Stars take the shine off Hillary's bid

[T_i_B]

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1749981,00.html

With its liberal politics and radical attitudes, Hollywood should be one place in America where Hillary Clinton can count on fervent and loyal support. But as the former First Lady gears up for a run at the White House her nascent campaign has hit an unexpected roadblock. A lengthening list of top Hollywood celebrities have publicly criticised her ambitions. From George Clooney to Sharon Stone to Susan Sarandon, the Beverly Hills set has turned on Clinton.

Nor are they alone. Vast swaths of American liberals have begun to snipe at their former heroine, attacking her for supporting the war in Iraq and decrying her recent shifts to the right as she positions herself for a presidential campaign. For a woman long derided by conservative critics as a 'feminazi' the irony of the onslaughts from the left must be painful.

Celebrities have queued up to attack her. Kathleen Turner said she 'had her doubts' about Clinton's potential bid. Stone said it was 'too soon' for Clinton to run. Clooney criticised the entire Democrat leadership, including Clinton, for lacking the backbone to speak against the Iraq war. Sarandon, one of the most politically active of the Hollywood elite, was forthright: 'I find Hillary Clinton to be a great disappointment. She's lost her progressive following because of her caution and centrist approach.' Many observers might dismiss such outbursts as lacking real political clout, but Hollywood liberals are a vital source of election funds. 'Hollywood is like a piggy bank for the Democrats. No one wants that cut off,' said one senior Democrat activist.

Worryingly, the celebrities are not alone in turning on Clinton. She is a new hate figure for other liberals. That is potentially dangerous as it is grassroots supporters who do a lot of the work for the primary election campaigns that will decide who becomes the Democrat presidential nominee.

[mhr]

1. War Mongers Are Not Progressives! - Say No To Hillary!

eom

[Burried News]

2. You can't lead if you don't love. That goes for Hillary as well as

George - it is a gender neutral qualification. And it has nothing to do with being a Christian.

[JNelson6563]

3. Her campaign called me for $$

A couple of weeks ago I got a call telling me how the far right is gearing up to attack her. I told them that's a shame considering how hard she has tried to win their support. I then told the guy that it's funny how NOW she knows who the Dem base is. Too late. I hung up.

She can count on me for nothing.

Julie

[bee]

7. its kinda like the girl that dates two guys...

and ends up dumped by both. Poor thing. :sarcasm:

[faithnotgreed]

9. haha - perfect response julie

"that's a shame considering how hard she has tried to win their support."

[T Roosevelt]

4. Don't know why they'd think that

Hillary's been running an anti-Hollywood campaign for years, from lyrics to video games, to pander to "mainstream Americans"?

[Donna Zen]

5. Third-way tripe is not progressive politics

and being "taken for granted" tends to turn off people with self-respect. Surprised? I'm more surprised by that giant cross she's hung on her neck. Mr.Z said she wears it because she wants to be a rapper. (That man cracks me up!) Hillary's been running for president for 6 years now; you'd think she might have spared some moments to represent the people.

[Fabio]

6. I know deep down in my heart that HRC is wrong on Iraq

BUT, I also believe deep down in my heart, that none of the potential runners in 2008 (on the dem side) would have started this war in 2003.

I save that ire for the White House, Bush, Cheney, Rumshithead, et al.

[lojasmo]

8. I am against any senator who voted for the IWR and patriot act

Hell...Clinton authored an anti-flag burning amendment.

I have no interest in a candidate who has been licking Bush's boots for the last five years.

Kerry, Clinton, Edwards, etc, etc, etc.