Last night was probably the happiest I have felt (politically) in a while. Watching Obama make his victory speech made me feel as if the 8 years of agony of George Bush was worth it if it enables someone like Barack to become President of the U.S. However, just before he made his speech, Hillary descended once again to the abysmal depths of disgrace. As I was watching her make what it was supposed to be a concession speech, I almost tossed my glass of wine at the TV.
Instead of participating in the collective celebration of America's historic night--when an African-American candidate of superb qualifications was chosen as the nominee of a major party--and congratulating Obama and the country on this achievement, she went on a rant, listing her accomplishments and demanding that her supporters be respected. Considering a significant amount of anger among Hillary's ardent supporters, this was a callous and disgraceful move, which could be taken as a call to her supporters not to rally behind Obama until she says it's over. Her speech signaled her inability to concede her loss even at the expense of a Democratic loss in November. Her sense of entitlement came through loud and clear.
It is also telling that just before she took up the podium in New York, Obama had tried to reach her twice and was forced to leave a message on her voice mail. Even after his victory speech when he finally did reach her and offered to meet with her "when it makes sense" for her, she was equivocal. In the meantime, her supporters--including the increasingly shrill and insane Terry McCaulife (who still keeps promising she would win the White House)--went on a rampage in trying to blackmail Obama into picking her as a V.P. It has been the great American tradition for presidential nominees to take their time and pick their V.P.'s. This is probably the first time in history that a candidate is being blackmailed from within his own party into choosing his running mate who could arguably cost him the election.
At the same time, Bill has been going off on his tirades against journalists, media, Obama and anyone else who dared put themselves between Hillary and the Oval Office. On the day when the Vanity Fair came out with a scathing article about his post-presidential behavior (including his frequent trips on a private jet of a bachelor billionaire whose promiscuous life style has earned his jet the nickname of "Air Fuck One"), Bill Clinton once again showed a complete lack of self-control. I have never been bothered by his lack of self-control when it comes to women since it really does not concern me, but this undisciplined behavior has seeped into his political life and has arguably cost his wife the nomination. (the article is at: http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/07/clinton200807).
United in their limitless ambition, poised for revenge against anyone who dared stand against them and for Obama, the Clintons seem intent to form a coalition sub-government within an Obama administration even months before Obama wins the White House.
This is why I think it is of urgent importance that the Democratic Party take both Hillary and Bill into a room and tell them to go away. Otherwise, they need to be pushed out of the party. I have to say I have been disappointed with Howard Dean's lackluster behavior during this primary and he needs to come out TODAY and call on Hillary to admit defeat and support Obama (unconditionally!) in his bid for the White House.
My happiness at seeing Obama become the nominee was a little bit tempered by the sadness of realizing that I have lost a lot of respect for Bill Clinton whom I used to admire (I did read every page of his autobiography). But now, I just want them both to go away! Please...
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2 comments:
I agree, it's disgraceful that Hillary hasn't conceded, that she's practically demanding a veep nod, and that, in doing both, she has lead her supporters into a "get hillary on the ticket or else" decision concerning their party support for obama. they like to hear that she will never give up- I think that's a quality about her that resonated with a lot of people who feel like they lack acknowledgment. but to truly never give up... it's wearing me out. what does it say to all the hillary supporters if obama doesn't pick her as a vice president? they're creating a self-fulfilling prophecy wherein hillary will once again be victimized (because of whatever reason you want- she's a woman, she's had bad media attention, she's entitled) whether she is vice president or not- if she is, she really deserved to be president and is playing the "woman in the sidecar" role. if she's not then obama has scorned her and her supporters.
remember the plastic shovel analogy on my blog? (here's shameless promotion of my political thoughts: http://shleydom.blogspot.com/2008/02/yes-she-can.html it's more and more relevant every time hillary speaks- her not-a-concession speech last night was filled with that "poor you, I've heard your poor little stories throughout this campaign, you really need me to help you" language that's been strangling the democratic party for years. she even evoked the tragedy of 9/11 to strengthen her image of resiliency.
This is going to sound counterintuitive and perhaps even stupid... But maybe all of this attention Obama has been getting (even some of the bad stuff) is a good thing. To my point, remember during the French election all of those cute American leftist academics were like "well, there is 'this Socialist woman' who may challenge Sarko." Of course, they didn't even no Royale's name, which told me everything I needed to know about who was going to win that fight. Even those who hated Sarko admitted that he was by far the more dynamic, exciting personality in that race. His name was in the air, Royale's was not.
Now what is happening with Obama is not to that extent, but the situation - HE's the man of the moment, not McCain.
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