Hillary Clinton has a strong chance of becoming president, if it weren't for the continued momentum of Barack Obama. However, no matter how much hope and Oprah Obama ladles on the land, Clinton will always have one strong advantage--former president Bill Clinton. Is that entirely fair?
Massachusetts senator Ted Kennedy, who knows a thing or two about political dynasties, says no. Kennedy hasn't bestowed his endorsement on anyone, but he has, according to Jonathan Alter at Newsweek, informed Bill Clinton that he needs to stay out of his wife's campaign for president:
In recent weeks, Sen. Edward Kennedy and Rep. Rahm Emanuel, both currently neutral in the Democratic contest, have told their old friend heatedly on the phone that he needs to change his tone and stop attacking Sen. Barack Obama, according to two sources familiar with the conversations who asked for anonymity because of their sensitive nature. Clinton, Kennedy and Emanuel all declined to comment.
For that to come from Ted Kennedy, who has benefited from his family legacy, seems hypocritical, but his comments might also foreshadow who he will endorse later on, perhaps just in time for Super Tuesday.
In this Bostonist's opinion, the prospect of a female president is an exciting one. However, having Bill Clinton stumping on her side seems like an unfair advantage and makes the Clintons seem as much of a political "dynasty" as the Bush clan. While American voters might have a hangover from the Kennedy "Camelot," American politics depends on fresh blood and fresh ideas for its survival. Bostonist isn't rejecting Hillary Clinton--rather, she seems to have her own ideas and shouldn't have to hide behind her husband or let him be the bad guy. If she wants to interface with Barack Obama, then she should be the one to talk trash about him.
Image of the Senator from Wikipedia.
add to digg
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
