I would be very against Bill Clinton as a caretaker senator for NY.

[yourguide]

Bill Clinton A Possible N.Y. Senate 'Caretaker?'

http://wcbstv.com/politics/ny.caretaker.senator.2.897875.html



Dont get me wrong, I loved him and I mean loved him as president. However this state is facing some pretty significant challenges including a tax crazy governor and mayor of NYC.

I want someone who will take care of the issues of this state first as well as the issues of the country.

He was a great president, but he was PRESIDENT, I doubt seriously he will show the same attention to NY state issues as Senator Schumer does.

There was a pretty significant battle over power lines in the state, upstate. I went to a rally and Schumer sent a representative to speak on his behalf as well as actively fought against it and for now it appears he's succeeded. Nothing against Hillary, but she didnt show, she didnt send a representative, and she didnt even issue a statement for the event.

I just cant imagine Bill, with the vast global work he had done as president and after his presidency really focusing a lot on smaller life issues such as power lines proposed to go up right through your neighbor's backyard.

Seriously, if I'm wrong, tell me why I'm wrong, politely. Convince me, but can you picture a man with such vast resources at his fingertips really giving a rats ass about something as small (but meaningful to the people it affects) as that?

[babylonsister]

1. I thought he's said he's definitely not interested. Has this idea

resurfaced?

[yourguide]

2. Being reported in NY today...

alongside Cuomo as another caretaker.

http://wcbstv.com/politics/ny.caretaker.senator.2.897875.html

[babylonsister]

3. Oh NO-O-O-O-O!! nt

[customerserviceguy]

4. I'd rather it be him than Caroline

At least he has some governmental experience, and although he's not really a New Yorker (but who am I to point fingers, I only moved here in April, 2007) he'd be more effective at getting things done.

[yourguide]

9. I disagree.

I think Caroline would strive to be a good public servant and do her best to uphold the Kennedy legacy.

He might be more effective at getting things done but would he really care about the issues that affect NYers or would he be looking more to get back on the big stage? I think he could get big things done, hell, I think he could broker a treaty in the middle east but power lines in upstate? He wouldnt care.

Happy New Year all...heading out for drinks!

[customerserviceguy]

21. And Caroline's experience

with power lines is what, again? Yes, Bill Clinton can get big things done, mostly because he's dealt with big things in the last sixteen years. But before that, he was a governor for many years and knows how ordinary people live, and what's important to them. His great skill at negotiating would serve him in whatever capacity he would function in.

My point is, he's not the only one with this kind of ability. Caroline hasn't demonstrated a grip on any of it, the trip she took just recently to upstate was her first one ever.

[yourguide]

24. This is not about experience.

This is about who will strive to take care of the issues, like power lines, that are small on the global stage but large on the local stage.

He WAS a governor yes, and he was president. However, after being on the global stage is he really going to be content taking care of local issues? For lack of a better term, he's overqualified for the job.

[customerserviceguy]

28. If I had to pick one end of the scale

I'd go for overqualified versus grossly inexperienced any time.

It's very possible he does not want the job. Any objections to Mario Cuomo?

[davidpdx]

5. While I'm sure it would be an honor for him to be chosen

I'm not sure he'd want to be tied down to a specific job that would limit his work on the Clinton Global Inititive.

I do think a caretaker would be the best option, then that would allow candidates to run in 2010 with no advantage over each other.

[Captain Hilts]

6. He loves policy and would get a kick out of it. And being the first man to replace his wife...

in the senate, perhaps all of Congress.

[salguine]

19. Oh, well, if Bill would get a kick out of it, then by all means. No criteria could be

more important than who would get the biggest "kick" out of it.

The US Congress isn't there to be Bill Clinton's personal Chuck E. Cheese, you know? He had his eight years, it's time for him to climb out of the plastic balls and go the fuck home.

"And being the first man to replace his wife..." You sound practically ecstatic at the mere thought, as if spousal connection is the most natural entitlement to a Senate seat. My God, who could object to that?

I'm so sick to bloody death of the feverish surge toward dynasticism from fucking EVERYBODY, it seems, whether Democrat or Republican, in this country. First, sons/daughters are prepped for Senate seats and governorships and Presidencies, then it was the additional children, then spouses...JESUS CHRIST!!

Is it me? Am I crazy!?

[AtomicKitten]

7. Clintonites are still trying to retain control of this seat, apparently.

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. Exactly. nt

[wyldwolf]

11. conspiracy theorists are still obsessing over the Clintons, apparently

[AtomicKitten]

13. The reason you can't continue to sell the CT theory is that you never consider the empiric evidence

right in front of your face. When I started to question the reality that Clintonites insist on, that's when I started seeing the often disturbing patterns of their political moves. Oh, I know you don't see it, but it's getting tougher and tougher for you to sell your CT theory when they are providing more and more evidence to doubt it.

Happy New Year.

[wyldwolf]

14. then show us "empiric" evidence Clintonites are still trying to retain control of this seat

:shrug:

[AtomicKitten]

16. It started with surrogates trash-talking Caroline Kennedy through the MSM

and now floating this new way of keeping the seat out of her hands.

The problem with this operation is the surrogates aren't smart enough to refrain from lamenting Caroline's primary support of Obama in the same breath. They ooze resentment.

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this.

I'm off for the evening. Happy New Year.

[wyldwolf]

17. "surrogates?' Who are these phantom "surrogates?"

[rvablue]

26. Let me ask you something about your definition of "surrogates"

I'm assuming you are talking about, for instance, Congressman Ackerman, who compared Kennedy with JLo.

That was lame and I thought he sounded like a prick for saying it.

So why is he a surrogate of Clinton. Because he supported her in the primary?

And if that is the case, will I be branded on here as a "trash-talking surrogate out to maintain Clinton supremacy" if I speak up and criticize something because I cast my ballot for Hillary in the primary?

That's not really fair. Especially since I've defended Obama many, many times against those who would have criticized ME months ago for the decision I made.

There is NO evidence that Ackerman was seeking to maintain "Clinton control" of the seat. In fact, despite his lame protestations, I think the guy wanted it for HIMSELF and hence, the jealousy and name-calling.

And, please don't get me wrong. I'm REALLY NOT into the idea of having President Clinton be a placeholder....the damn cable channels will probably carry a live feed every time he is on the floor and it will be a major, major distraction. The only Clinton I want to see or hear in the next four years is Secretary Clinton.

Also, I'm not for or against the Kennedy appointment. I'm fine if it does happen and fine if it doesn't.....I just wish Paterson would make a damn decision so that this story can sink.

[AtomicKitten]

29. Hillary issued a statement telling surrogates/supporters to not interfere with Caroline Kennedy

seeking the seat. Of course Clinton knew; she issued a directive.

During the election, she used surrogates to question whether Obama was selling drugs, whether he was schooled in a madrassa, and to suggest white people wouldn't vote for Obama. They were the first to mention Wright and Ayers, and Hillary herself brought up Farrakhan in a debate. She called him an elitist and that was echoed by the surrogates.

She called off the dogs in public regarding Caroline because they were barking on the radio, in print, and on TV. So we have now moved into Phase II of a means to an end. This suggestion of a "caretaker" is just another ploy. The same moves were made in the lead-up to the VP selection. Surrogates began with suggesting a coup, to suggesting a DNC bylaw could be used to force her on the ballot, etc.

It was all here on DU, amazingly, but the point is she has surrogates, she uses them, and she does control them. They have made clear their view on this appointment and since it appears it will be some time until the actual appointment is made, I expect to see more ploys floated in the media as a means to an end.

No worries. Paterson has made a public statement that he does not favor the seat-warmer idea because he wants the new junior senator to start banking seniority ASAP. He will appoint. Not "give it to _______ on a silver platter" as echoed by many Clintonites here, but the procedure as mandated by the NY legislature.

[rvablue]

32. I realize that you might not have a copy of the statement/directive that you speak

mind providing the link as to where you read about this?

Yeah, that's what I thought.......fail.

If you cannot provide a link to which you speak of, it's just more deluded fantasies...like some DUers who still think there was actually a substantive contingency of PUMAs. Wake. Up.

[AtomicKitten]

34. here you go:

You're welcome. I accept your apology.

Clinton Tells Supporters Not To Block Kennedy Appointment:
http://senatus.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/clinton-tells-supporters-not-to-block-kennedy-appointment/

Hillary Clinton Tells Supporters to Back Off Caroline Kennedy:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/12/16/2008-12-16_hillary_clinton_tells_supporters_to_back.html

Clinton Chides Supporters On Kennedy:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Clinton_chides_supporters_on_Kennedy.html

[Beacool]

33. Most of what you wrote is pure bullshit,

but since this is the start of a new year, why bother arguing with you over something that is just plain conspiracy nonsense.

:eyes:

[AtomicKitten]

35. Google stands between your version of reality and the truth. n/t

[Liquorice]

31. Exactly. Bill Clinton said he had absolutely no interest in that position. But the rumor-mongers

just keep pushing these kinds of baseless stories to smear Hillary and Bill. CDS has now spread to some in the democratic community. What a shame.

[elocs]

10. I am sure that NY has a number of people who have great credentials to be appointed Senator

and not simply an historic last name as we pine for the glory days of yesteryear.

[NashVegas]

12. Yeah, I'd So Much Rather Have Some Unknown Factor

Who will get rolled by DC pols. That'll be great.

Paterson needs to get his finger out of the air and name a nominee, either way. It's his indecision that's allowed all the bullshit to flourish.

[Grateful for Hope]

15. As a NY'er

I so agree. Thank you for your post.

[seaker]

18. Um mm...

Mr. C has had considerable experience and he also brings baggage (cargo???) that would exceed his ability to actually provide viable service beyond stroking (?)his ego.

[martymar64]

20. Please, no Clintons or Kennedys - No more dynasties, period.

Dynasties are a anachronistic vestiges of aristocracy and monarchy and have no place in this country.
If Bill or Caroline want the job, let them run for it, like everybody else does. A caretaker Senator should be from outside of the aristocratic class. To do otherwise makes the words of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution nothing more than a cruel joke on the people.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

22. Wouldn't he get MORE attention for New York problems than any other jr. senator?

It would be a great boon for New York, not a handicap.

What other caretaker appointment in Senate history has entered the body as one of the most influential people in it?

Even if his interest in local matters is low his power would be high so in terms of legislation before the Senate the NY position would be stronger. If Patterson or Schumer said, we need XYZ Clinton would be well positioned to make a real difference in passage.

So at worst it ought to even out.

I can imagine objections, but not that it would disadvantage New York.

[yourguide]

25. I gave the example about the NYRI rally

to make a point. I think Hillary as Senator would probably pay more attention to local issues than Bill and again she didnt show up, send a representative, or send a statement.

I could only imagine the issues that would fall by the wayside with him in the drivers seat dealing with larger global issues because he can.

The man is brilliant but overqualified. Would be the equivalent of the head of lehman brothers being hired as a broker at merrill lynch.

[karynnj]

30. Not only that - but on the larger global issues,

he will have to fight with the Chair to be in the drivers seat - and I doubt they will cede either the staff or the position. Also, as HRC is going to be S o S, I assume that Kerry has a very valid reason NOT to select him for SFRC, which oversees State - it would be a major conflict of interest. (yes I know McConnell, the minority leader was married to Chao, Bush's secretary of Labor)

I also think that it would eliminate Clinton's independence - he would have to be in DC for much of the week in all weeks the Senate is in session and he would be expected to spend some time in NYS. Now, Clinton can take any issue he is interested in and set up a forum and work on it with businessmen and people at various levels of government. Why would he trade that to be a Senator who will not even be a chair of a committee?

[Mass]

23. Slow news day? He already said he was not interested.

Apparently, AP needed to recycle some potentially controversial news.

Or rather they needed a title that would make people read or listen to something. There is NOTHING in the article, not even a comment or an unnamed source that states that his name is under consideration.

[rvablue]

27. I like the Clintons. I voted for Hillary in the primary. And NO!, this is not a good idea. n/t

[Beacool]

36. Heck, at least he would be overqualified for the job,

not that he wants it anyway.

:shrug: