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From The Sunday Times
November 11, 2007

The right wants wicked witch Hillary as president

Andrew Sullivan

Not many things unite conservatives and Republicans these days. The libertarians seethe openly at the Christian right. The fiscal conservatives scowl at the compassionate free spenders of the Bush years. The foreign policy realists despise the Woodrow Wilson-like idealists who dragged them into Iraq.

Even the Christian right is split. The younger evangelical leaders are increasingly interested in questions of social justice and the environment. The current establishment, represented by James Dobson’s Focus on the Family organisation, regard Rudy Giuliani as beyond the pale. The old guard, Pat Robertson, has just endorsed the cross-dressing former mayor of New York to defeat what he called Islamic “blood lust”. Still others want a third party.

The primary race is, for orderly Republicans, in an extremely volatile flux. Mitt Romney has poured vast amounts of his own money to secure polling leads in New Hampshire and Iowa, but is still only at around 10% nationally. Fred Thompson’s campaign keeps puttering a few hundred feet above the ground. John McCain is loathed by many in the base, but paradoxically remains the most authentic and viable pro-life candidate in the race. And between them they have raised only a fraction of the large sums now acquired by the Democratic candidates.

So what can possibly bring them together? I asked this of that old war horse Patrick Buchanan a while back. Despite massive differences in social policy, Buchanan and I found ourselves in somewhat uncomfortable agreement about the sorry state of the American right. But he had hope in his heart. “There is one candidate who can truly still unite the party,” he said, a little Hibernian twinkle in his eye. “The only trouble is she’s running for the other side.”

For good or ill, Buchanan has a point. One of the remarkable aspects of the current race has been the way in which many on the right have been absolutely certain that Hillary Clinton will be the next president. In fact I know of no Republicans in Washing-ton who even entertain the idea that she won’t at least be the Democratic nominee. And there’s a strange insistence on this – despite some rough recent weeks for Clinton on the campaign trail, despite a dead heat between Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama in Iowa in the polls, and despite the fact that a freshman senator, Obama, has managed in a few months to rival her both in organisation and funding.

Part of the Republicans’ certainty is related, I think, to the fact that most of them actively and not too discreetly want Clinton to be the Democratic nominee. This is not because they think they know how to beat her. Most of the time they seem to think they can’t. Their appraisal of her political skills seems occasionally absurd. In the current conservative bible, National Review, two young Republican scribes characterise her campaign as near “flawless”. Her former bête noire Matt Drudge called her “Queen of the quarter” after a recent fundraising drive.

Among the neoconservatives there is obviously sympathy for her against the most decisively antiwar candidates, Obama and Edwards. Many publicly prefer her to the insurgent antiwar candidate in their own ranks, Texas congressman Ron Paul. Privately some neocons see her as an important substantive successor to Bush, perpetuating and retroactively legitimising the Iraq occupation. She did vote for it, after all, they tell themselves. And her constant attempt to stay to the right of her opponents in the primaries has led to the bizarre spectacle of some well known Republicans showering her with thinly veiled support on Fox News.

At the same time, of course, some of this support is self-interested. Over the past few months, in a divisive and dispiriting campaign on the fractured right, Clinton has become essential to Republican fundraising. Republican party direct mail is so skewed towards scaring their base voters about the wicked witch of New York state that the party’s coffers could run suddenly dry if Obama were to steal the nomination away from her. National Review, while lauding her campaign as brilliant, ran ads for a week recently begging for donations to its website in order to “stop Hillary”.

Giuliani cannot wait to run a brutal campaign against her, and tries to deploy her name in every debate. Online, Facebook’s page devoted entirely to stopping her exceeds the popularity of many Republican candidates – and appeals to a much more diverse and younger crowd.

There is simply something about her – and the murky relationship she has with her husband and former president – that clearly strikes some kind of deep nerve, not just in the heartland, but also in blue-state America where many loyal Democrats simply do not trust her. Around 50% of Americans still say they wouldn’t vote for her under any circumstances. And this unease is one of the last ways in which an exhausted and bankrupt Republican party can actually persuade its members to give it money and votes.

The more cynical Republicans even believe that a third Clinton term – if you count the two in the 1990s – would be good for their party. They don’t believe Clinton would lead to a major shift from the status quo. She’s far too cautious, they think, to pull out of Iraq and stigmatise the Republican occupation as unnecessary and a mistake. She’s too conventional to do anything but tinker with climate change. They know some kind of expansion of the healthcare welfare state is inevitable – and with Clinton they can score more political capital off it if it leads to unintended consequences.

So she does not threaten to alter the political landscape against Republicans too dramatically. And her political skills are nowhere near her husband’s. Some Republicans think one term of Hillary could undo all the horrific memories of two terms of Bush with respect to party identity and loyalty.

And in opposition to Clinton and a Democratic Congress the Republicans could engage in some healthy bloodletting, debate and regrouping, all the while confident that a Clinton presidency would mean a torrent of money into the party machine, a boon to conservative publishing and media, and a handy, reliable target against whom to direct all their ire. They can barely wait. Traffic for Drudge would soar. Ratings for Fox News would go through the roof. And it would be over soon, they assume.

They could be wrong, of course. Bill Clinton benefited in the end from Republican rage at him. His wife is a resilient if charm-free figure. Between them they have studied how to enlarge the power and role of government while soothing the middle classes with plenty of communitarian micro-measures. And the first woman president may also serve to cement a new era of Democratic dominance.

This, it seems, is a risk many Republicans are prepared to take. In this surprising primary campaign the woman they love to hate has turned out to be not so anathema to them after all.

I am a Democrat and am looking at this as a really strange election coming up. A) Does either party really want to win? The fix up of the current administration's actions are going to take at least 6-8 years. B) Eliminating my bias and looking neutrally at the candidates per party, I can see why the members of both parties are unhappy. The Democrats have a main choice of Clinton, Edwards or Obama. None of these choices makes you real excited. The Republicans have pretty much the same situation in their front ranks. C) It is interesting There are a number of Ron Paul supporters showing up. I think this very well could be the year a dark horse gets the office. Could be Ron Paul, could be someone else. This could easily happen after the main candidates for both the Democrat and Republican parties beat each other to a bloody pulp, making the dark horse candidates look far more attractive.

Wes Byrd, Iowa City, Iowa, USA


Anyone who believes that the front runner neo-cons can defeat Hillary after the disaster of the Bush administration are kidding themselves. Many traditional conservatives are ashamed of the current GOP.
The above article I believe gets it exactly right. Because of the war mongering neoconservative influence in the republican party, many would rather vote for Hillary than a real conservative. All the chatter from the Christian right back during Bill Clintons term about character matters seems to have been completely forgotten about. Look at how Pat Robertson has just endorsed pro abortion, pro gay marriage, cross dressing, Rudy Giuliani. The only true conservative who believes in limited government, a non intervention foreign policy and constitutional liberty is Ron Paul. But because he wants us out of Iraq many republicans would vote for Hillary in a presidential race between her and Paul. who knows what will happen. Hillary probably has it.

K Kight, Evansville, IN

Kris Kight , Evansville, USA / IN

Want to see democrats acting just as dispirited as republicans. Have hillary manage to get the nomination.
While many in the democratic party have their heads in a koolaid haze of the 90s, forgetting all the harm the clinton's did to our own party and the constant embarrassment he caused us with his exploits.
If Bush was not so horrific over the past 7 years, I don't think hillary would enjoy the support she has now. But, when you compare Bush and Hillary, you see alot more in common than different.
I am hoping my party comes to their senses and nominates our best hope for saving our deteriorating country. Barack Obama.

d. lake, macheney park, USA

Hillary would be an unqualified disaster for the country. She has no plans to cut spending, either short or long term. She wants to add on even more entitlements on top of the ones we cannot afford already. She wants to raise taxes on high earners such that high earners in areas like NYC, California, and DC (where high earners' jobs are) would have marginal income tax rates of over 50% counting states and local taxes, which would clearly disincentivize work. She has no coherent Iran or Pakistan policy, and he is weak on protecting the homeland against terror. Her administration would likely be as corrupt and scandal ridden as her husband's. No patriotic conservative could truly want this terrifying future.

Dellis, Washington DC,

Even though Jimmy Carter's Presidency was a catastrophe for the country, it was a boon for the Republican Party. Even though the current Democrat controlled Congress has been a failure, it too has boosted the Republican Party.

Hopefully in 2008, each party will nominate there best candidate. If the mood of the country matches the mood of 1976 or 2006 the Democrat will be elected.

Mike Sorensen, las vegas, USA

As an Englishman, one has to laugh. I read of all this support for Ron Paul, it reminds of all the support, which I read about, for the British Liberal party. It's a bit like voting for any kind of (supposed) ideal, it sounds like a good idea but I never knew of an idealist who could run a country. So very sad, but so very true. Does anyone really believe that Ron Paul can reverse the catastrophe that is Bush and make America financially viable again?

The last person who made America, financially, strong was Clinton. Forget party politics, this is a simple fact. Maybe he can help his wife to do the same thing. Who knows? The article carries a strong point, let it happen and, if it works, at the next election, you can return to your idealism, if that is what you think it is.

Marc, St. Barthelemy ,

Grossly understates the impact of Ron Paul who has an unheard of grassroots level of support, both in rapid growth of activists and intensity of commitment - on top of record fundraising: $4.3m in one day. His national name recognition can only increase as rapidly. Also historically, at party primaries the best turnout candidates can muster is less than 10% of supporters - the Ron Paul turnout will be closer to 100%. Money can not buy the amount of influence these supporters, many of whom are young, tech-savvy and creative, already have. The rules have changed, this is a revolution that will have a domino effect around the world. One other point - why include false information about Obama being anti-war? Do the research again.

Paul, London, UK

You and other MSM don't want to report why Republican money is down: the base is not giving to anyone that supported "comprehensive immigration reform".
When and if a REAL anti-illegal immigration candidate emerges, the money will flow and Billary will be a historical footnote......

rollinsonford, dallas, tx

This seems like a very logical view, especially the way the Neocons focus on Hilary in the Republican debates. She gets as much airtime there than anywhere. But the real telling factor is not what politicians say, it's the fact that she receives more donation money from Military CONTRACTORS than ANY other candidate in either party.

Mike S., Lapeer, Mi.

I emphatically disagree that Republicans want Hillary Clinton as the democratic nominee or president. In my opinion, as a conservative, i would rather be able to vote against hillary in the democratic convention than be able to select a republican nominee. I strongly disagree with her views, specifically her healthcare plan, and I believe the last democratic candidate debate on msnbc proved how fickle and far from honest she truly is. I admit, I do not know all there is to know about the canidates nor the answers to our nations problems. But I do know that I never want to see Hillary Clinton as a president.

Jimmy Munson, Saint Louis, Missouri

The election circus is fun to watch, but the Ringleaders have already chosen Hillary as the next clown.

David Sams, Wichita, USA, Kansas

Dr. Ron Paul is the last hope for the USA.

The US economy is bust, the US empire with over 700 foreign military bases is unsustainable, the petro dollar as the reserve currency is done for.

US popularity around the world is at an all time low, they are stuck in wars that has to be sustained by for profit, private companies using ex military mercenaries, because they can no longer recruit enough soldiers to fight for their country.

Hillary says it will be another 10 years, most say it is an un winnable quagmire which at some point will require cut and run.

Republicans voting for a Clinton, a democrat. This shows just how broken the 20 th century empire is. People have woken up to the fact there is no difference.

Google... Carroll Quigley and read a little history.

Ade Williams, Penn, UK

There is a lot of truth in this article. None of the Republican candidates inspires confidence. A single term of Hillary might do wonders for the conservative movement. I don't quite buy the argument that certain Republicans want her to win because they admire her. That's stretching things a bit. I personally can't stand her and would never vote for her under any circumstances. I'll find some conservative to vote for, even if it's a write-in.
But from a purely political standpoint, Hillary winning the general election might be the best thing that could happen to the Republican party right now. Remember, we had to have Jimmy Carter before we could have Ronald Reagan.

gb, Austin, USA

Won't it be amusing to hear Hannity and Limbaugh supporting Hillary as a better candidate than RP in the general.

dale ritchey, marietta,

I can't support Hillary as much as I would like to vote for a Democrat. And nobody else is talking solutions. I value my liberties which the government seems bound to take regardless of which party is in control. I like Dr. Paul's honesty. He would keep congress honest and I think he is a middle candidate I could support. He speaks like my grandfather does and I like that style, plain and simple.

Andy, Maumee, USA/OH

As a committed conservative christian I to support Ron Paul for president. I love the idea of freedom, liberty and peace that Dr. Paul proclaims and I want my grandchildren to experience that freedom. Also, after voting Republic since the nineteen seventies in Ron Paul I have found a candidate I not only respect and will vote for but someone I have donated to and pass out literature for. Go Ron! Let freedom ring!

gene, amherst, ohio

There isn't a dime's worth of difference in the major policy positions of any of the 1st tier candidates from either party, Hillary included. One could take descriptions of her proposals and show them to a Giuliani supporter and he'd give them a thumbs up.

Bomb Iran? Check. Extend the occupation of Iraq? Check. Spend more on education and health care? Check. Increase taxes. Check. This is a choice?

Ron Paul for president!

Steve Hogan, Sunnyvale, California

Dr. Paul -- the only untainted voice of reason and the only one who can unite us and beat Hillary.

NH, Manchester, NH

Hillary, like her husband, is the worst kind of flag-waver: She thinks the US has operated from pure motives overseas in almost every case. She should know better, but refuses to listen, because it would cost her votes.

Unfortunately for her, many of those who are fighting the good fight will not vote for her from the other side of the issue, because she won't face up to our atrocious past and present actions. So the question is: Are the votes she's saving greater in number than the votes she's losing? Maybe so, but that won't keep her administration from rotting from within.

The Republicans, on the other hand, have no claim on ethics and no one expects it of them. They will run our affairs as if we were one great pirate ship, and that appeals to many Americans, as long as it means treasure and the details are kept obscure. (Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum!) Did you think we were piling up the armaments in anticipation of space aliens?

Pancho, Champaign, Illinois

I'm a democrat and support Ron Paul.. Hillary is promoting more war and pretty much will, like you said, fit the neocon agenda with the exception of socializing health care. While I'm not opposed to health care being much less expensive, my main concern is our economy and the ridiculousness of this war.. and the ONLY GOP candidate that has made strong, level-headed (and not blind emotional) stands on that has been Ron Paul!

Jeff D, Hattiesburg, MS, USA/MS

Americans according to the latest Wall Street Journa Poll prefer Democrats 53 to 38. Even assuming all the decline-to-answer folks and all the undecided folks went for the Republicans (statistically impossible) the Democrats would still be in the lead. Will they be in 2008? Time will tell.

Rosamond Fogg, Hermosa Beach, CA

Sad and true.
FoxNews wins when it looses.
We loose period.
I have confidence in Dr. Paul

Christopher Thurow Sr., Morriston, Fl

Ron Paul is the only person who supports needs of the people.... The people want out of Iraq and Paul is the man for the job. Not only does he understand the issues but his passion for economics provides a wealth of information that no other canidate can compete with.

RonPaul2008.com

Darel, Ricchmond, VA

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Andrew Sullivan

Andrew Sullivan

Andrew Sullivan is an author, academic and journalist. He holds a PhD from Harvard in political science, and is a former editor of The New Republic. His 1995 book, Virtually Normal: An Argument About Homosexuality, became one of the best-selling books on gay rights. He has been a regular columnist for The Sunday Times since the 1990s, and also writes for Time and other publications.

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