Video: Hillary’s less-than-enthusiastic endorsement on KSM trial; Update: Paterson disavows decision
posted at 2:00 pm on November 16, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Give Hillary Clinton credit for attempting to be a team player on Meet the Press yesterday, but it doesn’t appear that her heart was in this effort. When David Gregory asks her whether she agreed that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other plotters of the 9/11 attacks should get tried in New York City’s federal court, the best she can offer is that she’ll back whatever Eric Holder and his prosecutors decide on the question. Hillary tells Gregory that she won’t “second-guess” that decision, which sounds like she’s at least a little skeptical:
But does that make Hillary “un-American”?
Update: Did Obama even bother to consult with New York’s governor? According to JWF and the New York Daily News, it appears not:
Gov. Paterson on Monday joined the chorus of critics questioning the government’s plan to try Kalid Shaikh Mohammed and four other accused 9/11 terrorists in New York.
“This is not a decision that I would have made,” the governor said when asked about the upcoming federal trial of KSM and his four underlings.
“Our country was attacked on its own soil on Sept. 11, 2001, and New York was very much the epicenter of that attack,” Paterson said after an appearance at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new CUNY campus in East Harlem.
“Over 2,700 lives were lost,” he went on. “It’s very painful; we’re still having trouble getting over it. We still haven’t been able to rebuild that site, and having those terrorists tried so close to the attack is going to be an encumbrance on all of New Yorkers.”
How long before Moran starts calling Paterson “un-American”?
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It’s a sad day when I would cheer if HRC could somehow be sworn-in to replace BHO.
mankai on November 16, 2009 at 2:04 PM
It’s ok Hillary- just pay higher taxes and then you can be patriotic again.
Warmongerer on November 16, 2009 at 2:04 PM
If you don’t agree that terrorists should have Constitutional rights than the terrorists have already won.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2009 at 2:04 PM
Hmm I’d really like to know what she thinks.
We have all these Dems out there stating they want him to die, I thought they were against the death penalty. Are they just saying they want him to die, but in reality keep him alive and give him life with out parol. Wonder what they are really thinking on this.
Brat4life on November 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Well, somebody might want to run against The Won is his number continue to slide.
Cindy Munford on November 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Smart move. She can’t do anything about it anyway so she gets to be seen as a team player, but still hold Dear Liar and Holder responsible for the coming train wreck.
I wonder if she’ll challenge The Whine in 2012.
rbj on November 16, 2009 at 2:06 PM
What other statement would you expect from the Secretary of State? Seriously, other than her husband being responsible for the incineration of thousands of Americans on 9/11/01, where does Hillary have any connection to this decision? How does her opinion come into relevance on this issue? It is primarily a legal issue not part of her portfolio.
highhopes on November 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Hillary Clinton should be reading the writing on the wall. Why is she still with this administration?
portlandon on November 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Lookin’ a bit dazed and confused.
Itchee Dryback on November 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
The KSM decision is, when you consider it carefully, a defining moment for Osama Obama’s administration.
It is his chance — along with Holder — to expose the innermost workings of our intelligence systems, an act of sheer treason. That his hatred of Bush is so intense that he would put the entire nation at risk should be shocking but, when you consider what the Traitor-in-Chief has said and done already, isn’t.
If Hillary Clinton is a true patriot rather than an ambitious system-player with no moral compass, she’ll resign and make the reasons why plain to all.
MrScribbler on November 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
I watched her on this. Her heart is with NY. She worked a lot on their behalf, even if the results weren’t outstanding.
She should not be expected to back this horrible decision.
Some of you can call her a carpetbagger, but Hillary’s heart belongs to NY.
She did the best one can do without coming out against her boss.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Nonsense. Resigning is abdicating the fight.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:08 PM
I am collecting for the Hangmans fund for KSM and the other terrorists they will be convicting in NYC soon. You wanna contribute? I plan to use barbed wire instead of rope which was made from Trade Tower steel girder remnants.
I will assemble the hanging platform in Battery Park, aptly name for the military past of the island. We will sell Pat Per View tickets and donate the proceeds to the families of 9/11.
IanTrouble on November 16, 2009 at 2:09 PM
I can’t really say that Hillary wouldn’t have been as polarizing as Obama. She is, definitely, liberal.
However, he’s far worse.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:09 PM
The first step in her comeback tour as she watches Obowa dance closer to political oblivion.
Bishop on November 16, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Second guess? Did the SecState have any consultation with the Emperial Staff, maybe to…I dunno….offer a geopolitique perspective on the whole deal?
Or, is she at this very moment planting the seeds that will gestate and bear fruit at say…presidential primary time?
We can see it now:
NYT 52pt banner frontpage headline:
KSM ACQUITTED;
OBAMA FORCED TO RELEASE
Same day:
B Section, pg. 32:
H. Clinton files for primary run
BobMbx on November 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
What does Joe think about the trial? Will somebody go down in the VP Bunker, untie him from the cair, and take the duct tape off his mouth so he can tell us?
kingsjester on November 16, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Hillary who? Is she still alive? Damn. I didn’t know that. Oh, well, pass the potatoes please. And the gravy. Anyone see that game last night?
bradley11 on November 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I wonder if Clinton is looking at everything P.BO has done, and is thinking “Boy, am I glad I never had a chance to do that.”
Count to 10 on November 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
You are sadly mistaken. The “rights” of war criminals are outlined in the UCMJ, not the US Constitution. The terrorists win BIG by being allowed a public trial in civilian court.
GISAP on November 16, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Paterson is upset because BHO gave KSM his endorsement in next year’s Dem primary.
mankai on November 16, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Then we’ll get to call Moron a racist.
rbj on November 16, 2009 at 2:13 PM
3words… im – peach – ment.
moonbatkiller on November 16, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Hardly.
Resignations are often used as a weapon. They are usually a way of escalating a fight.
Count to 10 on November 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
When it’s all said and done, Hillary will be the one that takes Obama down. I don’t know how, but I just know it.
booter on November 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Badger is sarcking without a tag.
Count to 10 on November 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I was totally serious. You got me.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Paterson is having trouble seeing the brilliance of his master.
BobMbx on November 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
I have no illusions that the polarization we see today wouldn’t be the reality if she were president.
The dialogue might differ, but the reality is that Hillary would have supported HCR in some sense.
She would have been a lot more comfortable to the military.
Obama is chaotic on foreign policy. I personally did NOT wish to see her accept this position.
It is her job to express his policy.
I think he’s an idiot.
I would have much preferred to see her remain a senator.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
KSM ACQUITTED
OGABE APPOINTS HIM AS HOMELAND SECURITY DIRECTOR
Bishop on November 16, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Watch the end of this video very carefully as I think Hillary’s near slip-of-the-tongue bears out Ed Morrissey’s point that this was a less-than-enthusiastic endorsement… Specifically, Hillary mentions that she wants the death penalty for these terrorists, and she goers on to say “And if the Attorney General and veteran prosecutors feel that this is the best way to achieve that outcome, then I think they should be given the” — and then it certainly looks like she is about to say “benefit of the doubt” (which means she clealry acknowledges that this does not appear to be the best decision) — but she catches herself just in time and says instead, “the right to move forward as they see fit.”
Tiberius2 on November 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Unsafe sarc’ing is just wrong!
lorien1973 on November 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
She has no place to go. If she is not in public office, she has no base of power. She’ll just be a “former Senator” and “former First Lady.’ (Not to mention if she challenged Obama in 2012, they’d hang the “quitter” sign on her, too.)
She can’t go back and do her carpetbagging tricks in NY again, because they know she’ll only stay long enough to try for the presidency again.
She stays here, or she is pretty much is out of politics. I always assumed Obama promised her the VP slot in 2012 (Biden can’t be let loose again), to come on board. If he double-crosses here, she can’t go public with his promise.
Wethal on November 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM
booter on November 16, 2009 at 2:14 PM
I’m inclined to agree with you on that. Obama may have the “Chicago Way” on his side but it pales in comparison to the “Clinton Machine”. Somethings up, it’s only a matter of time before it rears it’s ugly head.
milwife88 on November 16, 2009 at 2:17 PM
In my complete political amateur’s opinion, Clinton is very close to the point of no return, if not past it, in remaining with the Obama administration. If she intends any further political career she needs to get out now. She still has, or might have, the possibility of a principled resignation to save her reputation. After just a little longer, she won’t have even that chance.
jwolf on November 16, 2009 at 2:17 PM
No, she has accepted her loss, with a lot of dignity.
It’s an absolute case of America overlooking the solution, in my opinion.
She was exactly the right answer at the right time.
She’s pragmatic, tough, well-informed.
Oh well. It’s over, too.
But no, she’ll not run against Obama.
She truly is out of politics.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:18 PM
*jeopardy tune playing*
cmsinaz on November 16, 2009 at 2:18 PM
There are constitutional rights and constitutional rights. The Gitmo guys are enemy combatants. They do not get the full range of rights under federal criminal law. They do get some in the military commissions. The two sets of rights are not identical.
Wethal on November 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Where can she go? I think a run for 2012 is suicide. Sitting presidents just don’t get knocked out in the primaries. Ask Teddy Kennedy, Pat Buchanan and Ronald Reagan (1976) if you don’t believe me.
I think she knows it’s a dead end for her, but it beats sitting at home pretending to care where Bill is all day long.
angryed on November 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I was struck by the tepid nature of Hillary’s “support” of the NY trial for KSM. She certainly did not sound enthusiastic and could be positioning herself for the future should this decision blow up in Obama’s face. Paterson has reason to be concerned as I read on another blog that there are companies already looking to relocate from NY over the security and traffic concerns associated with the upcoming KSM trial.
Hera on November 16, 2009 at 2:20 PM
HRC is not a player in this administration. BHO offered the SoS to keep her from sniping from the outside, when if fact others are doing BHO’s dirty work.
d1carter on November 16, 2009 at 2:20 PM
She has said over and over. It’s over.
She ran. She lost. End of story.
She’ll represent the US in the best way. I read the “behind the scenes” stories.
She’s doing her usual very good job.
Whether you’re liberal or conservative, anyone who works this hard deserves a nod.
She’s for all of us.
Hillary is no diva type. She loves America.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Why does zer0bama hate Paterson?
SouthernGent on November 16, 2009 at 2:21 PM
I’m a tornado of sarcastic destruction, unphased by the awkward faces on the posters left in my wake.
Seek shelter!
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2009 at 2:22 PM
And Obama’s decision on this trial is appalling, to even many liberal-leaning thinkers.
It’s so grossly political.
Here’s how I view it.
Let’s refocus on Bush, can’t we?
*blech*
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Was I supposed to laugh? Because I laughed.
Bishop on November 16, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Hang em, Sheriff Joe.
faraway on November 16, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Baloney.
I doubt Pavlov’s dogs stopped salivating at the sound of bells when he retired them to wherever retired lab animals go. Politics has been Hillary’s life and identity for far too long. She’ll hear the bell once again, and begin drooling….
The only difference next time is that many of us who could never have supported her against any kind of halfway reasonable candidate will be flocking to her in hopes of seeing Osama Obama put out to pasture.
MrScribbler on November 16, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Remember she was on the legal team looking into the Nixon impeachment, and then there was her hubby’s “issues”. HRC has learned that you never stop you never quit until you win. And that is why she is where she is and why she is not going anywhere…for now.
LincolntheHun on November 16, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Are you always this naive? Good lord woman.
angryed on November 16, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Kanye: “Obama hates blind people”
faraway on November 16, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Whatever Faustian deal Hillary made with Obama has come back to effectively end her Political Career unless she resigns and spills the beans on the whole treasonous bunch of them. And I ain’t holdin’ my breath for that to happen.
kingsjester on November 16, 2009 at 2:27 PM
If it came down to Hillary vs. Mitt/Huck/Pawlenty, I’d vote for Hillary.
angryed on November 16, 2009 at 2:28 PM
OT Obama slashes 60,000 jobs
faraway on November 16, 2009 at 2:28 PM
And remember kiddies always practice safe sarc’ing!
LincolntheHun on November 16, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Paterson is just getting back at Obama. Two spoiled, power-hungry entitlement politicians gouging each other. Gotta love those blue-on-blue love spats. Pass the popcorn!
evergreen on November 16, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I simply do not agree with any of you about Hillary’s ambitions.
I’ve been a huge fan of hers for years. She’s practical.
Frankly, the idea of another campaign probably make her feel sick.
She gave it her absolutely best shot. The Democratic party was loaded, against her.
They clearly haven’t changed.
It’s an insider Dem control power right now.
So, Hillary is NOT about to run again.
She is, above all, pragmatic.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:29 PM
What an idiot.
forest on November 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
But, you would have been far, far happier with her as president than obama.
*so there*
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
They got into it over Hillary’s Senate replacement. Dear Leader wanted Caroline Kennedy (D-Camelot) to repay the Kennedys’ endorsement in the Presidential race and Patterson went a different way. Next, Dear Leader has voiced support for Andrew Cuomo as the next Governor and supposedly told Patterson not to run. It’s some sweet, sweet blue on blue political hatchetry.
trubble on November 16, 2009 at 2:30 PM
I’m reckless with my sarc’ing and it’s going to eventually get someone killed.
They bought all 5,000 a number 14 with a diet coke. Supersized. For America.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Moran is a Moron……There is NO reason to doubt Patterson’s Patriotism.
BigMike252 on November 16, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Hillary isn’t running again for President.
You who think this are way off track.
Her bid is over.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:32 PM
If one sarcs with protection the feeling isn’t the same.
thomasaur on November 16, 2009 at 2:33 PM
That depends.
There are times when it is impossible to fight from the inside. Especially when you are locked out of the decision making process. An insider has to support the teams decision. To do otherwise would be disloyal to your boss.
In such a situation, resigning, so that one can fight as an outsider, is the only option.
MarkTheGreat on November 16, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Well, let’s not get carried away.
4shoes on November 16, 2009 at 2:34 PM
No Ann is a very rare creature a female troll. You can tell because she has fewer warts, pectoral protuberances and shrill laugh like the sound a cat makes when you catch its tail in the vacuum cleaner.
So even though she can cry like an emo on depressants and has the reasoning skills of a warm rock be nice.
LincolntheHun on November 16, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Are there even 5000 residents in Taladega county? That is on non-race days.
angryed on November 16, 2009 at 2:34 PM
*Cue 9/11 first responder boos from Concert for New York, October 20, 2001*
Christien on November 16, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Newbies should double sarc so it lasts longer.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Billary looks and sounds like she might be on medication. Is she sick? Or is she just sick and tired?
redwhiteblue on November 16, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Have you tried the new tag?
/s
It’s italicized, for her pleasure. Of course some our posters are better endowed with sarcasm, for them there’s the magnum sarc tag:
/s
trubble on November 16, 2009 at 2:36 PM
She is a politician, like Richard (“you won’t have Nixon to kick around any more”) Nixon and her hubby Bubba. When the election flag drops, the pragmatism stops.
That said, yes, I would obviously prefer her to Osama Obama. Hell, I’d prefer Homer Simpson as President over the Traitor-in-Chief.
MrScribbler on November 16, 2009 at 2:38 PM
I prefer Tantric sarcing.
thomasaur on November 16, 2009 at 2:39 PM
You will all eat your words.
Hillary is being honest.
She is not going to run again.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Just put Hill in the courtroom wearing a bright green pantsuit and KSM will kill himself. Problem solved.
txag92 on November 16, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Now I know 100% for sure you’re a troll. Or an idiot. Or both.
angryed on November 16, 2009 at 2:41 PM
quite humerous
faraway on November 16, 2009 at 2:41 PM
One can waive trial and plead guilty. You can’t stop a defendant. However, in a capital case, you still have to have a trial on the sentencing. I don’t see why they don’t take a plea on those who want to plead guilty down in Gitmo. While Holder may still insist that they come to NYC for the penalty trial, it would defuse the situation some what and limit some of the defense evidence.
Blake on November 16, 2009 at 2:42 PM
/no charge for spelling errors
faraway on November 16, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Paterson’s at war with Obama… I wouldn’t take that as a general dissension of the ranks.
Skywise on November 16, 2009 at 2:42 PM
And, btw, I can guarantee you that I will continually point out your mistake.
You are off the page. Hillary is authentic, and she loves this country.
So does Sarah.
They both love America, however different.
I get that.
You don’t.
So be it.
But I totally love both women.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I just hope we never elect anyone as treasonous as Obama.
Alana on November 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Yes but the ultimate question
Is there a warm up or do you just jump right in with the naked sarc swinging all around?
I would hate to commit a faux pax
LincolntheHun on November 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
She wasn’t when Bill was President.
MarkTheGreat on November 16, 2009 at 2:43 PM
I haven’t ever hidden my politics. I am a HUGE Clinton fan.
I thought Reagan was a bit of a goof.
Never liked his politics.
Never will.
But, I think that Obama is back to old politics for
dems.
I don’t support him.
AnninCA on November 16, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Does this mean Paterson is a racist now too?
WisCon on November 16, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Hillary is as authentic as Obama’s “saved or created” jobs numbers.
angryed on November 16, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Hillary’s a joke. Zero experience before being given Moynihan’s seat. Lousy performance as a U.S. senator. Pathetic excuse for a Secretary of State.
Where’s America’s Reset Button?
Christien on November 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM
I just jump right in, and I never sarc with protection.
I will likely die diseased and alone, but for now it’s an awesome ride.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM
You forgot the /sarc tag again.
MarkTheGreat on November 16, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Badger likes to sarc bareback.
And Ann must be taking LSD again. She’s suddenly forgotten how great Obama is.
ObamaCare => HillaryCare => bag of crap.
BobMbx on November 16, 2009 at 2:50 PM
In my complete political amateur’s opinion, Clinton is very close to the point of no return, if not past it, in remaining with the Obama administration. If she intends any further political career she needs to get out now. She still has, or might have, the possibility of a principled resignation to save her reputation. After just a little longer, she won’t have even that chance.
jwolf on November 16, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Reputation? As a stinking lying sack of America hating ugly witch. Is that the rep she needs to protect?
huckelberry on November 16, 2009 at 2:50 PM
I’d hit it.
If she liked men.
UltimateBob on November 16, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Yea, he thought people should be allowed to keep the money that they earned.
MarkTheGreat on November 16, 2009 at 2:51 PM
OY!
I missed this first time around, so thank you, Mark, for highlighting the Inanity of the Day.
Anyone who has followed Bubba and Hillary’s trajectory — can’t call it “careers,” really — knows that the gruesome twosome was as anti-military as Ramsey Clark while in the White House. And. no doubt, after.
Or does Hillary feel better about the military since she came under sniper fire?
(do I gotta put up that /s?)
MrScribbler on November 16, 2009 at 2:52 PM
The “only” proper answer would be that it’s inconceivable that any intelligent person would think that trying KSM in a New York court is a smart idea. If Clinton didn’t express her opposition outright, then it just proves she’s cut from the same cloth as the most liberal of these pathetic incompetents.
hawkdriver on November 16, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Real men don’t need a sarc tag to give the ladies a good time.
BadgerHawk on November 16, 2009 at 2:53 PM
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