Billy Jeff to Team Obama: Toughen up, chumps; Update: Superdelegates annoyed?
posted at 5:25 pm on March 26, 2008 by Allahpundit
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This makes not one, not two, but three posts on HA in the last 24 hours semi-favorable to the Clenis.
I don’t mind telling you it’s making me a little nervous.
Speaking to voters in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the 42nd president Wednesday said, “I don’t give a riff about all this name-calling that’s going on. They’ve been going on ever since Iowa. I’ve heard them say all these things about her.
“Apparently it’s okay to say bad things about a girl,” he said laughing, in an apparent reference to his 60-year-old wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, per ABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf.
“The only thing that matters is, what happens to you?” said Mr. Clinton. “That’s all that matters. If a politician doesn’t wanna get beat up, he shouldn’t run for office. If a football player doesn’t want to get tackled or want the risk of an a occasional clip he shouldn’t put the pads on.”
Wise words indeed from a man whose wife famously whined about a “vast right-wing conspiracy.” Follow the link and you’ll see that he has Ferraro in mind here, the dicey-ness of which prevents him from making the strong-form race-card accusation that TNR and Hitchens made against Obama and leaves him with the weak-form “you can’t handle criticism” argument you see here. Exit question: “Apparently it’s okay to say bad things about a girl”?
Update: Did BJ step in it again?
The Clinton campaign has been actively wooing these delegates, believing a plurality represents the strongest, and increasingly the only, way for her to win the nomination. But one undeclared delegate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the recent tactics are turning her and other superdelegates off.
“I don’t think anybody’s saying ’step aside,’ but ’stop with the garbage’ is what people want to say,” the delegate said. “Just chill a little bit.”
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Anyone willing to put that last part of the quote in a Chelsea Clinton context? Or has that subject run its course?
JohnTant on March 26, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Allahpundit= Fair and balanced pundit.
Keep up the good work:)
terryannonline on March 26, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Obama, a bigger sissy than a girl! >:D
(Uhh, not that all girls are sissies)
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Yeah, Mr. Fingerwagging, red-faced, holier than thou telling someone to suck it up.
Perhaps he should relay the same message to his daughter when dealing with children reporters and answering the inevitable questions regarding his presidency.
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Chelsea isn’t a politician, as far I know.
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Daaaaamn… Did they need to throw that little factoid in? Seems a little superfluous. And here I was beginning to think ABC had gone soft on Hillary.
Mark V. on March 26, 2008 at 5:31 PM
She isn’t a politician nor is she running for office.
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Applies to everybody but a campaigning Chelsea, right?
jukin on March 26, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Wrong. The second she stepped out from behind her parents and hit the campaign trail on their behalf she became a politician.
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:33 PM
I wonder if part of the “beating up” is intended to mean comments/criticisms toward one’s family….?
JohnTant on March 26, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Is she on the ballot?
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Although, I think the question, was fair to be asked since it was an open forum.
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Tough words from a guy who sends his wife and child into snipery situations, where he wouldn’t dare to go.
lorien1973 on March 26, 2008 at 5:37 PM
I’m not sure why the question would have been asked, or what she would know about it..(Other than to embarrass her)
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 5:39 PM
So by your definition, basically anyone working for any campaign who’s not on the ballot gets to have zero accountability for those they support?
Here from wikipedia on “politicians”
* A person who is active in party politics.
*In a state, a member of the executive branch of government, or the office of Head of State, as well as the legislative branch, and regional and local levels of government.
* Any person influencing group opinions in his or her favor can be termed a politician. For example, a worker participating in office politics is a politician, but only so far as the operations of his or her workplace are concerned.
* Some law enforcement officers, such as sheriffs, and many judges who are elected or appointed because of their political views or popularity.
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Actually, I thought it was necessary. I found it…odd..that a woman almost eligible for SS and running for POTUS would be referred to as a ‘girl.’
baldilocks on March 26, 2008 at 5:42 PM
That was a relief to read. I too had been nodding my head a bit lately agreeing with the Clintons. It’s good to see I don’t suffer alone. Perhaps we could form a support group.
scatbug on March 26, 2008 at 5:43 PM
The question being does your mother’s handling of the Lewinsky scandal affect her overall credibility?
Sounds perfectly legit to me. Given the Clintonian response to the scandal (vast right-winged conspiracy and such) A direct non controversial question about something in her past that can directly influence her ability to be a decent leader of this country.
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Very true Chakra.
Also, anyone on the campaign trail is allowed to refuse to answer any question. That’s their prerogative. It might not be the wisest decision to refuse to answer questions but they are certainly allowed to not answer certain (especially personal) questions.
terryannonline on March 26, 2008 at 5:46 PM
I seem to recall the Glacier whining about ‘the boys’ ganging up on her after her disastrous debate performance at Drexel in late October.
I also remember BJ blowing his top when Chris Wallace had the audacity to ask him a tough question.
Dare I say it, but the only candidate who isn’t constantly whining is John McCain.
infidel65 on March 26, 2008 at 5:47 PM
In time.
Jim Treacher on March 26, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Obama got his Senate seat by running against a guy that didn’t even live in the state. He won his state senate seat by having all of the other candidates disqualified from the ballot. Now he can only win his party’s nomination by forcing the other candidate to withdraw.
No wonder he whines about having to take a few rhetorical hits.
rw on March 26, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Sure they are pefectly entitled to say no to any question.. but I don’t understand this one getting the “personal” defence.
This was a serious public scandal (there were many)that led to her husband committing purjery and being impeached for such.
What else is off limits due to being “too personal for questioning”? Whitewater? Vince Foster? her law firm’s dealings Where does it stop?
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Hah I can’t spell check evidently.
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:52 PM
sometimes the Clenis gets it right
windansea on March 26, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Was Mary Cheney on the ballot in ‘04? Yes, I know… two wrongs don’t make a right.
infidel65 on March 26, 2008 at 5:55 PM
No. Neither is Bill. Is he a politician?
Oldnuke on March 26, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Infidel65,
So asking about you’re daughter’s sexual orientation equivalent to asking about the first lady’s handling of a legit presidential scandal?
The guy didn’t ask who Bill preferred to sleep with, he asked if the Hillary’s handling (she didn’t handle it so well by the way)of Bill’s trouble makes her stronger or weaker as a presidential candidate.
Brad on March 26, 2008 at 5:58 PM
The Clenis is not used to having the MSM EVER go against him or his ‘girl’.
jukin on March 26, 2008 at 5:59 PM
It’s making me absolutely frightened. I mean, what’s this place coming to? :-)
We better have some good “Back of the Book segment” video tonight (it is Wednesday, after all).
steveegg on March 26, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Yep, and I didn’t think Chelsea’s answer was all that good either. “That’s none of your business.” Like you said she wasn’t asked about the scandal but about Hillary’s handling of a crisis. That said, I wouldn’t have asked that question and I really don’t care. My mind’s already made up.
Oldnuke on March 26, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Hillary’s a girl?
Who knew.
Cicero43 on March 26, 2008 at 6:09 PM
I am relatively new to this website – why call BC “Clenis”?
HawaiiLwyr on March 26, 2008 at 6:12 PM
Clinton going for the sympathy card again.
(Metaphor Alert)
Of course Hillary is shooting herself in the foot by shooting off her mouth about sniping that never happened. Not just friendly fire, but self inflicted wounds. Doh! Now Bill has do try to do some sniping of his own to bail out his wife.
Just when Obama’s “Pastor Disaster” was dominating the scene.
Ordinary1 on March 26, 2008 at 6:13 PM
But she’s speaking on a politician’s behalf.
One way to look at it.
Oh, I see. So with Chelsea, she gets to do anything and say anything she wants. But no one can ask her any questions she does not approve of. Because ’she’s not on the ballot.’
Priceless.
wise_man on March 26, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Some alert CNN! Bill might be sexist.
/toungeoutofcheek
12thman on March 26, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Obama digs in at the race card, and lets his supports use his race against everyone else..
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 6:18 PM
If I interpret BJ’s statement correctly, this is simply an advance notice being delivered “gloves are off, here comes the kitchen sink”… The time has come for the Clinton’s to show the world just how “nasty” is performed by the best of the best. Hillary is pissed beyond comprehension; this nomination was owed to her for sticking by BJ’s side and holding the party together against difficult odds. The DNC should have never allowed this stupid empty suit sweet talking black guy to enter into this race at this time; the guy is young and his time was clearly to follow my time! You a**h**** blew it big time; if I don’t get the nomination, you don’t get the WH. I will destroy this idiot before I’ll let him steal my moment from me. I will destroy the party before I let you idiots steal this from me; this was mine, and everyone of you knew that.
If you got the popcorn out by now, you jumped the gun. The real show is coming real soon. Talks are going on behind closed doors, as has been reported recently. A resolution to this DNC nightmare was to be worked out by now. Hillary’s answer to this dynamic “I’m going to be around for a long time”… She means it!
Keemo on March 26, 2008 at 6:18 PM
According to Wikipedia, she is a politician.
Esthier on March 26, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Like I said, in my post here , I think the question was fair game, since she was in an open forum, I’m not sure WHY it was asked..(Especially, coming from a “supposed” Clinton Supporter, to me the question was designed to ridicule or embarrass)
Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Gotta admire that man’s sheer, unadulterated grit and chutzpah. He has few equals though Chavez does come to mind.
jeanie on March 26, 2008 at 6:28 PM
Chelsea is (has become) part of this campaign. If Chelsea had remained out of the campaign, I would agree that she is “off limits.” However, Chelsea has made some 70 appearances at college’s across the nation, representing Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the Democrat nominee for the President of the United States.
That folks makes Chelsea a part of, and renders her fair game. This is Bill Clinton’s legacy.
Keemo on March 26, 2008 at 6:31 PM
Did you know that Mary Cheney is a Lesbian? Hey! That’s a good reason to vote for Kerry and Edwards, don’t you think? Nothing meant to ridicule or embarrass there, huh?
wise_man on March 26, 2008 at 6:34 PM
The truly ironic bit of all this is that the left has been whining for years about how all of their Dem leaders continually roll over without a fight. They get a candidate that is willing to fight to the bitter end, but they want her to stop fighting and fall in line.
rw on March 26, 2008 at 6:38 PM
I’m being sincere in asking….
Let’s talk about Michelle Obama. She’s been campaigning on her husband’s behalf for some time now, and she has certainly gone off the deep end with some (ok, most) of her comments. I think criticizing her is fair game. I think looking at what she said about making ends meet and contrasting that to her tax returns is proper. I think such things puts Barack Obama into context, especially since she’s speaking on his behalf.
This is where I’m coming from when I brought up Chelsea. She is similarly stumping for her mother, and she is similarly getting questions that she would say are uncomfortable. But why is she off limits?
JohnTant on March 26, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Governor Bredesen told Politico’s Jonathan Martin and Mike Allen:
“They have a much steeper, rockier hill to climb if it goes to the convention,” the governor said over a dinner of rockfish and red wine. “You’re going to spend this whole summer – and lots of money and time and effort – trying to convince people that whoever isn’t eventually nominated, isn’t electable.
“That’s a heck of a hole to climb out of come the first of September,” he added. “What’s been going on for the last 90 days just gets worse and worse as the summer goes on.”
Bredesen also joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in warning that superdelegates should not overturn the outcome from primaries and caucuses.
If Obama were denied the nomination by Democratic insiders after winning the party’s popular vote, Bredesen said, “There would be hell to pay in the party for a long time to come.”
This is a message directed at Hillary, but Hillary knows she is finished if she fails to turn this around, and she also knows there is growing concern among Democratic elites that Barack Obama’s got a great deal of baggage which is only dimly understood.
Check out Kithbridge.com’s blog tracking of the Obama-Jeremiah Wright story. As week three of the controversy begins, more than one out of five blog posts about Obama includes a reference to Wright.
Click over to Rezkorama.com. All of these stories are about Obama’s mentor, friend, financier and neighbor.
We have just begun to hear the audio of Senator Obama reading his two books, including many passages that are jarring to many people.
So Hillary knows it is trench warfare until one side’s line breaks. She’s going to pound him in PA, and he’s going to run up the score in NC.
They are both going to have a message for the superdelegates: “He can’t win” v. “You can’t steal this.”
And since the superdelegates not only don’t have to make up their mind, they can’t make up their mind until the first ballot, no one will quit. What if Rezko gives an interview the night before the first ballot? If Hillary hasn’t been there fighting all the way, someone else –did you say Al Gore– will step forward.
The only way to be in a position to win is to stay in the game. Hillary is many things, but she’s not a quitter.
This is the message BJ was delivering to the DNC…
Keemo on March 26, 2008 at 6:41 PM
I think Bubba makes a pretty good point here, especially with the football analogy.
Think of it this way: everyone else in this process has been hammered at one point or another, the candidates are like quarterbacks; they ARE the principle target of attack. Hillary, McCain, Edwards, Romney, all went out there and got hit. Some were good clean hits. Some were blatant personal fouls.
Everyone except Obama, the minute he goes under center, all someone has to do is get within reach and the refs (the MSM) throw the flags. Barry’s got a propensity to cough up the ball, problem is, when he coughs it up, the refs either throw a flag or, in some cases, just whistle the play dead, because God forbid someone hits their baby. Barry’s become accostomed to this treatment, so now that he’s taking some hits, he, and his cheeleaders (who are also the refs) cry foul and whine about how it’s “not fair”.
In no fan of Bill, but he makes an excellent point here: If Obama’s too soft to handle his political opponents, he’ll be an absolute disaster as POTUS and an absolute tragedy as CIC.
SuperCool on March 26, 2008 at 7:37 PM
It is usually at this point, within a day or so, that Bubba Billy here is going to say something so stupid, or even better, throw yet another grande mal hissy fit, it will again cause Shillary to drop another 20 points or so in the polls. You know it’s coming! Watch for it!
pilamaye on March 26, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Somehow this is very disturbing.
freevillage on March 26, 2008 at 8:15 PM
JohnTant on March 26, 2008 at 6:39 PM
She’s not off limits…..
Keemo on March 26, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Bingo. In one short sideswipe they shredded the “waaahh I’m a helpless l’il female” act she used to such devastating effect against Lazio in another election.
inviolet on March 26, 2008 at 8:20 PM
The “super delegate” business is a Democrat Shell Game.
It proves the notion that every Primary vote was counted and disregarded “for the greater good”…Nod…Wink!
If Ms. Chelsea steps on stage to offer party line rhetoric, she is fair game for comment and questions as is any campaign wonk.
The Clintons are devious rascals and shameless liars, not Royalty.
old trooper on March 26, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Gots to go with ‘ol boy here…wanna pitch? better be able to catch.
LtE126 on March 27, 2008 at 4:12 AM
‘Wild Bill’ and Hitlery are just not relevant anymore, and Barack is viewed as a socialist even further left than Hitlery.
The Demoncrates are just showing their true color Red, not Blue as the MSM paints them in the media. It has amazed me how the MSM was able to paint certain groups a color which is like the old experiment of labeling kids blue eyed and brown eyed and instilling a sense of entitlement or oppression.
The fact remains that what they need is a leader who has different ideas of how they can get government out of the way so we can fulfill our dreams not the governments dictates.
MSGTAS on March 27, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Perfect choice of picture, AP.
“Apparently it’s okay to say bad things about a girl,”…
There he goes again, embarrassing his blushing bride, and,
“If a football player doesn’t want to get tackled or want the risk of an a occasional clip he shouldn’t put the pads on.”
That’s what he said to Monica. BUCKET!
Christine on March 27, 2008 at 12:34 PM
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