Hillary Clinton is NOT a Good Leader

[redstate_democrat]

Last night this violent framing took on a new and disturbing dimension when George Stephanopoulos, co-moderator of ABC's candidate debate, asked a series of questions insinuating that Barack Obama may be politically aligned with a radical group called The Weatherman Underground--a 1960s violent political organization responsible for the bombing of federal buildings:

snip...

Of course, it is patently absurd to believe that Barack Obama or any candidate for President in either party has political allegiance to 1960s group of domestic terrorists. But the truth in this situation did count for much, unfortunately. Stephanopoulos question was the type of media stink bomb that fouls a candidate in the asking. Obama's answer, no matter how quick or good, could not have changed the outcome.

On the surface, Stephanopoulos' questions seems to be about 'patriotism,' the supposed organizing theme for that particular round of questions. In fact, it was not about patriotism at all, but was a trap. The question tried to put Obama in a situation where he felt the need to repudiate his connection with a man associated with political violence in the 1970s. Obama responded not by taking the debate, but by showing what was at stake when questions like Stephanopoulos' are allowed to stand unchallenged:

snip...

It was a good answer. The issue is not whether he needs to answer for the past violent acts of one of his constituents, but whether or not the political debate can move forward in a productive manner in the face of this kind of effort to associate candidates with violence.

Hillary Clinton, for her part, should have said something very similar. She should have said that such questions are fundamentally debasing of the political system. She should have said that asking Barack Obama to deny his allegiance to domestic violence is an offense to the very institution of civil debate on which our entire system depends. Unfortunately, she chose to add to the violent framing, further implying that Obama was somehow aligned with The Weather Underground and implying, however vaguely, that Bill Ayer's violent views were somehow shared by her Democratic opponent for the nomination. That moment--her response--was the low point in the entire political career of Hillary Clinton.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-feldman/et-tu-abc_b_97229.html

She could have taken the high road and gave a little speech about why we must elevate the debate and discourse in this country. Instead she chose to roll around in the mud like a little pig. Shows how desperate and un-leader-like she is.

[MojoMojoMojo]

1. What a crock of do do

[MojoMojoMojo]

2. I agree that Ayers relationship is next to meaningless.

Obamas relationship with Rezko and Auchi is crucial to examine.Those questions will be asked in the GE.If Obama isnt in jail by then.

[redstate_democrat]

4. Call the Hillbilly Whaaaammmmbuullllaaannnnce!

[JasonHill]

3. She's too short-sighted to make those sort of comments

Her desire for being the party nominee overrides helping the party/liberalism attack Republican frames that hurt our cause overall.

[AllentownJake]

5. Yep

Won't vote for her. I said I might today buts its back to no. Flame me.

[ginnyinWI]

6. not a leader but she can be a likeable enough Senator.

Seriously, she thinks and talks deliberatively like a Senator, and I see no reason why she shouldn't continue. I don't think she's particularly good at inspiring or leading people though. She always talks and talks about what SHE is going to do, not what WE should do together.

[guyanakoolaid]

10. Most warmongers do have some likability, it's how they sell murder of civilians

[DJ13]

7. This evening, I came across Faux News and Dick Morris said......

That back in the mid 80's Hillary had ties to an organization that was actively supporting the PLO, and she knew they were supporting them.

He claimed that those ties remained through the 90's, and that group donated $50,000 to her first run to become Senator from NY.

O'Riley cut him off as soon as he said it (in mid sentence) and they went to a fast commercial break.

Maybe Morris was blowing smoke, I dont know.

[Cha]

8. hilary "take the high road"? Brawawawawawaaaaaa

She hasn't seen a high road since Iowa when she got real shaken..and forget about after SuperTues.

[Triana]

9. The Filthy Politics of Hillary Clinton is exactly why....

...I chose to support Obama, instead. First, she climbed into political bed with McSame and the GOP to smear Obama for telling the truth about people being bitter and frustrated with the national state of affairs, and in particular, the economy. THAT was bad enough. We expect that type of filthy pool from REPUBLICANS but not from Democrats so much and CERTAINLY NOT from Democrats AGAINST OTHER DEMOCRATS.

THEN, there was the ruse of a "debate" and Hillary, once again, wallowed around in the slop with the GOP-by-proxy and her little political friends to politically mug Obama in this fake "debate" scenario.

I said it before and I'll say it AGAIN:

I DO NOT WANT someone who would do THIS to be President -- to be President.

THAT IS JUST EXACTLY the type of CRAP we've been putting up with for 8 years and for decades before that FROM REPUBLICANS.

And if HILLARY does it - and PARTICULARLY when she does it against another Democrat - then Hillary IS A REPUBLICAN.

I won't vote for a Republican. I'm voting for Obama.

ENOUGH.

[ShortnFiery]

11. Nor a Team Builder OR a Negotiator. That's precisely why her Health Care Plan TANKED. eom