Just when we were getting warm 'n fuzzy with Chatty Hillary of the living room couch, she went Mike Tyson on us.
Can you imagine the MSM's collective gasp of horror if a Republican presidential candidate threatened to punch out opponents? It would be a field day for the psychologists, as one after another would be paraded across TV screens to speculate on the subconscious roots of such hostility, and opine on the fitness for office of anyone harboring such pugilistic predilections. Lefty foreign policy mavens would be invited to fret over the way such knee-jerk aggression might lead us into war, etc.
But NBC raised nary an eyebrow when reporting on Hillary having uttered just such a threat during a campaign stop in Iowa yesterday.
View video here.
NBC'S Chip Reid introduced the soundbite this way: "She says if she wins the Democratic nomination, she won't hesitate to go after her Republican opponent."
Hillary then landed her left cross: "When you are attacked, you have to deck your opponent, and that is what I believe you do."
It will be interesting to see if the rest of the MSM picks up on Hillary's steel-cage metaphor.
Hillary Clinton -- giving a whole new meaning to "sting like a 'b'."
Aside: After all the hard work Hillary's handlers devoted to softening her image with that warm 'n fuzzy announcement video and the chummy internet chats, could they have been happy to hear her take off the gloves?
Aside, Part II: Was Chip Reid trying to soften Hillary's statement? He spoke of her going after her "Republican" opponent. But there's no such qualifier in Hillary's statement. Edwards and Obama: beware!
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Why would the MSM have a pr
January 28, 2007 - 09:49 ET by motherbeltWhy would the MSM have a problem with this metaphor? They didn't even have a problem with Democrats talking about "slugging" or "punching" the President.
When Dems do this, it's just hyperbole; when Republicans talk like this, it's vicious.
The term "bitch-slap&quo
January 28, 2007 - 11:17 ET by Del DolemonteThe term "bitch-slap" comes to mind...
What comes to mind with Her M
January 28, 2007 - 11:52 ET by Jack BauerWhat comes to mind with Her Majesty is bitch crap.
Why be surprised?
January 28, 2007 - 10:38 ET by nkviking75Given the Clintons' history of seeking to destroy their enemies, why should anyone be surprised at Hillary's attitude? The only surprise here may be her openness about it. Having Ms. Clinton in the race assures that '08 will be the dirtiest campaign ever.
I agree nkviking75, the Clint
January 28, 2007 - 11:07 ET by FOXFANI agree nkviking75, the Clinton war machine is ramping up. Just how many 'suicides' are going to show up in Fort Marcy Park?
Hey, Mark, just like she 'decked' Ann Coulter - ask your husband
January 28, 2007 - 10:43 ET by acaiguanaHey, Mark, just like she 'decked' Ann Coulter - ask your husband slap?
Hillary then landed her left cross: "When you are attacked, you have to deck your opponent, and that is what I believe you do."
This woman should never never never be without her handlers right beside her.
:-)
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "I love blind Monkeys and any inference that I am making fun of blind Monkeys would be wrong.
Don't Worry Folks
January 28, 2007 - 10:53 ET by JimboDon’t worry folks – Hillary is not electable on the national scale and neither is Obama. I’ve said this before and believe it more now than ever. Hillary knows this, and so does the Democratic Party. Obviously, they want the White House back, and deep in their hearts know they cant do it with Hillary. So that leaves them in a hell of a mess. Do they abandon the powerhouse money raising team of Hillary and Bubba for a real shot at the White House or do they continue to back a losing horse? Right now, I think Edwards is the only chance for the Democrats to get back to the White House.
I remember taking a political science class a hundred years ago, and learning that it is virtually impossible to get someone elected once they reach the 40% disproval mark. Hillary is at 45%. The MSM will try to fight it, but the thought of Bubba running around the White House again, things like Whitewater, Lewinski, poultry futures, travelgate, no military spine in a time of global conflict, etc, will mobilize such a turnout against her that it will make election impossible. The more the MSM tries to cover for her, the more it will work against her.
As for the Republicans, I doubt Romney will get over the Mormon stigma, although he might. That leaves Rudy and McCain. Living in NY, I can tell you that the nation has a much kinder view of Rudy than do NY’ers. Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy. But trust me, the guy has a lot of baggage that simply hasn’t played out yet on the national scale. But it will.
In my opinion, that kinda leaves McCain – not necessarily because his strength wills it, but because he’s the only one left. Kinda wins by default. We’ll see. The one thing that we can count on is that the process will be excruciating to watch through the MSM lens.
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
Why not Condi?
January 28, 2007 - 10:57 ET by acaiguanaWhy not Condi?
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "I love blind Monkeys and any inference that I am making fun of blind Monkeys would be wrong.
Condi
January 28, 2007 - 11:03 ET by nkviking75Why not Condi? Because Condi keeps saying emphatically that she won't run. She'd be formidable as both a black and a woman. Contrary to the stereotype, Republicans would be happy to support black and women candidates with the right views. But unless Condi has a change of heart, or she's being coy, apparently it ain't gonna happen.
Condi Rice needs to understand that a nation is calling.
January 28, 2007 - 11:05 ET by acaiguanaCondi Rice needs to understand that a nation is calling.
A much greater nation than the 'nation protesting the war.'
ACA
...
Acaiguana says: "I love blind Monkeys and any inference that I am making fun of blind Monkeys would be wrong.
Condi
January 28, 2007 - 11:08 ET by JimboCondi is certainly more qualified than the rest of the field, on both sides. No doubt about it. And I think she is right for this particular time in the country’s history. On a level playing field, she would have nore than a fair shot at the office.
Unfortuantely, to get elected on a broad based vote like on for the POTUS, Condi is going to have to overcome two stereotypes. One being a woman, and two being a minority. Either one of those is difficult enough to overcome, but both? I just don’t know if its possible. I’d love to see her try if for no other reason than for people to be forced to show ther prejudices for not supporting her. This is one area where this country seems to be stuck and can’t move forward on. Sad, really.
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
Condi's biggest opposition
January 28, 2007 - 11:19 ET by motherbeltCondi's biggest opposition would be from black "leaders" because she doesn't toe the racist line. For Jackson, Sharpton, et al, "black" is not a skin color, it is a set of beliefs (racism, economic injustice, etc) to which Condi doesn't subscribe.
Plus she doesn't seem to be a
January 28, 2007 - 11:40 ET by HypocriteHaterPlus she doesn't seem to be a political person, in the sense of having to kiss babies (and asses, for that matter), in order to get elected for a position. She doesn't come acoss as the type of person that would enjoy having to talk out of both sides of her mouth in order to tell people what they want to hear just to get elected. Being a professional politician is a whole different animal.
Sure she's electable. That's
January 28, 2007 - 11:15 ET by Del DolemonteSure she's electable. That's because she controls the media coverage of her. Remember, the media managed to get her husband elected in 1992, and the media's push came within one state of getting Gore and Kerry elected.
All she needs is to carry the same states those guys carried, plus one more, and she's in.
By the way, Bill Clinton had some rather high unfavorable ratings during his Presidency-at one point his "favorable" was 39% and his "unfavorable" was at 57%. Didn't matter.
No Way
January 28, 2007 - 11:28 ET by JimboI disagree. The same media she controls was controlled by John Kerry and Al Gore. And those races were tight, but Bush won. And neither of those opponenets had the unfavorable rating Hillary has. If the candidate the MSM backs always won, we wouldn’t have had many of the President we’ve had. Thank go roughtly half the people in this country don’t follow their lead.
True, Bubba had a 57% disaproval rating, but it was very early in his Presidency and very late in his Presidency - not at the time of the second term election.
In the upcoming election you will have your core group of Republican voters who will vote Republican regardless of who the Democratic opponent is. You will have those in the middle that will go either way. I believe that more often than not, those will fall on the side of the Republican when all the “glory days” of the Presidency are brought back to the forefront. And she's a woman. A percentage of Americans simply will not vote for a woman to hold this office. And then there are those – and this is the most important category – are those that would either normally vote Democratic, or not vote at all, climbing over themselves to vote for “anyone but Hillary”. That’s where the 40% disapproval rating will kill her.
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
I think Jimbo has got it. Tod
January 28, 2007 - 22:37 ET by ZippyI think Jimbo has got it. Today at work. I heard "Demo. voters" say, anybody BUT Hillary.
SE MI. Hard cord Demo's. Uncle John, can have the turkeys. "I would vote for him", no matter what???????? Yea, i'ma starving. But, Uncle John gets the turkeys.
What insight!
January 28, 2007 - 11:00 ET by nkviking75NBC'S Chip Reid introduced the soundbite this way: "She says if she wins the Democratic nomination, she won't hesitate to go after he Republican opponent."
That boy's sharp, isn't he? The Democrat strategy will be predictable. Run against George W. Bush and attempt to tie the Republican candidate to the current president. With Hillary's nasty streak, the mud will be flying by the dump truck load.
Next Time Around
January 28, 2007 - 11:12 ET by JimboYou're probably right, but I’m not so sure that is going to work this time around. They did that during the mid term election, and failed to deliver on what they promised, most notably, their plan for victory in Iraq. I think they will need to be a little more focused on their own plans this time around.
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
"When you are attacked,
January 28, 2007 - 11:09 ET by aero...but only if your opponent is a political rival. When it's terrorists who attack you, you have to talk to them, and understand them, and apologize to them for doing whatever it was that made them mad, and hope they just stop attacking you...
Vote For War
January 28, 2007 - 11:15 ET by JimboExcellent point!
And what is this crap she is already saying about her affirmative vote for war?? She’s saying that she voted for war, but that she never intended for the President to actually use it to go to war? She thought the President would use it as a threat tand that he misused her vote?? Is she kidding??
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
If only she'd bring her ruthl
January 28, 2007 - 11:32 ET by aeroIf only she'd bring her ruthless take-no-prisoners political approach to the War on Terror, I might actually consider voting for her! Those terrorists would run away to their caves, curl up in the fetal position, and suck their thumbs until she left office. (I couldn't really vote for her, but it's funny to think of her using her vicious tactics on our ACTUAL enemies.)
Mark, Is it the actress Kathy
January 28, 2007 - 11:24 ET by ucMark, Is it the actress Kathy Bates and her work that Hillary's first weeks has me seeing psychological similarities? I do like the way she already has brought up "straightjackets" and is trying to convince thousands gathered in Iowa that she wants to be seen as speeking to them one on one (Hah!). She must be affraid (in the spirit of Steve Martin's ALL OF ME, that they might see that it is really Bills arm/psyche that would be doing the hitting. What a way to get even with Bill though if she isn't just trying to be an old fashioned loyal wife and get Bill back his war-room >> Bill might have to be put in a straight jacket within moments of any future political/national crisis by the secret service and not be direction of say President Hillary. He is term limited isn't he from being the first responder to hits on the nest of the White House? Now with Hillary already saying she wants people to see her one on one is also preparing our psyche for such time that Bill then in Straightjacket is hustled out of view. What other plot lines is she trying to frame out of the future way with her here to date word choice. So much for seeing the White House/The Office of the President/The First Couple as nesting together to weather the storms and assaults on our American (elected top leader) "House" together as one natural together in union in preservation of natural instincts. Again, If she and Bill can win it should still just be an Oscar and not the White House. Thank you Mark.
The straightjacket scenario I
January 28, 2007 - 11:45 ET by ucThe straightjacket scenario I just mentioned has me wondering whether this would be constitutionally the realm of Secret Service or whether a contingent of FBI agents would have to be kept around for Bill, and his thought to be dominant and natural tendencies until then?
I am really starting to doubt
January 28, 2007 - 11:50 ET by ucI am really starting to doubt the Yale Law School vintage that Bill and Hillary are so labeled. Whom else might be suspect by association with this vintage?
Yes imagine if Brownback, Rom
January 28, 2007 - 11:41 ET by HumanEventsYes imagine if Brownback, Romney, etc. made this "deck your opponent" statement. No question the MSM would have threw a fit. And if that particular Republican went on to win the nomination, the MSM would again bring that quote up in '08.
But when it's a Dem it's , of course, no biggie. Just like when William Safire described HilLIARy as a congenital liar and Sick Willie said if he wasn't president he'd respond on the bridge of Safire's nose. And just like, as previously posted above, when Jim "porno" Webb said he was tempted to slug President Bush. No biggies.
Hey yeah good points about if only the Demagogues were as forceful with the terrorists! And also a good comparison of the Dragon Lady with the Kathy Bates character. Remember in 1980 an actor became a president and in 1992 (and maybe 2008 also) a president became an actor. (An actor in the White House, that is. The Great Stainmaker and Evita Peron were actors from at least their college days).
Webb
January 28, 2007 - 11:50 ET by JimboI remember reading somewhere that the Secret Service was responsible for investigating all threats against the President, no matter how big or how small. Is that true? If so, wonder if they paid Jim Webb a visit?
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
DECK?
January 28, 2007 - 12:22 ET by iveseenitallDeck your opponent? Forget the metaphor. Put Hillary in the ring with any of her rivals, Republican or Democrat, and, except for Dennis K., she'd be knocked cold in round one. Seriously though, she's a real uniter, isn't she? It's always "us" vs. "them" with the Clintons.
NEVER,NEVER tust a liberal
Also remember in 2000 when Ri
January 28, 2007 - 12:49 ET by HumanEventsAlso remember in 2000 when Rick Lazio simply walked up to her podium and put a piece of paper in front of her regarding soft money contributions. The MSM considered that bullying and aggressive on Lazio's part! So she's really going to milk this "woman president" thing and be as nasty and vicious as she wants while knowing that any male opponent will be hotly criticized for the slightest tough challenging action or word against her.
And boy how disgusting her words were yesterday in Iowa, eh? Saying "it's about time we had a woman president." Oh and she herself just happens to be that woman, of course! Just like out of almost 300 million people she herself, a lawyer, just happened to be the best person for Bubba to put in charge of the "Health sCare task force"! Oh and I guess when Elizabeth Dole ran in 2000 it wasn't yet the right time for a woman to be Prez!
I knew the libs and Dems and MSM would be milking this "woman president" thing a lot in favor of the Dragon Lady (esp. since she has no other basis on why anyone should vote for her other than those who vote DemocRAT no matter what). But wow I didn't expect the Dragon Lady herself to be directly playing the "time for a woman president" card, and this soon. Shows how mind boggling shameless she is (as well as, sadly, how much gullibility and lack of self-respect some Democratic voters have [referring to the large number of Iowans yesterday who "loudly cheered" at Queen Hillary's incredibly absurd and self-serving remarks]).
Right
January 28, 2007 - 13:02 ET by iveseenitallRight on, Human Events. I'm glad we have two years for her true nature to show itself. The more she talks, the more people see what she is. The Clintons have used public office as springboard to reach their personal ambition and gain tremendous personal wealth. Two years may be just enough time for America to wake up to the real Hillary and reject this socialist, power hungry, dirtbag.
NEVER,NEVER trust a liberal
as a citizen of the us and a
January 28, 2007 - 13:02 ET by buddycas a citizen of the us and a republican here is what i think
hillary is the best we can hope for from the democrats. warner didn't run. bayh (sp) isn't going to run. richardson and vilsack (sp) might be ok. biden, gore, dodd, dean and kerry are loons and would destroy this country. i know hillary is one of the greatest polarizing forces in history and i know what her views are but the other democrats would surrender to ubl, she would kill him and no one would know she did it.
Hillary and the Main Stream Media
January 28, 2007 - 15:16 ET by WayneHI noticed on a couple of websites and in my local paper that "Hillary is Responsible" for her vote about Iraq. Bush is always "Defending" his position. Condi is always "Defending" her position; one could put any Republican on the Defense, whereas Hillary is portrayed as on the Offense.
Many words have been used to
January 28, 2007 - 15:29 ET by tkeefeMany words have been used to discribe this woman. But in my book there is but 1 needed. And it does just happen to sound like the word that the dems would like to do with our responabilaty to finish the job in iraq. That Word would be PUNT!!!!!!!
Can't everyone see this is
January 28, 2007 - 16:03 ET by MudhenCan't everyone see this is all obviously part of some "vast Right-Wing conspiracy" to deny the Hillary the Presidency as she rightfully deserves?
Could we convince a UFC stand
January 28, 2007 - 16:37 ET by Clear thinkerCould we convince a UFC standout to run for president? Hillary would take back her words pronto!
Yep, I heard the Screechster
January 28, 2007 - 19:56 ET by bigtimerYep, I heard the Screechster herself revert back to normal in Iowa today...it was beautful, priceless! (Obama's gotta love it)
I love it when she is in her "I Gotta be me!" mode.
The more she opens her yap...the further any opponent on either side of the aisle is going to go.
Media can't make excuses and protect her forever.
Can't wait for the debates! (If she makes it that far)
Hillary Makes Me Sick
January 28, 2007 - 20:13 ET by JimboDAVENPORT, Iowa — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday that President Bush should withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq before he leaves office, asserting it would be "the height of irresponsibility" to pass the war along to the next commander in chief.
And this lady thinks she deserves to be President?? Like the war on terror can be fought on some kind of timetable? As if it weren’t over by the end of President Bush’s term, he would say, “Ah, the hell with it, come on home”?? What is the difference between this and establishing a timeline for quitting?? But she supports the troops, right?? This lady makes me physically ill.
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
Jimbo,Apparently F.D.R. didn'
January 28, 2007 - 20:25 ET by BlondeJimbo,
Apparently F.D.R. didn't get Hillary's memo.
The woman is appallingly stupid. I'm amazed she's made it as far as she has with that nasty personality of hers. I predicted here many months ago that she's going to have a meltdown as spectacular as that of the Wicked Witch of the West in Oz. I, for one, can't wait. Hillary's meltdown will make Howard Dean's scream look like the epitome of mental health.
Apparently F.D.R. didn't ge
January 29, 2007 - 03:01 ET by Tom1969caI was thinking the same thing; according to Hillary's logic, FDR would've had to pull US forces out of the Pacific theatre by the fall of 1944 - although we now know he was re-elected, he and Thomas Dewey didn't know that at the time.
~~~
VOTE DEMOCRAT!
(It's easier than thinking)
....This lady makes me phys
January 28, 2007 - 20:26 ET by bigtimer....This lady makes me physically ill.
I think her partner in crime would agree with ya on that statement Jimbo!
Obviously.
LOL!
I see also from Davenport, Io
January 28, 2007 - 21:00 ET by HumanEventsI see also from Davenport, Iowa that the Wicked Witch of the mid-West (who became the wicked witch of the South and then used her broom to be a carpetbagger to the East [oh but she was already in the East during the co-presidency of the 90's] aw heck she's the Wicked Witch of all directions) said, "... my background equips me to deal with evil and bad men." That's right, she's had lots of experience having satan for a husband for over 30 years!
Whew! The egregious statements she's making in just this past week alone are exhausting to keep up with. Reminds me of "Clinton fatigue" during their former 2 terms. There was just so many numerous scandals, lies, and outrageous words and behavior on the part of B&H that some theorized that one reason they kept escaping accountability was that the country had "Clinton fatigue." So maybe that's a strategy of the Dragon Lady now in her 2 year sCampaign: Keep a constant amount of disgusting, distasteful words and deeds flowing and people will be numbed to it and expect it and thus apathetic and not shocked. Whereas if she pulled her crap once every few weeks or so it would stand out more and serve a better chance of sinking (or melting) her.
HE...I saw that little cute b
January 28, 2007 - 21:18 ET by bigtimerHE...
I saw that little cute blip that has turned into a humongous mistake for her...and she was laughing while saying this so the media went nuts trying to figure out who she was talking about when she said evil men...were they referring to her other half?
My oh my the media has already covered for her since and she has tried to correct it herself....such a way with words the Screechster has!
Everyone knew what she was ta
January 28, 2007 - 23:43 ET by Eric TurnerEveryone knew what she was talking about. But she tries to cover it up by summoning up the word "Bush" and the "Republicans".
Yeah, right. Whatever.
AKA: armyvet
Hillary Clinton is as phony
January 28, 2007 - 23:40 ET by motherbeltHillary Clinton is as phony as they come. In her announcement speech, she smiled the whole time she was talking, even when she was criticizing the Bush administration. And if you watch her live appearances, at every one she will look out over the audience, and suddenly her eyes and mouth will open wide in an exaggerated surprised look, and she will point, as if to say "Ohmigod, look who's here!!!" then wave, with a big grin. Does it every time she is in front of a crowd. It's all part of the act.
...and her act isn't gonna ge
January 28, 2007 - 23:47 ET by bigtimer...and her act isn't gonna get any better motherbelt, no matter how much free coaching she gets from La-La-Land...
She didn't even last two days with the Tammy Wynette 'I do bake cookies' lets chat to the Helen Reddy 'I Am Woman' roaring today...
Hilarious...keep the show on the road...please, this is better than Rosie O!
The Real Hillary
January 28, 2007 - 23:50 ET by JimboWait until someone asks her a question that wasn’t on the pre screened list and the real Hillary pops out. It is going to be priceless.
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"
Jimbo, Did you see the SNL pa
January 28, 2007 - 23:54 ET by BlondeJimbo, Did you see the SNL parody of Hillary being interviewed by Chris Matthews last weekend?
It was a riot.
The Chris character was better than Chris on a good day....and Hillary just went off! I think the blog here had Cokie Roberts commenting on it....last Sunday, I'd guess. Worth looking up if you haven't seen it.
SNL
January 29, 2007 - 00:00 ET by JimboI did see it. I laughed so hard I cried. Mathews kept telling her how great she was and she was swearing like a sailor. Great to see SNL taking a shot at a lib too.
Jimbo says - "There is a fine line between freedom of speech and treason"