Clinton fatigue

pittsburghlive.com ^ | 3-11-07 | Polman

[doug from upland]

Clinton fatigue

By Dick Polman Sunday, March 11, 2007

The Clintons want to party like it's 1992. Back at the dawn of their excellent adventure, Hillary would tell voters that she and her husband were a package deal, two for the price of one. And when they found themselves under attack -- thanks to his military draft avoidance and bimbo eruptions -- they hunkered in their bunker ("the war room," as Hillary dubbed it) and toughed it out together.

Even though the roles are reversed this time -- with Bill angling for the job of first gentleman -- the deal is basically the same. They're offering eight more years of the Clinton family brand and all the potential baggage that goes with it.

Bill, in particular, is both asset and albatross; both spouses are magnets for partisan flak (even from disillusioned comrades, such as liberal Hollywood mogul David Geffen). Which means that Hillary's only option is to try to sell all this tumult as a good thing. The success of her candidacy may well hinge on her powers of persuasion.

[doug from upland]

"There still are a lot of Democrats who remember how they were compelled to defend Bill's lies during the Lewinsky affair; who remember that he had promised to run "the most ethical administration in history"; who remember how he left office by pardoning a rich tax felon who had donated generously to Clinton causes and whose ex-wife happened to be one of Hillary's pals."

[doug from upland]

[Verginius Rufus]

If Hillary does beat Obama and win the nomination (which still seems likely), the Democrats will forget any qualms in pursuit of the higher goal--regaining political power.

Maybe it would help to refer to Hillary as Lurleen, after the late governor of Alabama.

[razorback-bert]

Remember Mr Hillary Rodham promised to pay their attorney bills too.

Good intentions and all that.

[sr4402]

The problem Hillary has is attracting Republicans. Obama should have no problem attracting liberal republicans and getting much of the swing vote. But Hillary is a big turn off to Republicans. She is going to have to reposition a lot to win more swing vote and crossover Republicans and I just don't see it happening that way.