Clinton takes month off

[ProSense]

Clinton takes month off

By J. Taylor Rushing
Posted: 06/17/08 07:44 PM

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) is taking a month off from Congress to recuperate after her marathon run for the presidency.

She is not expected to return to the Senate until July 7 or July 8 after the Independence Day recess, according to two Democratic sources.

Clinton’s Democratic colleagues in the Senate are taking a sympathetic attitude toward her extended absence, which comes after a grueling 18-month formal bid for the White House and, according to some calculations, a decade or more of planning and positioning since the days when her husband was president.

<...>

A statement issued Tuesday by Clinton’s Senate spokesman, Philippe Reines, said the senator “took some well-deserved R&R with her family last week, and she’ll be back here before you know it.
 In the meantime, she continues to work for New York and America, and she’ll be fighting harder than ever for the issues she has throughout her public life.”

<...>

At least one Clinton supporter suggested Clinton’s absence may be prolonged. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) said Clinton would be “joining us later this summer,” when asked about her return. Reines said this referred to a public event Mikulski and Clinton will both be attending later in the summer.

Interesting

[goldcanyonaz]

1. perhaps to allow Obama to have the spotlight instead of her?

[karynnj]

34. Working at her Senate job would not put her in the spotlight

The hearings are usually at best on CSPAN 1,2,or 3 in off hours, you can watch her vote on CSPAN2 -- there would be some coverage but not all that much. There was very little coverage when Kerry returned - and he came FAR closer to being President.

[democrattotheend]

45. Theoretically, you're right

Except for the fact that the press has been interested in whatever she does since she became a senator, and especially now.

[Hoof Hearted]

59. She was at her Senate job today, actually, calling for investigations into KBR.

But you didn't hear about it in the media, so your theory is correct.

[dailykoff]

62. Because it didn't happen.

She issued a press release. Misleading thread title that one, or let's call it more sniper fire.

[Midwest_Doc]

73. She may be silent ...

... but her quotes keep working - in McCain's campaign ads.

[malik flavors]

2. It's good she's getting some rest, but this isn't relevant to the general election.

[goldcanyonaz]

3. Neither are the Tim Russert threads

[jgraz]

18. Sure it is. Hillary is still one of the most powerful people in electoral politics

What she does could still have a huge effect on this race. For example:

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/06/clinton_back_in_the_senate_sad.html

Even a little press release like this shows that she's willing to help keep the heat on the Repugs on important issues. It's not only the right thing to do morally, it's a political boost to Obama every time she calls out this regime's Iraq policy for the fraud that it is.

I'm hoping that, unencumbered by her own candidacy, Hillary "lets loose" in the Senate. Maybe she'll finally shake off the DLC and become another "Liberal Lion".

Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?

[harun]

21. Her getting out of the news is very relevant to the GE (n/t)

[SeaLyons]

4. Good for Hillary....well deserved.

She'll "work her heart out" for Obama when she returns.

[midnight]

5. A well deserved rest. Enjoy some quiet time Senator, because

we need you re-charged to help us regain the White House this Fall.

[blondeatlast]

6. I can't blame her at all. Rest up then hit the campaign trail and let's win this thing! nt

[davidpdx]

7. I understand the need for R&R

after going 18 months straight with a grueling schedule. I just hope she's going to get out there in support Obama with Bill.

[ericgtr]

8. Can't knock her for this it was a marathon

Good for her, get some rest.

[dkf]

9. Isn't this kind of a disservice to her constituents?

I know she deserves a loooong vacation but she still has a job to do.

Hell I need a vacation. I haven't had even one day off since the beginning of the year.

[mamalone]

13. As one of her constituents...

I say more power to her:)


Personally I think she needed a break to regain some mental balance... I think she had lost some very important perspective towards the end of the primaries and her judgment was suffering. I think a prolonged rest is a good idea.

[dkf]

16. I do think that if she saw her seat as the path to the Presidency she

may need to reevaluate her purpose there.

But just think of what Obama is up for. If (when!) he wins the election, there is still no rest because he has to find his transition team.

She made this so much more exhausting for him than it needed to be. I think she should stick it out, like he is going to have to.

[flpoljunkie]

19. Perhaps she will consider a run for governor of New York, rather than return to the Senate

There has been some talk of her taking this route, rather than continuing as the senator from New York. We will see.

[dkf]

22. That is where riling up the AA community was unhelpful.

I don't think there would be much charity if she tried to oust Patterson. She needs to rebuild that relationship, not exacerbate it.

[Beacool]

14. She's still working.

She still gets her daily and weekly briefs and still keeps in touch with all her offices.

Nowadays she can do the work anywhere thanks to technology, except for voting.

[beachmom]

28. As I said downthread, Kerry went RIGHT back to work, so by that standard,

being at home, and not logging votes, is not good enough. The Congress has plenty of recesses. I don't see why she can't be bothered to show up and vote.

[Beacool]

30. Well, that was Kerry's choice.

Everybody is different. I don't begrudge her the time off. I'm sure that Reid would haul her, and Obama too, to the senate if their votes were needed.

[democrattotheend]

57. As long as she does not miss a close vote it doesn't bother me

If we lose a close vote because she is not there I'd be upset. And I'd be equally upset with Obama for missing a vote for campaigning if it made the difference. But she deserves a rest. I kind of feel bad for her...it sounds like she is pretty depressed and I don't blame her.

[Hoof Hearted]

60. She was on the floor today calling for an investigation of KBR. Good enough for you?

[dailykoff]

61. She issued a press release. She's on vacation.

Don't believe everything you read. Spin is everywhere including here.

[democrattotheend]

63. She was?

But either way, it's fine. I know she's doing her job. I'd be upset if we lost a close vote because she wasn't there, but I'd be equally upset with Obama if we lost a close vote because he was out campaigning. But I don't see that happening in the near future, because we're already out 2 senators for medical reasons, plus we still have to deal with Lieberman. I would guess that Reid will save most close votes for the next Congress unless it's on budget or appropriations stuff that has to happen this year.

[dailykoff]

68. No she wasn't. She was at Timbo's funeral.

Our perceptions are being artfully managed.

[rinsd]

38. self delete unecessary

[Hippo_Tron]

53. I'm pretty sure congress was in recess when Kerry was done running for President

[democrattotheend]

58. Nah, there was a lame duck session a couple weeks after the election

And he was there. But he had time to recover after that.

Also, I think it's important to point out that there's a difference between losing a primary and a general. There are probably some hard feelings between Senator Clinton and some of her colleagues who supported Obama. She might not be ready to face everyone just yet.

[Stephanie]

72. "...except for voting."

Terrific. Next time I'll elect a Senator to represent me who DOES vote. I find this extremely insulting. She treats New Yorkers like her personal servants, here to fill her coffers but not worthy of actual representation.

[JVS]

64. She could be done with her vacation already if she had conceded in March

;-)

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SwampG8r]

11. good for her

the only thing harder i imagine than being POTUS is running for it in the first place
a well needed and deserved rest

[ccharles000]

12. I am happy for her.

She is wonderful.

[Imagevision]

15. And Bill will make an appearance after Obama is elected guranteed.

[slinkerwink]

17. Good. She needs it after 18 months of campaigning nonstop.

[AlCzervik]

20. i don't blame her one bit and you know she'll still be doing work even while she's

on vacation. She strikes me as someone who probably can't sit still for too long.

[BeyondGeography]

23. She'll be there as needed

From the article:

Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D) of Illinois added that a traditional agreement between Clinton, Obama and the Senate leaders during the primary remains in effect: Clinton will return when summoned for critical votes.


“It has not had any impact on anything significant yet,” Durbin said of Clinton’s absence. “She has been great. She has returned every time we needed her.”

[Imagevision]

24. Hillary will be the next Secretary of state

[democrattotheend]

44. I don't think that's the right role for her

I think either Senate majority leader or chair of the HELP Committee (if Teddy eventually has to step aside) would be better roles for her. Or if she is in the cabinet, I think Secretary of HHS is the best position for her. I know it's not as high on the food chain, but health care and child welfare are issues she's really passionate about, and I would like to see her have a role where she could be a part of making universal health care a reality.

[beachmom]

25. John Kerry only took two weeks off after a grueling 2 year marathon

TWO WEEKS. Then he went to the lame duck Senate session. I suppose everyone is different. Obviously, Al Gore took a long time to recover, grew a beard, etc. BUT he didn't have a job.

Honestly, as a Democrat, I think Hillary should have gone right back to work, but with shorter hours so that she could get a lot of sleep and rested. And she is being paid to represent her constituents of NY. Sorry, to be harsh, but for the rest of us, we are expected to go back to work even after a death in the family, within a reasonable amount of time.

[faithfulcitizen]

33. I agree 100% Looks like I'm in the minority with you. She can rest w/o shirking her senate duties.

[democrattotheend]

26. I don't blame her

She must be exhausted, and probably pretty demoralized too. I've gone through periods of depression after elections and I'm just a supporter. I can't even imagine what it's like for the candidate.

[TexasObserver]

27. She's earned it. Last opponent standing has to take a break when it's over.

A candidate and those at the epicenter of the campaign are swept up in an emotional tornado for the length of the campaign, and that lifts and carries them. When the campaign dies, it's a real death. As the tornado loses strength, suddenly everyone falls from the sky and hits the ground hard, with a thud.

It takes a while to get back up.

Losing hurts, and the longer you're in before you have to get out, the longer it hurts.

[Occam Bandage]

29. Enjoy some quiet time, Senator. Then, get back to work.

Also, wouldn't mind some campaigning for Obama.

[PoliticalAmazon]

31. Good to hear. I hope Bill takes a month off, too. He looked...

really worn down as the campaign wore on. Campaigning cannot have been very good for his heart.

[BootinUp]

32. The source is crap, so I comment no further. nt

[karynnj]

35. Would you prefer the Senate record?

The last vote I can see that she made was May 22 - since then she is listed as NOT VOTING. That was before she gave up hope of winning a victory that could not happen. http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_110_2.htm

Now, this doesn't show that she won't show up later this week or next -- but it is already close to a month since May 22.

[rinsd]

37. She could miss 60 more votes and Obama could show up to every one of them.

And that would bring them into a tie for missed votes.

So is Obama doing a disservice to his constituents?

[karynnj]

39. It is commonplace to miss votes while campaigning

HRC initially campaigned less, because she was better known.

The point is that she is not there and not campaigning. I also said that I think it reasonable and that there is not a single vote that would have led to a different result.

[rinsd]

42. Sorry still getting the prickles out.

They have a mini recess coming up next week.

Hopefully she will be back after that.

Missed votes thankfully will not be an issue in the GE as McCain has missed 60%(!!!!) of votes in the 110th.

[karynnj]

52. I think she will return after that recess

I actually think it would have been better for her to return after June 6th. The fact is that it will be awkward for her going back into the Senate - maybe more so than for Kerry. Many Democrats and even some republicans seemed pretty sympathetic. Lugar spoke of Kerry's run and his pride in how well Kerry represented the committee in the FP debate at the first SFRC and then smiled and said he was glad to have him back. Kerry thanked him for his friendship and words, but said that this wasn't exactly where he wanted to be. (paraphrased - but it clearly was friendly and intended to speak of what everyone was thinking.)

In Hillary's case, she faces colleagues who rejected her - first in endorsing Obama and then, in some cases, speaking (even off the record) of how nasty her campaign was. Tough as 2004 was and quick as the Clinton people were to try to eliminate any capital he could have gained, Kerry was a stronger Democratic leader in 2004 than he was in 2002 or early 2003. He had run a classy campaign where as time went on he was seen to have been right on nearly everything the Republicans questioned. He also had sufficient seniority to have good committee and sub-committee standing in addition to being respected for his knowledge and good work. HRC, though, was a potential President from the moment she entered the Senate - returning, both hers and Bill's reputation and power will be diminished. (Though they may be able to pressure Obama to make her VP). Re-entry could be hard.

[rufus dog]

36. As one who is not overly fond of Hillary...

I see absolutely no problem with her taking some time off to rest. She must be unbelievably drained after a year of campaigning.

[TBF]

40. This is only interesting to people who don't work in Washington. Everyone

is gone in August, she is just taking off July because she has the convention in August. George Bush has been given a free pass for 7 years so I don't have a problem with Hillary taking a little time off to regroup.

[ProSense]

41. Do you work in Washington?

Other than mentioning that Hillary will be taking some time off, the article also speculates about her not running again.

It's interesting, the time away from the Senate is easily verifiable, the other points are speculative.

[TBF]

47. Not anymore. I did grunt work there for awhile after college (90's).

I do vividly remember that the city - or at least the more important people (!) - clear out in August. It is unbearably hot that month and the A/C isn't as strong as Houston. I really don't blame her for taking a little time to recoup. She put alot of energy into campaigning, lost, and now needs to be strong to support the nominee. I wouldn't advise Obama to take a month off right now, but I think it's fine for Hillary.

[musicblind]

43. Good for her!

She DESERVES a looong vacation after all of that hard work. I look forward to having her back when she is ready as well. She is delightful. Reading about her usually makes me smile :)

[SoCalDem]

46. Must be nice.. You have a 6-yr contract job at $160K or so a yr

You only "work" Tues-Thur most weeks.. You get the whole month of August off..and many paid holidays that stretch into 1-2 weeks off..at varying times of the year..

Then you decide to try for a better job, so you take 18 months off WITH PAY, to travel all over the country, "interviewing"....and you do it all on borrowed money..

Then, having not gotten that other job, you come back to your "real" job,, and announce that you are taking a month off to rest up from your job interviews

only in america :rofl:

[TBF]

48. To be fair they have to travel alot, work long hours when they're in

session and have the expenses of living in two places. Alot of private industry people make ALOT more money, even in middle management.

I find Hillary's vacation much less offensive than Bush taking off a month to go back to the ranch every summer.

I can't believe how much I'm defending Hillary today. I must've taken my happy pill this morning.

[Dark]

49. Sen. Clinton, relax and enjoy yourself, come back ready to keep fighting the good fight

You've earned it.

[EFerrari]

50. Good to hear. She was looking thin and drawn. Here's to a well deserved rest. n/t

[Bryan]

51. There's pragmatic value to this

As we all know, every time the Clintons show up somewhere, all the cameras turn in their direction; the fabulousness of Sen. Obama needs to be the dominant narrative right now, and the lower the profile cast by Sen. Clinton, the less chance there is of the idiot media making her issue #1.

[Colobo]

54. Good for her. She must be exhausted.

[dailykoff]

55. In other news, Senator Hotdog returns to Senate and targets KBR for investigation

except she didn't, Kerry and Obama did. Funny how that works.

[grrr050]

66. Why dont you.........

Give it up!

Stop wasting your energy.

[dailykoff]

70. ..... let the perception managers do their jobs?

They're doing just fine, believe me.

[Zhade]

56. Hey, with her away from the Senate, she can't vote with the repubs, so I'm not complaining!

NT!

[Phred42]

65. Obama was in the same race - He's not taking a month off

Proving that we are better off with Obama

[shayes51]

67. I hope she is resting for

the VP run.

[Stephanie]

69. That's fucking great. I haven't had a Senator in DC for all of last year

And now she's vacationing on my dime? Awesome. See you in 2012, Hill. We'll be raising funds for your next primary opponent until then.

[dailykoff]

71. She did issue a press release stealing a little thunder from Obama and Kerry

so we're supposed to be thanking her in multiple threads. :shrug:

[Stephanie]

74. From the OP's link:

Few people saw Clinton as a long-term senator after her initial election in 2000. It was widely assumed that she would make a run for the presidency. Now that that goal appears to have eluded her, at least temporarily, there is equally widespread speculation about what her next goal will be. A run for the governorship of New York state has often been mentioned, and another presidential bid in 2012 has also been discussed, with Obama’s defeat this year as a prerequisite.