Presidential Catfight: Hillary vs. Condi in 2008?

Fox News ^ | 6/18/03 | Jennifer D.Angelo

[NYC Republican]

NEW YORK — No woman has ever received a major party nomination for the presidency, but some have speculated that in 2008, not one, but two women could be competing for the White House.

In recent interviews, New York Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton (search) said she had “no intention” of running for president in 2008 -- but did not rule it out, leading many to believe a race is possible. And if the former first lady were to run, some say National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice (search) would be the perfect Republican to run against her.

“I’ve been speculating on that [match-up] for a year and half,” said GOP strategist Cheri Jacobus. “The greatest strength Hillary has is she’s a woman in what many consider a man’s world. If the GOP candidate were [a] woman as well, she’d have to run on merit, not on ‘I’m a woman hear me roar,’” Jacobus said.

Both women have plenty of merits. Born in Chicago on Oct. 26, 1947, Clinton grew up in Park Ridge, Ill., and is a 1973 graduate of Yale Law School. She worked as an attorney while her husband was governor of Arkansas and performed the duties of the nation's first lady for eight years. On Nov. 7, 2000, Clinton became the first first lady to be elected to the U.S. Senate. She is also an established author and advocate of women’s rights and public works projects for her state of New York.

Born Nov. 14, 1954, in segregation-era Birmingham, Ala., Rice got her Ph.D. from the University of Denver's Graduate School of International Studies in 1981. A former political science professor and provost of Stanford University, she was President George H.W. Bush’s adviser on Soviet affairs before becoming the current President Bush’s national security adviser.

On the issues, Hillary is regarded by many as a liberal who tried and failed to nationalize health care.

“The worst thing the Democrats can do is to nominate Hillary. She’s so far to the left that the center would be turned off,” said Republican strategist Paul Pelletier.

[NYC Republican]

Interesting, albeit far-fetched (possibility of these 2 going against each other) article.

[John123]

I like it. I have a lot of respect for Condoleeza Rice's decision making abilities. However, I really want her to straighten out the mess the Democrats made of California as Governor Rice.

[boxerblues]

I'd vote for Condi even without the witch running against her.

[areafiftyone]

I hate to say this but in all honesty I don't think Condi can beat Hillary unless she starts getting out into the public eye! Hillary has the money, the power and name recognition plus she is a Senator! In order for Hillary to be beaten she needs to go against an extremely strong leader which is why she is not running in 2004 because she can never beat Bush!

[NYC Republican]

I like it. I have a lot of respect for Condoleeza Rice's decision making abilities. However, I really want her to straighten out the mess the Democrats made of California as Governor Rice.

How great would it be to see her trounce Boxer? California dreaming, or a possibility?

[TheGrimReaper]

In recent interviews, New York Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton (search) said she had “no intention” of running for president in 2008

"I have no plans to run for the Senate in New York". - H.R.Clinton, March 1999.

[Hatteras]

I heard that the word is the Democrats have some sort of dirt they are sitting on in regards to Condi and will continue to sit on it until they ever have to use it.

[9999lakes]

GOP missed a great possibility when Rice was not the designated Vice Presidential candidate in '04.

Nothing against Cheney at all. A great VP, but not electable in '08.

Now Rice needs 10 years at least before she is back in the potential president category, and who is to say what time will bring?

[ConservativeDude]

Rice will not run.

This is journalistic fantasy.

A pro-abort will not win the GOP primary.

As much as I like her, unless she aligns her apparently sincere faith with her politics, that is, until she becomes pro life, she will receive scant support in a GOP primary.

[areafiftyone]

Oh we all know she is going to run in 2008. But we have to have a real strong Republican running in 2008 to beat her. Right now I don't see anyone who is strong enough for the 2008 run but its much too early yet!

[maeng]

While it sounds great here in America for the two women running for president, it would never work for us to have a woman president. You think America has trouble now in dealing with foreign countries, just try when a woman is president. So many of the foreign countries think of women as "less than third class citizens", they would not even schedule a meeting with the US. Sorry, but I think this is the way it is.

[DoughtyOne]

Back after Desert Storm I was a big fan of Powell. Here was a guy that was a good military leader. He handeled himself well and everyone wondered, boxers or briefs, no, Democrat or Republican.

Many talked the guy up under similar circumstances as they now do Rice. But then Powell opened his mouth a few times regarding political issues and it became appearent, this man wasn't actually a conservative on a number of issues.

I think Rice is probably a very good advisor. I am not sure what her political views are concerning conservative issues. I don't think we should push her nomination until we know quite a bit more about what makes Condi tick with regard to political issues.

She seems to be a capable woman. What are her views on affirmative action? What are her views welfare, government spending and a host of other issues.

As these flesh out, I may find that I can vote for her, but that remains to be seen. It is way way way too premature to talk of her holding public office, especially the Presidential slot. And it makes me real nervous to see the press so receptive to talking about a Condit/Clinton race in 2008. Geez, there is a remote possibility at this point that would be an election the liberals couldn't lose, if Condit's view on issues other than military were close to Powell's.

That comes off a little harsh on Powell. I don't think he's as bad as a Democrat, but he would definately not be my first choice for a Presidential candidate either.

[NYC Republican]

Good post. I agree with nearly everything you've said. She's been "stealthy" on her political views, we'll need to know more about where she stands. Thanks

[breninma]

Your right about many foreign countries attitudes toward women, but a woman president with the full financial, military and political power of the United States at her fingertips would have them crawling till their knees bleed for a five minute meeting with her. Yes, they might despise a woman with that kind of power, but they would lick her fashionable shoes anyway.

[NYC Republican]

Oh we all know she is going to run in 2008. But we have to have a real strong Republican running in 2008 to beat her. Right now I don't see anyone who is strong enough for the 2008 run but its much too early yet!

My intitial thoughts were Frist (doctor, solid conservative stands) but after seeing him cower somewhat in his role as ML, I don't think so highly of him anymore. Jeb Bush could be fantastic, but he'd be viewed as part of a dynasty, and I don't think most Americans will go along. Santorum? What about the Rep from California who appears on talk shows frequently, David Dreier? He's one of the most articulate, TV-friendly, sharp persons I've seen in a long time...

[alloysteel]

The Democrats would not use their ammunition on an American woman of African descent, now would they? Wouldn't that be in conflict with their principles of 'affirmative action'?

At this point, the Democrat spinmeisters would have to use some tortorous logic, the upshot of which would be that Condoleezza Rice was neither a woman, nor of African descent, and possibly, by their definitions, not even American. Of course, the last is a matter of indifference to the Democrats anyway. It certainly is not a requirement that one be American to vote for a slate of Democrats.

[firewalk]

.

[Lazamataz]

This will not happen. Condi Rice has a 'bad girl' file. Drudge let that out last week.