The kitchen sink must be just about empty, because now Hillary Clinton is using an argument that would make Karl Rove blush: she's making the case that she's more authentically American than Barack Obama.
I've edited together the essence of her message. Even if you've seen her statement before, watch this clip -- it's short, and I promise it'll be worth your while:
(digg it!)
There was no subtlety to her point: in her four minute long attack on Obama, Hillary Clinton used America (or one of its forms) 18 separate times. Compare that to primary night in New Hampshire, when in a twelve minute victory speech she used it just ten times.
Obviously, there's nothing wrong with using the word America in a political speech. But there is something wrong with using it as a political weapon. And that's exactly what Hillary Clinton was doing today.
I was taken aback by the demeaning remarks Sen. Obama made about people in small town America. Sen. Obama's remarks are elitist, and they are out of touch. They are not reflective of the values and beliefs of Americans. Certainly not the Americans that I know — not the Americans I grew up with, not the Americans I lived with in Arkansas or represent in New York.
Hillary Clinton's meaning is clear: I'm more American than Barack Obama. In case there's any doubt, consider this statement in light of the fact that Barack Obama's father was a Kenyan citizen (the elder Obama was in the United States on a student visa):
When my dad grew up it was in a working class family
And this:
I grew up in a churchgoing family
Doesn't it remind you of her "as far as I know moment?"
Is there anything she holds sacred?
About six weeks ago, Hillary Clinton accused Barack Obama of employing the worst quality of politics, reminiscent of Karl Rove. "Shame on you," she said.
No, Hillary. Shame on you.
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Updated with these two videos:
Video montage of Clinton, Obama sparring on bitterness:
Bill Clinton saying that economic anxiety leads to anti-immigrant and anti-trade politics
Hat tip to MasterSitsu for finding the Clinton video.
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Al Giordano picked this up over at The Field with a hilarious (as usual) headline:
Clinton’s 11th Hour Gambit: "My Dad Is More American than Your Dad"
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Also posted at The Jed Report.