Hillary in 2006…or 2008…or Whatever
Hillary Clinton faces a conundrum.
She of course wants to run for President in 2008. Apparently many Democrats want her to run too, although why is not entirely clear.
In any case, she faces a pesky little problem: her Senate term expires in 2006. And, for now, she says she only wants to talk about that.
The former first lady and her top aides steadfastly maintain that her focus is on winning a second Senate term. In fact, they have stopped talking publicly about the White House and 2008.
Now I doubt she would, without more, lose a re-election bid, especially given the utterly dysfunctional condition of New York State’s so-called Republican Party (“RINO Party” would be a better appellation).
But there’s that problematic 2008 presidential election again. Is it fair, honest and ethical to run for a six-year Senate term if you know that you’re running for President starting almost the day you’re sworn in?
The short answer is: well yes it’s ethical if New Yorkers decide that it’s ethical. If she is open and forthright about her plans, and New Yorkers say “fine by us,” then who is anyone else to say such maneuvers are wrong?
But the key words are “open and forthright.” Clinton should be nailed down, precisely and unequivocally, on this question during her Senate re-election campaign: Is she or is she not running for President in 2008? (Also, would she accept the Vice President nomination if it played out that way?).
No “maybes.” No “I have no plans.” No “It’s premature for that.” Yes or no — is she running?
Some may argue that she does not deserve to be re-elected unless the answer is “No.” Perhaps. But this much is clear: She does not deserve to be re-elected if she refuses to give a clear answer one way of the other.
The so-called Republican Party in New York must not relent on this question. Nor should the media.
New Yorkers (I was not among them) gave Clinton qua carpetbagger one free pass. She does not deserve a second.
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