Book Review 
Her Way
By Jeff Gerth & Don Van Natta Jr.
June 2007 by Back Nine Books, LLC – Little, Brown & Company
Available at all major books stores- Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden, Schuster, etc.
Type of Book:
Non-fiction.
This book is an unauthorized biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Background:
Per Back Nine Books LLC, Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta, Jr. were both investigative reporters for The New York Times for many years. Both have been awarded either group or individual Pulitzer Prices for their investigative journalism and written works. Between the two, they have written a number of books and have taught at renowned universities such as Princeton. One lives in Washington D.C. and the other in New Jersey. Further information can be found on Wickepedia.
General Book Overview:
As she makes her historic run for the top job of first female President of The United States, this book lays out a complete portrait of the woman we know as Hillary Rodham Clinton. The authors of this book take you on a journey from her youngest years, through her undergraduate education, law school, years as a professional lawyer, first lady to Arkansas and the nation and finally, to current times. She is a commanding force in the world of politics, both in her early days and well into the early 21st century. Whether you approve of her or not, whether you like her or not, she remains a leading candidate for the 2008 Presidency. This book draws upon many sources, both disclosed and undisclosed, to paint a picture of a woman few truly know. Fortunately, this book provides a glimpse into who she really is, what she stands for and what she is willing to do to win the nomination and obtain the ultimate job – leader of the free world.
The authors noted early on in this book the following important items:
1) They approached Mrs. Clinton along with current and past aides, supporters, associates, friends and even fellow senators for input and research into this project. Most declined to speak on the record – some due to possible fear of retribution, others out of pure loyalty and yet others who had been advised not to cooperate per instructions from Mrs. Clinton herself.
2) Even without direct cooperation, the authors were able to conduct more than 500 interviews with current and former aides, confidants and other senators.
3) The authors were able to examine thousands of pages of documents – some previously undisclosed by government archives via FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and the Library of Congress.
4) The authors examined more than a thousand of Mrs. Clintons own speeches, interviews and public statements. The authors also tie into Mrs. Clinton’s own biography Living History for reference. Mrs. Clinton may not have spoken to the authors direct, but her voice remains loud and clear through documented mediums such as mainstream t.v/cable (interviews, sound bites, commercials and campaign speeches), books/transcripts (her written word) and audio clips.
5) The authors attended a number of Mrs. Clintons’ conferences and campaign events for a first hand experience with the Senator.
6) Last, but not least, most of the information in this book is derived from named sources cited in the end notes. Dozens of people spoke to the authors but only under the cover of anonymity for fear of retribution if they got directly named. The authors honored anyone who was not willing to be identified as long as the source checked out and had credibility.
The authors are well aware that Hillary Rodham Clinton is many things to many people. To some, she is a pioneer an
d hero. To others, the sum of all fears. She is said to be forthright and open at times. She can be evasive and downright dishonest at other times. She pats herself on the back when she wants to take credit for something done right. She denies any wrong doing when dangerous mistakes are made as she does not want to empower her adversaries. She often commands great loyalty and admiration in her direct core of supporters. On the contrary, she often triggers dislike and mistrust in those she uses and tosses aside once they are no longer valuable or are no longer considered her most trusted insiders. Ultimately, she is complex and hard to understand, even to some of her closest friends and advisors. She is unique in that such a high profile candidate has occupied the spotlight for so long with so few knowing who she really is.
The book takes you on a full journey from Hillary growing up in Illinois to a middle class family, to her college years at Wellesley & Yale, her early involvement in political campaigns for Republicans (yes, the other guys), helping the Black Panthers during a turbulent time, speaking out against the Vietnam war and finally becoming an advocate for children (once she moved toward being a liberal Democrat). We see further development and changes once she marries Bill Clinton and they move to Arkansas, as she becomes an active lawyer and partner at The Rose Law firm, becoming First Lady of Arkansas, First Lady of the White House and finally, the current Senator to New York. The book ends with details regarding her current campaign to be President of The United States in 2008.
In between all of these major life events you will discover hundreds of facts about her public and private life, many not disclosed or analyzed by the mainstream media to date. Many issues are clarified in greater detail, as is deserving of a Presidential candidate.
For instance, the book sheds additional light on some of the following topics:
Her status as one of America’s most influential female lawyers (she failed the DC bar and only passed the Arkansas bar). She pumped up her resume to look a little better than it really did, saying she was voted top or best – she was not per the organizations who nominated her.
The 20 year plan Bill and Hillary discussed in 1973 to reform the Democratic Party and take over the White House. Eight years for him and then eight years for her. Half of which has come to pass so far.
Her questionable legal work for the troubled savings and loan, Madison Guaranty in Arkansas.
Her preventing disclosure of evidence that she padded her legal bills and had frequent business/legal dealings with state regulators who worked for Bill when he was governor of Arkansas in apparent conflict of interests. She either denied or stated inaccurately the work she did do. Records show differently.
The questionable land deal called White Water and their relationship with Jim and Susan McDougal (one convicted of fraud, the other did time in jail in order to not speak out on the full truth of events).
Hillary ignoring established rules in trading commodities and gaining large revenues in a short amount of time. Typical margins were not covered and standard trading practices seemed to be ignored. She didn’t disclose all gains on financial records.
Hillary sitting on Wal Mart’s board of directors and gaining sizable profits from her investments with them and also with big oil companies.
The secret war room (the “defense team”) set up to manage the first 1992 election for Bill Clinton. This special team had been organized to handle any and all charges that they would have to fend off to get the golden prize – the Presidency and what they did to get past the firing line.
The concealment of Bill Clinton’s true draft record.
The support she gave Bill during his numerous infidelities and his impeachment trial. In the end, their shared decision that the goal of power, wealth and position outweighed marital rifts of infidelity, mistrust and lies.
How Hillary’s poll ratings increased when she was “a victim” of Bill’s adulterous affairs. How her ratings went down when she tried to be the one in charge of everything and wore the family pants.
The death of Law Rose Firm lawyer, Vince Foster, one of Hillary’s earliest confidents and closest friends. A man who stated at the end, “The Whitewater tax matter is a can of worms you shouldn’t open”. He then committed suicide.
Webb Hubbell, Hillary’s second buddy at The Rose Law firm, eventually convicted of defrauding his clients, his partners and imprisoned after intensive investigations. The original three musketeers –
Foster, Hubbell and Hillary – were down to one. She was the last ‘man’ standing so to speak.
The Travel-gate firings and incident at the White House while she was first lady.
The attempts to nationalize health care and its disastrous demise.
Failure to provide proper documents for the hiring of staff members and consultants per Senate rules, whether paid or voluntary, full time or part–time. Hillary chose not to file documents on many occasions. Her team appeared to operate “unlike any other senator” according to a well known Senate ethics expert. She did as she wanted, not as she was supposed to do.
Hillary muscling her way into meetings and onto bill’s that she had no direct part of, but needed for her growing status and Senate leverage.
This is the power of Hillaryland and so much more.
In the end, the authors confirm what most analytical and thoughtful people think. Hillary Clinton is far from the only politician to exaggerate her past accomplishments (she was one of America’s supposed “top” female lawyers), to stuff the unpleasantness of the past into corners where few look (Bill’s dirty, dirty lady laundry), to make mistakes and pretend not to have done so (the Rose Law Firm padded bills and denials of work done for the state of Arkansas), as a politician to have said one thing and done another (the support of taking out Saddam Hussein and his WMDs and then changing the tune when the outcome was not perfect), to have left former friends and allies on the side of the road as she’s moved on (Vince Foster of the Rose Law Firm and Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund), and finally in the end, she is not the only politician in America with tremendous ambition and an affection for both power and money. She is like many politicians on today’s public stage.
The difference is that Hillary wants us to think SHE is the smartest.
She wants us to believe that SHE is the most qualified of the pack.
She wants to be a first for us. The first female President of the United States.
Sadly, the star that her team makes her out to be does not shine quite so bright once the light of the sun illuminates her history and her record.
Previous books told of positive, charming and inspiring stories of Bill and Hillary as relayed by their friends, supporters and best allies. Two of the many books are by Bill and Hillary themselves. The spin was required to go their way and to date, when it comes to books, articles, interviews, speeches and how the main stream media covers them, it has been all THEIR way. There has also been released a number of other books that have told hair-raising stories about the dubious characters, the shenanigans, and even criminality of the Clintons. Those books often focused on the Clintons as a couple and the path their lives took together. These books got much less press coverage in the hope of keeping negatives away from public viewing.
This book, Her Way, tells another portion of the story. Hillary’s story. Hillary’s rise from a middle class American girl to the halls of the most power buildings and people in the world. A look into her goal to be the first woman to hold the oval office in the history of the United States. What concessions she has made to get there so far and the additional lengths she will go to in order to obtain the final prize.
It’s not too late to get the full picture before you pull the lever in November of 2008.
Personal Review
I feel the authors did a solid job of trying to present facts about Hillary in this book based upon numerou
s reference sources. Their personal comments about her were few and far between. They never seemed to kick in side comments that could be deemed nasty, mean or cruel. They did not try to make you form an opinion based upon their opinions. I give them much credit as so much more could have been said in response to specific events, articles, or evidence that was less than flattering to Hillary. Many issues bordered on unethical and immoral and above all, was certainly nothing a person with honor and integrity would be proud to say they had done, yet Hillary does. They present the evidence, it’s up to each one of us to determine her innocence or guilt. The authors tried to show all sides to her – the young and the middle aged, the innocent and the intentional, the good, the bad, the deliberate and the questionable and so on. I believe the authors held back intentionally from stating exactly how they each felt so, Hillary’s own living history in written words, media events and interviews could stand alone for serious consideration by each one of us. That’s a tribute to their restraint in this book.
Hillary is a polarizing figure anyway you look at it. Many love her, yet really don’t know her. Many can’t stand her, yet really don’t know her. Many in the middle haven’t a clue about where they stand. If you are woman, a feminist, should you vote for her – a fellow woman? If you are a mother and wife, should you vote for her – a fellow mother and wife? If you are a man, do you vote for her and allow women to break the ultimate glass ceiling in the world of business, economics, politics and power? Do you vote for her based upon her historical record in law and business? Do you vote for her based upon her congressional record alone? Do you vote for her because you liked Bill Clinton and need some more Billie time? Do you vote for her because you won’t vote for a Republican? Do you vote against her because of all the above? Questions, questions, questions….
My guess is that liberal and democratic supporters will instantly assume this is a book meant to smear Mrs. Clinton and avoid it like the plague. I certainly saw the sharp knives come out on all the major shows (CNN, MSNBC, PBS, ABC, NBC, etc.) as this book made its early arrival to book stores around the country. Even though almost none of the commentators confirmed they had read the book themselves or even spoken to the authors direct, the vast majority of the main stream media played down the importance of the book and assumed the very worst.
I chose to buy the book and read it just for those reasons.
Was the MSM right in their early analysis that this unauthorized biography was just to make Hillary look bad? Was it a book meant to discredit all she had done to date? Was it meant to take away the steam of her candidacy? Or, was it a critical look at who she is, what she is and the legacy she has built to date? Was it a true reflection of what we can expect if she becomes the next President?
After 346 pages of information from birth to current times, and an additional 77 pages of end notes, I can say this book hit the right note.
To quote a major previous Bill Clinton donor and supporter, California multi-millionaire David Geffen in 
February of 2007, he said, “Everybody in politics lies, but the Clintons do it with such ease, it’s troubling”. He said this once he jumped ship and chose to support the Obama 2008 campaign and not Hillary’s. This statement made headlines and was splashed along every cable t.v. news ticker and 15 minute news update around the country for days. It made the Clintons and their die hard supporters very unhappy and they cried foul. To those who know the Clintons well and aren’t afraid of them, or those of us who are standing on the outside looking in, the truth of his words rang out loud and clear. Many shook their heads in complete understanding.
Important marks against Hillary come in the form of issues like: The Rose Law Firm, Madison Guaranty S & L, White Water, Travel-gate, Bill’s true draft record, Bill’s constant infidelities and Hillary’s desire for more power and prestige which eventually trumped their earlier marriage vows. These things were covered in the media at the time, but many of us have forgotten the fine details and the outcome. Prior to the next election, it’s critical the population revisit these cases so we remember who this woman was and how she made decisions on things. Of utmost importance is how she covered up possible truths so that her hopes and dreams could be realized. Nothing was to get in the way of the ultimate goal. One of the most glaring questions we must ask is this…if we as a people and a nation value truth and honesty, many of her life choices beg us to question, should she really be applying for such an important job where truth and value are the cornerstones of the position and the nation she would over-see? Her history is very clouded at best when it comes to truth and honesty.
I think the reason this book will upset supporters is that they don’t want to see the negatives in their candidate and their chosen party. They want to see, focus and promote only the positive. The rest is disregarded, denied altogether or attributed to the right wing conspiracy. Human nature downplays the bad and acknowledges the good. That’s understandable whether you are conservative, moderate or liberal. On the other hand, it’s not rational to refuse to read, understand and admit the dark side of a candidate that is as much a part of her as her favorable side just because you don’t want to.
Most of what is secretive, evasive and disturbing in Hillary’s past is well documented in written reports, interviews, articles, legal proceedings and even her own words. Democrats and liberals can choose to ignore these issues of concern, that is their choice. Republicans, conservatives, moderates and independents have an equally important decision to decide if they want to see the real Hillary and find out the truth the best we can before we make a decision for her or against her. But, to ignore all sides to her - both past decisions, currents decisions and possible future decisions - is a major error.
As a well known psychologist always says,”past behavior is an indication of future behavior”. Meaning, what we did before, we probably will do again unless we make very conscious work and effort to avoid repeating the past. In Hillary’s case and her most ardent supporters, change won’t happen as they refuse to acknowledge or discuss past mistakes. Therefore, it is up to the rest of us to see the big picture and decide on what to do with her ambitions and decision making abilities (or lack thereof ).
On a final note, this review is being written by me, a woman, who for her first 33 years of life was born and raised into a very Democratic household and family unit. When I was able to start using the power of my vote, sometime in my early 20’s, I always pulled the lever for Democrats across the board. I wasn’t about to vote for those scoundrel Republicans, people I had heard about but never met (after all, they visit fancy restaurants, have stocks & bond portfolios, attend fancy schools, live in big, expensive houses and drive cars we could never afford). Things my family and friends never experienced. I voted with pride and made sure not to empower the “bad guys” – those for big business and never the little guy. I voted for Bill Clinton 2x and Al Gore 1x.
Then the 2000 election happened. Voters and pollsters went crazy and the courts had to intervene to get us a President because no one had the good sense to go back to basics. The crazies and the nuts on both sides were out in full force.
Then 2001 arrived.
Then 9/11 happened.
Then Islamic terrorism and Islamic extremism reached a crescendo both around the world and especially in the U.K, Israel and the U.S.
Then illegal immigration hit a major milestone – potentially 12-20 million here without legal authorization to do so.
Then courts began writing laws for the people instead of interpreting and enforcing those on the books already.
Then the precious nature of life started taking a back seat to medical milestones, life conveniences and the unwanted result of casual sex and the power of female reproductive rights.
Then marriage became the butt of all jokes or should we say the great 50% divorce rate equally opportunity program.
Then God started to be removed from all public life with a vengeance– a court approved challenge to the first Amendment of The Constitution of the U.S. “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”.
And, many more issues then time and space permit being listed here.
All the above items at one time I found a way to justify and support. After all, I was given all the “reasons” these things were to be embraced if you were deemed an able bodied and rational modern person. It’s all about human rights, it’s all about universal cultures and diversity, it’s al
l about the minority not the majority. Right? Right. Or is it? But, like all things times and people change. The last seven years have seen me morphing from a die hard Democrat to newly discovered conservative tendencies and beliefs. Like many in recent years, being a Democrat has been more out of out of habit and history than true convictions. From hearing other people speak at conferences and on shows, I know I am not alone in wanting more details, more information and more insight before making tough decisions when it comes to politics, national and world issues and above all, Islamic extremism. As a well known quote says, “if you are not liberal in your 20’s you have no heart…if you are not conservative by your 30’s, you have no mind”. Guess with this quote as reference, I realized I might have lost a little heart along the way, but I started gaining a brain in its place.
So, with my history in mind and my gradual growth, I tried very, very hard to read this book, Her Way and see the many positives to Hillary’s life and try to balance them against her darker side. I tried to put my old Democratic hat back on and see if it helped. I tried to focus on positive things such as:
Did Hillary have a fairly normal and enjoyable life growing up in a middle class American family? Definitely.
Did she have an interesting early life beginning with her years at an all girl college, law school and into her early work life as a minority female in a male dominated profession? Definitely.
Did she touch many people with her feminist ideas, thoughts and actions, especially for the good of children and the impoverished? Definitely.
Did Hillary have goals and dreams and work hard to obtain them – beginning with being a highly regarded female lawyer, a partner in a law firm, 1st lady of Arkansas, 1st lady of the White House and now Senator from New York? Definitely.
Was Hillary a good friend to a number of chosen people, a loving mother and supportive spouse? Definitely
Is Hillary to be admired for taking on the task of running for the position of The President of the United States – the first female to do so? Definitely.
Much like Hillary transitioned over the years from a young Republican to a liberal Democrat, the best thing this book showed is never be afraid to change who you are. You might have been one person in the past, but you can be someone altogether different later. Or you can continue on the same road as well. It is up to you. Go after what you want with all your energy and determination. The sky is the limit if you dream and plan and work to make it happen.
Only difference b
etween Hillary and a large portion of the world is that most of us try to go after what we want with honesty, integrity and truth as part of the success package. Do onto others and all that. Somewhere along the way, Hillary tossed aside many important things and people for the good of her final plan. That’s where she deviated and went off course. It is up to each one of us to determine if the positives of Hillary outweigh the negatives or if the negatives are too alarming to over-look.
One way or another, we’ll all be dealing with Hillaryland now, the next 16 months and possibly years beyond that depending on which lever you pull in 2008. Hillary has a number of good points, but she also has a disturbing past and serious ethical issues that deserve further questioning and scrutiny. When she’s up for the top job, additional auditing is a must. She is unfortunately not alone on Capital Hill with negatives on their resume’. Many have lost their way in pursuit of money, power and position. That’s an unfortunate end result sometimes of success that goes awry. Bad behavior too often gets a pass in today’s world – especially in national politics. The important question for 08’ is will YOU be one that let’s bad behavior pass or will you stand up and put a stop to it (that goes for the House, Senate and Presidential candidates).
Just be sure you read up on everyone in detail, including the front runners like Hillary before you cast that all important vote in 2008. Know not only who they are and what they stand for, but how they will handle the most pressing issues of our day. When it comes to Hillary, remember there are many sides to this woman, make sure you know her before you choose to vote for her.
This book, Her Way, goes a long way to completing the picture of candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Final Rating
Four stars. *** Solid, dependable, and interesting , but not earth shattering.
Reviewed by:
Bridget Dupont-Tingley
Editor
The Local Area Watch
I like Rick Tormala he is the most open and honest of the bunch.The question is he mayor material?
Posted by: M.P.T. | July 10, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Hi M.P.T.
This reply should be found under the next article, To Vote or Not To Vote. You posted it under Hillary's review. That's ok - we'll make a note of your response.
As for Mr. Tormala being mayoral material?
He is the only one that can answer that question for you. And only you can determine if he meets or exceeds your standards. You can audit his record to date as a commissioner as it is available to the public. He has put in public service time so, his voting record and what response he had on key issues may prove helpful to those who want to know if he is a candidate that can stand up to the city big whigs and represent the people as well.
Thanks for your reply.
Regards,
Bridget
Posted by: The Editor | July 10, 2007 at 04:42 PM
I don't think any book is going to sway voters at this point. Either you like Hillary or you don't.
She has been wildly outspoken, often contradictory and in the public eye for years now. I think most opinions of her have been formed already. Those who like her will disregard all the negatives. Those who don't like her are well aware of the laundry list of bad things that make her highly unappealing, especially for such a high office as President of The United States.
This book sounds decent, but it's thumbs down on Hillary for me. Nothing she could do could sway me at this point. The bad is greater than any possible good. I shudder to think of her running this country.
Appreciate your book review though - saves me from reading it! ;-0
Posted by: Alma | July 11, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Alma,
I think you're 100% correct, first of all, that the vast majority of people undoubtedly made up their minds about Hillary Clinton a long time ago (and for the record, I also count myself among the "thumbs down" camp). I do not support her candidacy and would not vote for her in the general election, should she actually get the nomination.
Where I might take issue with you (or at least ask you to clarify things a bit) is your contention that she is "wildly outspoken". In what ways is she outspoken, relative to any other major politician (of either party)?
If anything, it is her unending drive to blandly and robotically straddle the fence, to have it both ways at all times, to avoid actually taking a principled stand, consequences be damned, that strikes me as her most unappealing quality as a politician.
I tend to think -- and I'm not suggesting you or anyone else in particular is guilty of this -- that the extreme loathing her husband has generated among people over the years is often projected onto Hillary Clinton, irrespective of what her stance may be on a given issue. To some extent that may be perfectly valid, but more often than not I think it obscures the ability to look at her policies objectively.
From a purely strategic standpoint, I think a Hillary nomination is arguably THE one thing that could keep the White House in Republican hands come 2008 (short of that, I think the number of people who'd choose four more years of what we currently have might be able to fill a small restaurant), and that alone is reason enough for me to hope that she fails in her bid. But once you get beyond the veneer of her persona and the reputation of her husband, what is it that makes her outspoken or different from 90% of her senate colleagues?
Posted by: Brandon | July 11, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Hi, Brandon.
I gotta kick out your "small restaurant" jab at Bush. I agree with you, and it's astonishing how bland the current crop of candidates is, both Democrat and Republican, considering that this presidential contest is wide open. (If memory serves 2008 will be the first presidential election since 1928 in which no incumbent prez or veep is running.) Now bland isn't always bad, but I find it odd considering how vocal and radicalized grassroots progressives and conservatives are getting. You'd think there would be a candidate on both sides ready to tap into the dissatisfaction out there with the status quo.
Regards, Bill
Posted by: The Executive Director | July 12, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Bill,
I think those kinds of candidates are definitely out there, and are speaking rather eloquently to that very sense of dissatisfaction -- Ron Paul for the Republicans and Mike Gravel for the Democrats are two that immediately come to mind. They don't gain the traction they deserve because we allow a system that requires someone to raise a tenth of a billion dollars just to be looked upon as a "serious" candidate.There's a great deal of blame to be spread around for why that is, but it's not because there aren't worthy candidates.
Posted by: Brandon | July 12, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Brandon,
My concept of wildly outspoken may be different than yours. I remember times when Hillary got irritated with the press regarding how she and Bill were being portrayed and she flew off the handle. She looked bad in the press the day after she went wacky and then tried to fix her outspoken ways. For those who loved her, it was no big deal. For others, it ended up being a shrill response from an unappealing woman that stayed in your head forever. I'll share some examples below.
FIRST THOUGHT:
When Hillary was being turned into our health care czar under the early Clinton administration, people were testifying during hearings on Capital Hill about the plus and minus points to a national health care plan. Hillary came down hard on a health insurance agent when he noted if her plan passed, people like him and thousands of others would be out of a job. Hillary coldly told him "find something else to market then". Similarly, Hillary was advised by small business owners at a conference on health care that she attended that if her health care plan were to pass, it could sink these businesses as the costs would crippled them. In no uncertain terms, she advised them dismissively that "it was their problem, not hers". With such warmth being exuded from the former first lady, is it any surprise Global Warming has swamped the earth? ;-) For me, these are wildly outspoken statements.
SECOND THOUGHT:
Hillary and Bill were interviewed as a couple by 60 minutes prior to the 1992 campaign (the famous light toppling over incident). Marriage issues and infidelity was brought up briefly. She told the interviewer that "she was not sitting next to her man like some mini Tammy Wynette, she did it because she loved Bill and if people didn't like it then they shouldn't vote for him". She said this in her usual snotty, intellectually superior voice that said I'm so much better than you little peasant. I cringe just hearing it in my head the second time! Hillary was making it clear, if her husband could insult her with affairs galore and if Hillary could be in denial and makes excuses for him well, so should we. This seems wildly outspoken to me again.
THIRD THOUGHT:
When Andrea Mitchell once interviewed Hillary and wanted to discuss charges of bad business practices with The Rose Law firm, The Madison Guaranty, stock dealings, etc. Hillary got snippy and lashed out saying "what was she supposed to do during this time? Stay home and bake cookies and make tea? She said she fulfilled her professional life by working at all these jobs in the area of law and also, helped Bill along the way too". Many stay at home mom's felt insulted by such a slight. I felt this was wildly outspoken too.
FOURTH THOUGHT:
Let's not forgot Hillary's recent quotes about party store owners/gas station attendants being from India and the Middle East. That the GOP is running a modern day plantation. And so on.
FIFTH THOUGHT:
Hillary constantly defending Bill's infidelities (Gennifer Flowers, Juanita Brodrick, Monica Lewinsky, Paula Jones, the Arkansas trooper gate girl scandal and more) and his inability to avoid hanky panky. She always found a way to blame "the girls" for Bill's bad ways. She told us that it was the press that got it wrong, that a right wing conspiracy was attacking him and subjecting him to relentless accusations. She made him out to be an innocent victim each time instead of the creepy, groper he really was. She and Bill and her team often went to town digging up dirt on these ladies and trying to paint them as the ones with problems and issues, not good ole' busy hands and pants Bill.
Anyway, these were the kind of things I was referring to when I said Hillary was wildly outspoken. You may disagree but that is where I was coming from. I don't have her exact quotes at hand but can get them if you want supporting evidence. I paraphrased for the most part but they are close to accurate.
My final thought, if Hillary can't identify such problems at home, address it, and get it fixed once and for all, what makes anyone think she can analyze world issues where life and death is at stake and get it right? For anyone out there that think's "it's just about sex, it's their issue not ours", your wrong. When they take on positions that require utmost honesty, ethics and loyalty, first to each other, and then to the nation they end up representing, it becomes OUR issue. If they want it to be a private matter, they need to live completely private lives - outside the public arena. That would include staying away from being President of the U.S. If they can't honor their promises to one another, especially marriage vows made in front of a judge/licensed legal official and God, what makes anyone believe they will honor any promise they make to the American people? Their hands on the bible and the oath spoken at the ceremonies becomes as meaningless as their marriage vows. If this kind of behavior and speaking out isn't wildly outspoken, I don't know what is.
I agreed with everything else you said less...that people's loathing for Bill is why people end up not liking Hillary. Wrong. I and many can separate the two easily. Bill has likeable (along with very unappealing narcissistic qualities) and she has the same. Hillary easily stands alone for me as she is very determined and driven and much like this book review said, she sells out where she can, she steam rolls over other people and she tosses others aside without value. She also stood by Bill during constant cases of adultery and turned a blind eye to his terrible behavior because her political goals outweighed dignity and respect for another person. She is an example of a 60's feminist to the T. She turned the world around with the need for women to be equal to men in ALL ways and that if women didn't dominate everything in a short amount of time then the world was bigoted and racist. She has practically become a man in her quest for power, greed, money and glory - she is just missing ya-ya's. It's just not appealing. All these things; feminist, cheated on wife, power and money hungry cannibal without boundaries, liar and cheat and so on. Ever hear the phrase from guys when they meet a woman that changed their lives forever, when they truly learn the power of love, they say "she made me want to be a better man". That's a testament to the power of women when they do good. They raise themselves up and those around them in positive, fulfilling and honorable ways. Hillary missed the boat on that one. She is a sell out in too many ways to even mention in a short piece like this. I may dislike him, but at times I dislike her even more.
I think you and I agree more than disagree on the life and times of Mrs. Clinton.
I enjoyed your comments to me - thank you.
Alma
Posted by: Alma | July 13, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Alma,
I appreciate your thoughts. As I read through them, it occurred to me that perhaps we don’t disagree as much as see the issue(s) from different vantage points. By that I simply mean that your assertions about her outspokenness seem to revolve more around her personality and character than about her policy stances as a legislator; I guess it was a misinterpretation on my part about what you initially meant to convey.
In any event, thanks for the clarification.
:)
Brandon
Posted by: Brandon | July 16, 2007 at 07:21 PM
Hi, Brandon.
I put Paul and Gravel at the gadfly end of the political spectrum. (Keep in mind I say this of Paul even though I tend toward libertarian public policies.) Even with more money to spend they would strike out with the public. That's because they are ideologues. That doesn't necessarily mean their ideas have no merit, but rather they prize the purity of an idea more than putting it to work if that means a compromise.
As for the problem with our current campaign laws that shut out dark horses, yes it is a problem. However, I don't see it as an issue of how much is spent on a campaign. (In terms of the amount of money spent on advertising, it is a tiny sum to advertise some of the most important things we need to know about.) The problem is the severe restrictions on the amounts a candidate can raise from any one individual or group so that unless he has a campaign machine that can reach millions of contributors, he is out of the game.
Of course, the Congress passed these restrictions because they favor incumbents. Incumbents tend to have the networks that make raising many small contributions easier. Newcomers don't, so they get shut out unless they are wealthy enough in their own right to pick up the tab (e.g., Perot, Bloomberg). I see nothing wrong with a few millionaires getting behind a candidate and financing his campaign. All campaign laws should require is that all contributions be made by check, immediately disclosed to the public, and make the candidate and not the contributor responsible for any violations. That way the voters can decide for themselves if a candidate is "bought".
Regards, Bill
Posted by: The Executive Director | July 17, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Or, as an alternative, we could adopt the following two ideas and put them into action (pie-in-the-sky, I know):
1. Restrict the campaign seasons, both primary and general election, to 90 days (or some other sensible time frame). If we, the citizenry, are as intelligent as we think we are, then 90 days of listening to the ins and outs of a candidate's positions should be ample time for us to make up our minds. Is it not obscene, in some way, that presidential campaigns begin some two years (give or take) before the actual election?
2. Mandate, via FCC regulation, that during the 90-day campaign periods, all viable candidates shall be granted 'X' amount of free TV and radio time to air commercials.
These two steps would, to a great extent, I believe, make moot the question of who (or what) is giving money to which campaign, and whether candidate 'X' is being bought.
I would certainly still leave it open for anyone to give as much money as he or she wants to any candidate, but with limited campaign seasons and free air time during those periods, having a fat war chest wouldn't hold anywhere near as much sway as it does right now.
So anyway, yeah -- it's all academic, because the process is far too corrupted at this point to think that anything along those lines is possible. But still....
Posted by: Brandon | July 17, 2007 at 10:17 PM