Gerard Baker
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No democracy is without its autocratic features. In Britain, the Prime Minister gets to choose the date when the voters are allowed to re-elect him. In Russia, the President gets to come back as Prime Minister so he can go on running the country even after his constitutionally imposed term limits have expired. In America, the leadership of the world’s most powerful republic is constitutionally available only to members of two families.
Or that at least is how things seem now in Washington.
The stately procession of Hillary Rodham Clinton to the White House accelerated sharply this week. On Tuesday she announced that she had raised more money for her campaign this year than the two leading Republican hopefuls combined (“hopefuls” is a bit of a stretch – “laughably overmatched pretender” is probably better).
On Wednesday a couple of opinion polls suggest she now enjoys a lead of as much as 33 percentage points over Barack Obama, the nearest of her Democratic rivals for the nomination (“rivals” is a bit of a stretch – “supplicating retinue” is probably better). The same polls indicate she is being helped by the growing popularity of Bill Clinton, her husband (“husband” is a bit of stretch . . .)
And so Americans are starting to embrace the inevitability of the prospect of eight years of another President Clinton. Thus, after a previous Clinton Administration sandwiched between two Bushes, the strong likelihood is that, between 1988 and 2016, just two families will have supplied America’s president.
You have to go back to the Borgia-Medici rivalry to find parallels for such dynastic supremacy. There’s something alarmingly persuasive about the Clintons as the Borgias but the mind rebels slightly at the idea that the Bushes should be seen as the latterday Renaissance men of Florence.
But before we get completely carried away on the reverie of a post-republican America, we should review the current political wisdom about Mrs Clinton and ask: is she really inevitable?
The consensus in Washington is certainly that she is about as close to unstoppable for the Democratic nomination as any candidate has been in an openly contested race in living memory. She began her campaign nine months ago with powerful advantages – the name, a national political network in place that eclipsed the other candidates; money. Those were institutional advantages. What was not clear was whether she could complement them with real political skill. In the ensuing nine months she has removed any doubt. She has conducted a roughly flawless campaign so far.
It has been designed to address what would always be the biggest objection to a Hillary candidacy – could she win a national election? She might be admired and respected by Democrats, but could she overcome the almost rabid opposition she provoked in much of the country – the rancid legacy of the 1990s, with all those memories of dodgy property deals, assertively feminist conceptions of her role as First Lady and left-wing ideas about the role of government?
The makeover that began when she was elected to the Senate in 2000 has intensified this year. She has fought what has been in effect a general election campaign, appealing to moderate voters in the country, not principally to Democratic primary voters, thereby neutralising concerns about her electability.
She has done this especially over what has always been for Democrats the problematic issue of national security. She has declined to give in to demands from the Left that she apologise for her support for the Iraq war. She has sounded positively belligerent on Iran, last week earning the distinction of being the only leading Democratic contender to vote in the Senate for a resolution designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terrorists.
So the arguments of her opponents, uttered with diminishing conviction, that she cannot be elected because she is too out of step with mainstream America, sound hollow. Democrats, for all their furious opposition to the Iraq war, are anxious not to scare the voters. They want someone who can win and Mrs Clinton is steadily convincing them she can.
So what – or who – can stop her? The dwindling band of Democrats who worry about or dislike Mrs Clinton continue to indulge the fantasy that Al Gore, once merely a failed presidential candidate, now the Saviour of the Planet, might come to their aid. His friends have always said his resentment of the Clintons burns so brightly that he would only run for the Democratic nomination if he thought it was the only way to stop Hillary. Next Friday he is expected to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his climate change campaign. Might he pivot from Oslo to Ohio and make a dramatic late bid for the presidency?
Unlikely, say those who know him. If Mrs Clinton is to be defeated for the nomination, it will have to be by one of the current crop. And the only person who can do that is Mrs Clinton herself. Only some gigantic misstep between now and the primary votes early next year seems likely to stop her. Given how disciplined her campaign has been so far that seems highly unlikely.
But there is one caveat. Mrs Clinton has a vast advantage in the national polls, but that lead will matter less as we approach the first primary states. History suggests that victory in one of the early primary contests – Iowa and New Hampshire – can upset the national standings with remarkable speed.
It is Iowa, the very first state to vote in early January, where, as it happens, the Clinton campaign is weakest. She has never had a strong base there and polls indicate she is barely level with the other candidates – one this week even put her behind Mr Obama. A slip-up in a snowy Iowa winter is the one thing that could undo her.
The Clinton dynasty is almost – but not quite – assured. The Borgias, fortunately for Iowans, never had to carry Iowa.
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Ron Paul is looking better all the time. Defend our borders: no amnesty, no birthright citizenship, no welfare for illegals,and No ID card. No internet taxes, no IRS, repeal the Patriot Act. No wars of aggression. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore our Republic.
Dorothy Fairview, Pinellas Park, FL, US
you say clearly: prefer to Condolezza as president
George, Mexico, Mexico
Hillary has plenty of experience, after all she was the acting Pres while Bill was in office.
In keeping with the original article, if AlGore did run, I'd vote for him just to keep HRC out of the oval office. And even though I like Ron Paul for President, I don't like his stance on the 'A' word.
BTW, have any of you in the "HRC is for the people" camp seen the "Tax Reduction and Reform Act of 2007" she and congressman Rangel are proposing?
kirk, Dallas, TX
HRC for Prez? Another family dynasty? Is this what America is all about: all that's right is money, power, and influence? We're at a critical junction in our history, we must choose wisely! If we don't our country will continue its' moral decline into the dark side. America ,a great country, is capable of great evil. May god save us from ourselves!!
Michael, austin,
G. Das, Herbley, France said:
"Clintons are good for America. Greenspan praised him for balanced budget. America also needs universal health-care which is vital for the country. Bill could be a wonderful brand ambassador for the country. God bless America! "
G.DAS
Herblay France
So I guess you'd also agree that Hitler was good for Germany (as well as France)?
Scott, Durham, NC, USA
Hillery's on the top of the roster,
how come nobody ever asks,
"What really happened to Vince Foster?"
How soon the Americans Forget!
Wonder if she will be impeached too?
Gair Neilson, Guangzhou, China
What a difference three days makes. It appears that Clinton is now in the lead in Iowa.
Keith Scott, saint paul, minnesota, us
Can I just say I had to laugh out loud and fell on the floor when I read in paragraph 4;
"Thus, after a previous Clinton Administration sandwiched between two Bushes"
Because I instantly thought "Clinton sandwiched between two Bushes"....LMAO
**For the record, I'm a Ron Paul supporter...but thanks for the chuckle =)
Jan, Philadelphia, Pa.
Someday the USA will have a woman President. It will be a woman like Margaret Thatcher, not one like Hillary Clinton.
Oh, HRC will get the Democrat nomination alright but she doesn't have a chance of becoming President. There may be around 50% of people who would consider voting for her, but there are another 50% who will never vote for her, she cannot overcome that and siple areithmetic tells one that the sums just don't add up.
On top of that, Hillary is far to the left of the country as a whole and her famous dodging, spinning, weaving and cacking will wear thin in short order in a general election campaign.
President Hillary Clinton is nothing more than a fantasy. It isn't going to happen.
Jim, Milwaukee, USA
Someone said and I quote "24 hours is a long time in politics..."
How many hours is there between now and the next US presidenetial election ?
My calculator just went into overfloat mode trying to do the maths...:D
over.
Dapo Osewa, London,
I do not have much respect for Hillary Clinton. She couldn't stand up for herself when her husband cheated on her; what makes people think that she can stand up for the rights of the American people when Iran goes nuclear???The Iranian leader will NEVER back down to a woman!! Think about it people!!! Karen, Indiana
Karen Bloom, Schererville, Indiana
For Susan Gould who said that Hillary's qualifications for the job are non-existent...what world are you living in? what, in your eyes, are proper qualifications for the job of President of the U.S.?
Courtney, Milwaukee, WI
This country cannot stand another 8 years of the Clintons . I think you should get out and get a feel of the peoples attitudes before you crown her president. The U.S. has more states than just New York,California and Massachusetts.
David Shulman from Mass. has very definite ideas about the southern U.S. and I 'm convinved he has never set foot in the area. His stilted comments are what one expects from that great state that gave us socialists like John Kerry and Ted Kennedy .
Jay, Greenville , S.C. U.S.A.
I will be praying mightily that people of this great country will not make another big mistake by voting HC in - enough is enough!!! As Wayne from Clearwater wrote, " it would be nice to get a honest person in the office of president. I don't wish to read Hillary's lips anymore than Bill's. The truth has never come out of either."
Anita DeLeon, Middletown, PA, USA
The one person who is quite capable of stopping the Clinton juggernaut is RON PAUL, whose populist and Constitutional message, once it gets through to people makes them his immediate and passionate supporters. He is the one hope for positive change in U.S. policy and, as his numerous Meetup groups in other countries (as well as the almost 1,00 in American) will attest to, his message of liberty and personal responsibility appeals to people of good will the whole world over. RON PAUL FOR U.S. PRESIDENT IN 2008!
Victoria Story, Toronto, Canada
Seen this? "Bush quietly advising Hillary Clinton, top Democrats, says new book" (Examiner 24th Sept 2007 - google it)
President Bush is quietly providing back-channel advice to Hillary Rodham Clinton, urging her to modulate her rhetoric so she can effectively prosecute the war in Iraq if elected president.
How unconnected are these two dynasties?
Barry, Farnboro',
This is not about gender, people hating her that is. It is the fact that she is a raving socialist.
Joe, Levvitown,
Becoming America's first female president would be a great achievement, but I think that our first woman president should be someone who got it without her husband already having been president. If Senator Clinton becomes our president, it's like she only got it because of her husband. If it has to be a Democrat, I'd prefer Barack Obama.
Elizabeth, Metamora, MI
I am a registered Republican in the mold of Rockefeller. I would vote for Hilary. She will govern the US from the center, not from the extreme left or the extreme right. There will be always Hilary haters and Hilary doubters. But knowing Hilary, she will convert the doubters. As for the haters, they are in a minority when compared with the legions of dedicated Hilary supporters and converters, such as myself. Contrary to the claims by Guilianni, in a general election, he will lose in an electoral landslide to Hilary. He wonât even carry New York. He would have lost in the Senate race against Hilary in 2000 had he not withdrawn because of a medical problem. He talks tough but he is a shallow man with very quirky manners. New Yorkers would not vote for him, and of all the Republican candidates, he is probably the weakest against Hilary.
Samuel J, Albany, N.Y
Touche Ian of Bristol,
But Cherie Blair was always the 'president' of the UK anyway (or at least took the benefits of her husband's office and worked behind the lines as such).
And in any event there is no comparison between her and either the Honourable German Prime Minister, Bill or Hilary Clinton, or Margaret Thatcher!
It is like comparing Mike Tyson at his prime with an ameteur juvenile boxer at the local club....
The Honourable Tony Bliar and Prime Minister (Crash Gordon) Brown Unelect have done so much damage to both the economic infrastructure of this country and its moral currency abroad that it is imposible to know whether it will ever recover...
Pete Balchin, Solicitor , Bristol, UK
I am a disenchanted Republican and more open minded than in my earlier idealistic years. I will give her a fair shake.
Mike, St. Augustine, USA? Florida
Gerard, It sure looks like Hillary will get the Democratic nod at this point. You're right; it would take a major misstep.
Too bad, it didn't have to be this way. Sadly, the Republicans seem to have cornered the market in missteps. Their candidates have also given new meaning to the word lackluster.
After years of amateurish attempts to govern by the Republicans the American public seems content to settle for mere competence, or percieved competence regardless of the policy direction taken.
Well, I seem to recall another country where things had degenerated to such a deplorable state (or at least the voters thought so) that making the trains run on time was considered sufficient reason to elect a leader.
I think I need an asprin and a martini!
Jim Walton, Washington DC,
Percy, nor would a third term be unprecedented.
Richard, Dallas, TX
For a people who actually 'elected' George W Bush president (OK, it was just the once, but still...) Americans are capable of anything. Here they have an intelligent, articulate and quite frankly perfectly qualified candidate but you can see the bile of hatred already flowing. Both Hillary and Obama are clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the field, Democratic or Republican, but these are American voters we are talking about. Depressing, isn't it.
Ezek, Chester, UK
Gerard, you seem to be castigating Hillary Clinton for behaving like a (what's the word?) - ah yes, "politician". Perhaps you could tell us, without sounding too sanctimonious, how else you get elected in the U.S. - or indeed, anywhere else?
Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.
Ron Paul is going to win the election, I guarentee it. People said he wouldn't even come close to matching anyone in campaign money and now he has $5,000,000. He's going to make Hiliary look like a fool in the debates as he is against the war and she supports it when it is supposed to be the other way around.
Mike, Pittsburgh, USA, Pennsylvania
As a former Republican voter, I have been entirely put off by the policies of the current administration and the former Republican Congress. They had finally achieved control of all three branches of government in 2001, only to waste the opportunity on an unnecessary war, unsustainable tax cuts and the same wild overspending (pork), that we used to criticize the Democrats for.
Consequently, barring a major scandal or misstep, I shall feel compelled to vote for the Democratic ticket in 2008 - even though I don't believe in the party's overall philosophy.
I pray that during their (expected) time in opposition, the Republicans return to the moderate, common-sense leadership style as exemplified by Ronald Reagan and George Bush (41).
Andre, Machias, USA
the gov picked mrclinto b/c of a babyboom they wanted and now its morebabys in the country if ms clinton gets the seat so vote for obama he has the right attitude
john, pala altos, ca
excellent article. the national polls dont necessarily indicate the voting attitude of the people in the manner that the early voter state polls do. i am, however, certain she will win the nomination but the republican competition is not as easy as it appears prima facie: mitt and rudy both represent serious national contenders better fit for head to head match ups.
c. jerome ruth, atlanta, USA
It is disgusting to consider the USA a demcoracy when we are going to have bush-clinton-bush-clinton. This is an autocracy! I cannot believe people are willing to vote like this! America you should be ashamed of yourself. Whereas big money used to be a neccesity in american politics, these days you need big money and to be one of the two chosen families: Chelsea, Jeb, Jenna!!? Get ready y'all you're up soon.
Also the clinton dynasty has cleverly dodged any questions relating to whether it is good to have bush-clinton-ad infinitum by the face that hilary is a woman as this has now become the talking point rather than the more important question.
Matt, Frankfurt, Germany
We have had almost 8 years of republican deception, lies, an unwanted war,and the rapidly falling value of the dollar. This administration has indulged in the worst kind of governance that the US history has seen.
We need a change and see Hillary Clinton as a savior . I know that she is not without fault, but surely, she is many shades better educated, and better qualified to occupy the oval oval office.
Billy baramont, Columbus, Ohio
Billary Clinton with their celebrity entitlement status, and their ennabling of corporate profiteering , their sleezy morals, and smarmy greedy immature behavior in the White House paved the way for the Bushes.
Another term or two and the plutocrats and oligarchs will have an unbreakable hold on USA. Polarization, divisiveness, grave dishonesty and ruinous propaganda will continue to trash our once great nation.
Blaming and incapcitating the poor, fooling the sinking middle class,elevating the carpet-bagging rich, shirking authentic leadership for sectarian popularity, phony polls, media worship and marketing spin will have drowned out the freedom of speech and commmitment to facts and truth that are essential to preserving a Democracy.
The USA will have missed our chance to elect an authentic, honest, populist leader, conciliator of bi-partisan healing,and statesman: Barack Obama.
Aminah Yaquin Carroll, Gallipolis Ferry, West Virginia
I find it amazing that some individuals blame ANY president
for not accomplishing what they really want to do. They forget that the ideas put forth can be voted down. Then is it the fault of the president? If this were a dictatorship, then the proposals, ideas, "dreams" would be enacted and then one could judge how good or bad the president is. BUT, to crucify a president including the future one for not getting enough done is dead wrong. Some senators and representatives vote NO to something good, only because the idea came from the opposition. I would never criticize but instead would analyze what killed the promised act. 99% it was the opposite party.
Lisa Sciolle, CHICAGO,
Just think back over the last twelve years and then pick the six of them that (if you had to choose) you would prefer to relive. Not so difficult, now was it??
Stape, Oklahoma City, OK
H.R. Clinton will bring the US into the modern era by improving life for Americans with better access to health care and education and by fostering better international relations with other nations. Skilled and healthy Americans will have more money to spend so even Republicans will be pleased with her.
Emma H., Ottawa, can
All Ron Paul can accomplish as a Republican is to draw votes away from the Dems and help put another George W. Bush-type administration in power, which will destroy the little bit of the American Democracy (as we have known it) that is left.
Stape, Oklahoma City, OK
The person who best lines up with my values is Dennis Kucinich. Of the horrible Republican candidates the notable exception is Ron Paul, a former Independent, who unlike any other Republicans speaks with the voice of reason. My second favorite Democrat is Joe Biden, a seasoned statesman who has what it takes to unite people from both sides of the aisle, and restore America to greatness. Hillary is also a capable, strong, and experienced politician, and she would make a fabulous president. Americans, suffering severely now under the incompetent and despicable Bush regime, would be far better off with the strong leadership and considerable wisdom of Hillary Clinton. Any of the Democratic candidates, or Ron Paul, would do a capable job of pulling America out of the mire, and would get America back in the saddle again. I wholeheartedly support Hillary Clinton as a wise, experienced, and excellent person to lead America back to greatness.
Rita Campbell, Wasilla, AK
Watch how many of us leave our country if she is elected.
Bill, Ocean City, Md. USA
I am proudly going to vote for Mrs Clinton. Things were never better in this country than when he was in office. What is wrong with you people? Would you rather have another 8 years of the madness of King George? The Bush Administration has done nothing but lie and about more than a simple hummer in the oval office to be sure.
Erin, Okeechobee, Florida
Does anyone remember the price of gas when Bill left office?
That's all i have to say
Bill Moore, Danville, Va.
Please save the country from any more years of Clinton. Sometimes it would be nice to get a honest person in the office of president. I don't wish to read Hillary's lips anymore than Bill's. The truth has never come out of either. I hope we can save our country this time. God Bless the USA.
Wayne, Clearwater,
The Dark (white) horse on the Republican side will stop Hillary!
Mike Huckabee... enough said! You people can have the Clintons if you love them so much! 8 yrs was plenty...I think Hill and Bill are sprinkling LSD dust from Black Helicopters to boost her poll numbers. Eventually people will get over the "trip" and come back to their senses!
Chuck , Chetek USA,
Any country that votes GWB in for a second term deserves another president Clinton.
Justin, Nr. Lincoln, UK
I donjt see any differrent to have a strong woman as the president of the United States who would run the country with her experience and wisdom for two terms.That woman is Mrs.Clinton. A decade ago England had iron woman, Mrs.Thatcher as Priminister and at the present Germany has a lady priminister who runs her country efficiently .Why donjt we be a bit open minded to have Mrs. Clinton as our president.
suraphol vallasiri, 13434 Moontague St.Arleta., CA 91331
We can only hope Hillary, Gore, or some Democrat can win the White House in 2008. Even 4 more years of Republican rule would be the end of this country. And I shudder to think what would happen if a madman like Romney were elected.
Thje Republicans have no valid candidates, so it looks really good for tAmerica right now.
Ramon, Rohnert Park, Ca
Desmond says the US does not want Bill back again. HAHA! Bill would win in a landslide, if allowed to run again.
Ramon, Rohnert Park, Ca
I just hope Cherie Blair doesn't get ideas about becoming Prime Minister here in the UK.
Ian, Bristol,
If, and it's a big "If", HRC gets into the White House through the front door, will she fly the Hammer and Sickle" over the ":Stars and Bars"?
John, honolulu, HI
The author is a tad over certain, I think. Perhaps he is not familiar with the Electoral College. What he fails to recognize (most blatantly) is that Giuliani, though in many respects a flawed candidate, is competitive in almost every state, something Senator Clinton cannot claim. Very much can change in American politics over the course of a year, certainly state-wide swings of 10 pts or more. If anything is certain, it is that Hillary has a lock on only two states if the Republicans nominate Rudy: Massachusetts and Vermont. The Republicans, on the contrary, have a lock on much of the South, and parts of the Mid-West, no matter who they nominate. If the Republican candidate is competitive enough to force Dems to spend money in the states Kerry and Gore carried easily -- CA, NY, NJ, etc. -- and can compete in the important swing states -- OH, FL, PA, etc. -- (and this Giuliani most assuredly can do), then the race is much more complicated than this simplistic analysis admits
NM, NYC, NY, USA
A lot of Americans have been longing for a president who can once again speak in complete sentences. And she certainly can't divide the country any more than the current "decider" has.
Greg, Duluth, USA/MN
Hillary may well be marching inexorably to the nomination but winning the general election to the presidency is another matter. I am a lifelong hardcore liberal democrat. I will never vote for Ms. Clinton, I had enough Clintons with the Bill & Hillary Show. We don't need a Hillary & Bill Show. It's too bad. There are several pretty good candidates in the Democratic fold. What a shame they don't stand much of a chance.
Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944---four terms. He was sworn into office in the springs of 1933, 1937, 1941, and 1945. Shortly after being sworn in for his fourth term, he died of a cerebral hemorrhage. A few years later Congress, fearful of one man ever again serving for so many years, passed the Amendment to the Constitution which limits a president to two terms.
Patricia Rhodes, El Paso, TX
As to presidential dynasties, Baker overlooks the probable outcome,assuming J.F.K. and Robert Kennedy had not been gunned down.
J.F.K. probably would have served 2 terms, with Robert as vice president during the second term, and thereafter likely with Robert Kennedy as president from 1968-1976.
Wonder what the world would have looked like today? Certainly different from the de facto!
Gerald B., Aarhus, Denmark
As a Clinton supporter, I pray that the Republican's nominate Rudy. Any other Republican candidate can and will pull out the "values" card, they can and will re-hash every scandal that involved the Clinton's in the 90's. She will be swift-boated 50 times over. If the Republican's nominate Giulliani, the Democrats can match them swift-boat for swift boat - from his cheating relationships to his prostate, from bad treatment of firefighters and dumb decision-making in the first Trade Center bombing, to the fact that his kids won't speak to him. Indeed, Rudy is the only Republican who would lose and lose badly. I also pray that the Republican's will fail to nominate the only Republican who could beat Hillary by mandate margins - Mike Huckabee. Go Rudy!
Mike, Santa Barbara, CA., USA
Mike, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Also, a post script to Percy... The president of the West can serve but two terms. Still, it would not be "unprecedented". Franklin Delano Roosevelt served for an UNPRECEDENTED three terms from 1933 until 1945, and had it not been for his failing body, he would have been president for much longer.
Jacob G, Albuquerque, New Mexico
To Frank Kehoe, Dallas TX: Yes, I am employed. I have a wonderful job.
Tony Francis, Wichita, KS/USA
I don't believe it's fair to say that we will have been ruled by 2 families for 24/28 years simply because Hilary chose to run. She may have had her mistakes, but to say that because George W. Bush followed in his father's footsteps and failed miserably does not mean that we should be put off by the fact that Hilary is running. Each election should be about those running and how they plan to run the country as president, not about whether they were related to a president before them.
Mark Adams, Evansville, IN
Americans aren't mature enough to elect a woman--even the most qualified, but this one's qualifications are next to non-existent. She has a name people remember--Clinton, but to many Americans, it's a name with negative connotaions. Unfortunately her bid is elevating Guilianni who is as embarrassing as GWB. I've been brainwashed to believe that I shouldn't give up my citizenship, but I'm secretly looking for a country I can proudly call home.
Susan Gould, Kasugai, Japan
Mrs. Clinton is the only candidate who speaks with good old American logic and statesmenship and hope. The Americans are ready to finally vote for a woman president, and we do not see it as a family dynasty at all in America. It is not uncommon for us--the Kennedy's tried it as well, and don't forget the Roosevelts. In fact, America is sort of in a transition in generational transfer of power. And Mrs. Clinton is the only one who represents any sort of sane leadership for this country. The Far Right has reduced this country to a paranoid, natavist, supersticious, and stagnating society. The Independents want someone who represents a return to government of the people, by the people aand for the people. Mrs. Clinton is simply showing moderate Americans that there is still an America that can lead the world with our ingenuity, our prosperity, our middle class ascendancy, faith, and our example of how to be a leading democracy. God bless America.
Ed Dempew, Oklahoma City, USA , Oklahoma
Scott, from Durham... I love you man! hahaha... the "hildabeast"? I love it! Don't trademark that phrase, I want usage access too! Seriously, and it wasn't that many years ago she said it. I remember watching her on CNN when she traded her Arkansas citizenship for a New York senate seat. We should at least consider the fact that she has no self respect. "This is a vast, right-wing conspiracy, conspiring against my husband the president..." Those were her words when asked about Bill's affairs. The fact that she didn't divorce him, the fact that we know the Clinton's are deceitful and manipulative, these things show she is an indignant and unscrupulous whore who has no self respect. Oh that's my choice for president.
Jacob G, Albuquerque, New Mexico
It is understandable that people are trying very hard to put down Mrs. Clinton. But fortunately, citizens of the United States are getting intelligent and smart voters. They should it when the Democrats gained control. They are tired of what is going on to our country and also tired of the hardship of life we are going through. I felt every bit of hardship in life after the Clinton Administration left office. I know, and I believe, our life will get baack the way it was under the Clinton Administration. Of course, if Ms. Clinton get elected, she will inherit some problems and issues from the this administration. But I know she will do all the best she can and I know she will.
Honestly, she is only the one that I could see she can make a big difference in this country.........again. If during her husband's administration did well, she will do the same. I vote for someone who did very good in this country, whether a democrat or republican. I was right to vote for clinton.
Lianette Steele, Arlington, Texas
Dispite the negatives that make even the most loyal Democrat wince,I don't think we will be able to resist reaching the milestone of electing a female president. I think that Obama is the more honest candidate, but would not hesitate supporting Hillary if she is the nominee. Even with the baggage she carries her election still would be the the only real positive event in american politics this century.
Jeff Brown, Berkeley, CA.
John Edwards.
Jackie Mccaffrey, New York, NY
Whatever power hungry neanderthall takes office, all I can say is thank God for checks and ballances. God Bless the Founding Fathers!! (Who I'm sure are rolling in their graves today.)
Vikram D'Souza, Memphis, Tennessee
I think the Democrats have made two big mistake, supporting citizenship for illegals and , other being Hillary. You will see a mass voter registration so people can vote against Hillary. Ron Paul is the best of the candidates.
Michael, Columbus, Ohio (USA)
Possibly we should take another perspective, here. What are America's alternatives? Our George III has made certain that any Republican will have an uphill climb, and Republican Senator McCain whom I have previously supported cannot keep his foot out of his mouth any better than George. The best alternative the Democrats can supply is a popular but woefully under-experienced Mayor. (Obama already is sounding like a Vice Presidential Candidate.) Given those non-choices, where does America look?
I say, is Tony presently employed?
Frank Kehoe, Dallas, TX USA
Ron Paul will be her. He is gaining momentum fast and people are joining as soon as they hear about him. Most people don't know who he is, like myself who really only found out about him recently by a friend talking with me about other issues like the IRS. This man is a patriot trying to restore America to an honorable country in the world and in our hearts. He is someone people on both sides can really appreciate and after the polarizing and damages cause by this administration we really need to be unified again. Hillary can't do that too many Cons hate her and too many Dems don't like the mainstream Republicans. I would encourage anyone to do as I did and check this guy out, he isn't running on the sam rhetoric as everyone else. He is running on issues that we as a nation have forgotten about like our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Ron Paul is a patriot, even though some media outlets would tell you otherwise. We may only have one shot...make it count.
RON PAUL!!!
Patrick, Dallas, TX
Obama is the only man who can stop her now . Lets pray for this to happen.
Orwell, George, Hicksville, USA/Florida
I agree that 24 â 28 years of presidential leadership arising out of only two families would not be good for the country. To elect the highest leader from a two-family system is stifling. We have tremendous diversity in our population and in our political ranks, and we should take advantage of it. Also, there has never been more political animosity than since the election of Bill Clinton in 1992, and Hillary has been in the thick of that ugliness. There has been too much divisiveness, too much suspicion and scorn, too much political gamesmanship, too little respect for the president, and too little progress on important issues that our government is supposed to be addressing. Clearly, this will continue if Hillary is elected president. The only hope for improvement is to bring in someone who is not associated with either the Clintons or the Bushes.
David, Tucson, AZ
Gerard, I would say Mrs. Clinton began her campaign to be President in 1992. The election is 13 months away. That is a lifetime. It will probably boil down to several factors: how many people think they will be getting Bill back as president? How many really dislike Hillary? No one knows those numbers. There is no way Rudy would be leading the Republican pack, but for Hillary. One thing is for sure: if she gets in, it will be contentious from the start.
Tony Francis, Wichita, KS/USA
Percy,
GWB cannot serve another term. It is unconstitutional. "Full stop"
Now, what's the next conspiracy theory?
BHG, USA,
You should read you own article from a distance. Your first paragraph encapsulates the myth of democracy in the modern world and your title demolishes the notion of democracy in America. I think the fact that you have made a case undermines the vision of Hillary Clinton as President. Without any real knowledge of the American political scene, I get the impression that the Democrats don t seem to be trying too hard to score the next Presidency, which, in view of your first paragraph, makes me wonder if George Bush isn t secretly plotting some reason to serve an unprecedented third term.
Henry Percy, London, UK
Mrs Clinton will never become President. The US does not want Bill back again. Perception is everything in politics. Also, Mrs Clinton is a Socialist just to the right of Hugo Chavez.. Everyone knows that as well. Her negatives are sky high, and they will not get better. The perception is she is a shrill harpie who would not be where she is except for Bill. Also, she has zero experience in governing. Unless being married is all one needs. Based on experience Obama is more than qualified. I do not have a clue who will be the Dem candidate, but they will pick a loser if Mrs Clinton is the one. The Powers That Be in Dem circles are already making these noises.
Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx
After 7 amazing years with the worse American president who led the U.S to a second Vietnam, an incredible federal defecit and corrupt administration I would suggest to all those southern republicans (who probably would have voted for Hitler if he were to head the GOP ) to sit quietly and let capable people such as Hillary Clinton to clean the mess this administration caused. At the end of the day some of the more republican states are not the role model of how the U.S should look.
David Shulman, Boston, Mass
" I still do not believe this country will elect a woman President during war time even if Joan of Arc was running!!!!!" (Murph, Madisonville)
...because men are doing such a good job of running the war of course
F Calder-Smith, New York, USA
Clintons are good for America. Greenspan praised him for balanced budget. America also needs universal health-care which is vital for the country. Bill could be a wonderful brand ambassador for the country. God bless America!
G.DAS
Herblay France
G. Das, Herbley, France
Hoo-rah Scott in Durham! Anyone in their right mind knew why she ran in New York. What blows my mind is...why the heck did they elect her there. I mean really...she never lived there...simply bought a house...got on the ballott..and somehow???...got elected. as if for all these years she was truly concerned with the citizens of New York! B.S!!!..she could give a rats butt about what goes on in NY...she was always looking ahead!!
As to the elections here...its all media hype right now. Mean't to fill in the endless 24/7 cable news when there is no other news. I still do not believe this country will elect a woman President during war time even if Joan of Arc was running!!!!!
Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY
Good.
Lucy Bordgiah, Preston,
The Presidential elections are over 13 months away and already people are predicting a winner in a race that hasn't had one vote cast. I will not be one of those voting for Ms Rodham-Clinton, if not for the reason that she scared me when she was merely the Presidents wife and give herself the title of Co-President. If she is elected, what will Bill Clinton's role be? Will he be an advisor, or hold a constitutional role? I can see Ms Clinton offering one of several cabinet posts,
Secretary of State or Attorney General, to the ex-President. It's possible that she could even nominate him to a post on the Supreme Court if a vacancy should become available.
Hopefully with the year remaining until the nominations and election another american will surface who can unite the nation, under a common cause.
Michael P. McEleney, jacksonville, FL, USA
Isn't this a violation of the 22nd Amendment, at least to the spirit
if not the letter?
Hermann Burchard, Stillwater, Oklahoma
When HRC became a US Senator, she was asked point blank if she had any interest in or would use her senate position as a launching pad for an attempt at the Presidency. She said unequivocally, "No." She stated without hesitancy that she had absolutely NO intention of ever running for President. Period.
Well, many years later we she her true colors and the untruthfulness of her baldface prevarication. And you thought Bill was bad. The hildabeast is worse. Just wait. You haven't seen anything yet....
Scott, Durham, NC, USA
Way, way too early for such certainty. There's a year to go.
Nick Beard, Seattle, uSA (ex-UK)