WASHINGTON - If Hillary Rodham Clinton wins the presidency, some top Democrats would like to see her husband, former President Bill Clinton, appointed to serve out Hillary’s unexpired Senate term.
“As a senator, he’d be a knockout,” said Harold Ickes, who was once a top White House aide to Bill Clinton and now gives behind-the-scenes advice to Hillary. “He knows issues, he loves public policy and he’s a good politician.”
This scenario would create a host of firsts and certainly set some precedents along the way. But would this be a conflict of interest? What if they disagreed on an issue? Deeper in the article we find Larry Sabato's take:
“Clinton is a natural for the Senate,” Sabato said. “He loves to talk and schmooze. He could be a great vote-organizer. Majority Leader Clinton?”
Now, that's some lofty goal, wouldn't you say? President Hillary and Majority Leader Bill, would be one of the ultimate power grabs in the history of our nation.
But again, this is all based on a series of what ifs and assumes that Hillary will be elected, first and foremost. To do that, she must get the nomination, then win the general election. Here, the first primary is just a year away and these dreams are being articulated in the Democratic circles, as if it's just around the corner. Then, it assumes that the Dems will retain control of the Senate. It assumes these things long before it assumes that Bill would even want to be a Senator, after he has been President.
As I have said before, it's still a long way off. A lot could happen between now and then. Maybe these prognosticators are counting their chickens before they hatch, maybe they are onto something. But, it's something to talk about on slow news days, I guess. So read the article and file it under maybe, maybe not.
Then, if this has you starry-eyed and dreamy, just pinch yourself and re-focus back to the here and now. If it horrifies you, take a deep breath and get to work. Right now, it's just talk. But.......
9 comments:
I don't think Bill will ever run for Senate. I've been wrong about a few things (very few ;-)) but, why in the world would he want to be a Senator after have already held two terms as President. He has all the time in the world now to do involve himself in issues such as the tsunami relief. No, I think he's happy to be retired from political office. He can say and do whatever he wants and doesn't have to deal with the right wing swiftboat crowd. Besides, he's going to be busy as hell with the campaign of Hillary. He's doing a lot more "behind the scenes" work than most realize.
To be honest, I think he'll make a great "First Mister". I hope he doesn't try his hand at redecorating the White House, though. A hot tub in the Oval Office would look silly....it should be in the Red Room. :-)
I think we're talking about the Governor appointing him to take Hillary's seat, right?
They are probably keenly aware of the "First Mister" problem and are looking for a creative way to solve it. Seems kinda seedy for any former president to 'come in through the back door' in that fashion. If he were in the Senate he probably couldn't take residence in the WH.
ME,
//I don't think Bill will ever run for Senate.//
Like AC said, he could be appointed to her seat by Gov. Spitzer, he'd have to run in a special election a couple of years after that, I think.
AC,
//They are probably keenly aware of the "First Mister" problem and are looking for a creative way to solve it.//
It's mo secret that he'd like to be on the Supreme Court. Getting him confirmed through the Senate wouldn't be easy, though.
Correction:
"It's mo secret"
should read:
It's NO secret.
LA
I would like to see Bill Clinton on the Supreme Court...but I'll bet if he is, he won't be wearing anything underneath those robes.
Well, I'm "mo" expert (chuckle), but having a woman as our first President will keep the fascination of having a "first mister" at bay.
I also think that Bill's popularity in light of the disasterous presidency of Bush, will help Hillary and her bid for President. People will assume that Bill will help her with learning the ropes and a majority of Americans will be thrilled to see Bill back in the White House.
Generally speaking, former presidents abstain from getting public positions. Instead, they propose policy recommendations as private citizens.
I think Democrats should find someone prospective. Bill Clinton is a man of the past.
Shah,
//Bill Clinton is a man of the past.//
I tend to agree with you. But there are many in this country that still view him as some kind of demigod.
I tend to agree with you. But there are many in this country that still view him as some kind of demigod.
Like the Republicans view Ronald Reagan as a demigod??? :-D
Your bias is showing, LA!
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