Former Supporters Draw First Blood From Hillary Clinton

The blows just keep coming for Hillary Clinton. During the past week, former supporters managed to undermine her legitimacy in the upcoming New York Senatorial campaign – as well as a possible 2008 run for the presidency. These charges drew blood from “Friends of Hillary.”

The latest blow came from an important Clinton devotee. The Hollywood elite have already begun to question Hillary as a serious candidate for 2008. After backing losing candidates in the past two presidential races, those unaccustomed to losing want a sure bet. David Geffen, Hollywood mogul and big Bill Clinton supporter, scrapped possible support for Hill in New York this week, saying, “She can’t win, and she’s incredibly polarizing figure.” According to the New York Daily News, his remarks met with hardy applause.

She can’t win, and she’s an incredibly polarizing figure. And ambition is just not a good enough reason. — David Geffen

The blows really began on February 12 when Howard Dean replaced Terry McAuliffe as the DNC chairman. Dean and HC don’t run in the same political circles; and, there have been rumors that Dean dislikes Hillary. Conversely, McAuliffe had the Clinton’s back at every turn.

Both Dr. Jocelyn Elders and Congressman Charlie Rangel-D provided interviews to New York magazine this week with some Hillary criticism. Former Surgeon General under the Clinton administration, Elders might have a few bones to pick for her ousting over a slew of controversial remarks. She told New Yorker magazine that Hillary was willing to comprise her beliefs and ideals to accomplish her goals. She appeared on FNCs Hannity & Colmes later in the week to try to mitigate her remarks, without much success.

Back when Hillary was trying to be Hillary Rodham, Arkansas almost destroyed her for speaking out. So, if that meant shutting her mouth the next time, she was going to do that. It’s hard to get elected and be completely up front about what you really think. We create a hypocrisy in our politicians. — Dr. Joycelyn Elders

Rangel, who encouraged Hillary to run for her current Senate seat, described her as an enigma and essentially agreed with Elders’ assessment. He told New York magazine, “I don’t have the slightest clue who Hillary really is.” It would be impossible to label Rangel’s or Elder’s quotes as glowing endorsements from those formerly close to the heir-apparent.

I don’t think you ever find out who the real person is. All I see is a gal who knew she was as good as anyone else, and she saw this guy she could make something o, so she forfeited Illinois and went to Arkansas. That’s a hell of a move to make for a redneck, which is all he was. — Charlie Rangel

The fun didn’t stop there. On Valentine’s Day, Arthur Finklestein announced the creation of a PAC to derail Hillary’s 2006 Senate reelection campaign. Political guru Finklestein’s PAC will be called “Stop Her Now” – in reference to HC’s possible presidential run and will be modeled on the Swift Boat Vets campaign against John Kerry. A major flaw in this tactic will be locating a Republican strong enough to run against her. If the attempt fails, the Republicans could lose the PR advantage for the 2008 election.

Her tough week concluded in a trip to Iraq this weekend. In a bipartisan delegation which included Senator John McCain-R, Hillary conveyed fairly moderate views — and, some could argue, a change in her position. She voiced her belief that “Insurgent attacks are failed attempts to destabilize the country.” An outspoken critic of the Iraq war, she added, “The results of the election [were] a strong rebuke to those who did not believe the Iraqi people would take this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to their own future.” “Those” include party favorites, such as Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. Is Hillary canting away from the far-left? It would seem so.

But, the week wasn’t entirely a wash for the Hillary 2008 supporters. She was awarded the German Media Prize for 2004, designed to honor a personality who has influenced society and politics. The jury awarding the prize described Hill as “a model politician for millions of women around the world.” Past recipients of this honor include Kofi Annan, Gerhard Schroeder, Yasser Arafat and, yes, Bill Clinton. Some may find this list problematic for obvious reasons.

In a week that offered Hillary disappointment, she managed to keep her eyes focused on the prize. Like her or not, you have to respect her ability to remold herself whenever the political need arises. The real question we must ask ourselves is: Do we want a political chameleon as our President?

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