Hillary Clinton – Love Her or Not – What’s a Decades Old Sex Tape Between her Husband and His Intern Have to Do with Anything at all?

Hillary Clinton - image from charles city today dot com

From the website Radaronline (via The Drudge Report), headlines blare: “Secret Sex Tape: Monica Lewinsky Caught On Explicit Recording Telling Bill Clinton, ‘I Could Take My Clothes Off…’, the article goes into some details, and suggests the “scoop” by the National Enquirer, might somehow harm Hillary Clinton’s chances should she seek the Democrat Party nomination for President in 2016. What is particularly annoying about trivial junk such as this is that it is blatantly sexist. One must assume that the wife (spouse or partner) is somehow cheapened by the antics of their other half (usually referred to as the better half). The fact that one is in a relationship, especially a marriage, with children involved, puts the onus, not on the victims (spouse, children), but the protagonists (cheating husband and his “flame”). Regardless, the personal heartbreak, and or rage felt by the “wronged” individual, especially if the event took place decades ago, has nothing to do with their ability or inability to apply for a job. The fact that this is a woman at the focus of an article that suggests Sec. of State Clinton would somehow be harmed in her career because of someone else’s actions, (a man-her husband) – suggests a sexists overtone.

Here come the critiques of hairstyle, clothing choice, and anything but where Hillary Clintons stands on the issues. The whole affair and subsequent impeachment had, at the time, and now in the present, done zip to harm the Clinton family, except privately.

These “startling revelations” may sell a few more copies of the tabloid in a grocery store, or Wal-Mart, however, what does it matter in the greater scheme of things?

There is plenty to question politically and ideologically regarding Hillary Clinton and her future plans as a Presidential contender, which would be more germane. There will be multiple candidates from both major parties, and hopefully candidates from a third party - one which will demand some attention due to the distaste for polarization directly tied to the two-party system, and the continual election of members of the political class, or in some cases political dynasties. The problems that Hillary Clinton faces will be scrutiny over decisions made while working for the Obama administration, the fact that she is a woman, unfortunately, can be a challenge, but less so than in previous elections. She is not only part of the permanent political class, but also part of a political dynasty. One might suggest a Bush-Clinton matchup in 2016 would be enough to make one look hard and long at any third party nominee.

There is, as far as one can determine, no suggestion that a royalty of sorts should have evolved from those families who serve our nation. It should be the individual, who is willing to put for their time and treasure as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

From this perspective, a choice between Hillary Clinton, a third party candidate (with actual qualifications – someone such as Dr. Ben Carson, for instance) and Jeb Bush, would make the third party candidate appealing. The political benefit of electing a third party candidate to the highest office is multiple – it would lessen the power of the permanent two party system, bring a perspective to the Congresses that getting along and finding compromise would be beneficial, and it would devastate the special interests that pervade the nation, from the PAC’s to the lobbyists. That’s for starters.

Therefore, it is not what has happened in Clinton’s personal life past, but what her accomplishments, or failures have been in her political offices. The muddying of the waters by downright stupid reporting, whether it is what she wore, how she looks, detracts from her ability to perform as a candidate. This does a great disservice to the nation – something that the mainstream media, the major parties, and their affiliated sycophants are counting on.

An unrelated article, but a must read: From Huffington Post Black Voices, the article “A Message to Trayvon Martin Sympathizers” by contributor Romany Malco. Reach the full article at www.huffingtonpost.com/romany-malco/a-message-to-trayvon-mart_b_3612231.html. It is, without a doubt, one of the smartest articles written regarding the education system, the media, and reality that one might read this month.

I would suggest, hwoever, that a majority of what Mr. Malco is stating, is applicable not only to the African-American community, but to the entire population, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Clinton Continues to Deny A Run for 2012 – Claims A Woman is Likely to Run.

A recent CBSNews article on Clinton's continued denial of a bid for the presidency in 2012, has more than a few of those leaving comments on the article a bit disappointed. The Secretary of State was asked the questions on foreign soil, while still in the position of Secretary of State, which would, in any sane scenario, be the wrong time and place to announce a bit for the White House. The most interesting remark that Clinton made in the article however, was in response to a New Zealand television interview, during a Q and A on the likelihood of the United States being open to electing a woman as president, after emphasizing it she, herself, would not run, Clinton stated:

"But it will be someone, and it is nice coming to countries that have already proven that they can elect women to the highest governing positions that they have in their systems,"

There is more speculation of a run by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and CBS has driven home a point that pushes those on the left of American politics around the bend. The article: “Palin Emerges with Even More Clout” in reference to the high percentage of candidates that won election in 2010 with Palin’s backing, goes on to speculate if, with the increased clout, Palin might run in 2012.

So what does the fascination by CBS have to do with anything other than, perhaps, ratings? CBS is driving by ratings, first, because these two woman are perhaps the most (by media standards) divisive in the nation. Secondly, according to some pundits, the networks have become cheerleaders, so to speak, for the Obama administration. However, one must look to these women, and other women in government, and the private sector, to understand that Clinton saying, “it will be someone”(CBS), means that there will, indeed be women candidates (including Clinton herself, more likely to make an announcement on American soil in mid 2011) in the 2012 field. As to how well a woman would fare against the pack of men that will assuredly be in the field, along with a media that is blatantly sexist, it is difficult to tell. Of course, should there be two women, from opposing political parties running for the White House, and gaining strength in primaries, the obvious would occur.


A recent election night interview on Fox News with Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin is worth watching. The video below highlights the fact that women are indeed, ready to stand up and not wait another 20 years before taking up the challenge. One must also note that speculation and the field of candidates will not take shape until mid-2011, when musings and reports of visits to Iowa and New Hampshire by a myriad group of possible, turns into actual announcements.

McCain pulls ahead of Obama 48-47 Zogby – Those Pesky Undecideds – Obama's Missteps

In the final weekend before the election, things are tightening - , (Zobgy), has McCain pulling ahead of Obama, (see excerpt below) – everything is within the margin of error. It is, from a rational standpoint, 2004 all over. The polling, the media, and the fact that Obama’s romance with the media (or certain aspects) has gone a tad downhill in the past week, while McCain has been making inroads in places that were given up to Obama all along – blue collar workers, and independents.
“Pollster John Zogby: "Is McCain making a move? The three-day average holds steady, but McCain outpolled Obama today, 48% to 47%. He is beginning to cut into Obama's lead among independents, is now leading among blue collar voters, has strengthened his lead among investors and among men, and is walloping Obama among NASCAR voters. Joe the Plumber may get his license after all. "Obama's lead among women declined, and it looks like it is occurring because McCain is solidifying the support of conservative women, which is something we saw last time McCain picked up in the polls. If McCain has a good day tomorrow, we will eliminate Obama's good day three days ago, and we could really see some tightening in this rolling average. But for now, hold on."”

The AP is reporting that one in seven voters are still persuadable, however, at this late date, those undecideds or persuadable voters, generally break conservative and have already made up their minds.

Which is why John McCain has been grinning ear to ear the past two weeks – he also has the benefit of internal polls. Apparently the undecideds have decided. So, what would persuade an independent to break “right”? Some headlines with links to articles that may hold the key:

Starting in Massachusetts

It goes to Character:

Obama has an aunt in South Boston” (The Globe)
”Boston Housing Authority ‘flabbergastered’ Barack Obama’s aunt living in Southie”(The Herald)

Invasion of privacy

”State employee says she was ordered to check out Joe the Plumber”(Columbus Dispatch)

Taxes: (Speaking of Joe the Plumber)

First, it’s 250,000 taxable income (Miami Herald)
Then it was $200,000 (CNN)
Then it was $150,000 (courtesy of Biden (American Spectator)

Obama’s response

Obama’s New Attack on Those Who Don’t Want Higher Taxes: ‘Selfishness’(ABC News)

Never Mind Taxes, What’s the State of His Campaign?

Obama “Raffles” chance to join Him Election Night (CBS Chicago) - $25.00 dollar donation for a chance to be in a spot where the press is charged a higher rate : up to $935 per reporter(Chicago Sun Times)
Why would a campaign that had the money to run a 30 minute infomercial need to charge the media for access and raffle off the same spot to supporters?

The Romance with the Press – Depends on the Press

The NY Post, Washington Times and Dallas Morning News, conservative leaning newspapers, endorsed Senator McCain, as a result, they are no longer welcome on the Obama Plane (The Drudge Report. )and
The Khalidi Tape, Mistake or Cover-up (Augusta Chronicle)(Referring to the LA Times refusal to release a tape of a dinner for Kahlidi (PLO),with Obama in attendance>)

These examples, sans Ayers and Wright, go to character, temperament and the economy (both of the campaign and the nation). Add this to the fact that pollsters (Suffolk University for one) have, in many instances, given large leads to Obama, where there are undecideds in sufficient number to either tie or give the lead to McCain (Of all States - Massachusetts - Suffolk Poll). Suffolk University also conducted polls in Colorado, Ohio, Florida and Nevada, giving an Obama what can only be described as an “inflated” lead.

What’s wrong with inflated poll numbers? Contrary to conventional wisdom that huge leads in the polls demoralizes the opposition into simply not voting, the opposite occurs; those younger voters, or those less inclined to get out the vote, figure, why bother? Obama is so far ahead, no one can beat him (It doesn’t help Obama that these voters exclusively watch and read media that is pushing the same story). Obama understands this because, unlike smiling John McCain, Obama is telling CNN that “It’s gonna get nasty” and his supporters “"Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes anything. It's gonna get nasty, I'm sure, in the next four days," Obama told a crowd in Columbia, Missouri, on Thursday night. “ , he went on to blame the Republicans for anything that might come out against him: too little, too late.

Favorite quote (paraphrased) of the week: Howie Carr (WRKO) to a caller: I was convinced John Kerry was going to win a week before the election too.
Another perspective: Your best friends can unintentionally hurt you. The media crush on Obama became apparent early on in this election, to everyone, the constant negatives against any rival: Hillary Clinton, McCain and of course, Sarah Palin, play great with a dedicated base, but how well does it do in the middle? The blatant sexism is another story, one which has been played endlessly and the cost will be weighed on Tuesday.

With three days before the nation heads to the polls, minds have been made up, it won’t be a landslide, it will be close, but the odds now favor McCain.