Power Resigns Over Hillary-Is-Monster Comment
Here's her statement, just sent out by the campaign:
“With deep regret, I am resigning from my role as an advisor the Obama campaign effective today. Last Monday, I made inexcusable remarks that are at marked variance from my oft-stated admiration for Senator Clinton and from the spirit, tenor, and purpose of the Obama campaign. And I extend my deepest apologies to Senator Clinton, Senator Obama, and the remarkable team I have worked with over these long 14 months."
In an interview with The Scotsman, Power called Hillary a "monster" and said other less-than-flattering things about her. Despite her prompt apology yesterday, the Hillary camp demanded her resignation this morning.
Less than two hours later, she's out.
Late Update: As David Kurtz says, it's worth noting that Power is a very significant player in the Obama universe -- his leading foreign policy guru and someone who's been close to him for some time. So this isn't like the resignation of that Hillary county volunteer who spread the Obama Muslim smear email or the stepping-down of that Obama precinct captain who spread the anti-Hillary lit.
Rather, Obama is losing a key adviser and very visible advocate on foreign policy at a time when national security is front and center in the Dem primary -- an outcome that helps explain why the Hillary camp pushed so hard for her ouster.
Late Late Update: I used the word "svengali" to describe Power when I meant "guru." Words cannot express how sorry I am for this horrible insult. As a result, I am now resigning from this post and deeply regret any damage I did to it.
Comments (280)
We're patiently awaiting Mr. Wolfson's resignation....
March 7, 2008 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's for the best. Now we can move on.
HillaryCo won't have anything to complain about for the weekend.
March 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
My thought exactly. Best lance the boil straightaway, rather than let it fester and grow.
March 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't worry. The day's not over - they'll create something.
March 7, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes. We've seen what happens when we give in to bullies. They turn into GW Bush.
March 7, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I heard Goldsbee said Clinton smells like corn chips. The shit's about to hit the fan!
March 7, 2008 12:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
NO. this is not for the best. Samantha Power's voice in foreign policy is essential to Obama's message. her emphasis on poverty and genocide and how to prevent them is exactly what is desperately needed in modern American foreign policy, as is her blunt, tell-it-like-it-is approach. this isn't about politics, this is about crafting a foreign policy worldview applicable to the 21st century and the world we live in. and to let politics supersede that vision is despicable.
i'm disgusted in the Obama campaign right now. this should not have happened.
March 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jeez, get over it. He does not need an advisor (or one specific advisor to the exclusion of others) to inform him on these issues, including global poverty and genocide -- and she can always be made part of the administration when the time comes regardless of this incident -- but the fact is that he does not need the distraction at this critical moment in the campaign, and it will make his counterattacks that much more powerful if he is not burdened down with this type of crap (especially when it comes to shutting down Wolfson and Penn when they go over the top as you know they will).
It's a marathon, and he's going to win it going away. When that happens, as it inevitably will, Hillary's UFB willingness to throw the party and Obama under the bus for the sake of her political ambition will be a faded memory.
March 7, 2008 3:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't be silly. They'll continue to complain about it and milk the sympathy train for all it's gravy
/That's right, watch me mix metaphors like Thomas freedman on acid. Yehaw!
March 7, 2008 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope hillary uses that against obama:):)
March 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Is Hillary really that petty and short-sighted? Besides, what's there to "use"? Obama et alia did the right thing.
March 7, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope that she tries. I would far rather see her waste valuable time on an issue so trivially unlikely to gain traction among voters.
March 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ooooh, I hope she tries. What's she going to say? That one of his advisors made a misstatement and she immediately resigned, IN KEEPING WITH OBAMA'S PLEDGE OF INTEGRITY, HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY? Anything she says now will look extremely petty and nasty because his campaign did what she demanded he do, and did it swiftly and with grace and dignity. You really make me laugh. When she starts conducting her campaign the way he has conducted his, then you can come here and have some leg to stand on. Until then, no deal.
March 7, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
You don't sound like you're laughing, Carol.
And, last I checked, anyone can "come here" and say anything, including erroneous, misinformed, unsubstantiated, knee-jerk reactive, and altogether false things. Happens every day, from what I've observed. Everyone is allowed to speak "here" (still), even if you disagree with them. So get off the high horse already.
March 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, but I am laughing ... her statement was so ludicrous that I actually did have a chuckle.
You're right - she can come here and say anything she wants (everybody can). But if she spouts nonsense she will be called on it. I love my high horse and don't plan on getting down anytime soon! :P
March 7, 2008 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks.
March 7, 2008 1:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Very sad and unfortunate, but I'm of the opinion that it was necessary to shut this down right away and to prevent the Clinton campaign from making this into a monumental issue. She will NOT be able to say that he's two-faced, or that he says one thing and does another, or any of that, the way she did with the (now debunked) NAFTA-gate stupidity.
It was a really unfortunate thing for her to have said, even off the record, and this was really the only solution that has the least implications for mischief from the Clinton campaign.
March 7, 2008 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
The sad thing is Ms. Power was 100% correct.
Monster:
1 a: an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure b: one who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior or character
2: a threatening force
3 a: an animal of strange or terrifying shape b: one unusually large for its kind
4: something monstrous; especially : a person of unnatural or extreme ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or cruelty
Yep, Hillary qualifies.
March 7, 2008 12:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Such bullshit. Who are you, Karl Rove? You folks with Barack Blinders on need to remember that while you may disagree with her campaign tactics (as do I, largely), Hillary IS a Democrat and their policies are 90-99% the same even if their strategies differ. Just remember that before you start spouting that "Hillary is the enemy" b.s.
March 7, 2008 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hillary IS a Democrat
Hillary is a Democrat of convenience. She's willing to take the party into the gutter and oblivion thereafter as long as she things it'll get her nominated.
March 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's "thinks"
March 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
What baloney. Just because you disagree with her doesn't make her a Republican or a DINO or whatever you want to call it. She is my Senator and she has done an incredible job. Take off your blinders and quit the ideological crap. Whether you know it -- or want to hear it -- or not, Hillary has championed Liberal causes from her first day in the Senate. I disagree with her AUMF vote obviously, and as I have said numerous times on this blog I disagree with her CAMPAIGN tactics, but shoot man, she IS a genuine, authentic Democrat who cares deeply and acts on Liberal issues. Not as Liberal as I would like (my fav Senator is Bernie Sanders), but she is genuinely and solidly on the Left. If Obama Blinders people had any sort of political intellect -- as opposed to pure cheerleader-type ideology -- they would recognize, as Obama has, that the candidates SHARE a vast majority of policy ideas and plans. Please. Again. A LITTLE more intellectual honesty and less blind ideology in this debate is all I am asking.
March 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're right, endorsing McCain over Obama is what loyal Democrats do all the time.
March 8, 2008 9:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
The word next to my profile says Independent. That means I don't HAVE to agree with anything.
When Democrats in general start standing up for my country and my civil liberties instead of peeing in their undergarments every time the White House says boo, I may consider changing that.
Talk to me when the Democratic Party learns to frame the debate like Senator Tester:
Until then, I reserve the right to think for myself.
March 7, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Slouch,
What a slippery slope argument, and of course it proves my point that to a large extent the anti-Hillary camp is focused on ideology and not intellectually honest debate on substantive issues. OF COURSE you are free to have your own opinions (DUH!), and I applaud that you are so interested in participating in this debate as an Independent, but it seems to me that you disagree with my comment that you are disagreeing with the following statement that I made:
"Hillary IS a Democrat and their policies are 90-99% the same even if their strategies differ"
If so, please provide one bit of evidence that Hillary Clinton is NOT a Democrat or that Obama and she differ significantly on issues of importance.
The fact is that you cannot disagree with that statement unless you are willfully ignoring or misinterpreting reality as we know it. Once again, I disagree with many of her CAMPAIGN TACTICS, but even Obama has said on multiple occasions that the differences in policy positions are minimal.
Let me be perfectly clear. I want Barack Obama to be the President. Straight up. Voted for him in the NY primary, etc. But I do *NOT* want to fall into the trap of an internalized blood-bath over what truly amounts to MIMINAL differences among two very very strong Democrats. We should be celebrating the differences and having a constructive dialog about issues of importance to America, and NOT demonizing one candidate or the other. Because of what I have just stated and my appreciation for Hillary's service on my behalf, I will continue to defend what I believe are unfair, ideologically-driven attacks on her by anyone.
There are plenty of issues to address in regards to Hillary's campaign, statements, or plans, but let's take out the personal demonization and have a debate on those issues.
March 7, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay....I'll take this as being consistent to sticking to the high road even while your enemy is constantly trashing you. I still think Obama should have ignored this and pivoted back to issues that actually *matter.* I hope this doesn't mean the Obama campaign is planning to back down from pushing back against Hillary people on other fronts.
March 7, 2008 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Powers' resigning is good for Obama because it gets the issue out of the way so he can concentrate on attacking Hillary on the real issues ("I Heart McCain" and the Iraq war -- heating up again with the NIE).
On the other hand, I would not worry about Powers. She is a big girl and can take care of herself. She has paid for her indiscretion and will learn from it. More, she has attained iconic status overnight as someone who is willing to speak her mind on Hillary, albeit being intemperate with her language. Today, I tell you, the country is filled with new Samantha Powers fans.
So there, Hillary.
March 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Quick action. I certainly hope this is merely an "official" resignation. I'm sure this will not be last we hear from her in the long-term. you simply can't eliminate a brilliant mind simply because she mis-spoke.
Interesting to see that Obama lives up to his promise of relieving anyone who doesn't covey the right "message."
March 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
My thoughts exactly.
March 7, 2008 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
For the record, btw, The only "misspeak" was saying "off the record" after she made the tactless* comment instead of before. A valuable and painful lesson that will server her well during the rest of her career.
In any case, I'd put the Scottish rag on the campaign's "Dead to Me" list with Fox, if I were Obama. Its a request that should have been honored.
And for all the Obama supporterse calling for Wolson's resignation, are you people crazy? The only thing that could be worse for Obama than Clinton losing Wolfson would be if Penn were forced to resigned.
*"Tact is just not saying true stuff" Cordelia Chase.
March 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point. :-)
March 7, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
One candidate has class. The other doesn't.
March 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
And one candidate's staff is now lacking one completely classless member. Losing this "person" is good for Barack. Notice I call her a "person". Barack's child army saves "bitch" for Hilary - they'd be offended if the word was used on one of their own.
March 7, 2008 1:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I noticed you called her a "person." And I would have said, "that's a decent post, noone should call Clinton a bitch." But I also noticed your next asinine, insulting remark against Obama supporters. Wanna try again, genius?
March 7, 2008 1:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yawn. Talk about a high horse.
March 7, 2008 1:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, the deed is done. Obama should accept the resignation expeditiously and get on with attacking Clinton's record.
March 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
When is Wolfson going to quit?
March 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
capitulating to princess pantsuit IS EXCELLENT NEWS!! FOR HILLARY!!!
March 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is also excellent news for all the other monsters out there!
March 7, 2008 12:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, when is Howard Wolfson leaving? Or are only women not free to say dumb things?
March 7, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Amazing. Sad.
Classy woman, I have to say. We've all spoken out when we should have held our tongues (or I certainly have...and I don't think I am alone). It is a shame that the Obama campaign will loose her.
Obama inspires an incredible new conscience in people, I think. Leading by example. Nobody is perfect, for sure, but he comes closer than I'd thought possible...especially in the political arena.
March 7, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Barack is Alice in Wonderland and Hilary is the Queen of Hearts, demanding everyone's heads.
March 7, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
While her comment was certainly regrettable, I don't see it as being an offense necessitating her resignation, but Clinton saw the opening and took advantage of it. Ironic that she's been so effusive in her praise for McCain recently considering his much nastier and out-of-bounds comment about Chelsea years back.
Politics is an ugly game that would rather suffocate "hope" in its crib than aspire to something better. Shame.
March 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I know this is part of the game, but the Clintons' manufactured outrage and phony indignation are getting tiresome.
McCain gets to say, "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno", but he is praised by Hillary. Rush calls Chelsea the White House Dog, but Bill goes on his show.
With this latest silliness, it's the overreach, again. She always takes it that one step further that prevents non-supporters from siding with her.
March 7, 2008 12:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Clintons are total hypocrites and will do anything to return to the White House.
I wish someone on the Obama team or the MSM would call Hillary Out on the McCain and Limbaugh asertions because both Clintons have been kissing there asses as of late. It's pathetic.
March 7, 2008 1:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great. Glad that piece of silliness is over. The horserace aspect of this primary can really be distorting. Let's not forget the Decider is not going gently into that good night of his irrelevance:
March 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
That is TRULY BAD NEWS. It sounds like, "Iran, here we come!" But thanks for posting.
March 7, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, TPM'ers -- let's now scour the airwaves and net for *any* official Clinton supporter calling Obama names, and pounce the moment it's out, and call for Clinton to fire him or her. No double standards.
March 7, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Calling Obama names is what Hillary's campaign is all about - they've mastered the art of the backhanded compliment, the thinly-veiled jabs at race, religion, experience, etc.
I imagine that's why Hillary's people were so amazed at Power's statement: it's been drummed into them to say everything covertly instead of overtly.
March 7, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
You mean like Tina Fey calling Clinton a bitch?
I always thought Sen. Clinton should've gotten in more trouble in 2000 for agreeing that somebody should've killed Nader. But everyone shrugged it off.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,87827,00.html
March 7, 2008 12:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Damn. Deprived the Clintons and the vapid media something talk about ad nausem for the next 7 news cycle. Meanwhile, not much of peep about NAFTA-gate part deux or Clinton acting as chief surrogate for McCain.
And folks wonder how we ended up with Dubya in the first place.
March 7, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sigh...
March 7, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not seeing how Shaheen + unknown precient captain in Iowa = one Samantha Powers. I think she owes him a head next time one of her people says or does something over the top. Like, say, comparing Obama to Ken Starr.
Seriously, its a smart resignation. Kills the story and keeps her from whining about it til Pennsylvania.
March 7, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Double standard nonsense.
March 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is a very good move--Obama MUST maintain the moral high ground in this campaign and this was the only way for him to do so. This also gives him credibility and leverage if a Clinton higher-up says something idiotic akin to the "monster" comment (and that will happen, for sure).
March 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
WTF? Hillary demands it, and so it must be??
Maybe Hillary should just demand that Obama quit the race now and support her. Then we could all get more sleep.
How does this not look like a cave-in by Obama? I mean, really, "monster" is such a negative term that someone has to resign?? I could understand it if we were talking about the B-word or the C-word, but "monster"?!
Something odd is going on here.
-- ARG
March 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Quick, clean and decisive. Nice. Seven weeks from now in PA this will be old news. Keep swatting the flies Obama and hold steady, Hillary's bigger pile of dirt will soon sully her ship.
March 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
And?
Race-baiting, condescending ageism, outright deception on "NAFTA-gate", running on her husband's record, on and on...
Samantha Power merely vocalized what most people have been thinking. A no-no, but one with plenty of truth behind it.
March 7, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Recommendation to the Obama campaign:
Reject Power's resignation and submit this comment, "I (Obama) accept Samantha Power's apology and believe she is sincere. I see no reason for her valued counsel and advice to end here due to an admitted mistake. I would hope my opponent would agree that it is important to forgive those who make mistakes, but that does not mean we should end the relationship."
March 7, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep, clinton is looking after her own gender once again. You go girl!!!! Maybe some of the gender voters will now see her for what she is, a monster. Pathetic, I hope the scumbags are happy.
March 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Calling Obama Ken Starr is almost as bad as calling Hillary a monster (evil person).
Shall we ask that her campaign manager step down?
I praise Power's for doing this for her candidate. Once this campaign is over, I sincerely hope Obama will remember her in HIS new administration.
March 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Calling Obama Ken Starr is almost as bad as calling Hillary a monster (evil person)."
It would be, had the Clinton campaign actually called Sen. Obama Ken Starr. But they did not. They referred to the Obama campaign's tax return memo (and its accusatory "what is she hiding?") as a Ken Starr-type tactic.
March 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think that goes without saying. Barack Obama is not the kind of man that forgets his trusted friends and confidantes. Also, Samantha Power is SCARY BRILLIANT. I have listened to her during many lectures. "A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide" is a must read for any progressive of conscience.
March 7, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is it an indication of how far from decency politics has come that I am stunned by the Powers' resignation? I am impressed time and again by the Obama camp's integrity. I am galled (and gutted) time and again by the Hillary camp's elastic relationship with truth, and the meaning of words.
I thought her description of Clinton as a 'monster' was actually an accurate descriptor -- far truer than the smears the Clinton campaign has been throwing around with abandon.
But I guess the somber point being made here is about language, and adult behavior. I can only applaud Samantha Powers for her bravery, contrition, and integrity. I have no words for Ms Clinton. She can hear from me at the polls.
March 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now that this story is dead. Can you folks at TPM talk about this a little?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-03-06-clinton-library-foia_N.htm
March 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly. Bill Bradley was talking yesterday (I think--each day seems like an eternity) about what is up with all the pardons. They need more surrogates out there talking about Hillary's record (and/or lack thereof).
March 7, 2008 12:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I second that!
March 7, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Also, it's obvious that Powers will come back in to Obama's campaign if he wins the nomination. Nothing about this is permanent.
March 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now we wait to see and wait for Mr. Wolfson's resignation.... Obama should attack Billary immediately if this does not happen and hammer on the issue that a individual in your camp resigned.
March 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now we wait to see and wait for Mr. Wolfson's resignation.... Obama should attack Billary immediately if this does not happen and hammer on the issue that a individual in your camp resigned.
March 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now we wait to see and wait for Mr. Wolfson's resignation.... Obama should attack Billary immediately if this does not happen and hammer on the issue that a individual in your camp resigned.
March 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think this is an example of the clear difference in the type of politics Obama is advocating versus Clinton and the rest. He is still a politician no doubt, but there's a refreshing feeling I get when he and his campaign owns up to a mistake immediately. That commands respect in my opinion.
March 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I agree with you. Of course, the MSM won't report it this way, but his campaign (and Ms. Power) handled this with integrity and class. Which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for the Clinton bunch.
March 7, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hella lot more than one can say for the majority of campaigns that I have experienced in my short life!
March 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I really really liked her too. I'm sad.
Someone has to be brave enough to drive a wooden stake into the dark lady's heart.
March 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is great news for monsters.
March 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
pure genius ...
March 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Unbelievable. After all the nasty lies and bullshit that has come out of the Hillary campaign, and from the very top, Obama has to lose one of his top advisors just because she said, OFF THE RECORD, that Hillary is a monster??
What bullshit.
March 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've had up to hear with HRC.
Most of my fellow volunteers that have been working on Sen. Obama's behalf will not vote for HRC in the fall.
Not that it will come down to that anyhow.
YES WE CAN!!!
SI SE PUEDE!!!
KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!!
March 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
She was just being honest. Hillary IS a MONSTER! I am not a part of the Obama campaign so I will not resign and I can not be fired. And I am not about to apologize for telling the truth!
March 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Does anyone think that this may all be orchestrated? Look, I am an Obama guy, but I think that all of this is a bit convenient. A universally well respected advisor says something to a non-MSM publication that many people want to hear Obama say: that Hillary is in this for Hillary - no matter what the cost to the party and GE. It gets some air play, many people (myself included) agree and talk about it, then Obama magnanimously accepts the resignation of someone who will be an advisor to his NSC. He looks good, the public gets a glimpse at how pissed off the Obama campaign is, and people talk about how selfish and dividing Hillary is.
Plausible?
March 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
It sounds pretty conspiracy-ish but I was actually thinking exactly the same thing.
Notice anything? Who's the media reporting about now? The media's tone in the past 3 days has changed significantly from the week leading up to the March 4th primaries.
I mean, it could just be good gamesmanship, taking advantage of situations as they present themselves.
But a small part of me wants this all to be orchestrated.
March 7, 2008 1:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama gets a E for effort in keeping focus on this crazy campaign. We aren't hearing any more momentum, and other cutesy phrases from them. Good for him because rumors were flying that his camp was imploding on 3 losses and questioned his ability to lead at tough moments.
March 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not ready for Prime-Time. Seems he has a big problem with who he associates himself with.
March 7, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, Pulitzer winners should be avoided at all costs.
March 7, 2008 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hate that she quit. Hate it. That's the problem with Democrats, liberals, whoever the hell we are. If this was Bush, he would have said my girl apologized, she made a mistake, now get over it. This idea that somehow now Clinton is going to be placated is absurd. This is victory and she knows it. Her camp, and Clinton herself, will continue to say outlandish things (essentially it's me or McCain, folks).
Samantha Power is brilliant, a dynamic, bright, engaged woman. I think her resignation is terrible, I am extremely disappointed that Obama either ordered it or approved it - it sends the message to both Clinton and McCain that he will fold, that he's just another Democratic pushover. Does anyone see McCain stepping away from that wacko Hagee? And he is awful! And the fact that McCain isn't sends a message of confidence and power. He might eventually be forced to, but if he hasn't yet....
Damn. When are our people going to learn?? They've got to be macho. Clinton sure is. And people like it.
March 7, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's so macho about whining over every petty insult?
March 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
glecharles:
"Politics is an ugly game that would rather suffocate "hope" in its crib than aspire to something better. Shame."
Well said! Wow. And you are also exactly right about the Chelsea comment. That was MEAN. As in, only a truly mean-spirited person could ever say such a thing. As a mother, that's the one brand of personal comment I'd never forget...all political games aside. It crosses a line.
March 7, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
A bit draconian for some harmless, obviously emotional, remarks for which an apology would have sufficed. Still, I guess it's better that it be a nonissue. Hope she has a brilliant career in the Obama administration!
March 7, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hillary's just pissed because Power revealed her secret identity.
March 7, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you want to take a look at the person Hillary's vindictiveness and desperation just steamrolled, check out this post, by Samantha Power herself from just a few days ago:
http://www.thepersonalispolitical.com/post/27610653
March 7, 2008 12:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is great news for monsters.
That's exactly wrong. This is a terrible day for all Monster-Americans, who are tired of being demonized by stigmatizing attacks like this. Only the Demons should be demonized. They don't mind, anyway-- they're demons.
That aside, I don't think Samantha Power's resignation is sufficient. I think Howard Wolfson should spend the next three news cycles insisting that Obama denounce and reject her as well, in order to demonstrate that he's passed the commander-in-chief threshold that Hillary crossed in 1993.
March 7, 2008 12:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
What a dope you have proven out to be.
Hackery doesn't really become you.
March 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
And Frankly0 should know. Nobody does hackery better than Frankly0. You, Mr Bérubé, should feel like the first-year conservatory student whose piece was just dismissed by Rachmaninov as banal. That said, do not feel too bad. Frankly0 has a natural talent at hackery and it is only natural that the rest of us will not be able to live up to his exalted standards.
March 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sounds like Power is now officially qualified to get a job at MSNBC smearing Hillary!
March 7, 2008 12:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
It really sucks when a news outlet doesn't bow down to Sen. Hillary and actually reports the news, doesn't it?
This bit of news was especially enlightening.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3/6/22261/01334/914/470968
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOLEK2lr3CM
(Wow, only 300 views this morning, already up to 4,300. The truth is out there.)
March 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ms. Power did what she had to do -- avoid becoming a distraction. And it's probably no big deal -- she has a cell number or two, and she can come back onboard in a couple of weeks when Obama's clinched the nomination. It's not like any Republicans are going to ask for her head for calling Sen. Clinton a monster...
March 7, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Point for Obama:
1) Hillary looks weak for being so easily offended.
2) Obama keeps the high ground.
3) Obama doesn't appear to have caved in, because Powers "resigned."
March 7, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
1)Hillary looks weak for being so easily offended.
Exactly. My first thought was, "Do we really want such a thin-skinned person to be the leader of this country?"
March 7, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
the comments here are just vicious.
Too many ugly Americans here. Bleh!
March 7, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
It was such a mindless and infernally silly