How Low Will Clinton Stoop? Her Old Friend Asks
EmailOn his blog today, former Clinton Administration Labor Secretary Robert Reich — a longtime friend of both Hill and Bill — takes issue with the campaign and increasingly negative tone coming from his former boss’s wife.
"Why is HRC stooping so low?" he asks.
"I’m becoming increasingly concerned about the stridency and inaccuracy of charges in Iowa — especially coming from my old friend."
Reich says that when Clinton attacks Obama on raising the cap on Social Security taxes "she’s simply not telling the truth." On health care, he says, Clinton "has no grounds for alleging" that Obama’s plan "would leave out 15 million people."
The tipping point seems to have come yesterday when Clinton assailed Obama voters in Iowa, saying Iowans will be able to choose "between someone who talks the talk, and somebody who’s walked the walk."
Asked by a reporter if what she perceives as Obama’s shortcomings brought his "character" into question, she said: "It’s beginning to look a lot like that."
Says Reich: "I just don’t get it. If there’s anyone in the race whose history shows unique courage and character, it’s Barack Obama. HRC’s campaign, by contrast, is singularly lacking in conviction about anything. Her pollster, Mark Penn, has advised her to take no bold positions and continuously seek the political center, which is exactly what she’s been doing. All is fair in love, war, and politics. But this series of slurs doesn’t serve HRC well. It will turn off voters in Iowa, as in the rest of the country. If she’s worried her polls are dropping, this is not the way to build them back up."
That’s a tough criticism from an old friend. Reich, as I understand it, has not endorsed any candidate.
– jt
CPAC: Romney Struggles to Convince Voters 
Obama Backs Off Birth Control Battle?
This seems to be one of the most compelling critiques of the campaign thus far. Reich is an old friend of the Clinton’s and one who knows his subject matter.
This is a difficult commentary for Wolfson and Penn to counter. If this story gains legs it could really hurt HRC. If I were Obama, this would be my #1 response to her attacks.
Posted by: Will Gibbs | December 3, 2007, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
I heard that HRC is now asking her supporters to throw limbo parties – to get them in the mood. :)
Posted by: Sean O'Brien | December 3, 2007, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
This Journalist is a Conservative Republican…. That should make people wonder why he is SO EAGER for Obama to win, and not Hillary…. Maybe he too knows Obama is NOT electable in the South and the MidWest states when it comes to General Election…
Posted by: tommy | December 3, 2007, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
It goes to show how polarizing Hillary Clinton is! She refused to release her White House Record on which she based her experienc on. She was never had any cabinet post in Clinton presidency, yet she goes about saying she has experience. The only task force she headed (Healtcare) was a disaster. If she goes negative ob Obama, Obama has plenty of “ammunitions” to fire back. From Vince Foster’s death, travelgate, whitewater scandal, Ross billing scandals, etc. She has more negatives than Obama. If she wants to rehearse the 1990s again, the American public will loose interest in her. To conclude, the Bush/Clinto era is over. These two corrupt families have deceitfully hypnotized the American public for over 28 years.
Posted by: Sam Lobey | December 3, 2007, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
There’s not a rock to tiny or too large for her to crawl under, low is a compliment to hillieary.
Posted by: William F. E. | December 3, 2007, 2:02 pm 2:02 pm
This news account will have to play out for a while for other players to respond to or to comment on before I make anything out of it. I don’t know about the Social Security tax question but the health care issue, I’ve never read anything that says Obama’s plan aims for universal coverage from the get go, not even from Obama himself. If the figure of 15 million is exaggerated, the article should say that and offer a new number.
Posted by: Jose C | December 3, 2007, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
Sam Lobey’s comments only makes wonder why the GOP candidates have been crowning Hillary as the nominee, not why this journalist is reporting what Reich is saying. The GOP candidates want Hillary to win the nomination for a reason. She’s the one that they can beat.
Posted by: David Johnson | December 3, 2007, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
While Obama is pointing out differences on policy, all the while complimenting HRC as being a good person and smart politician, HRC get’s personal and goes right into mudslinging mode.
Robert Reich is a HIGHLY credible source. HRC is gonna pay electoraly for these baseless slurs. It is going to drive her negatives higher than they already are. People in Iowa have been focusing on the issues, and how the candidates face criticism. Barack Obama continues to show class head and shoulders above the Clinton Campaign in how he handles baseless personal attacks. If anyone is acting like a strong leader, it is Barack Obama.
Thanks goes out to Mr. Reich from this Democrat. No more Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton…Enough already.
Posted by: Steve McGuire | December 3, 2007, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
Strong words from Reich, a man who is well-regarded (and deservedly so) by the left. The Clinton campaign may be reacting to Obama’s footsteps, which they must hear gaining on them.
Posted by: DKNY | December 3, 2007, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
Anyone who knows anything about Reich knows that he is way to the left of the Clintons, even though he worked for Bill. in the 90′s He is an upper middle class progressive with an academic background, exactly the type of person who would support Obama. The fact that he says he is remaining “neutral” (instead of supporting his former boss’ wife) indicates to me that he is an Obama supporter.
Posted by: Michael | December 3, 2007, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
Huh???? “I just don’t get it. If there’s anyone in the race whose history shows unique courage and character, it’s Barack Obama.
…. Obama has no real history and that is the biggest issue confronting him. Nice guy … but not this time.
Posted by: Jackson | December 3, 2007, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
Could not agree more with this article. Hillary seems to really be grasping at straws here and her credibility continues to drop in my mind…
Posted by: Andy Schweig | December 3, 2007, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Well, she is only showing her true colors, how low will she stoop?? as low as she has to.
Co’mon she will crawl on her knees, but not give a straight answer —. She probably makes a good senator, would she be in that part if her husband hadn’t been president — doubt it –
Posted by: Paulet | December 3, 2007, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
As an independent who is lending towards Hilary I agree with this blogger. Hilary has stooped too low in attacking Mr Obama. Its silly , she is stressed by polls. If she continues down this road im afraid she is will lose all three early voting states
Posted by: EE | December 3, 2007, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
This is a rare instance of poor reporting on Jake Tapper’s part. Reich and Hill/Bill split on poor terms almost ten years ago after Reich repaid Bill Clinton’s friendship and loyalty by publishing a gossipy, tell-all memoir of his days as a cabinet officer in the Clinton administration. Bill Clinton subsequently went so far as to campaign AGAINST Reich when Reich ran for governor of Massachusetts. Reich now appears to be trying to get even with Bill by besmirching Hillary. Reich also, by default, is calling Paul Krugman’s judgement into question (Krugman has attacked Obama’s health plan) and Krugman’s position as liberal- pundit- in- chief, a position Reich has always felt should be rightfully his. Poor form.
Posted by: Leon Miller | December 3, 2007, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm
Note to Hillary Rodham Clinton and her campaign, please stop taking the American public for a bunch of fools and show some decency. Please stop with the baseless, manipulative attacks on Senator Obama. This is not ‘fun’ for us.
Posted by: TNYC | December 3, 2007, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
It’s been often said that we are the architects of our own misfortunes–never more true than in this instance. It would seem that Sen. Clinton is becoming much more strident, with major tolls being taken on the truth, and is simply undermining her own candidacy. It could be that she’s taking a lesson from her husband, who’s now saying that he was against the war in Iraq from its outset. Historical revisionism, anyone?
Nevertheless, none of this bodes well for her: if she wins in Iowa after these exercises in histrionics, she will no doubt feel it necessary to repeat this formula in other states against other candidates, turning more voters against her in the process; if she loses, she’ll no doubt bring up gender issues where none exist, again turning more voters against her. A true lose-lose situation!
Posted by: chuck | December 3, 2007, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
Obama’s Supporters seem to be playing the RACIAL CARD very well….. THey don’t seem to mind calling MANY people RACISTS, just because most people believe he is NOT ready….. sad….
Posted by: tommy | December 3, 2007, 3:38 pm 3:38 pm
It seems that Obama’s campaign is very sensitive to any kind of statement made asking real question or position, or just making contrast position between him and any candidate. I thin Obama is the most one to explain his real agenda. So far the press has giving him a TOTAL free ride and very little scrutiny of his pass in Illinois and elsewhere. The truth is that we in Illinois haven’t seen or known any major accomplishments when he was sate legislature or when in Washington. Is also truth that he started to run from the presidency from DAY ONE of his arrival in Washington. It’s time for him instead of being defensive to any questions, to really start answering those questions with real proposals.
It makes you wonder when the real Obama will show up, who are the real power behind the mask; because as much as they want to spin the “CHANGE” the real fact is that he will not be able to make that changes without having any experience, showing any leadership experience, national or international, and by having his hands tie-up to powerful interest, big donors, lobbies from Illinois, the Daley machine, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, and who knows else. Ah, I can forget Oprah, Bloomberg and now Karl Rove, all they are with Obama or giving him FREE advice.
Posted by: Pete | December 3, 2007, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm
Whoever is advising Mrs Clinton to “get tough” is doing her a disservice. This is just playing into the hands of those who will say that this shows how nasty she is, instead of how experienced she is.
Posted by: Bob | December 3, 2007, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
For Tommy, –”Obama’s Supporters seem to be playing the RACIAL CARD very well….. THey don’t seem to mind calling MANY people RACISTS, just because most people believe he is NOT ready….. sad….”
What in heavens name are you talking about? When and where did this occur? I want to know. Specifics would be helpful. But then again, you probably don’t have any. Sounds a lot like Hillary, you must be taking lessons from her.
Posted by: TNYC | December 3, 2007, 3:50 pm 3:50 pm
To Leon– You are right, Reich and Hill/Bill split on poor terms long time ago and he does on the Fox, MSNBC talk shows bashing the Clintons all the time. That doesn’t sounds like a friend tome.
To Pete– You are right about makes you wonder Obama’s FREE advice he is getting from powerful people. I am sure they will help you make the RIGHT CHANGES; but for who?
Hillary like every other candidate needs to answer to constants negative attacks, even when those attacks are made with “humor and open smile” quoting Rove’s advice to Obama!
Posted by: Mark | December 3, 2007, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
This one is for Pete,
“It’s time for him instead of being defensive to any questions, to really start answering those questions with real proposals.”
Hi Pete, it seems to me that Hillary has been running for President ever since Bill ran in 1992. What does that have to do with anything?
And if Senator Obama has accomplished nothing in his career, then why is it that most of Chicago (besides you) is openly supporting Barack? He has accomplished a number of things during his time in the state legislature including passing a Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. He also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, to name a few accomplishments. We can’t forget his years as a community organizer and a professor who taught constitutional law for 10 YEARS.
It should also be noted that Senator Obama has put out new plans on technology (internet access), fighting global warming very recently. What has Clinton done? What is her experience exactly? Barack has more legislative experience that Hillary (10 total in both the state legislature and the Senate.
Posted by: TNYC | December 3, 2007, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
To Pete, — You are right on Obama and his record. He was lucky to be elected in Illinois.
To TNYC– Nice try! Is that all you got about Obama accomplishments. If that’s all he has to show, oh boy…we are in trouble if he ever gets elected, wish I doubt it.
Tnyc nice spin by the way; but is time to be serious and as the “sensitive Obama” for real answers, he as a candidate NEEDS to answer. They are not running for any celebrity contest or reality show, they are running for the Presidency of the USA, for the leader of the world. Obama can he ready in 10 years or so but isn’t now. Let’s be honest about it.
Posted by: Sandra | December 3, 2007, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm
hillary is the one who isnt electable, i have seen enough already to sink her ship a thousand times once the big republican money comes in. i dont know about obama, but he doesnt seem to be as polarizing as hillary. all of this hillary bashing by the time the general election comes around and people will be sick of hearing her name.i think obama is the best chance of winning. and more than a good chance, the republicans dont have one great candidate but everyone of the top 5 would beat hillary in a general election if it were held today. i would think republicans would fear obama much more than hillary, obama would win if the election were held today.
Posted by: reagandemocrat | December 3, 2007, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
Sandra,
During his time in the Illinois state senate, he helped to pass key legislation to stop lobbyists from giving gifts member of the government, he helped to pass a racial profiling ban for law enforcement, as well as a major overhaul of the death penalty. I could go on, but there’s no point when everything is listed on Barack’s website.
I don’t want to wait. I’m tired of politics as usual. I believe Barack is the best candidate because of his transparency, his wide cross over appeal, his incredible grassroots movement, and his commitment to changing Washington. It’s time for a change. It’s time for Barack Obama.
Posted by: TNYC | December 3, 2007, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm
Hillary Clinton is an opportunistic, poll-driven political animal who stands for nothing Mark Penn doesn’t tell her to. She is a soul-less politico who, while smart, does not have it what it takes to bring the country together and truly lead. Senate majority leader, maybe, but she ain’t no Bill and never will be.
Posted by: Patricia Hallinan | December 3, 2007, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
if hillary were to win, its starting to look like 1/3 of the democrats who usually vote would either not vote in the general election, or worse.
Posted by: sheppy | December 3, 2007, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
OK, so if the leader candidates are to many:
Hillary,opportunistic, calculated, cold, etc.etc.etc and Obama, fake, light weight in issues, inexperienced, etc. What we have left? Time to look at Edwards, Biden and the other candidates seriously and end this “celebrity context between Hilalry and Obama.
I think they both will lose if they get the nomination. To many people hates Hillary, to many republicans do, and sadly many of the new Obama followers hate Hillary even more; and there is not way Obama will will, not chance regardless his followers say.
Posted by: Sam | December 3, 2007, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
I’d just like to echo the consensus of the commenters and give kudos to the ABC News Correspondent for picking up the story.
Posted by: tlr | December 3, 2007, 8:15 pm 8:15 pm
About time ABC started posting stories that show Hillary’s negative side. I guess they ran out negative Obama stuff.
Posted by: bob | December 3, 2007, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
get dirty hillary
Posted by: jen kennedy | December 3, 2007, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
This is huge. Reich is a very smart, well respected, prominent Democrat who know the Clintons very well. His “endorsement” of Obama and criticism of Hillary is extremely significant. Looks like Obama is starting to build his cabinet.
Posted by: bob | December 3, 2007, 8:42 pm 8:42 pm
This country will do well with Hilary and Hilary will do well for this country. I cannot believe the people who get their marching orders from “HATE” TV and “HATE” radio, it seems that most of them have loss the ability to think for themselves, as you can see that their comments they mirror the comments on hate TV and hate radio – check the newspaper comment sections. If they were really concern about where Hilary would take this country they would really be expressing their utter discuss about where the Bush administration has already taken us – which is down – way way down ! surplus long gone, thousands of lives loss for a completely unnecessary war, 1 trillion and counting taken from our national treasury – that our children will need to pay for, 50 billion paid to insurgents to stop attacking our troops – al least for now or until we stop paying them again, 12 billion in 100 dollar bills they claim is just missing – the list of unbelievable stuff just goes on and on and with no lessons learned from the past when we gave weapons and billions to the Taliban not to mention all the weapons and billions more dollars we gave Sodom Hussein during the Iraq – Iran wars, those plane load of weapons Ollie gave to the Iranians – why and what for ? was any of those weapons sent to the insurgents in Iraq ?. Now days our economy is in shambles, we are on the verge of a recession, this administration has been wrong about so many things that our respect around the world has been soiled, as Scott McCulin said he lad to lend the administration some credibility, Tony Snow was kind with his “somewhat of an embarrassment” remark – so Do your homework folks – then decide – because one more Bush like neo-con like administration could well do us in! Our founding fathers prevail over the most powerful military on earth because bullets will never be a substitute for the will of the people!
Posted by: TYSPOCK | December 3, 2007, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm
Attention Hillary-lovers — the Oprah rally in SC for this weekend has “sold out”!! They are free tickets but clearly a bunch of folks are going to be there. Looks like the Oprah effect is for real!
Posted by: bob | December 3, 2007, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm
how low will hillary stoop? rofl, i think theres definietely a place where she wont possibly go lower than no matter what happens ever, ever ever…. oh never mind, she will go lower than everyone else, crown her the winner if that is how we choose our nominees. :(((((((((((((((((
Posted by: rakefrost | December 3, 2007, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm
Another attack piece.. NEXTTTTTTTTTTT
Posted by: chris | December 4, 2007, 3:35 am 3:35 am
As the inevitability factor fades, watch the press turn on her. Like Don Henly’s dirty laundrt. Kick ‘em when there up, Kick’em m when there down.
Posted by: Judy Fox | December 4, 2007, 4:06 am 4:06 am
Painful that a country that is supposed to be a world leader is so churned up inside and out by the prospect of a woman president or a black president.
Grow up, you people. In case you haven’t noticed, the world has changed and has been doing so for a very very long time.
Grow up, for goodness’ sake!
Posted by: jbhenry, London | December 4, 2007, 7:18 am 7:18 am