Are you a conservative? Someone who historically has harbored, shall we say, a decided aversion to the former First Lady turned senator and presidential candidate? Do you find that in recent times your feelings toward Hillary have undergone a change? Do you perhaps see her in a more kindly light?'Today' ran an unusual segment this morning suggesting that, indeed, conservatives may be "softening on Hillary." With David Gregory narrating, we were first treated to the bad old days. Hillary, as shown here, making her infamous "vast right wing conspiracy" accusation to Matt Lauer back in 1998. A clip from The Clinton Chronicles, which spun the darkest theories about the Clintons.
But then, as evidence of how things have changed, particularly on domestic issues, Gregory played a clip of Chris Ruddy of the conservative NewsMax.com stating that "there's a view now that not only was Bill Clinton not so bad, he was pretty good. [Conservatives] don't have the same level of anger toward her that they once had toward him." No sign of a global warming trend toward Hillary at NewsMax itself, by the way. The featured Special Report there this morning, by Dick Morris, is entitled "Hillary's Horrible Judgment."
Continued Gregory: "Some conservatives credit Mrs. Clinton for working to shed her liberal image dating back to her push for universal health care. They also note her stand on the Iraq war, which has made her a target for liberals, not conservatives."Her campaign staff was, naturally, only too happy to reinforce the notion. Senior aide Howard Wolfson was shown stating "our country has looked at the Clinton years, they've looked at the Bush years, and they've found the Clinton years to be a whole lot better in many areas."
But some dissonant notes were sounded. Chuck Todd, NBC's newly-named political director, suggested that the anti-Hillary forces haven't gone away, "they're just hibernating." Legendary conservative fundraiser Richard Viguerie [shown here], analogizing to Samuel Johnson's observation that nothing so concentrates the mind like the prospect of a hanging, said that "conservatives would see the possibility of a President Hillary Clinton as an impending hanging and it would definitely focus our mind and attention."
So how about it? Has NBC spotted a trend, or is it simply trying to prepare the path for the next Clinton presidency?
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
Methinks, that they are just
February 20, 2007 - 09:44 ET by hs29fanMethinks, that they are just letting her run off at the mouth until she puts her giant foot into that gapping maw. All she does is give the conservatives ammo to use against her.
Poor Liberal, he's educated beyond his intelligence
Liar
February 20, 2007 - 09:57 ET by cvgbuckeyeWho on the face of the earth would EVER believe ANYTHING said by David Gregory, who is one of the biggest liars to have ever appeared before the public?
What he says is totally irrelevant to everyone but left wing nuts and NBC (whats the difference).
I woke this morning and thought, "Would Hillary have my love...
February 20, 2007 - 09:53 ET by acaiguanaI woke this morning and thought, "Would Hillary have my love child?"
Sorry, that was a mean thing to say.
I'm sorry.
Sorry.
:<(0
ACA
...
Hillary Clinton says: "I want to take those profits."
ACA, I'm glad I already ate.
February 20, 2007 - 10:08 ET by VT Con ManACA, I'm glad I already ate. I don't even want to think about just what that would create.
A shreaking, angry... conservative, no, a nasty, mother-in-law type, with cankles...and a depth of knowledge about what is right for this country.
An anti-free enterprise...entrepreneur.
OK, I'm lost, little help?
How about a "carpetbag
February 20, 2007 - 10:14 ET by MightyMouthHow about a "carpetbagging Iguana herder"?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
With little Iguana boots, and cape, and belt and hat and...
February 20, 2007 - 10:25 ET by acaiguanaWith little Iguana boots, and cape, and belt and hat and...
Just cuter than a bug's ear.
ACA
...
Hillary Clinton says: "I want to take those profits."
Hil•lar•ism (Noun)
February 20, 2007 - 10:05 ET by TheTruthDoes anyone seriously think for even one moment that any decent freedom loving conservative or person that believes in the American dream and understands what has made America great and the most powerful in nation in the world would ever consider voting this women?
Hil•lar•ism (Noun)
"I want to take those profits."
"We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good."
Hillary
February 20, 2007 - 10:11 ET by JNaughtNBC has a point. At least the Hil has not yet annointed Don Rumsfeld "the worst Sec. of Defense in the history of the country", as John McCain recently proclaimed.
Socialism
February 20, 2007 - 10:45 ET by BBallleaperYeah, I'm warming to socialism and communism ala Hitlery! Who wouldn't? A weak military, appeasement of thugs and criminals, scandals, tax increases, nationalized health care, Great Society spending,........oh yeah, I can't wait for this POS to ascend to her throne!
Bill Clinton "not so b
February 20, 2007 - 10:12 ET by dervishBill Clinton "not so bad"????? What was Mr. Ruddy smoking?
NBC has obviously begun the arduous task of carrying Hillary's water. Good luck on that one.
Maybe real conservatives do
February 20, 2007 - 10:14 ET by sarcasmoMaybe real conservatives don't see Hillary in any better light, but are for some reason sceptical of politicians who call themselves "conservative." I have no idea why I should suspect they're dubious...No idea whatsoever... ;)
JMR
I support Hillary
February 20, 2007 - 10:20 ET by the mad poleTo show my support for Hillary, I am going out to buy a Confederate flag. Let's see Obama supporters try that!!!
Some conservatives credit Mrs
February 20, 2007 - 10:34 ET by Mica the MagnificentSome conservatives credit Mrs. Clinton for shedding her liberal image??
How about 'I want to take those profits' or her statement that if she only knew that voting for the war would result in , err, war! then she wouldn't have voted for it!
Liberals have taken over the ship, captain, and they want more power!! - - Scotty responding to Kirks request for an update from the mothership
Hat's in for hillary
February 20, 2007 - 10:38 ET by vrwc13Ok NB how do I go about changing my "handle?"
vrwfh13 (vast right wing for hillary)
face piles of trials with smiles... I want to give her my profits
Go to your "account&qu
February 20, 2007 - 11:31 ET by MightyMouthGo to your "account" and then the "edit" tab. Change your name there. Since the site is based on a relational database all your previous posts will reflect the new name! Cool huh?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
It's good to see ya back MightyMouth. Working on uploading
February 20, 2007 - 11:37 ET by acaiguanaIt's good to see ya back MightyMouth. Working on uploading a picture of my 'office' for the guys on the site.
ACA
...
Hillary Clinton says: "I want to take those profits."
Thanks aca, you will be tur
February 20, 2007 - 11:43 ET by MightyMouthThanks aca, you will be turning a lot of NB'ers Iguana green with envy if you post the picture I have seen of your office! :-)
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
THIS is what I was able to fi
February 20, 2007 - 11:55 ET by FastEdTHIS is what I was able to find - of your office. Working hard?
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! -
my dad V
That's a good one FastEd, but I'm still working on it.
February 20, 2007 - 12:31 ET by acaiguanaThat's a good one FastEd, but I'm still working on it.
ACA
...
Hillary Clinton says: "I want to take those profits."
When the story becomes legend
February 20, 2007 - 11:02 ET by whodatPrint the LEGEND! Wishing it WILL make it so!
Hillary
February 20, 2007 - 11:03 ET by garvinIf she declared she was a Republican, I would still doubt her credintials. She is a Marxist through and through.
When will NBC officially declare itself is a Demorat PAC?
What complete drivel. Bill C
February 20, 2007 - 11:06 ET by NoMoreClintonsWhat complete drivel. Bill Clinton is one of the absolute worst presidents in history.
And his power mad wife is one of the most despicable characters in the history of American politics. Softening - I think not. Hardening would be more like it. No More Clintons, PLEASE!
This is the MSM=DNC trying th
February 20, 2007 - 11:09 ET by gfrrmanThis is the MSM=DNC trying their best to repackage their candidate. You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a PIG!!!!
I am just right of center so
February 20, 2007 - 11:17 ET by ucI am just right of center so am left to think you they are talking about those conservative Democrats just left of Lieberman? Every day she makes it on TV with her possible candidacy makes me want to erase atleast one day of my past "support of the President" while Clintons were in office.
GOP has fielded many more unquestionably personnally qualified candidates than Hillary can ever be argued to be, all the known so far "Hillarys." Maybe "Conservatives" have just realized they have such a truer connection to basic american values and kitchen table issues.
Clever twist by Clintons in past day to try to remove Bill from his natural presence such a possible return to the White House is stirring our legal sences of good and evil concerning >> Bill for Hillary's Senate seat and all. Won't New York end up with even less representative attention with such an unnatural change by Billary? New York should just elect Hillary's chief of staff as such person is probably running most things for them as it is now. "Sorry, Congress, my wife has run into an evil and bad man situation I must leave Capital Hill and come to her rescue, again."
You can lead the Clintons to the Constitution but you can't make them get past limited selfish readings. "Soft"???
The msm is trying to dupe con
February 20, 2007 - 11:24 ET by MivvisThe msm is trying to dupe conservatives into a herd mentality. The big media outlets will say that she is warming up to conservatives often enough that some will actually buy it. People, she is a sham. Every position she takes is based on poll numbers. On top of this, I believe she is evil. Just my opinion of course. She lacks empathy.
There is a reason why sen C
February 20, 2007 - 11:23 ET by JDWThere is a reason why sen Clinton refuses to apologize for voting in and/or supporting of Iraq, and she continues to hide from it. Imagine not only being wrong but facing the inability to support one's party.
Murtha has defined the dems future focus and it is not in America. It will be interesting to see how sen Clinton supports Murtha's next step, his attempt to attach to the supplemental appropriations bill. I doubt the conservatives will.
JDW
Wounded skier. Corrections have been causing time-outs so mistakes will be made.
New pro-adoption dems, what about replacing abortions?
A couple of anecdotes don't c
February 20, 2007 - 11:30 ET by GalvanicA couple of anecdotes don't constitute a trend. I suspect NBC and Gregory created this "message' for the moderates, and not necessarily the conservatives, to convince them that Hillary is acceptible to conservatives, when she most definitely is not. Watch for an NBC follow-up poll of moderates within a few days of that story's airing.
Looks like a hege bet - obama
February 20, 2007 - 12:02 ET by FastEdLooks like a hedge bet - obama will probably crash and burn, Her thighness, the hilldabeast, will continue to be the favorite, and once the palooney and reid camps get their act together, their backing will go to where the money will come from - there's gold in them hilleries, but there are billeries.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
I'm sure Gregory curled his l
February 20, 2007 - 12:13 ET by GothampcI'm sure Gregory curled his lip everytime he had to say the word "Conservative". Possibly he's trying to get the "1/2 Hour News Hour" to spoof him.
This piece was a laugh and a half and I'm surprised the producer of it still has a job. The only "Conservatives" that have changed their mind about Hillary Clinton are the illegals that crossed the Mexican border.
I doubt that
February 20, 2007 - 12:23 ET by tumbler_2007The last but not much cutting edge of your remarks;
Not true.
NBC Conservatives
February 20, 2007 - 12:49 ET by pilsenerWhen David Gregory refers to "some conservatives", he is referring to Tucker Carlson and Joe Scarborough. Along with Pat Buchanan, these 2 make up the entire "conservative" payroll of NBC/MSNBC.
It's been obvious for a while that a paycheck is more important than principles to peacock employees.
come again?
February 20, 2007 - 13:08 ET by Ron_servative"Some conservatives credit Mrs. Clinton for working to shed her liberal image dating back to her push for universal health care."
How is a push for universal healthcare helping you shed a liberal image???
WOW!
Ron_servative, This is also
February 20, 2007 - 13:39 ET by Dave RRon_servative,
This is also the same woman who just said she was going to take Oil Co. profits away from them. It doesn't get much more communistic than that.
I hate newspapermen.....I regard them as spies.....If I killed them all there would be news from Hell before breakfast. -Gen. William T. Sherman
David Gregory
February 20, 2007 - 13:53 ET by Dave RYou are right, David Gregory, we have all lost our minds and have decided to join you all in the liberal media and surrender our freedoms and rights so that we may then live out the rest of our lives under a Marxist/Leninist dictatorship paradise that your ilk have been aiming this country for for nearly fifty years.
Somehow, I don't think so.
PS-Why couldn't your parents have given you another name instead of mine? I think Dilbert would have been perfect!
I hate newspapermen.....I regard them as spies.....If I killed them all there would be news from Hell before breakfast. -Gen. William T. Sherman
Slightly off-topic, but, be
February 20, 2007 - 14:36 ET by DyneSlightly off-topic, but, believe it or not, my real last name is Paradise. And it drives me crazy when the word, which means "beautiful garden," is associated with things like Hillary and what they plan to do to destroy this country.
This morning, when I arrived at campus, I stopped to stand at attention during the National Anthem and while the flag was being raised. I swear, the image was right out of a war movie after the final victory was won. Even though there was no breeze, the sun was peeking over the mountains to shine down on the flag and, halfway through the anthem, a flock of birds flew by. I really wish I had my camera.
I've been tyring to get hold of R.J. MacReady
February 20, 2007 - 14:04 ET by Carl KolchakI've been trying to get hold of R.J. MacReady in Antartica, as I think I heard from somehwere that Antartica might be a place Hillary would want to take over and setup up her gulags. Well I can't seem to get hold of R.J. Seems R.J. MacReady and his team took in some dog that the Norwegians were shooting at, the last time I talked to him, and I sure hope everything is ok. Well, if anyone of you have the misfortune of being sent to one of Hillary's gulags in Antarctica and come across a dog that looks friendly, make sure you stay away from that dog.
"Dr. Blair: [Smashing up the raio room with an axe while yelling] A Cell gets out, and it will IMITATE EVERYTHING on the face of the EARTH! AND NOTHING CAN STOP IT"
No softening here!!
February 20, 2007 - 15:40 ET by rmellerCan you imagine Pres. Hill and Sen. Bill OMG