The earth’s magnetic field must have shifted, or perhaps Al Gore moved to the other side of the room. Whatever, something is clearly amiss. For the first time in my life I agree with William Jefferson Clinton. Using a pitch worthy of world-class snake oil, Wild Bill urged California’s Democratic movers and shakers “to be patient…and let the primary election process play out over the coming months,” reported the Los Angeles Times today. Giving voice to every conservative’s fervent hope, Mr. Clinton has bought into Rush Limbaugh’s “Operation Chaos,” the Republican plan to prolong the Democratic knife throwing contest as long as possible. Politics makes strange bedfellows…oops, sorry. We shouldn’t use that aphorism when Stain Man is involved.
The former President assured Democrats the bitter feuding between his bride and Mr. Obama was good for the party. “Don’t let anybody tell you that somehow we are weakening the Democratic Party,” intoned Mr. Clinton, an opinion at odds with Howard Dean’s assessment. Dean is one of many Democrats worried a prolonged Clinton/Obama struggle will produce a Republican victory in November. “Supporters should keep their mouths shut…because that is harmful to the potential victory of a Democrat,” cautioned the DNC’s chairman. Dean was referring to a recent spate of particularly nasty intra-party name calling, during which James Carville likened Obama supporters to Judas Iscariot and a former general accused a Clinton backer of McCarthyism. Let the good times roll!
Democratic Senators Dodd and Leahy have been remarkably candid about their desire to see the Party’s selection process wrap up. Leahy complained that McCain has been making mistakes but “is getting a free ride on those gaffes because the Democratic candidates have to focus not on him but on each other,” reported the Times on Saturday. Unimpressed, Mr. Clinton’s response once again revealed the depth of his intellect, “Chill out and let everybody have their say.” Translation: “Quit telling my wife to quit; I miss the Oval Office.” Come to think of it, the job does have its perks. We all know Bill enjoyed his White House years.
Power is what the Clintons are about, an obvious appraisal nevertheless escaping the notice of more than a few Democrats. The Clinton presidency was great for the Clintons but terrible for Democrats. “We lost seats in Congress, we lost governorships, we lost statehouses…And the whole time defending [President Clinton] through the impeachment process, the entire Democratic agenda got shelved,” said one Democratic lawmaker “who did not want to be identified to preserve a working relationship with Clinton.” Little wonder that so many normal people cannot stomach politics, but I digress. While the Republicans were gaining control of both houses of Congress and eventually the White House, the Clintons were positioning themselves to acquire wealth. Each has become a multi-millionaire since Bill and Hillaryleft office. Now, just when the Democratic Party is back on its feet and about to reverse the Republican sweep of 2000, Hillary refuses to bow out gracefully and allow Barack Obama to pummel the latest version of Bob Dole.
Taking a page out of the recently re-worked Republican playbook, Democrats are becoming their own worst enemy. One gullible Democrat, a Republican’s useful idiot, bought what Bill Clinton was selling. “President Clinton urged us to let the process play out,” cooed Christine Pelosi, an uncommitted superdelegate who is the daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “It was very inspiring. The president’s emphasis was clearly on electing a Democratic president.” Yea, as long as that president has the initials HRC.
That Clinton’s and Limbaugh’s purposes converge reveals the expanse of Hillary’s selfishness. The former First Lady remains steadfast in her determination to stay in the race, despite numerous pleas for her withdrawal by party officials. “A spirited contest is good for the Democratic Party,” counter punched Hillary. Overjoyed to have Bill and Hillary back on our side, all Republicans can say is, “Run, Hillary, run!”
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Posted by Jerry Pomeroy in Campaign 2008, Video