by Mark Silva
It's hard to forget those "voodoo economics'' that Ronald Reagan once stood accused of promoting - by his erstwhile rival for the Republican presidential nomination and later running mate in 1980, George H.W. Bush.
And Republicans aren't likely to let voters this year forget "the commander-in-chief test.'' That's the one which Hillary Clinton, soon-to-be past-tense rival to Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination and now raising the possibility of joining him as a running mate, gave her fellow senator.
Obama flunked that test, in Clinton's grading book - though the Democrat gave Republican John McCain a passing grade. Clinton may soon be offering Obama a retake, if certain ticket-talks take place.
"In this election, we need a nominee who can pass the commander-in-chief test, someone ready on Day One to defend our country and keep our country safe,'' Clinton said at a press conference being replayed by the Republican Party today, as the Democratic contest appears to be wrapping up. "The first and most solemn duty of the president of the United States is to protect and defend our nation, and when there's a crisis, when that phone rings, whether it's 3 pm or 3 am, in the White House there is no time for speeches and on-the-job training.
"Sen. McCain will bring a lifetime of experience to the campaign, I will bring a lifetime of experience and Sen. Obama will bring a speech that he gave in 2002,'' Clinton said, in an allusion to Obama's announcement before his election to the Senate that he opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, which both Clinton and McCain supported. "I think that is a signifant difference.
"National security will be front and center in this election,'' Clinton said. "It is important for all of us to demonstrate that we can cross the commander-in-chief threshhold. I believe I have done that. I believe Sen. McCain has done that, and you'll have to ask Sen. Obama in respect to his candidacy.''
Obama may get a chance to answer that question personally.
The Republican National Committee posted the video of a CNN-taped press conference, CNN, reports, and an official at the party told the network we can expect to see more such highlights of Clinton's comments about Obama -- one-time rival, sometime dream-team mate?
Unless Obama takes a pass on that retest.
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Comments
Who cares.
In the end Clinton failed her own test.
Posted by: ace mcfunkenstein | June 3, 2008 5:38 PM
By far, superdelegates have commented on Obama's ability to "elevate," "rise above," "inspire," "bring out the best in us." Hillary has tried so long to bring him down, and then Bill Clinton laughed, telling listeners that if Obama couldn't take the heat, he should get out. Thank you, Senator Obama, for not stooping to engage your adversaries. Those of us who count, noticed.
Posted by: tony | June 3, 2008 5:41 PM
So...
Posted by: DIRTY DICK CHENEY | June 3, 2008 5:57 PM
Hmm... Something tells me that if she's the Veep candidate she'll be saying "A+, Barackie! Good boy!"
But I'll be shocked if any of the above happens. in any case, her initial assessment was spot-on.
Posted by: MJ | June 3, 2008 6:17 PM
Once again the DNC picked a LOSER!! Go McCain
Posted by: SD | June 3, 2008 6:23 PM
So what? This is so not about HRC.
She's really becoming a sad character.
Posted by: CC | June 3, 2008 6:26 PM
I hope that Obama is not foolish enough to pick Hillary as his Veep. If he does, he will have Hill & Bill hovering over each shoulder and trying to outshine him. Hill & Bill are incredibly narcissistic.
Posted by: Daniel P. From Long Island, N.Y. | June 3, 2008 6:56 PM
IF HILLIARY RUNS FOR VP ITS TO GET HER 10 MILLION BACK--PERIOD
Posted by: George | June 3, 2008 7:07 PM
Clinton feeding her massive ego as usual. She's disgusting!
Posted by: Dr Heathen Scum | June 3, 2008 7:39 PM
If McCain really wanted to compete for Clinton voters, he'd announce his full support for abortion rights, announce that he would immediately remove US troops from Iraq, and would begin a campaign for universal single-payer healthcare.
Or, failing all that, John McBush could keep pushing a gas tax holiday. That was apparently the most important issue ever just a few short weeks ago.
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 8:20 PM
In other words John E...he needs to support the killing of innocent unborn babies, give up the fight for freedom and democracy, and support socialized medicine! My God!...where did this country go wrong? If half the people in this country support your causes...we are in deep trouble!!!
Posted by: joe | June 3, 2008 9:04 PM
If half the people in this country support your causes...we are in deep trouble!!!
Posted by: joe | June 3, 2008 9:04 PM
Lil joey, how many elections are you GOPers willing to LOSE before you realize that you aren't going to win anymore by running on wedge issues?
Posted by: John E | June 3, 2008 10:25 PM
Excuse me Lil John E....read your own post! You're the one who brought up the wedge issues!!! A typical liberal move....do it first...then blame it on the conservatives!!!
Posted by: joe | June 3, 2008 10:47 PM
If you heard all 3 speeches you should know who the president is. It wasn't Mr. boring talking to a crowd of 100 people older than him at the bingo hall. It wasnt the loser who was anything but gracious in defeat, but divisive to the end. It was the gentleman who mentioned and gave credit to EVERYONE but himself. The real agent for change, and the next President of the United States of America!
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Chicagoan and Southsider | June 3, 2008 10:50 PM
Obama should snub her. She is the most vile candidate I have seen. There are better women than this who would be a great VP. She is waiting for smething bad to happen so she can be President; just like she was supposed to be (in her mind.)
Posted by: Okie | June 3, 2008 11:21 PM
Keith Lifetime Chicagoan and Southsider , FINAALY SOMEONE NOTICED THE HUMILITY. ONLY A WISE AND STRONG LEADER CAN POSSESS SUCH ATTRIBUTES.
Posted by: A.Thompson | June 4, 2008 4:19 AM