Cha-ching! Hillary campaign takes cash from the people that Bill pardoned
posted at 10:05 am on November 15, 2007 by Bryan
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Three recipients of controversial 11th-hour pardons issued by former President Bill Clinton in January 2001 have donated thousands of dollars to the presidential campaign of his wife, Democratic front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., according to campaign finance records examined by ABC News, in what some good government groups said created an appearance of impropriety…
One of the pardonees who has become a donor to Sen. Clinton is David Herdlinger, a former prosecutor in Springdale, Ark., who, according to press accounts at the time of his pardon pleaded guilty in 1986 to mail fraud after taking bribes to reduce or drop charges against defendants charged with drunken driving offenses.
Now a life and business coach in Georgia, Herdlinger was pardoned by President Clinton in January 2001; he donated $1,000 to Sen. Clinton’s presidential campaign in August.
Insurance agent Alfredo Regalado, who gave Hillary Clinton $2,000, was pardoned by her husband for failing to “report the transportation of currency in excess of $10,000 into the United States,” according to the Department of Justice.
The third is John Deutch, the Clinton CIA Director who was accused of mishandling government secrets. ABC’s phrasing on this is worth repeating.
Pardoned by President Clinton for charges he had mishandled government secrets — but before the Department of Justice could file the proper paperwork against him — Deutch, now a professor at MIT, gave Sen. Clinton the maximum allowable donation, $2,300.
We never learned, and never will learn, the true extent of Deutch’s actions. Just like Sandy Berger, who is one of Hillary’s national security advisors.
Read the whole story. ABC does a good job of reminding readers about the controversial January 2001 pardons and shenanigans that the Clintons conducted on their way out of power, even mentioning Hillary’s brother’s involvement.
Hillary’s accepting these donations isn’t illegal. But it sure looks like a payback, and taken together with the massive and corrupt bundling that Norman Hsu did on Hillary’s campaign’s behalf, her campaign looks like it’s the most corrupt of the lot by a long shot.
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She should write a book called “How to be a criminal, and get away with it”
Jared_MA on November 15, 2007 at 10:06 AM
So what else is new? They have gotten more than campaign contributions don’t you think?
OBX Pete on November 15, 2007 at 10:10 AM
in related campaign contributions, this article on how the Republican nomination is being thwarted by far-left kooks, is disturbing.
http://www.americandaily.com/article/20911
when I read that about Google, I try to use Yahoo for searches. The internet is going to end up causing a war.
jp on November 15, 2007 at 10:13 AM
I would have been shocked if no money had been given.
4shoes on November 15, 2007 at 10:16 AM
She makes the rest of them look like newborns.
4shoes on November 15, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…………….Wait, is something new here? Did it warrant you waking me up?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 15, 2007 at 10:20 AM
I think the story would have more legs if they made the donations before receiving the pardons. With what we have here, unless you can prove somehow that the quo was contingent upon future receipt of the quid, we’ve got almost nothing.
James on November 15, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Unbelievably sleazy.
Typical smug response from that weasel Wolfson:
I recall him oozing with condescension when Norman Hsu first came to light as well.
JammieWearingFool on November 15, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Adams, Paine, Edison are all looking down upon us. What have we allowed to happen to the Republic they created? What do they think about the fact that this corrupt, socialist witch is striding effortlessly into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave?
Zetterson on November 15, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Surprise surprise. Did you expect anything else from her? Did you expect that leopard to change her spots?
Come to think about it, I expect all the politicians running on both sides would have a little trouble casting the first stone.
saiga on November 15, 2007 at 10:30 AM
I’m quite sure they would be rolling in their graves. What a disgrace it is, and there doesn’t seem to be anything most of us can do about it. Our country has become populated with too many sheep with a deep handout mentality. Our forefathers understood the importance of self-reliance, sacrifice, and hard work. The welfare state shot those concepts in the head.
saiga on November 15, 2007 at 10:35 AM
heh.
If shillary wasn’t so damn scary, that would be hillarious. hehe.
.
Is there a criminal of the year category somewhere? Or a Perfect Crimes segment.. or something?
shooter on November 15, 2007 at 10:37 AM
I saw on TV this morning that a poll of students said they would give up their vote to anyone that would pay their college expenses. Many would trade their vote for an I-pod. And, some said they would give up their voting rights for life for one million dollars.
I wonder if they thought about sitting in a the mud, hungry and sick, unable to protect their children or themselves with a pocket full of worthless paper, and nowhere to spend it.
saiga on November 15, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Look at 1945 Berlin, or 1945 Tokyo. Of a third of the African countries today, or how about the Gaxa strip?
These kids are too stupid to understand that really bad things can happen if you let them happen, much less help them happen.
saiga on November 15, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Rest assured that Wolf Blitzer will never ask Hillary Clinton about whether she thinks Bill Clinton did the right thing in issuing all those pardons when he was on his way out of the White House. Nor will Blitzer ask Hillary Clinton the following question: “Bill Clinton issued a pardon to a convicted felon who was convicted of selling people phony pills and medicines which he claimed would cure a variety of health problems. After a court order telling the man to stop doing this, the man was caught yet again. Nonetheless, Bill Clinton pardoned the man. Given your interest in providing the best health care to the American people and your interest in the wellness of the American people, do you think that this pardon was proper?”
One thing we can count on: Wolf Blitzer will throw softballs to Hillary Clinton and CNN will declare Hillary Clinton the winner of the debate.
Larraby on November 15, 2007 at 10:48 AM
What I find so hypocritical is the response from the people at CREW. They said that it is not illegal for these people to donate to Hillary. Funny, I thought that CREW was about exposing bad ethics, not judging the legality. In the case of judging their fellow travelers, they imply legal = ethical. Had a Pubbie done the same thing, would they take the same position? I somehow doubt it. And CREW thinks they are bipartisan.
geekrunner on November 15, 2007 at 10:53 AM
maybe he’s auditioning for WH press secretary, now that Russert’s out of the running.
JiangxiDad on November 15, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Tim Russerts fault
Wade on November 15, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Actually, if you think about it, the framers would probably be happy beyond belief that this country has survived over 200 years and has become a beacon for freedom and the greatest country in the world. Sure, we have high-profile crooked politicians, but they weren’t unaware of political corruption.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on November 15, 2007 at 11:24 AM
This is an excellent idea, and a relatively cheap price for preventing the company from becoming the United States of Moonbatica
Kensington on November 15, 2007 at 11:28 AM
CORRECTION: It should be:
Buy your pardon?
landlines on November 15, 2007 at 11:31 AM
These are not donations, but only installment payments for the pardons. I hope the brothers are still getting their cut for serving as middlemen in setting up the sale of the pardons.
volsense on November 15, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Off Topic:
Zett, when first reading your post I wondered why you included Edison, thinking, hey, he was a great American, but he just invented stuff.
Not until after reading his bio that I realized he was greatly influenced by Thomas Paine, and greatly influenced the political landscape of his time.
Reason for posting this? This is why I love coming to HA. I never leave w/o learning something new…
bernzright777 on November 15, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Well knock me over with a mosquito fart.
Valiant on November 15, 2007 at 11:53 AM
That about sums up the whole ?debate? Larraby. She has Wolf in the back pocket of her pants suit.
Now I don’t have to watch it (not that I intended to).
OBX Pete on November 15, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Maybe we should offer her money to pardon Ramos and Compean. Apparently Bush isn’t going to do a thing about it.
Buzzy on November 15, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Ammo! Thanks.
Connie on November 15, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Obama needs to grow a pair and hammer that pinhead tonight.
benrand on November 15, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Nice photoshop.
see-dubya on November 15, 2007 at 12:24 PM
bernzright777, I’m happy to hear that. Fascinating read though isn’t it? Although that can really be said about all the geniuses involved in the shaping of this great Republic. Where have they all gone? I find myself asking that question a lot lately. Now would be a fine time to have a similar genius rise to the top and right this teetering ship.
By the way, what did you think of when you read about Edison starting up his own newspaper when he was 14 yrs old during the time of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates? I love how fearless and unapoligetic he was for his beliefs. What comes to mind for me is a few prominent bloggers and pioneer radio talk show hosts who shall remain nameless (some by choice).
Zetterson on November 15, 2007 at 12:30 PM
I love how fearless and unapoligetic he was for his beliefs.
What comes to mind for me is a few prominent bloggers and pioneer radio talk show hosts who shall remain nameless (some by choice).
Tilt.
JiangxiDad on November 15, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Naw, she wouldn’t do that. It must be wrong, and Pelosi would not allow it. Pelosi has sworn to “clean-up” politics.
The report must be wrong.
right2bright on November 15, 2007 at 12:40 PM
haha, I guess I just had to get that last poke in for the heck of it, in addition to my overall point that the rise of the “new media” has developed because of the hard, smart work of a few great individuals who recognized the true failure of the dinosaurs. The story is really not too dissimilar to T Edison’s own newspaper created becuase of his own personal frustration about the coverage of the Lincoln-Douglass debates. Good catch, by the way JiangxiDad.
Zetterson on November 15, 2007 at 1:15 PM
Yes, many true heroes. The only problem I have with HA is AP’s anonymity.
JiangxiDad on November 15, 2007 at 1:22 PM
Well, if thats the only problem then I think we’re ok. I personally don’t mind it. Kind of like it in some ways. Its kind of a fun game to play, figuring out AP’s age, occupation history, schooling, personal habits, physical appearance etc. I also find myself watching the cable news channels and wondering if some like minded pundits aren’t actually leading a double life as an anonymous Hotair blogger. I think AP’s mind is sharp though and I enjoy reading what he has to say about the important issues surrounding us. In the end that’s what I care about. Substance and quality/clarity/originality of thought.
Zetterson on November 15, 2007 at 1:36 PM
Try Ask instead. It’s got those cool binocular thingies. I love it.
Back on topic- AHHHHH! She is so scary! I think the rabbit holes in her case descend into intergalactic space.
NTWR on November 15, 2007 at 2:32 PM
No surprise here. A leopard doesn’t change its spots.
They never heard of checking a database?
Qzsusy on November 15, 2007 at 2:34 PM
There ya go. That said it all. I can’t wait for him to be named National Security Advisor – by the Marxist, President-In-Waiting.
A copy of “The Prince” in the Beast’s filthy hands. Priceless.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 15, 2007 at 2:40 PM
I’m shocked. Simply shocked.
tgillian on November 15, 2007 at 2:51 PM
Ha ha ha!! That’s adorable. Of course, that is exactly what she’ll say (for the 718th time). How does that saying go, “Fool me once …”?
eucher on November 15, 2007 at 2:55 PM
“I don’t recall.”
OhEssYouCowboys on November 15, 2007 at 3:02 PM
You are all too cynical.
Anyone receiving a presidential pardon should be eternally grateful.
slp on November 15, 2007 at 4:45 PM
John Deutch probably got the $2,300 from the Chinese Communist Party
Griz on November 15, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Who expected them to donate to someone else?
This is hardly insightful Bryan. What’s next, news stories about scientists who discover (again) that washing your hands is a good idea? Hmmmm, President pardons friends/allies! Not a headline, really.
doufree on November 15, 2007 at 5:42 PM
If you checked a database you would have to admit you knew. Better to be ignorant and elected, then smart and a loser.
right2bright on November 15, 2007 at 6:52 PM
does the title on Hilary’s book keep changing?
ctmom on November 15, 2007 at 6:58 PM
It’s already written, something about “How to win your race against the evil Republican”…and get away with it.
The Defeatocrat Campaign Playbook.
91Veteran on November 15, 2007 at 11:17 PM
In my opinion, this is a huge reason why McCain shouldn’t be anywhere near the nomination as well.
Back when he ran as an “independent”, he also drew a lot of support from left-wing kooks, the drive-by media, etc.
91Veteran on November 15, 2007 at 11:26 PM
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