Hillary Book Tour to Hit Atlanta; says her book, crowds at signings reflect political malaise

Atlanta Journal Constitution ^ | Aug. 9, 2003 | Teresa Weaver

[mountaineer]

"Living History" has far outpaced U.S. Sen. John McCain's memoir "Faith of My Fathers" (1999) and is closing in quickly on "My American Journey" by Gen. Colin Powell, which has 1.6 million hardback copies in print after eight years. Like the secretary of state's book, Clinton's has fueled speculation of a presidential run, either in 2004 or 2008. Former President Bill Clinton's wife insists that's "not in the cards," but she does see something positively political in the crowds of up to 2,000 people who have given her rock-star receptions at book-signings across the country.

"I think it's a reflection of how people are feeling not only about me and the book," she says, "but about the state of the country right now."

Having signed more than 20,000 books, by her own estimate, Clinton comes to Atlanta on Monday.

....

Q: You've set the bar pretty high. Do you think your husband's getting nervous about whether his memoir [to be published next year] will do as well?

A: Oh, I don't think so. I think he's just trying to get it finished. I'm very confident it will do extremely well.

Q: Why do you think you and your husband have become such polarizing figures in politics?

A: I think some of it is in part because of the positions we have taken and championed over the years. Some of it is because we are progressives, and some people get very intense in their opposition to the positions we take. I think it has a lot to do with the ongoing struggles in our country over what direction we should be heading.

Q: Does the intensity of the hatred ever scare you?

A: It has a few times. . . . I've come to just accept the fact that for both ideological and partisan political reasons, that's just going to be a factor in our lives.

Q: Is there equally intense feeling on the other end of the spectrum?

A: It is, and it's very rewarding. I've certainly seen a lot of that in the last two months on my book tour. But I always believe that in America, the answer is usually to be found kind of in the quiet middle, where people are struggling actually to solve problems. That's what I try to remind myself of.

Q: Assuming that you're not going to be running yourself, as you've said many times, do any of the Democratic presidential hopefuls look good for 2004?

A: Absolutely. We have a number of really qualified, experienced candidates running. I believe . . . as voters get to know these people a little better, somebody will emerge who will have a very good chance of defeating the incumbent for a second term. That's important, because we're heading in the wrong direction as a country.

Q: Which is harder: a political campaign or a book tour?

A: They're both kind of challenging, because you have to travel fast and meet a lot of people quickly. They are, in my experience anyway, equally rewarding. I love being out there and hearing what's on people's minds.

Q: You do appear to actually be enjoying this.

A: I really am. I've had a great time. . . . I've also learned a lot. I mean, people go through the lines and tell me what they're thinking about -- every issue under the sun and what should be done about it in the United States Senate. [She laughs.]

Q: You weren't exactly known for your sense of humor when you were first lady, but it has become a little more apparent since then. How important is a sense of humor in politics?

A: Well, I've always had one. [She laughs.] I guess I didn't have much chance to display it during the very difficult, challenging eight years of Bill's administration. But I don't see how you get through the day, let alone life, without a sense of humor. You have to be able to laugh at yourself and nearly everything else that's going on around you.

Q: Do you think politics is still a noble profession?

A: Absolutely. It's not only noble, it's essential, especially in a democracy. That is how we make decisions about what we're going to do together as a society. I worry about some of the decisions that are being made in Washington these days because I don't think they're the right ones for our country. So, it's not only noble, it's absolutely critical that people be willing to become involved in the political process.

Q: What do you read for pleasure?

A: Right now I'm reading this wonderful new biography of Katharine Hepburn. For someone of my vintage who loved watching her on the screen, it's a joy to read.

....

Q: Have you read the other blockbuster book this summer: Harry Potter?

A: You know, I'm reading the Harry Potter series to my nephew right now, because I hadn't read them yet. But now that Harry and I have been together now [on best seller lists and in store events], I figured I'd better know what's going on in his life.

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

You are right.. I'll try to be there before 11:00 if I get out of my meeting in time. By the way, do we need a permit of any kind? I know you handled that last FReep.

[Bob J]

I like that one "Never Trust ANOTHER CLINTON". I also like "Do We Want ANOTHER CLINTON in the White House?"

By emphasizing "ANOTHER CLINTON", we tie her to the hip of Bill and the scandals of original administration. Neat, clean and effective!

BTW - I think the Network should invest in two more 10x3 banners to be added to the "Anti-Hillary" service pack. "ANOTHER CLINTON" should be all caps and in red. Catches the eye of those speeding by!

[Calvin Locke]

crowds at signings reflect political malaise

More like a reflection of 1.) the abysmal state of the educational system, 2.) the rewriting of history to reflect
pc rather then reality of the actual causes of evil events, 3.) the failure of citizens to hold "journalists"
accountable for the lies and subversions that are propagated en masse.

[Doctor Raoul]

It's not a requirement. But it does keep them away from us. She'll no doubt have police working traffic and crowd control. What will happen is that you'll wind up with some cops on your side of the street. That will be useful in keeping the "rifff raff" from bothering you.

The neat thing is to play to passing pedestrians and traffic. When they see peole laughing at their hero, their line quickly looks like it was for a wake.

[Bob J]

I strongly urge you to keep the emphasis on Hillary's own scandals, credibility and untrustworthiness. Only get specific with issues that link directly with her and ones the public is familiar with, like the pardons, the white house silverware, Hillarycare, etc. Link her indirectly to the previous White House scandals, by utilizing the phrase "another Clinton".

We are not going to defeat her by running against Bill and Monica. Looking like a VRWC, crazed Clinton haters and getting nasty, rude or salacious may get a thumbs up from conservatives passing by, but we already know where their vote is probably going. Additionally, it can be counter productive in persuading the undecided or middle of the road voters, particularly women. Concentrate on the swing voters who have questions about Hillary's credibility, but haven't thrown her overboard quite yet.

Also, if you want to use the "America Can't Trust Hillary" banner and "Clinnochio" costume, we can have it shipped to you from from the last FReep in Seattle. Check with diotima and Libertian. I'm sure Raoul can also arrange getting the devil mask to you.

[Jen]

Please alert the Georgia FReepers - especially those in the Atlanta area.

[Bob J]

Kristinn's previous suggestions about signs are on target. There have been problems at FReeps with small signs and small lettering. I suggest nothing smaller than 2x3 and at least 6 inch letters, 8 is better. Utilyze red to emphasis key words.

All signs should be made with the consideration that people driving will be able to get the message.

[Jen]

FReep Hitlery! Monday! Can you make it?

[OldCorps]

GA FREEPER ALERT!!!!

Who wants to help Freep Hitlery! this next week? Lets get this rolling!!!!

[Dan(9698)]

Suggestion for a sign: "Democrats for Debauchery"

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

All the signs posted here are cool and Denver's "shredder" is awsome...... but we can't do the same. We need new material. Hillary has had time to get over these insults... we have to come up with a fresh idea and we only have a day to do it. HELP!!!!! I am just as clever as some of you are.

[honeygrl]

You know, I think the no photos thing meant she won't SIGN photos, not that you can't take photos.

[dansangel]

Dadnabbit.....

.45MAN and I both have to work - up in Gwinnett Cty. There is no way we could even drive to Buckhead and back in an hour, let alone FReep, so lunch time is out.

I'm sure she did this on purpose so that us conservative working stiffs wouldn't show up and all her glad-handing, entitlement-sucking subjects could come adore her, en masse.

Ooooohhhh, that burns me up!!

[NYC GOP Chick]

A thing of beauty is a joy forever...

Does it look like her front teeth have been whitened while the others have not been? And once again, Hitlery refuses to wash her hair. Does she think she's back in the 60s and 70s?!

[dansangel]

As I just explained to FreedomPoster, the trunk-legged b!tch must have planned her Atlanta drive-by this way on purpose so that us conservative working stiffs couldn't crash her little estrogen-party, yet her hordes of welfare-sucking admirers can.

It just ain't fair.

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

Hey Jen.... its been too long since our last good FReep. I am looking forward to seeing you again on Monday.

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

EEEEK what I meant to say in above post was: "I am just NOT as clever as some of you are"

[OldCorps]

GA FREEPER ALERT!!!!

Who wants to help Freep Hitlery! this next week? Lets get this rolling!!!!

[Howlin]

Do you think that means that either her brothers or Roger are STILL living with them???????

I'm not buying that either.

[Hildy]

She just can't help but lie, even if it's a stupid one. DOes anyone believe for one second that she curls up at night with her nephew and reads him Harry Potter books? I mean, WHEN would she even have time. But she just can't help herself.