Hillary Clinton made this comment at a meeting with the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader's editorial board while campaigning in South Dakota in defense her decision to stay in the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination against Barack Obama:
"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."
Later today, the campaign's official statement was made by spokesman, Mo Elleithe: "She was simply referencing her husband in 1992 and Bobby Kennedy in 1968 as historical examples of the nominating contest going well into the summer. Any, any reading into it beyond that is inaccurate."
Here is Hillary Clinton's own statement made more recently: "I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation, particularly for the Kennedy family was in any way offensive. I certainly had no intention of that whatsoever. My view is that we have to look to the past and to our leaders who have inspired us and give us a lot to live up to and I'm honored to hold sen. Kennedy's seat in the United States Senate in the state of New York, and have the highest regard for the entire Kennedy family."
This isn't the first time Hillary has made a reference to Bobby Kennedy but it is the first time she actually used the forbidden word "assassination" on camera. You can read the complete story here:
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/05/23/1058940.aspx
Do you think she can recover from this or do you feel as some TV commentators do, that this is unforgivable?
Annie
[question posted by anniepa]responses and comments:
I t does seem a harsh statement. I just don't know. In my opinion, throughout this, media and political commentaries have been harder on her. I don't know if they just don't like her. Or if it is because she is female. However, the Kennedy reference is in terrible taste, no matter what. It could be the final straw. [ersmommy1]
I think people who don't like Hilary are going to pick up on any little thing she says and find ways to make it negative. I think people just need to stop being so nit picky. I really don't see this statement making a difference in the outcome. Those who were planning on voting for her are sure to see the true meaning in her statement, and not believe the twisted words of the media. Those who weren't voting for her still aren't. [katsmeow1213]
What exactly did she say that was so wrong. I heard the news, and I read your discussion and I STILL fail to see what is so offensive. So Bobby Kennedy was assassinated. We all know that.. it's no secret.. so what was wrong that she did that. She was only referencing the month of June.. and I fail to see what Bobby Kennedy had to do with her campaigning to stay in the race. What is everyone up in the air about? I don't think she said anything she needs to apologize for. [OreoCookie3]
Her point was supposed to be that Bobby Kennedy was still campaigning in June...when he was killed. [kenzie45230]
I personally don't think this is that big of a deal. She didn't compare herself to Kennedy directly. That was a really long time ago anyway,and I'm not sure what the primary schedule was like then. I think she's just grasping at straws. [snowy22315]
Hello Annie, One of our dogs had major surgery yesterday. So, my assignment is to keep him down & quiet. As such, I did not personally hear Hillary's comment. Though, Hubby heard it on the radio, and apprised me of the remark when he got home from work. Suffice it to say, my jaw 'bout near hit the floor. As you know, I am no fan of Hillary Clinton. Though, I have to admit that my first reaction is that the pressure must really be getting to her. Will she survive such a gaff? I cannot say. I guess the answer lies with the American People, and just how truly fed up they have become with PCism, and its oppressive mandate to place fear of reprisal over expressing our true thoughts and feelings. That is IF hers really was a Freudian slip. Which, let's face it -- is what everybody is really wondering! With the many references made about the fear of a possible assassination attempt against Obama, beginning with his own campaign's comments, how could Hillary have not considered the possibility? Add to that the fury over Rev. Wright, and some of Obama's own statements, and I would reluctantly admit that Obama is probably wearing a rather large bullseye. Much as I hate to admit it, there are alot of nuts out there! Hey, it only took one love-sick nut who wanted to impress Jody Foster, to bring about an assassination attempt against President Reagan. Was it in poor taste? ABSOLUTELY! Especially in light of Ted Kennedy's recent medical diagnosis -- with the painful realities of mortality and loved ones lost surely weighing heavily on every Kennedy family members minds. We can expect Hillary's campaign to be very apologetic, and humble for the foreseeable future. However, I believe that it's important to recognize that the reality is that it is blind submission to PCism that has molded our societal reaction to such a statement. If we're all honest and objective, then we cannot help but remember that many Presidential campaigns have gotten alot uglier than this. [ladyluna]
Good morning Annie, Thank you so much for the well-wishes for our four-legged patient. He is the reason why I was unable to thank you sooner. As his recovery is going so well, that he thinks himself a freight train, making the assignment to keep him "down & quiet" a rather formidable task! Thank you for sharing that you personally remember both the Kennedy and King assassinations. While I was either not yet born, or too young to personally remember those moments in history, I am cognizent of how painful those memories are for a great many people. As well, Mohandes Ghandi, Anwar Sadat, Yuk Yeong-Su (the 1st Lady of S. Korea), the 'close call' against Ronald Reagan, Benazir Bhutto, and far, far too many more. Each of these leaders attacked by thugs, and the hundreds more listed at the link below, represent the painful reminder that as a species, we are not nearly as advanced, or as civil as we might like to think. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assassinated_people I agree that Hillary most certainly regrets her choice of words. And yes, it certainly has been a season for gaffs and "misspeaks". Though the exploration of possible reasons for the volume of those mistatements is a topic for another day, or at least its own discussion, eh? [ladyluna]
You know, I just can't quite figure out what her statement even had to do with anything. I sure didn't connect it to any possible attempt on Obama, although I am guessing that is what she was talking about. It is almost like the statement came out of nowhere, and that she was just rambling. To me the statement makes no sense at all. [Destiny007]
I didn't hear her statement at all. My wife told me about it while I was involved in a heated discussion on another topic, and I didn't even connect the dots. I saw what she supposedly said and I still had to reach as the report only involved one sentence she said. This morning I find that she was basically saying she was staying in just in case something happened to Obama, and then the democrats would need a candidate. That was from an opinion piece though. I see her logic, and I know that she only has the best interest of the party at heart. After all, this is a Clinton... a family that America has loved and revered for nearly 16 years now. I applaud her dedication and sacrifice to a party that has basically turned their back on her for an unknown upstart who has yet to finish his first term. I think it is big of her to be ready to step in just in case something unfortunate may befall Obama. I agree that the "A" word was unfortunate, but hey... it was just a LITTLE Freudian slip. Surely America can be big enough to overlook such a thing. After all, she has half a million invested in her campaign and I figure that she is wearing down and getting tired. Mistakes happen, and as we all know... It's the thought that counts. [Destiny007]
Well that is one way to make sure you don't get elected president. Go on national television and offend the most beloved Democratic family in American history. Way to go Hillary, not. [Rozie37]
I think this is being made too big of a deal. Let's put things in perspective people, I think the reason she is being poked at is that she is a woman....Now mind you, I plan on voting for Obama, only because i feel he would make a stronger and more of a better leader based on how he wants to change things, I just never had been into Hilary clinton but I think she is a remarkable and strong woman for going for what she wants, To go for president nominee this is a very pioneering event for women, as well as for African Americans, but unfortunately for Hilary, she is easy to attack.....This is what gives Obama a break, if Hilary was a guy, I think all the attack would be towards Obama as the "Incompetant" delegate nominee! [sanell]
Democrats should be ashamed of them selfs beating their own Hillary Clinton up with their ugly spoons every time they possibly can. I'm not a democrat but if I was my vote would be placed on Hillary Clinton. Today,in her statement she was pointing out Bill Clinton gain his victory in the month of June. Robert Kennedy was assassinated in the month of June 1968. Good and bad has happened in the month of June so she is going to play her hand out until the month of June. It has been most interesting to watch how this all is playing out. Democrats Hillary Clinton friends,people she has went to bat for more then thirty years has endorsed Barack Obama. Senator Ted Kennedy,bless his heart,gave his endorsement to Obama. Senator Kennedy is about 76 years old and as we know has a brain tumor that can not be removed surgically. Senator Kennedy has stated in public he thinks he sees his brothers John F.Kennedy and Robert Kennedy in Barack Obama. John and Robert Kennedy was true blue Americans they loved their country and they both spent their last day on earth fighting for a country all of their life's they was very proud of. John F. Kennedy the American people young and old simply loved the man. I was nineteen years old I cried my heart out with American the day our beloved president was gunned down. I still cry when I think back to that dreadful dark day in Dallas,Texas when a mad man took John F. Kennedy's life. Senator Kennedy is dreaming before he to is gone from this earth once again his eyes will see the good old day's when the Kennedy's was in office. Even tho them days are forever gone Ted Kennedy hopes Barack Obama is a man such as his two brothers was. President Kennedy had a woman problem we all know this is true,but we could bet his heart was for one hundred per cent for old glory. When the red phone rang at 3 A.M. we could sleep in our Beds peacefully because we know in our heart of hearts our good president stood tall on the side of the red,white and blue,ready to defend American twenty-four seven. Barack Obama started out he was the uniter of people. Hillary Clinton has earned the place of Vice President if Obama is the chosen candidate to run against John McCain in the fall. In my opinion I do not believe Obama will pick Hillary Clinton to be the vise president. The uneducated democrat voter knows a Obama/Clinton ticket would be the dream ticket, don't you agree? Obama,running on he is the man that unites people,words ~only words. Perhaps Barack Obama would not want the Clinton's looking over his right shoulder,if he was the president of the United States Of American. In a interview with Ahmed Yousef, chief political adviser of the Gaza strip,he said,he hopes that Obama is elected president of the United States. Top Hamas officials have endorsed Obama and they are signing their praises to him. I suppose if Obama becomes president of the United States he can sit down with these groups of state terrorist thugs and reasons with them, for cetain no person in the world before has been able to do this. Maybe Obama has the magic that will make these groups see after 4,000 years of teaching the roots of bitterness and hate,they have been wrong. Maybe,Obama can make them see after thousands of years hating Israel calling them both evil and Satan they have been wrong. Maybe Obama can get them to stop teaching their little children out of their mothers womb that American is a evil place. For heaven sakes I hope Obama will get them to understand it is not the will of God for children to strap live bombs on their bodies and go out and murder innocent people around the globe. Barack Obama is less then half black more like 12% black then his mothers parents was white and his fathers father had some Arabian blood in him,Obama father and grand father was born in the middle east. Barack Obama has shared much in common with men in the middle east so maybe he can convince them they have been wrong for all these centuries. It all has been very interesting to watch it being play out. Excuse me if I repeat,my vote would be casted for Hillary Clinton because of all things I know she loves her country and all of her life has been proud of AMerican. Hillary Clinton's heart of hearts same as the Kennedy's is 110% for Old glory MSNBC has talked about Hillary Clinton as if she is a dirty little democrat doggies. They love to beat her with their ugly sticks it has been most unfair and disgusting coverage is way to many ways. NBC I heard just got a law suit from the government for their degrading coverage on the war,more have earned the same result. I switched over to Fox news because the coverage is fair they cover each candidate with out insulting and demeaning them as human beings. Thanks for letting me butt in to your democrat blog, glad you have Hillary Clinton fighting her heart out for your party,pay it forward vote Hillary,you may be glad that you did in the end. [kennyrose]
Annie, I have fox news on all most seven dasys a week,I have not hear Hannity say any thing about the Clinton's and murder personally,but I may have missed what he said about murdr and the Clinton's. I do know he covers Barach Obama a great deal and he has coved a great of information on Obama. I have turn over to MSNBC and they do knock Hillary Clinton more then I care to hear. I'm not a Clinton fan but I do feel she has been let down and kicked around by her own party. It is clear to me MSNBC favors Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. Far as murder I do remember back some years ago when a man with the last name of Foster was found dead in his car. Seems if I recall theur was something big about to break when he came up strangely dead. I believe Hillary Clinton was reported as to going to Foster's office shedding papers and there was a lot of talk about her doing this soon as the word was out Foster was found dead in his car. It was made to appear Foster took his own life but their was a great deal of suspicion of his untimely death being actually murder. Other then this I have no idea as to what Hannity may had been referring to in regard to Clinton's and murder. The latest beef about Hillary Clinton saying in the month of June certain things in politics big has happened. In June 1968 Robert Kennedy assassination and Bill Clinton wrapping his primary in mid June of 1992 in California. One family member of the Kennedy clan made a statement that Hillary Clinton was not being hateful but on pointing out historical political facts both good and bad,has happen in the month of June. I'm a fair person and fan or not of the Clinton's in general,I do feel Hillary has been very much picked apart from the start of her campaign. Personal I do believe Hillary Clinton is the better of the two democrats canidates. She has a lot of what it takes to stand her ground even when her own party has attacked her as they have. Thanks as always for your thoughtful post. [kennyrose]
If she is loved by the people, they will not mind this tackless comment. I think her loss is showing and she is becoming aggressive and tackless. i also think she should give up the race because she might blew it up even more. [everlasting]
I am definitely not a Hillary Fan but, I feel these matters do need to be brought to voters attention. After all, look who was behind these terrible tragedies!!!!! [lttlmischievious]
I think that due to the heat of the campaign it was a poor statement to make, but don't we all say things "in the heat of the moment" that we immediately wish we had not said? She might be able to recover, somewhat, if the media doesn't keep pushing the comment on us every 15 minutes. I may be naive, but I still have faith in her ability to run this country (with or without Bill), and I think women have been denied too much due to the "glass ceiling" that exists in all areas. I'm normally a rather forgiving person. In this instance due to the pressures of the campaign, I think I'd find myself even more forgiving. The rest of the country? I don't think they'll be too forgiving and most will be looking for her to pull out. Memo to self: How does that saying go? "Do unto others ..." (C) 2008 RJScott [rjscott]
I don't think it is. I think she was just quoting historical facts. I don't see anything wrong with that. It wasn't like she was making fun or anything. I don't think she will get the nomination anyway so I don't think what she says matters that much. [skinnychick]
Yes we all read and listen to the Media. What are trying to say in this long article /post of yours?? Are you asking for our opinion? or just you didn't have any thing to post so you choosed this topic. One way or another Hillary is not done yet and she will defeat Obama. [coolguy01]
Wow, is someone feeling a bit cranky today? All I can say to you is if you don't know what I'm trying to say in what you apparently feel is too long a post, why did you respond to it? Or maybe YOU didn't have anything else to post so I'm the lucky one you chose to attack? By the way, Alice, how are things in Wonderland? Annie [anniepa]
I give her credit; she is hanging in there and not giving up. This has been a real funny race and Nov will tell alot. I guess that everyone has to wait and see who is and who is not going to be president. [twallace]
she might have made that statement because she is quite confused right now but i still believe that hilary clinton is the best candidate that can face mccain in the presidential elections, i am a black man but i would love to see hilary becoming the next president while Obama should be her deputy [delaks44]
Personally, I feel a lot of it is because she is a Woman, and such is why they are attacking her like this, and afraid there are a lot of people really continuing to back her, so people are getting scared, and trying anything they can to make people change their mind. Because when ever anything Obama does and says nothing is either questioned, or people never seem to notice, or say it is no Big deal. For me, this is how Politics always has and always will be. I say let the 2 continue to run against each other and let them prove to us and others what they are really about. In todays economy I am surprized people are worried about things like this, and not who can benefit us before things get even worse. Just my thoughts. [KrauseHome]
I can not understand her comments at this point and her explanation is just seemingly a not a very good one at that. I don't think the press will be forgiving of her for this one, its not her first reference to the Kennedy's and I have to wonder if someone build that into her speech on purpose. I am so not sure she can recover, I think that only time will tell. But its been said that Bill got the nomination sewn up in March, Not June, I think she just so politically ended her bid for the presidency. You have to know that there are things the press will forgive and those that hte press will not, and the press seems to be harsher on Hillary than Obama, and I think in a way its a good test to see how she would withstand the high pressure job of being the US president. So far I'm getting less and less comfortable with the idea of her ever being the US president. Sorry I just can't buy into her, Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
You're right about Bill having the nomination sewn up well before June in 1992. When she first started saying that I knew it didn't seem right since I remember that campaign very well but yesterday they said on TV that while he did officially reach the number of delegates following the California primary he was the "presumptive nominee" well before that. That was before California and many other states moved their primaries up. Annie [anniepa]
Sen. Clinton made a mistake when talking about the RFK assisnation but, the biggest mistake is being made by the Democratic Party nominating Sen. Obama to be the next President of the United States. There is more baggage to fall out of his suitcase. Therefore, if you want all the dirty details on Sen. Obama go to www.herringpost.blogspot.com and make a comment. [livinglegend7]
You're right, Destiny, a liberal site isn't necessarily any better or more accurate than a conservative one. I was told in another post awhile back when I used the link to the Huffington Post that that site wasn't credible at all so I do understand some of these blog sites are basically just someone's opinion about some facts. As an example, it's a fact that Reverend Wright and Reverend Hagee both have said some outrageous things; whether or nor Obama or McCain respectively agree with these things is nothing but someone's opinion and there will always be bias in most of these opinions. Annie [anniepa]
What am I missing here? Was not Bobby Kennedy assasinated while campaiging in California in June? Do not most campaigns for the nomination run until at least June? Wasn't that the point she was making? Why is assasination a forbidden word? I could understand all the fuss if something was said to the affect of that tragic day being a happy occassion but we all acknowledge that that was not said or intended and this PCness has gotten WAY out of hand. Pretty soon candidates won't be able to say their opponent's name out loud and will have to cross themselves before mentioning Lincoln. [irisheyes]
Don't we already have to cross ourselves before mentioning Lincoln? Oh, I was mistaken, that's Reagan...lol. I do understand what you're saying, and now that a few days has passed it seems the harshness, or perceived harshness of her words has lessened considerably. Assassination isn't a "forbidden" word but just one that isn't tossed around casually among political circles because it does bring back painful memories to so many people and , let's face it, it's a frightening prospect of having something like that happen again to anyone in our country. I've seen "PC" used in reference to this a couple times now and I still don't think it applies here, not in the conventional sense. Anyway, I think when Hillary said what she said it was easy for some to interpret more into it than I'm sure she meant, to think they could read her mind almost. Bobby Kennedy's own son has said he wasn't offended by her words and Obama said he didn't read anything more into it than what she said she meant, that she was stating how primary campaigns have gone into June in the past, etc. Most campaigns in recent years have been over months ago but in the past it wasn't at all unusual for them to run into June, but of course the first primary wasn't until much later than this year. Thanks for your response. Annie [anniepa]
I am not sure what to think of that statement. I really don't think it was a good thing to say. After all, if something were to happen to Obama, wouldn't that statement come back to haunt her? I really do not think it was good politics to say that. In my opinion this could cause serious hard feelings and problems for the Clinton campaign. [mehale]
I think it was an unfortunate comment, to say the least. I don't think she meant it in a horrible way or anything but it was a very poor choice of words, much worse than some things has gotten beaten up over. Annie [anniepa]
I think Hillary was wrong when she said that Bill did not win the nomination until June 92, it was clear way before June that he would be the nominee. I was not offended by her Kennedy assasinated remark. [carebears]