This morning's 'Today' pumped Hillary Clinton as the next nominee of the Democratic Party and even used two former Clinton flacks, Lisa Caputo and Dick Morris to posit she may be unbeatable in the general election. In fact Today co-host Meredith Vieira acted as a third flack as she called Hillary the "Teflon Candidate" and noted two recent anti-Clinton books haven't "made any dent in her popularity."
First up, at the top of this morning's Today, Vieira greeted viewers with Hillary's inevitablity: "And Senator Hillary Clinton definitely on a roll. A new poll out today shows her lead widening. So why is she doing so well and can she go the distance?"
Then, just a few minutes later it was time for former Hillary flacks Caputo and Morris to join current flack, Vieira, to analyze Hillary's chances in the following June 18th segment that was headlined: "Decision 2008, Is Hillary Clinton Unbeatable?"
Vieira: "Lisa Caputo served as Hillary Clinton's press secretary while she was First Lady and Dick Morris is a former adviser to President Clinton and author of the book Outrage. Good morning to you both."
Lisa Caputo: "Good morning."
Dick Morris: "Good morning."
Vieira: "Well you just heard the poll results. Hillary Clinton is 14 points ahead of Barack Obama. Lisa why is she doing so well?"
Caputo: "Well you know, Meredith, I think it really is just a test of her experience, her discipline as a candidate. And she's really emerged, I think, in so many ways over the past 15 years since being First Lady as a real retail politician. And she, she is disciplined, as I said. She is methodical. She understands what it takes. She's been battle-tested and I-"
Vieira: "Well is it organization, experience and money, essentially, that's doing it?"
Caputo: "I think a lot of it is organizational experiences and you can't discount the money but it also goes down to the sheer discipline of the candidate and understanding what it takes and not to trip up and make a mistake."
Vieira: "Dick what about the likeability factor? So many of the pundits said she could never get elected because people just don't warm up to her. Has she closed that personality gap at all?"
Morris: "No she hasn't. They still don't like her but she's gonna win. Because there are a 100 million peo-"
Vieira: "She's gonna win what? The nomination or the pre-"
Morris: "And the presidency, both. I don't like that. I'm against her, but she'll win. There are 100 million people that don't vote in America that didn't vote in '04 but could vote. They are about 70 to 30, Democrat. They're women, black, Hispanics. They're gonna come, many of those will come into the electorate and vote for Hillary. The other reason she's gonna win is what Lisa, just said, when she used the word, 'experience.' The Clinton campaign has worked hard at positioning her as experienced, as a way of throwing a negative at Obama for not being experienced. Now, in fact, she has eight years as senator and he has two-and-a-half years as senator. She was in the White House but so was the pastry chef. The only time that she actually ran things in the White House was '93 and '94, when they went south. And in '98, '99, and 100 when she saved her husband from impeachment. When I was in the White House '95, '96 and '97 she was no where to be seen."
Vieira: "But what happened to the Obama buzz? Lisa let me ask you because everybody was talking about him but now when you look at all the subgroups, Clinton leads. Whether it's whites, blacks, men, women, young, old. Why are people moving away from Barack Obama?"
Caputo: "I don't know that they're moving away. I think you have a hugely undecided electorate. I mean, let's remember, this is so early Meredith. We've never seen a cycle like this and I think people are just taking their time to decide. And the more that they see of Hillary Clinton and they stack her up against the other candidates, in the Democratic field, I mean the choice becomes clear. Whether it's her performance in the debates or if they are watching her through her town halls throughout the country, I think people are becoming very comfortable in the direction she'll take the country."
Vieira: "You know people talked about Ronald Reagan as the Teflon President. Could she possibly be the Teflon Candidate? I'm thinking of these two books that just came out. Highly critical of her and her husband and they don't seem to have made any dent in her popularity."
Morris: "Well within the context of my basic view that I think she's gonna get elected there are major negatives she has to overcome. In my new book Outrage, we talk, for example, about the fact that she's had $2.2 billion of earmarks, including $148 million of defense, in return for which she got $250,000 of contributions."
Vieira: "But you say none of that is gonna matter, Dick. You're saying she's gonna get elected and so none of it's gonna matter, in your book."
Morris: "It won't matter because there are about 15 to 20 million single women, black, Hispanic voters, poor voters, who are gonna come into the electorate drawn by Hillary."
Vieira: "So women are gonna elect her, is what you're saying, essentially."
Morris: "Exactly."
Vieira: "Do you agree Lisa?"
Caputo: "I think, I think it'll be a combination of women and independents who will elect her to the presidency. And I also think, I mean I find it funny that Dick says she's gonna win because back in '99 when she was gonna run for the Senate he said, 'there's no way she can win.' I'm glad you found-"
Vieira: "But you both think that, just wait, wait-"
Morris: "I thought Rudy Giuliani was gonna run."
Caputo: "Oh okay. Well-"
Morris: "She never, she never would have beaten Rudy but she-"
Vieira: "But the point is you both think it's a done deal."
Caputo: "I don't, I think, you know, Meredith, I would never say it's a done deal. I mean we've had a 100 polls already. Polls go up and down and I think what you have here is a situation where you have somebody who has been through the ringer and back. And you have two books out that took 10 years to write with no new information. I think you're just gonna see her be consistent all through the end of this race."
Vieira: "But there's a long race."
Caputo: "A long way to go. Long way to go."
Vieira: "Alright."
Morris: "Look if there's one thing Hillary specializes in it's damage control. If she were a reality TV show it would be survivor."
Vieira: "Alright, Dick Morris thanks a lot. Lisa Caputo, thank you as well. We'll check in and see how right you are in the months ahead."
—Geoffrey Dickens is the senior news analyst at the Media Research Center.



















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
What?
June 18, 2007 - 10:34 ET by cvgbuckeyeWhy in the world Fox News has Dick Morris on it's different programs so much is beyond my comprehension. He is about the most self-serving, disgusting, unembarrassed self promoter that I have ever seen.
Additionally, the (man?) has only one loyalty and that is to his own bank account and his own foolish pride. The guy would betray his own mother for another dollar or another minute to promote himself, his books or that silly web-site of his that he almost wets himself on every appearance to make sure it gets mentioned.
Further, I may be wrong but even though sicko Clinton was elected twice, I hold eternal faith in the eventual morals of the American People and I find it totally incredulous that they would EVER elect that lieing woman to the most powerful position in the world. Even though I have read much about the coming of the beast and the anti-Christ (and I am not being facitious).
As far as Morris and these other prognasticators; it is a lot like the weather. They can hardly predict what will happen tomorrow, leave 2+ years from now. It is just another way for Morris to keep that simple face of his in front of the public.
He is such a puke that it seems to me that he is much better suited for msnbc, olbermann and that bunch of freaks.
Next time I'll tell you what I really think.
Morris
June 18, 2007 - 11:00 ET by Joe4CoulterHey Buck; I like seeing Morris on FNC (I don't watch the other cable crap), he's a reminder of the Clinton's and their insiders; slimey, deceitful, hidden agendas...you're basic Demoncrat. If he weren't around I might let my guard down and forget all the reasons why anyone from that previous administration should never, ever be allowed near Pennsylvania Ave. again.
Basically, he's a useful idiot. And when he speaks, he's saying something the Clinton's have already been plotting.
Good Orderly Direction
Hillary Unbeatable
June 18, 2007 - 11:38 ET by merlin61Hey Buckeye, I too agree with everything you said about Dick Morris, a real sleezebag only looking for more money
for himself
Hillary
June 18, 2007 - 10:38 ET by Joe4CoulterI kinda like Morris talking up Mrs. Bill Clinton in this way - "she's going to win". This might begin to motivate some folks to organize some opposition.
Wouldn't you love a showdown between Fred & Hill? Oh man, the fireworks! The Demoncrat dirty tricks revealed! The trouncing of Mrs. Bill Clinton! Now that would be reality TV.
Good Orderly Direction
Hillary will win as long as t
June 18, 2007 - 10:46 ET by Mica the MagnificentHillary will win as long as the republicans in the senate and house continue to allow their testicles to remain locked away in the democrat-party controlled lock box!
"Hi ya, fella. Just came to visit you . . .NO! I cannot take you with me. Not until I am no longer a republican senator. ." - - - Trent Lott visiting his testicles in the aformentioned lock box.
Unbeatable Hillary
June 18, 2007 - 10:52 ET by Cool ArrowLooks to me they are just stating the obvious. At present she is unbeatable.
Iraq isn't likely to right itself by this September or even next November. I don't see the American people putting up with it much longer. A Republican ain't gonna keep the White House.
Sure isn't hard for a Dem to plant a stake to the right of Bush on immigration. I don't know about you, but I feel like I've been sole out on this issue. They're even implying I'm a racist for wanting what I believe is best for America.
Barring a good 3rd Party candidate, neither party is offering much.
cool -- actually I heard di
June 18, 2007 - 10:55 ET by Jack Bauercool -- actually on KSFO (SF) this morning, it was mentioned that in the most recent poll, all the top Republican candidates beat Hillary in a head to head.
Hope you're right Jack
June 18, 2007 - 11:04 ET by Cool ArrowBut the Peace Protests in the Summer of 08 will have a lot to do with the outcome of this election. MSM will have a field day with police controlling/overcontrolling/undercontrolling peaceful demonstrators.
More stories of 'Families Torn Apart' by ICE.
Stepped up violence in Iraq, flaccid response to Iraq and Darfur.
Israel defends itself and MSM calls it agression.
Oh, there's plenty of stuff between now and then, and the Liberal and MSM fronts are loaded for donkey
Not only that, but The Nati
June 18, 2007 - 13:08 ET by motherbeltin the most recent poll, all the top Republican candidates beat Hillary in a head to head.- Jack Bauer
Not only that, but The Nation magazine has an article entitled
Hillary's Feminist Problem.
Apparently women in general like her, but the admiration of the feminist wing is waning.
In this is article appears the following howler:
On one side are the mainstream moderate women's organizations such as
NOW and EMILY's List, facing off against more radical progressive
feminists, especially those opposed to the Iraq War.
Would someone please explain in what alternate universe NOW and EMILY's List are considered "mainstream" and "moderate"????? LOL
Anyway, it's funny to see Hillary having to try to get back to her feminist roots while holding on to the hoi-polloi.
Not so fast, Cool Arrow....
June 18, 2007 - 10:57 ET by RJNot so fast, Cool Arrow....many who want Democrats to win WILL NOT vote for Hillary. This article, "Voters Don't Want Hillary", describes the phenom, as this voter shows:
"Frederick Cole wants the Democratic Party to take back the White House in 2008. "Look what a mess we're in," said Cole, a nurse in Louisville, Ky. "It's time for some fresh, new-thinker ideas." Yet if his party nominates Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York for president, the 52-year-old Democrat plans to vote for her Republican opponent."
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/6/17/183326.shtml
Just a low hurdle RJ
June 18, 2007 - 11:06 ET by Cool ArrowOnce Obama is out of the picture, these Dems will fall in line.
I disagree, Cool Arrow
June 18, 2007 - 11:11 ET by RJI diagree, Cool Arrow. Hillary's biggest problem, even before Obama, has been that her negatives are firm....even among Democrats. People who can't stand her aren't going to be very flexible.
The article and poll describes it.
OK, RJ
June 18, 2007 - 11:24 ET by Cool ArrowSuppose I concede a Hillary defeat. Obama wins it all.
Sorry, the MSM has been too careful to steer this into "It's the war, stupid".
Obama is the Jimmy Carter of his generation. All loving, all knowing, all inclusive.
You think Gore's Macarena was bad, wait till everybody with a guitar is singing "Kumbaya"
Chill, Cool...
June 18, 2007 - 11:29 ET by RJChill, Cool... ;^>
Just responding to your post that Hillary looks "unbeatable."
I agree about Obama. He's a feel-good lightweight who would be a policy disaster.
Can't chill, RJ
June 18, 2007 - 11:41 ET by Cool ArrowDoubly pessimistic?
Can't chill, RJ
June 18, 2007 - 11:41 ET by Cool ArrowI'm suddenly so pessimistic about this dumbed down society I wanna scream.
We have let go of common sense and have nothing but slogans flying about and God forbid a good idea take root and thrive.
Why? Because the implementation of good ideas takes effort.
Kids are stupid? Import illiterate kids and blame the problem on changing demographics and new challenges facing our school systems.
Legislator doesn't know how to "feel" on an issue? What do the polls say. "I voted for it before I voted against it"
Want to get nominated? Swear to solve the energy issue with ethanol production" Try getting past Iowa without it.
I have to remember your "real" name, Riled One
June 18, 2007 - 11:50 ET by RJI have to remember your "real" name, Riled One.. ;^>
But consider that since ethanol has begun causing such massive land and air pollution out in the midwest that pollution allowance regulations had to be increased by 150%, it may not hold such power in a year.
Not only that RJ
June 18, 2007 - 11:56 ET by Cool ArrowGrocery prices are soaring already.
Seems there's some flimsy connection between corn and Dairy, meat, and all edible plants that might try to occupy an extra acre of potential corn field.
So now not only are our tax dollars subsidizing corn production, increased corn production is raising food prices.
Ain't we smart?
CA
June 18, 2007 - 11:57 ET by Dave RI'm suddenly so pessimistic about this dumbed down society I wanna scream.
I agree. I think the stupid factor will play huge in the upcomming election, possibly even more so than in '96, when there were enough idiots that voted for Perot to put Billy Jeff in the WH a second time.
You cannot discount the fact that 50 years of guv'mint edjumacation is starting to bear fruit for the proponents of the "Nanny State."
Many are more educated about
June 18, 2007 - 12:04 ET by Chris NormanMany are more educated about the candidates on American Idol and give more thought to their selection on a $%#@ TV show, than the presidential election. Grrrrrrr. I maintain that at least 50% of the voting public shouldn't vote.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Chris
June 18, 2007 - 12:39 ET by Dave RI maintain that at least 50% of the voting public shouldn't vote
If that number ever hits 51%, we're forked.
Dumbed down society
June 18, 2007 - 12:07 ET by Cool ArrowRobert Byrd and Teddy Kennedy can rest comfortably knowing they have succeeded in winning the war on poverty. Any Klansman would be proud of such a record.
Poverty and illiteracy are now so comfortable there is no reason to climb out of it.
As long as there are people to tax it will remain so.
My prediction (and God only
June 18, 2007 - 13:43 ET by motherbeltMy prediction (and God only knows how much I hope I am wrong..) is Clinton/Obama. She will lose the black vote by winning the nomination, and will put Obama on as VP to win them back. In my opinion, an unbeatable combination....women and blacks out in force. Obama is very young...he will certainly be happy enough to wait for 2016 for his turn at the top slot. If we have any semblance of a country left by then.....God help us all.
wait for the dem primaries
June 18, 2007 - 13:46 ET by LionKingI am waiting for the Democratic primaries where they send out their attack dogs. I do not believe that HRC and Obama will be able to form a united ticket or front.
Ah, Dick Morris, the Nostra
June 18, 2007 - 11:08 ET by MightyMouthAh, Dick Morris, the Nostradamus of politics. He has written such prophetic books as: "Condi vs. Hillary" and the insightful "Rewriting History" any of which can be obtained on Amazon in the "New & Used" section for between $0.01 and $3.99.
Keep up the good work Dick (head)!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MM,He's a slippery character,
June 18, 2007 - 11:14 ET by Chris NormanMM,
He's a slippery character, isn't he? He can change his predictions, his opinions - and his loyalties - on a dime. Maybe he and David Gergen can make a movie called "Oily and Oilier"...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
They would make a great tea
June 18, 2007 - 11:27 ET by MightyMouthThey would make a great team Chris. But didn't Morris say he would leave the coutnry if Hillary won in 2008? Just once I wish these guys would do what they say.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Despite his public scorn for
June 18, 2007 - 11:30 ET by Chris NormanDespite his public scorn for Mrs. Clinton, if she was elected and asked him to go to work for her, I suspect he'd be in her lap faster than a cat.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Hey Mouth, good to see ya man.
June 18, 2007 - 11:24 ET by acaiguanaHey Mouth, good to see ya man.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
Hey aca, I was visitin' the
June 18, 2007 - 11:30 ET by MightyMouthHey aca, I was visitin' the grandkids for a while, it was great fun!
I'm glad to be back at NB and see our favorite Iguana trainer here too! :-)
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Mouth, I've been stuck in N. Calif since April.
June 18, 2007 - 11:34 ET by acaiguanaMouth, I've been stuck in N. Calif since April.
VA Hospital stuff - it all turned out well. Next stop Thailand/China for maybe a year.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
"Unbeatable Hillary"
June 18, 2007 - 11:36 ET by connmanRoss Perot had more to do with Clinton winning the election in '92 than anything GHWB did or didn't do. In '96 the repubs threw up Dole to the slaughter knowing that they had no chance of winning back the White House. Neither scenario exists with Hillary, the fact that the repubs can wash their hands of W and Cheney for '08 gives them just as much a chance with a viable candidate as any Defeatacrat running. As long as puff piece shows like Today keep regurgitating the Hillary can't lose montra, the more they will energize the conserative base.
Good post, Connman
June 18, 2007 - 11:41 ET by RJGood post. Add to the debunking of the "unbeatable" Clinton theory that she won her seat against a political neophyte who ran a horrible campaign.
In '96 the repubs threw up Do
June 18, 2007 - 13:49 ET by motherbeltIn '96 the repubs threw up Dole to the slaughter knowing that they had no chance of winning back the White House.
I disagree. I think they gave Dole the nomination simply because it was "his turn." Foolish Republican loyalty at the wrong time. They couldn't stand to deny him and paid dearly for it. Misplaced loyalty.
At other times, when they should stand by their own, they'll throw their kinsman over the side, to show that they are not the "bad guys". That's why Republicans resign in embarrassment; Democrats tough it out.
Republicans never, never learn.....
You are right about '92 of
June 18, 2007 - 11:42 ET by MightyMouthYou are right about '92 of course, but, what if a disgruntled candidate who will remain nameless(but has the same initials as Ross Perot) tries the same thing? Could be a problem, yes?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
As long as puff piece shows l
June 18, 2007 - 12:26 ET by dscottAs long as puff piece shows like Today keep regurgitating the Hillary can't lose montra, the more they will energize the conserative base.
Exactly and I strongly suspect Dick Morris knows it. The man is even more devious than Karl Rove. No matter how self serving you think Dick Morris is, he is choosing his words carefully for effect, he has as much vested in the Dems loosing as we do for his own reasons. There will be more of these, Hillary won pieces, by the MSM before the Dem nomination, they made their choice already. Obama has like any shooting star burned fast and is about to burn out.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius
Hanaty loves this guy because
June 18, 2007 - 11:46 ET by Airforce_5_OHanaty loves this guy because he rails on Hillary so much. This guy has made a living on Hillary and can only wish for her to get in. More books and spots on Fox to make him more money. He has found his nitch and he is riding it to the end.
What a country! Where else
June 18, 2007 - 11:51 ET by MightyMouthWhat a country! Where else can someone like Morris be completly wrong 99% of the time and still rake in the millions?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Dr Gore
June 18, 2007 - 18:09 ET by LionKingDoes the name Al Gore strike a chord?
LK...Al is batting a HUNDRED
June 18, 2007 - 18:17 ET by bigtimerLK...
Al is batting a HUNDRED Per Cent!
Wanna' bet with that record the dem's will put him for sure....
LOL!
AF,My choices for moderation
June 18, 2007 - 18:05 ET by BlondeAF,
My choices for moderation do not include...
"Insightful Post of the Day"....but if it did...you'd have it.
Nicely stated.
I don't see why FNC gives Mor
June 18, 2007 - 11:31 ET by BruzillaI don't see why FNC gives Morris any airtime either. The guy has been dead wrong on every prediction I've ever heard him utter except for one - that being the Republicans would lose the House and Senate just before the 2006 elections. Wow... some prognosticator that guy is... he was only about the 1,000,001 political analyst to make that prediction.
Even Bob Shrum can call this guy a loser.
Unbeatable? I got a baseball
June 18, 2007 - 11:40 ET by Airforce_5_OUnbeatable? I got a baseball bat, will that work?
All of this bru-ha-ha about C
June 18, 2007 - 14:46 ET by ThisnThatAll of this bru-ha-ha about Clinton leaves out one important item -- the Republican candidate. I've done a straw poll myself -- consisting of listening to the various female members of my family (who vote Democrate all the time). I hear them say two things:
I don't know quite what to think about this, but the poll results are firm -- if Clinton gets the nomination, she's in big trouble -- provided the right Republican candidate is put on the ticket.
like this
June 18, 2007 - 14:52 ET by LionKingThompson/Rice
This morning on Laura Ingraha
June 18, 2007 - 16:17 ET by msh1973This morning on Laura Ingraham she played a clip of Maya Angelou backing Hillary. Now I am confused...why would Angelou back Hillary when her buddy Oprah is backing Obama? I just think it is getting interesting on the left.
Today can Crown Hillary all t
June 18, 2007 - 16:23 ET by bigtimerToday can Crown Hillary all they want....
I just can't wait to see how the American people Crown her....
LOL!
Fun to be had by most normal American's after her Crowning....
teflon candidate
June 18, 2007 - 17:54 ET by LionKingI like the analogy of teflon and HRC. While it is true that getting things to stick to teflon is no easy task, once the teflon has been breached, it becomes useless pretty quickly.
[Prediction: PAIN !!! This star democrat will super-nova when her truths are exposed.]