Sorry, Hillary: You've crossed the line

[Hope And Change]

Charles Pluckhahn


Sorry, Hillary: You've crossed the line


Friday, March 14, 2008 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

By Charles Pluckhahn
Special to The Times

Hillary Clinton, you sure don't make it easy.

Since 2005, I've written $7,100 worth of checks to the person I considered most qualified to be the junior senator from New York and, later, president of the United States. In February, I was elected a Clinton delegate in the neighborhood-level caucuses, and looked forward to trying to be appointed a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

It would have been my second Democratic Convention. In 1992, as the volunteer press secretary to the Wisconsin delegation, I led a march of happy cheeseheads up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to the National Republican Women's Club. We stood and chanted slogans at a Republican "truth squad" that had set up camp there. It was great, goofy fun, and the Daily News thought so, too.

I remember well the feeling on the last day of that convention, which nominated your husband and Al Gore. "I think we're actually going to win this election," I told my old friend, who as head of the state delegation had invited me to New York. "I don't know if I'm ready to be on the winning side!"

Oh, what times those were! And given what success your husband produced, and your impressive record in New York, it wasn't exactly hard for me to support you. My sister-in-law, a grocery clerk whom I brought to a fundraiser here in Seattle and who sat and chatted with you, is still in your corner. She'll be crushed when she reads this column.

Sen. Clinton, I can no longer count myself in your ranks. I've decided that, barring some stunning revelation, Barack Obama has earned the Democratic nomination, fair and square. More importantly, I've decided that your campaign's tactics have crossed a line that should never be crossed. I no longer want to be associated with your effort to become the Democratic nominee.

One of your surrogates, Geraldine Ferraro, has said that Obama wouldn't be where he is in the Democratic contest if he were white. When combined with your rejection of Obama's qualifications to be commander in chief, and your husband's disrespect for Obama's effort, I see an ugly undercurrent.

more...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2004280786_plunkhaun14.html

[leftofcool]

1. Post 999 of same OP

[mod mom]

13. and still pertinent! Thanks for kicking.

[anamandujano]

2. Obama campaign's race baiting did not bother him though.

:shrug:

[ProSense]

3. Obama's campaign did no race baiting!

It's hilarious how Hillary supporters are spinning Wright's comments as race baiting, but the media is labeling him anti-American.

What's even more ridiculous is his comments from sermons in 2001 and 2003 (when Obama wasn't even in the Senate) are actually being treated as if they were made on the campaign trail.

[Kahuna]

12. What race baiting. Specifics. Got any?

Hillbots no longer get to accuse Obama of race baiting without providing specifics. So put up please.

[roguevalley]

14. how do you race bait Hillary? I was not aware she was one of the

ethnic folks in this country. poor white thing. Must be tough. Last time I looked, one of her pantsuits cost more than my car is worth.

[lapfog_1]

4. There have been a *lot* of these stories...

starting with the article by Gary Hart. Many Democrats, long time Democrats, senior party people... feel the same way. She crossed a line, a line that shouldn't be crossed, not by any Democrat.

She is now Zellary Clieberman. And I give her and her supporters the same respect that I would give Zell or Joe.

[Perry Logan]

5. So long, cheesehead.

[greguganus]

6. The SS Hillary is sinking!! Supporters jump ship, as Bill plays his saxophone. n/t

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

10. Hope he knows taps.

[MethuenProgressive]

7. SPAM

...

[durrrty libby]

8. Obama is a stunning Fraud. Just deal with it

[FreakinDJ]

9. I've lost a lot of respect for Hilary as of late also

Have always liked her for her fortitude during and after the Monica / Impeachment controversy. Also she has always been a very good speaker.

But now with these power grabbing and back handed slur tactics I've lost all respect for her.

[From The Left]

11. Hillary the Shrew Will Never be President

The American people didn't like her when she was First Lady/co-president and they sure as hell don't want her back in the White House.

If she becomes the nominee (much to the delight of the Hillbots), say hello to President McCain.

[Eurobabe]

15. Gotta agree, I know several who will write in Barack Obama

in the GE.