My post yesterday, entitled "Returning for What's Left of the White House Silver?" received vehement accusations from supporters of Mrs. Clinton. Most said that I was regurgitating right-wing talking points. The following will show that these stories did not originate with the right wing, were not reported only by right wing pundits, and have therefore entered the collective psyche of people from all points on the political spectrum.
Clinton "Wagging the Dog" by bombing targets in Iraq whose potential for danger was later called into question:
On Aug. 20, 1998, anchor Brian Williams introduced NBC Nightly News's "In-Depth" segment with a reference to the movie: "It had some invoking the title of a recent movie in which just that happened. Wag the Dog, it's a work of fiction, but that same thought today had a real feel." Also that night, CNN's Wolf Blitzer took a "look at the presidency with attention split between the sex scandal in the White House and the military strikes aimed at the terrorists responsible for the U.S. embassy bombings."
The Clinton Haircut aboard Airforce One:
This "news" began as an AP release and got picked up by ABC (Following is a quote from an episode of PSB "Frontline"):
As if the president paid $200 for his haircut, but, yes, he charges $200 a haircut and probably more. Then when it was married to this notion that air traffic was delayed and here was this, you know, populist, putting-people-first president just basking in the perks of his new power sitting on the runway, air travelers be damned. This is the story that got out there and by the time I realized that this was a serious problem it was off to the races. And that thing dominated the news for at least three days. I think it led ABC's broadcast on day two. Because it becomes such a symbolic thing. You have to be careful of these things that become metaphors.
The Lincoln Bedroom:
Bob Woodward first reported by the Washington Post, picked up after some time by major nightly news shows and I personally seem to remember a "60 minutes" story much later on.
The Rich Pardon:
Disparagingly reported by everyone, including the liberal press "Village Voice", which I read often since I'm from the Bronx.
Travelgate: Who cares?
The White House Silver: Not me.
I hope you see the point that while some of these things are distant memories, their overall effect on Hillary Clinton's past is a negative one and is a reasonable argument for nominating a candidate with a fresh slate.
While he may have had - the horror - ambition as a child, Obama is a fresh slate and a competent one. His reported background and knowledge of Islam can only be a net plus when dealing with a radical wing of the faith that wants Americans dead. What better way to cut radical Islam's hatred of us off at the knees than to elect a leader who is versed in their faith?