continuing to ride high, I don't see her opposing him. But if he starts showing weaknesses, she'll be right there.

D

[CFC__VRWC]

Guess you don't watch much South Park - that's Satan. I can't think of a better place that a Hillary leg roadmap would lead than straight to Hell.

[zbogwan2]

Clinton insists she will not consider entering the race for president this year even if that is what some Democrats want. She has not ruled out a run in 2008.

This old hen isn't going to get blowed away by President GWB is 2004. She's biding her time hoping to get a weak Republican to run against in 2008.

Hopefully she'll be toast by that time.

[EGPWS]

FYI, I visited your page and have to say the graphics are VERY impressive! AND THANK YOU for your service in support of our freedoms! It IS greatly appreciated!!

[Mister Baredog]

Sen. Clinton Nixes 2004 White House Run

Let's include 2008 please.

[Redbob]

Yeah, what's up with that?

Is Graham boinking her?

[Batrachian]

"She still is vilified by Republican fund-raisers..."

What? Am I supposed to believe that only "Republican fund raisers" vilify her? What kind of journalism is this? I'm not a fund raiser and I vilify her. Everyone on this damn forum vilifies her and how many of us are fund raisers?

This is preposterous. I'd forgotten how the liberal media worked for the Clintons, and this is a rude reminder that things haven't changed a bit. They're ready to do it again. What a bunch of whores.

[Mister Baredog]

I swear, ever since I sent him a campaign contribution and wrote that I kinda feel like he's my "adopted senator" because I can't stand her, it's like he goes out of his way to rub my nose in it. GRRR...

It's that senate "thing", you know "my good friend so and so...," ugh! Enemies need defeating, period.

[EGPWS]

Guess you don't watch much South Park - that's Satan.

I don't frequent "South Park" but I did take the pic as Satan...It's my dry humor I guess, but I really don't anticipate meeting him anytime in the future.