Hillary: She's Now Open to 2004 Prez Bid

OFFnews ^ | August 28, 2003 | OFFnews

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Hillary: She's Now Open to 2004 Prez Bid

New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has subtly but carefully altered her stance on running for president in 2004.

Senator Clinton has made some revealing statements while on her book tour in Europe that indicate she is moving to a 2004 run.

During her trip to London this weekend, Mrs. Clinton hinted during a television interview that a 2004 run "might happen."

Appearing Friday on BBC Channel 4's "Richard and Judy Show," Mrs. Clinton was pressed on whether she might challenge President Bush as early as next year.

"You never know what might happen," she told the TV duo, after first dismissing as "rumors" reports that she was considering a run in 2004.

The day before, Mrs. Clinton was challenged by BCC radio interviewer Martha Kearney, who complained that the top Democrat's often-repeated answer that she has "no intention" of running for president in either 2004 or 2008 "doesn't really rule anything out, does it?"

"Well, but it is as close as I can come," Mrs. Clinton responded.

In previous interviews with American reporters, the former first lady had been unequivocal about not running in 2004. "Absolutely, I'd say no," she told ABC's Barbara Walters, who asked last month if she'd accept a draft.

Pressed on her plans for 2008, Mrs. Clinton dispensed with her usual "no intention" denial altogether, telling Kearney, "Well, 2008 is a long - you know, you cover politics - that's an eternity in American politics. But I think that the role I'm playing, trying to bring attention to issues, trying to get people to focus on what's at stake, is a very appropriate role for me."

Just three weeks ago, when asked by ABC's Barbara Walters if she might run in 2004, Mrs. Clinton's denial was rock solid.

But sinking poll numbers for President Bush, continuing weakness in the U.S. economy, and the failure of a clear Democratic front-runner to emerge -- all may be factors leading Mrs. Clinton to re-think her plans for 2004.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

If Hillary! runs for Prez, I promise to FReep her whenever she comes within 100 miles of where I live.

[Recovering_Democrat]

Bring 'er on. We'll kick her a$$, to use the only manly phrase Jimmy Carter ever uttered.

[PackerBoy]

Of course she will run. She was always going to run. She can't wait until 2008. If the economy does not turn around (to the point where Joe Lunchpail agrees that it has) by June 2004, she will win the presidency.

[Mr. Mojo]

I've been saying, the b/tch is gonna run.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Be sure to let me know if you hear about her appearing anywhere in your neighborhood, OK? ;-)

[Eala]

As I said in another thread, if she runs I expect a really nasty, ugly campaign. It won't be a fun time.

[John Jamieson]

Bill & Hill Part Du.

[Honcho Bongs]

"...I expect a really nasty, ugly campaign..."

And that's just her campaign poster...

[Mr. Mojo]

If the economy does not turn around (to the point where Joe Lunchpail agrees that it has) by June 2004, she will win the presidency.

She could win the Rat nomination with ease, but she's despised by way too many to be successful in the general election. She's completely incapable of grabbing the center, no matter how bad the economy.

[votelife]

I can't wait for her to run. It's hard to get excited about beating the other Dem's, although it would be nice to trounce Dean and it would be great to win FL in a landslide. I want a crushing blow to liberalism and Hillary!

[Stars N Stripes]

Ain't gonna happen... as much as I'd like to see it, she's not that stupid. She's just testing the waters for 2008.

[Bushbacker]

Maybe Hillary sees that she may
be the only one to stop Dean from
being the George McGovern of 2004.

Don't underestimate Hillary...a lot of GOP women will vote for her.

[StarCMC]

During her trip to London this weekend, Mrs. Clinton hinted during a television interview that a 2004 run "might happen."

Come on Hitlery, fake modesty does NOT become you. I think she'd TRYING to play coy, but good grief, who in the heck is fooled??? Anyone????

[Bringbackthedraft]

I fear that Bush will blow the debates with his Bushisms, and the press will always slant their opinion towards her. With the "unbiased" media wholy against Bush its going to be brutal. I believe we will have our work cut out for us. I won't be in NY by the time the election comes around but I'll add my vote where it counts in FL. Be prepared for the battle of the "Rich Capitalist Warmonger" who starves old people and children vs. the smartest woman in the world.

[StarCMC]

WOW!! I didn't catch the 2004 -- I guess I should read better!! I agree - she's teasing her supporters for a 2008 run. I HATE it when people do that!

[PaulJ]

I think you're right. I've been saying for a while now, that voters don't like to re-elect war time Presidents and GW is not the shoe-in that everybody thinks. With the Clinton mud machine in high gear and the major networks and newspapers in tow,Bush is going to have a very difficult time. And I suspect a Bush vs Shrillery election will result in a victory for the beast.

[I still care]

Hillary absolutely PROMISED NY that she would never leave before her Senate term was up. And we all know she never lies...

[Aria]

I would expect her to take the attitude she did when running for Senator "I'm just this poor little woman standing here running for office and here you come over into my space frightening me with your paperwork". If New Yorkers fell for it what can we expect from the rest of the country?

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggghhhhhhhhtttttt! (cough, cough, gag........)

[votelife]

a lot of Dem men will vote for Bush, but you're right, don't underestimate Hillary...