Posted on 11/08/2006 8:00:42 PM PST by blam
You ain't seen nothing yet, says 'President Hillary'
By Catherine Elsworth in New York
Last Updated: 2:16am GMT 09/11/2006
Some supporters already refer to Hillary Clinton as "Mrs President" and although she remains steadfastly to be drawn on a possible White House bid, her re-election in New York will only fuel speculation that she is poised for a historic run for the presidency.
Bill Clinton congratulates Hillary after her re-election
The former first lady won a crushing victory over her Republican opponent, securing almost 70 per cent of the vote in the overwhelmingly Democratic state and even picking up support in more traditionally Republican areas.
Exhaustive campaigning – considered overkill by many in a race she was almost certain to win – has convinced commentators she is "exercising her campaign muscles" for a bid for the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 2008.
But there was no word yesterday from Sen Clinton on anything beyond the immediate future as she delivered a brief victory speech, declaring that being senator was "the greatest privilege I could have".
But as she left the stage, the sounds of the rousing rock classic You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet boomed forth.
Sen Clinton outspent every other politician running for office, laying out almost $30 million. Much of it went on television advertising but she was also generous to fellow Democrats in New York and beyond, especially those in tight races. It was one of many tactics analysts interpreted as preparation for a presidential bid.
"She'll be able to collect her chips, as we say, at some point from those she's helping out," said Prof Steven Brams, of New York University.
Despite her spending, the senator is still estimated to have about $15 million in the bank, which could be used for a White House run. Given her celebrity profile and the clout of her friends, fund-raising is unlikely to be an issue she has to worry about. More problematic could be convincing the party she has broad enough appeal to win over the country her husband once ran.
But Tuesday's result, in which she triumphed in districts she previously lost, demonstrated her efforts to appeal both to independent voters and more moderate conservatives were at least in part successful.
During the campaign, Sen Clinton, 59, focused on her achievements since election to the Senate in 2000. She also attacked the Bush administration's strategy in Iraq and urged Donald Rumsfeld to resign.
"The message couldn't be clearer: that it is time for a new course," Sen Clinton told cheering supporters yesterday, the former president, Bill Clinton, beside her.
"New Yorkers and Americans want an end to the culture of corruption and the dominance of special interests and a new beginning to our beloved country."
You should talk to my in-laws....they think Bush is Satan incarnate and Hillary is just WONDERFUL!!!!
God bless them. They will surely need it!!!
She might get/or cause Bill to die for the sympathy vote.
Historically, Senators just don't do will in presidential elections. Since 1960, there have been six people who became their party's nominee for President right out of the Senate. Of those six, only one, Kennedy, won.
If she wanted to become President she should have first run for Governor. Of the last eight presidential elections, seven of them were won by a former Governor.
Since at least Eisenhower, the candidate who won the election was the one who was the more likable. And, she just isn't. I saw a recent poll where 30% of respondents said they'd definately vote for her, but 39% said they'd definately vote against her.
With those kinds of numbers, the only way I can see her winning is if she runs against another Senator who is at least as unlikable as she is.
There was an effort on election day to make people think that Republicans were crossing over in droves, but the exit polls showed that only 11% of Republicans said they voted democrat and 16% of democrats said they voted Republican.
Hillary is the most polarizing person there is. I think every single Republican in the country would turn out to vote against her and alot of dems would vote 3rd party cause they don't like her either.
I already did...........
Of course! The FBI files! I never thought of that! That may also explain the wimpiness of the Republicans and the reason for the dems doing her bidding.
Absolutely. He became Americas hero durring 9/11. He is loved even by alot of dems. He would have beat Hillary in NY if he hadn't stepped down. I've often thought his quitting that race was suspicious. He was sure to win it. Maybe those FBI files?
may?
President Bush and America were there for NY when it needed us but NY is not there for us when we need them. I feel the same way as you do. Except I love America and I believe she is still worth fighting for.
John Bolton is history. Joe Biden: John Bolton Cononfirmation is Dead On Arrival.
Can you explain that a little more?
The problem is, that may well turn out to be "President wet blanket".
Not to rub salt into your wounds, but you also now have Spitzer and Cuomo to round out your day.
Well, it was published in a newspaper. They would never publish anything if it wasn't true. That would violate their standards of journalistic integrity.
I echo your sentiments entirely. I don't know if I'll follow through with my threats or not, or if I'm just tired from fighting the fight....
While you are more blunt about it, you are correct. I can't see what the fascination is with her. Especially coming from a strong feminist background? Women kick men to the curb for less than what Bill has done to her! If she can't free herself from his antics, how is she going to be able to lead the free world? She has a very serious character flaw going on that she remains in complete denial of it.
Who is Bill fooling around with these days anyway?
Yup, that's what I've been saying for the last couple of years. Bill Clinton was elected with just 43% of the popular vote in '92. IMO, Hillary will run, she will get the Dem nomination, and she likely will win.
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