Let's Go to the Video: When and Where Did Hillary Tape 'I'm In' Announcement?

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If the timing came as a bit of surprise, nothing could have been less unexpected than Hillary's "I'm In" announcement of today.

But have a look at the video of her announcement. Rather than her "let's chat" rap, please focus on the background. Look out the door. Presumably the announcement was shot in one of Hillary's homes: Chappaqua or Georgetown. Now I know it's been a mild winter, but even so, surely the leaves are gone from the trees and bushes in either spot. And check out the yellow spot in the bushes. At first I thought it was just a warm dapple of sunshine. But freeze the frame when, about 1/4 of the way through, Hillary says "how to end the deficits that threaten Social Security." That's not sunshine -- those are flowers in bloom.

The announcement is essentially content-free. All Hillary talks about is having a conversation. Not only is it devoid of any solutions, it notably fails to make reference to any specific current events. If this had been taped in the last couple days, could Hillary have resisted referring to her just-completed trip to Iraq? True, she does mention starting conversations "Monday," but it could have always been the plan to roll out the announcement over a weekend.

So, what's the story? Did Hillary have this video in the can during all those months while she was claiming to be making up her mind? Was it a carefully staged artificial background? Minor points in the great scheme of things, but perhaps interesting for us political junkie types.

Wouldn't you love to see a reporter put the question to Hillary and see how she answers?

UPDATE: A national-level reporter whom I respect informs me that the video was produced last week in DC.  The reporter does not know whether the background is natural.

Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net