Clinton Influence Alive And Well

For those of you who thought the Clinton era was over, look again. The LA Times reports today that Hilary Clinton has been chosen by The Democratic Leadership Council to direct a new initiative to define a party agenda for the 2006 and 2008 elections. The appointment solidified the identification of Clinton — once considered a champion of the party's left — with the centrist movement that helped propel her husband to the White House in 1992. It also continued her effort, which has accelerated in recent months, to present herself as a moderate on issues such as national security, immigration and abortion. I know this is not going to sit well at all with the progressive or left leaning sector of the Democratic Party, but I think we just have to get used to it. As much as we would like to see the Democrats move more to the left, there is no way in hell if they do they will win the much needed congressional seats in '06 or the presidency in '08. Let's face it folks, I would love to see the Dems get out of the middle of the road also, but the only way they will be elected is to appeal to that middle. There is a way to do this and still be true to the roots of the Democratic Party. Bill Clinton did it and we were all quite happy with his presidency (except of course for his misjudgement with Miss M and her blue dress). My personal opinion is that this is a "test-run" for Hillary, and if she is successful she will seek and get the nomination come 2008. Many shudder at the thought of Hillary in '08 because they know the way the Repugs will frame everything by constantly shouting far and wide about Bill and his indiscretions. That is why winning those congressional seats in '06 are so important. To my thinking, if the righties and scum spreaders in the Republican party want to try to taint Hillary with Bill's problems they will shoot themselves in the foot. If you think about it that is exactly why they have not been out front and center pushing the latest book about her (that is mostly filled with unreliable sources and outright lies), because they don't want to make a victim out of her thereby increasing her popularity. Now don't get me wrong. I most definitely DO NOT agree with the DLC and it's policies. But that is my point. Maybe it is a pie in the sky way of thought, but with Hillary on the inside at DLC, perhaps she can push them a bit closer to true Democratic values and goals. If by chance it works out the other way around, and Hillary bows to them........then I for one will do nothing here to give her support for an '08 presidency bid. Read more about Hillary's appointment and what she said in her speach HERE,,,,