on Jan 22nd, 2008The non-answer answer
Here’s an example why Hillary Clinton is a formidable candidate. During last night’s contentious Democratic debate, sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and CNN, she was asked by Corrrespondent Suzanne Malveaux about her husband’s increasingly vocal role in her campaign. Note how quickly and smoothly Clinton turned her reply into her “day one” campaign statement, without ever answering the question:
MALVEAUX: To Senator Clinton. In New Hampshire, you said you found your own voice, but increasingly there are people who believe that it’s your husband’s voice that has become too loud.
MALVEAUX: Congressman Clyburn earlier said today, “I think he can afford to tone it down.” Is there a risk that he is overshadowing your message and your voice?
CLINTON: Well, I think that he is very much advocating on my behalf, and I appreciate that. He is a tremendous asset. And he feels very strongly about this country and what’s at stake and what out future should be.
I believe that this campaign is not about our spouses. It is about us. It is about each of us individually. Michelle and Elizabeth are strong and staunch advocates for their husbands, and I respect that.
But, at the end of the day, voters are going to have to choose among us, and I think it’s fair to say that really the most important decision is who would be the best president on day one, to deal with all the problems that we know are waiting for our next president? And the subsidiary question is, who can best withstand the Republicans and all that we know is coming from them in order to win in November 2008?
I believe strongly that I can make the best case for that. Obviously, my colleagues believe just as strongly.
So I think that we need to keep our focus on what’s at stake in the election, what the future holds, what each of us will bring to this campaign and the presidency, because ultimately it’s really not about any of us. It’s about the people of South Carolina. It’s about the people of America.
And my voice is their voice. What I want to do is take not only my 35 years of experience into the White House, but I want to take all those voices of these extraordinary Americans who come up to me and tell me their stories and give me hope and inspiration that I can do something for them. Because that’s what it’s about for me.
Politics is not a game. It is the most serious of business. We have seen that over the last seven years. We have seen what a difference it makes when we have a president who is indifferent to and insensitive about the real-life struggles of Americans, and I want to be the champion that once again gives Americans the feeling that they have a president who cares about them and can produce results for them. And that’s what I intend to do.
Source: CNN transcript
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Goodness! I’m in a Super Tuesday state, and all I can say is that this is going to be a fascinating year.
And speaking of fascinating, I never would have imagined such a thing as a political AND food blog! Your creation is admirable: both stimulating and yummy.
Super Tuesday will be amazing, but don’t forget the SC Dems this Saturday.
Thanks for the kind words; most people I know who enjoy cooking and/or baking also care about who’s leading the country and vice versa. And when the government gets involved in a food-related issue it’s definitely politics!
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MALVEAUX: Yes, OK, Hillary.
_BUT_IS THERE A RISK that _BILL_ is overshadowing your message and your voice? Answer the damn question!
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Now that would be some reality TV! LOL
Hi,sage! Wouldn’t that have been a hoot! And the odds of that ever happening are…?
You have to start blogging. You do.
Great to see you!
Jeremy Paxman once asked Michael Howard (the former Conservative Party leader) the same question 12 times (yes, twelve) when he was on BBC’s Newsnight.
It’s a famous piece of television, and worth of inclusion amongst the classics of political video.
So here it is: Michael Howard, not answering the question.
That is too wonderful! It is certainly worthy of inclusion and I’ve done just that, with a link to background info too. Thanks! I’ve been searching for video of Philip and his ’slitty-eyed’ remark and other gaffes but have yet to find one with audio. Howard is better!
http://politicalvideos.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/the-question-is/
Oh, just had a sick thought. Given my love of movies and the British press’s fondness for puns, d’ya think when he dies the headline will be Howard’s End?
Ah hahahaha! Undoubtedly!
Proof, ladies and gentlemen, that someone shares my warped sense of humor…