There are two of special note today. This one by Steve Chapman in the Chicago Trib is notable because of its source. Criticism like this coming out of the president's home state and the nerve center of his reelection campaign (not for the first time) should be cause for pause.
Why Obama should withdraw
By Steve ChapmanSeptember 18, 2011
... Obama might do his party a big favor. In hard times, voters have a powerful urge to punish incumbents. He could slake this thirst by stepping aside and taking the blame. Then someone less reviled could replace him at the top of the ticket.
The ideal candidate would be a figure of stature and ability who can't be blamed for the economy. That person should not be a member of Congress, since it has an even lower approval rating than the president's.
It would also help to be conspicuously associated with prosperity. Given Obama's reputation for being too quick to compromise, a reputation for toughness would be an asset.
As it happens, there is someone at hand who fits this description: Hillary Clinton.
This one is notable also because of its source, President Clinton himself chiming in. So the Clinton stance on this is "that's just Dick Cheney trying to make trouble." Very good! But we all know that this began well before Cheney opened his mouth. The record is right here on these pages. HuffPo reports it thus.
Bill Clinton: Dick Cheney 'Sowing Discord' With Suggestion That Hillary Run Against Obama In 2012
...
"Well, you know, I'm very proud of her, so I'm always gratified whenever anyone says anything nice about her. And I very much agree that she's done a good job," Clinton told Bob Schieffer on CBS's "Face the Nation."
"But I also have a high regard for Vice President Cheney's political skills, and I think one of those great skills is sowing discord among the opposition. So I think he's right that she's done a heck of a job. But she is a member of this administration, and committed to doing it. And I think he, by saying something nice about her in the way that he did, knew that it might cause a little trouble," Clinton continued.
"I don't want to help him succeed in his political strategy. But I admire that he's still out there hitting the ball."
He walked that tightrope like a Flying Wallenda! I am glad this question did not come up until after Cheney spoke to it. He provided a position from which to address it. I admire that Bill Clinton admires Cheney still hitting the ball.
This is cute. Just for the heck of it!
