Dartblog

Well, she’s done it again. After weeks of attempting to clean up her act, Hillary Clinton’s gone negative. Today, Sen. Clinton responded to repeated comments that she should recognize Barack Obama’s lead in both won and pledged delegates and withdraw from the race accordingly. Speaking to the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader editorial board, Clinton said “My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don’t understand it.”

Mentioning the assassination of Bobby Kennedy is a particularly dirty move as assassination concerns have hounded Sen. Obama throughout the primary season. African Americans were hesitant to support Obama initially, in hopes of protecting him. He received Secret Service protection earlier than any other candidate at the request of Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Illinois), but fears linger. Banking on a successful assassination of her adversary is not a strategy I would recommend, but clearly Clinton is desperate. It is a tough time for her campaign as the remaining contests dwindle and she remains behind Obama.

Months ago, I predicted that Clinton would win the nomination. I saw the strength of the Clinton machine and the potential support for a female candidate and discounted Obama as a youthful and charismatic, but inexperienced man who would go far in politics, but not to the nomination this cycle. Clinton’s insider status hurt her, in addition to her repeated negative campaigning. While I can say that I’m pleased that she probably will not be the first female president (I’m still holding out hope for a Republican), I know that the presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain, will face a serious challenge. Both candidates hold strong appeal for independents. The race will probably be decided based on which of these candidates can mobilize traditional party voters while maintaining their widespread independent appeal.

I can only offer this advice to Ms. Clinton- if you are truly interested in the VP slot, then suggesting that your greatest opponent could find themselves assassinated by the end of the next month probably is not the best place to start. Bow out gracefully, wish him well, and continue to court party leaders who could sway him to add you to the ticket. You might also want to avoid mentioning the Kennedys until the initial mourning period for the diagnosis of that most liberal of men, Ted Kennedy, passes. Finish with class and you might be surprised by the reaction.