I guess that I should start with a disclaimer. I have a bet with my friend Danny that Hillary Clinton won’t be the Democratic Party’s nominee in 2016. It is for our usual amount – $1, but I would hate for anyone to think that my wager might color my opinion.
Clinton fatigue is sweeping the nation. Don’t get me wrong. I voted for Bill Clinton in both 1992 and 1996. I worked on both campaigns. And I voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primary. But this isn’t 2008 and, in truth, this doesn’t even feel like a Democratic Party issue. It has been the Republicans who have nominated tired politicians, long past their sell-by date, simply because it was their turn. Think 2008. Think 2012.
Why would the Democrats trip down this same path?
Experience? Mrs. Clinton has that in spades. She is the first First Lady to be elected to the U.S. Senate. She is the first to serve as Secretary of State. It is one Hell of a resume. But, there are the unending list of scandals, near-scandals, and worst of all, unforced errors that make any serious Clinton candidacy, much less another presidency, exhausting.
“1993 was the first year of the Clinton Crises Administration. Every issue, budget, NAFTA, etc… will supposedly make or break the presidency. So far he has won each fight, so thank G-d, the United States continues. But, either these people like to walk on the edge of cliffs or someone is crying wolf.”
The above was part of the annual letter I sent my clients in 1993. Twenty-one years later and nothing has changed. We’re always moments away from the next battle royal. And the Clintons, always just within the letter of the law but well outside the spirit of the law, win the battles as we lose the war.
Emails? Please. I’m already tired.