July 26, 2005

Publius Has Caught Hillary Fever

I remain immune, happy to say. Still, his analysis makes some very interesting points - particularly in his discussions about exactly where she has moved to the center, and where she's unlikely to. And I have to agree that the creation of an "opportunity society" would be a great theme for a campaign.

This post argues that the only room for an effective challenge to her in the '08 primaries is from the left. I'm not sure I agree with that, but that could well be the case, and it's surprising that that possibility isn't discussed more often.

Posted by armand at July 26, 2005 12:16 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Politics


Comments

That's an excellent analysis, and I think this is particularly important:

I also think she would benefit from being the first woman with a real shot at the presidency. The prospect of a female president will resonate with women more than people think - even in unlikely places.
In conjunction with the other things, I'm surprised you don't believe she can add Florida and Ohio to Kerry's electoral tally. And as far as ceding the southern states go, is there any Democratic candidate who Democrats could possibly embrace who won't cede a ton of southern states from the word "go?" That's just one area in which she's like everyone else.

Too bad Santorum prematurely decided not to run; I'd have loved to see the two of them during the final presidential debate beating each other silly over the head with hardcovers of each other's book:

"It -- Takes -- A -- Village -- You -- Crypto -- Fascist!"

"Get thee behind me whore of Satan! It -- Takes -- A -- Family -- not that you'd know anything about family, opprtunistic cuckold atheist heathen."

You know, something like that. I've got $20 on Hillary, even though his book is a bit longer.

Posted by: joshua at July 26, 2005 01:02 PM | PERMALINK

I think the female contender dynamic will be very interesting to watch. And in some instances that will help her. But I'm wary of predicting its overall impact

And I think you're right about Florida - I think she should play stronger there than Kerry.

I've just never been a huge fan of hers. It's not that I dislike her terribly. But another Clinton presidency doesn't excite me that much. I remain uncommitted (I like Clark best on paper, but seriously doubt he's got a shot - especially with Hillary running).

Posted by: Armand at July 26, 2005 01:10 PM | PERMALINK

No. Not Hillary, please.

No family connections. If it doesn't work for Bushes, it shouldn't work for Clintons. It's a small enough pool as it is.

Selectively moderating. For whom? I haven't seen recent polls, but I have my doubts about who she can actually woo over the line. At the end of that post he comments about people hating her. Oh yeah, with an unnatural glow in the dark lasting a thousand lifetimes until the end of the world hatred. I don't see them being lured by a moderate position on anything.

Unlike Armand, I don't like her. And I don't think her candidacy will be good for the party. I think it will keep both democrats and republicans looking backwards and picking at scabs instead of moving forward.

And if she can raise a lot of money, great. Give it to someone else.

Yes, she missed her chance because she backed her husband's horse. She paid her money and took her chances. Poor strategy. I don't care what kind of tactical maneuvers she gets up to now.

Posted by: binky at July 26, 2005 01:28 PM | PERMALINK

Binky - You write "Unlike Armand, I don't like her". Hmmmm. The fact that I don't dislike her terribly means that I like her? I wouldn't necessarily jump to that conclusion.

Posted by: Armand at July 26, 2005 02:56 PM | PERMALINK

I guess I was saying that unlike you I am willing to say I don't like her.

Posted by: binky at July 26, 2005 04:25 PM | PERMALINK

Well, I did say I was so far immune to "Hillary fever". :)

I agree with you 100% on this rather distasteful dynastic thing that tends to be in vogue at the moment. Yes, I know that tendency as been around since the start of the Republic, and there are certainly some very capable politicians who come from political familes (Rod Frelinghuysen, Rush Holt, Mark Udall ...) - I'm not saying they should be banned from office. But I do think that perhaps that tendency sends the wrong message about our political system, especially when it comes to the presidency.

As to Hillary specifically - I am starting to think she's more electable than is often thought. So maybe she makes sense for the Democratic party. Or could. But I am not a fan.

Posted by: Armand at July 27, 2005 05:13 PM | PERMALINK
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