Hillary Clinton prepares for presidential run by expanding her 'White-Hous

[emad]

Hillary Clinton prepares for presidential run by expanding her 'White-House-in-Waiting'
By Philip Sherwell in Washington
(Filed: 11/09/2005)

The Neo-Georgian mansion in Washington is officially called Whitehaven, but it is already known by irreverent Democrats as the "White-House-in-Waiting" and "Fund-raising Central".

Now Hillary Clinton's elegant five-storey home is to become even more grandiose with a $900,000 (£488,880) expansion and refit in preparation for her expected run at the presidency. The work, including a 1,000 square foot extension, will create more space for the New York senator to hold money-spinning dinners and receptions.


Work has already started on the extension of Whitehaven
Mrs Clinton bought the red-brick house with her husband Bill, the former President, in 2001 for $2.8 million. Now valued at $4.2 million, it sits on the secluded Whitehaven Street, behind the British embassy and residence of Sir David Manning, the ambassador, and is just along from the Naval Observatory of Dick Cheney, the vice-president.

The Clintons, who were famed for their prolific entertaining during eight years in the White House, are the biggest draws on the Democrats' money-raising circuit. The house will be Mrs Clinton's stage from which she will amass a war chest for her Senate re-election campaign next year and a likely White House bid in 2008.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/09/11/wclin11.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/09/11/ixworld.html

[Clark2008]

1. She won't win a general election.

This is pointless.

[Merlot]

5. Do you think she'd take the veep spot?

She is pretty formidible when it comes to fundraising. A candidate might like to have her onboard for that reason.

I agree, she won't win a general election.

[Clark2008]

7. I think she's toxic anywhere outside the blue states.

We have to flip a couple of red ones that are teetering on the brink of intelligence.

She will push those states back into the solid red column no matter where she is on the ticket.

That said, I'd rather see her as a VP candidate than the nominee, but, if I had my choice, I'd like her to just stay in the Senate, where she can help the good people of New York.

[Toots]

14. You obviously never listen to what she has to say

A majority of people who hear her come away thinking very good thoughts about her. She has name recognition galore and Probably the only Democrat who could win. We saw what they can do to a real national hero and champion for the poor. They have fired their bullets at Hillary and she is still standing and will continue to do so whether you like it or not.

[knight_of_the_star]

22. Doesn't matter if she is still standing

What they've done so far is setting a foundation, just wait until they actually open up on her.

[drummo]

48. Duh! It's easy for a Clinton to stand in New York.

She is only standing because she was running an an all-blue state.
Gore beat Bush by more than a million votes in NY in 2000. So big deal if Hillary won there.
She would have lost in every red state in 2000 or 2004.

[bee]

18. I think shes toxic even IN some of the blue states.

a lot of dems dont like her. and I dont think Bills alignment with the *'s is helping. warranted or not... thats just how it is. At least thats the consensus Ive gotten. :shrug:

[BlueJac]

9. That could be her only role....

but not for president.

[formernaderite]

47. She might take it....but I think she'd hurt the ticket

it's not the democrats they need to win over.

[electropop]

10. Boxer/Conyers

They are genuine heroes because have stood up consistently for truth and decency, even against their own party leadership. What voters want is somebody who has the courage to tell the truth and stick to their convictions. It's less important whether they agree; it only matters that the candidate is clear firm and consistent. Hillary does not have these qualities. Barbara does.

[Clark2008]

13. While I agree with your comparisons between Boxer and H. Clinton,

I should point out that Boxer would have a harder time winning a general election than Hillary.

I hate to sound like I dislike everyone - I don't. I adore Barbara Boxer and John Conyers, but I'm also realistic enough to know that neither one of them could turn the brainwashed red states, either.

I live in a red state. A state that, since Gore (and his home state), has voted against it's economic interests in national elections, and I know how many of the "independents" around here think.

Sadly, there are but a handful of people I think could turn a red state or two - and we need to do that to overcome Diebold (not to mention that it would be nice to get some unity back into this country). But, we're going to have to do that.

Arizona, New Mexico, Virginia, Louisiana and Arkansas are the red states I could see flipping to blue the easiest. Florida won't as long as the Bush Junta is in power, so just forget about it. Ohio - the same.

I'd love to see Tennessee turn blue again, but it's going to be a while longer before the masses aren't brainwashed by the fundies around here. Still, Tennessee will turn blue much more quickly than Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas and some other places.

[FreedomAngel82]

25. And let me guess....

you think Clark will carry Tennessee? If I asked my mother if she knew who Clark was she'd say no way. I told my mother earlier this year rumors of Hillary running and my mother happily said she'd vote for her and this is a former republican here.

[IndianaGreen]

17. Are Clarkies worried about Hillary? They should!

She will be a formidable opponent in the primaries and, unlike Wes Clark, she does have legislative experience, the rough and tumble that makes democracy work (or fail). I am curious how she is going to squirm out of her voting record on PATRIOT and IWR. She is more skilled than Big Dog. Will she be known as the Big B*tch?

[Clark2008]

19. Not so much worried as a Clarkie.

I'm worried as an American.

She won't win the general and she's, well, she's slimy. I'm tired of corporatist candidates, if you want to know the real truth. Which is why I'm a Clarkie.

[knight_of_the_star]

24. Not worried as a Clarkie

Just as an American.

Considering how much disdain is held for career politicians vs someone who is a career soldier who are seen as honourable people by and large, it isn't even a contest on the most basic level.

If she gets the nom, I can easily see the GOP ruling this country for easily another eight years.

I don't want to see that happen.

[Totally Committed]

31. Not worried about Hillary as a "Clarkie" at all...

The overriding characteristic I have seen among people you would call "Clarkies" is this: WE ALL WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK. We want our great, just, compassionate, and sound country back. It wasn't perfect, by any means, when the Bushies got it, but it is nearly unrecognizeable now. And, overwhelmingly, we want it back. Also, overwhelmingly, we believe Wes Clark is one of the enlightened few who can help us win it back. Pure and simple: That's it.

As for why we, as a group, should be afraid of Hillary Clinton, I cannot speak. I can only speak for myself on this one, because there are many pro-Hillary Clarkies, believe it or not. I am not one of them. And I am solidly and irrevocably Anti-Hillary for one main reason, and several peripheral reasons. The main reason is: SHE IS DLC. I am even more solidly and irrevocably anti-DLC than I am anti-Hillary. Some of the peripheral reasons are: (1) Her cynical (or maybe truthful... either bothers me) turn to the Right on a number of issues, in particular A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE. (2) Her hawkish postion on Iraq, and her vote on the IWR. (3) Like it or not, Bill is her spouse, and a number of things about that bother me: Having a former President campaign for you, advise you, and shill for you is something NO OTHER CANDIDATE HAS EVER HAD. She will have that going for her every time he opens his mouth, makes an appearance, makes a speech, or gives an opinion. There is also the advantage for her because since he has already been President, no matter how he ended his presidency, a lot of people "owe him", and calling on just a few of those "chips" would give her an unfair advantage. (4) Since Bill is her spouse, there is the added perception that she is an automatic "twofer". That could appeal to some, but for me, TWO DLC-ers in the White House will be two too many. (5) She was, in college, a Goldwater Republican. She changed her affiliation when she met Bill, and some could say, when she saw herself having a future with a man who was going back to a (then) Democratic Southern State with political ambitions. Her appearances and friendship, over the last several months, with Newt Gingrich are disturbing. Bill's friendship with Poppy Bush is, to me, equally disturbing. Sorry, but with these two, I wish their being DLC was the worst of our worries. I will not vote for Hillary Clinton. I want my Party back, too, and not only do I think she will lose the election, and thereby, my country. But, I also think with that loss, the Democratic Party will be gone forever, and in it's place will be the DLC. And that will give me an unrecognizeable America with two Republican Parties. I will be in hell. (I would also like to mention... on the off-chance the Clintons have made a deal with the devil, and she DOES win the election... the DLC will be the "Party" in power. Make no mistake, we as Democrats, will have "lost" that way, as well. So, I BELIEVE (read: not as a "Clarkie", ME -- the DEMOCRAT, the AMERICAN -- alone) that Hillary Clinton is a LOSE-LOSE proposition for my Party, and therefore, my country.)

TC

[IndianaGreen]

40. I am in much agreement with what you say, Totally Committed

Like you, I find Big Dog's friendly relationship with the Bush clan rather disquieting. The Bushes are the closest thing we have to a political Corleone crime family. Anyone that associates with them is tainted as far as I am concerned.

The only difference I see between the GOP and the DLC is that the GOP will not use lubrication to screw us.

[Gloria]

43. Well said, Totally Committed!!

I no longer trust Billary. The power and money appears to have elevated them....away from the common folk they once purported to fight for. The dance with the Republicans has become more and more sickening as it has gotten more and more personal. The line has been blurred. And I'm tire of blurring lines.

[Totally Committed]

46. Me, too!

The blurred lines are vexing, and I will not tolerate them any longer. I am tired of bargains being made, compromises being struck, and all the aiding and abetting that go with these things.

Give me a good, crisply-defined DEMOCRAT! -- You know, the old-fashioned kind... one who thinks that the PEOPLE come first, not the corporations... one who thinks WARS should be fought ONLY as a last resprt, and NEVER for OIL!!!... one who believes being THE OPPOSITION PARTY means he or she should actually OPPOSE... and one whose spine and soul are well in working order, and have not gone to the highest bidder for political gain or re-election.

NO DLC Candidate will get my vote. Hillary will not get my vote.

TC

[Pepperbelly]

41. since you got your crystal ball and polished up and warm ...

tell who to bet on for the Super Bowl this year.

[William769]

2. Hillary Clinton

You go girl!

[asjr]

3. Is the Telegraph also telepathic? As far as I know she

has not said she will run for president.

[sasquatch]

4. No New York politician will win a presidential election EOM

[William769]

15. Good thing Franklin Roosevelt didn't listen to you.

[sasquatch]

16. It was different with FDR though

FDR had a southern United States that would vote for a yellow dog(quite literally) if it ran on the democratic ticket. Now you have a southern United States that wants to go back to the 15th century and all New York politicians, Republican and Democrat, are pro-choice and for gay rights. This will put a sour taste in Republicans mouth.

[FreedomAngel82]

26. LOL

FDR is as liberal as you can get! Plus he was a VERY rich democrat. Yet people loved him and voted him in four times. My grandfather adored FDR and he was a Christian and an Elder of the church. Everytime my grandfather spoke of memories of FDR his eyes sparkled. ANY democrat who runs will automatically be called an elitist etc. :eyes:

[BlueJac]

6. Hillary can not win...

People should get used to that fact right now and quit wasting thought and energy on that issue.

Too many on the right just hate the Clintons. Moderate voters will be needed to win back the White House and that will not happen with Hillary running.

[electropop]

12. Hillary is too far from our own base.

So she won't draw the enthusiasm of solid Democrats (she's too corporatist/DLC). And for whatever irrational reasons, the right hates her too. That leaves the incredibly thin center. No chance for her.

We need to be as solidly Democratic as our opponents are solidly rabid right. Hillary is too wishy washy.

Boxer/Conyers '08!

[FreedomAngel82]

27. And what about Boxer/Conyers?

They'll be just like Kerry and Edwards and called "the most liberal" even though it's not true more than likely. Do you think southerners who are fundies and all that will vote for a woman for president who's from California and a black guy from Michigan? While that would be a nice ticket it's only a dream.

[electropop]

34. I hope the morans label them "librul."

Liberals are back in fashion, haven't you heard? His idiot base is now down to 38%. What will win is anything that is the opposite of Bush.

[juajen]

44. I resent this remark

I am a liberal democrat. I have supported Kucinich, Clark, Edwards and Kerry. I also love Boxer and Conyers. That said, I will support the democratic nominee, no matter who it is.

But, let me tell you, mister or sister, I love Hillary Clinton and think she will make a terrific President and our First Husband would be great. I am always skeptical when someone purports to speak for all dems. I hate the divisiveness of dems. None of these candidates were 100% for me. I never expect 100%. That is totally unrealistic.

[AJH032]

45. corporatist?

How can someone who supports OBRA 93 and opposes CAFTA be called corporatist? That's just unfair.

[Pepperbelly]

42. People are just supposed to believe it because you say it?

Well, shit, why the fuck would we even have elections if we can ask ol' BlueJack?

Give me a break. You have an opinion. Worth absolutely no more than anyone else's. As far as what the righties hate, that is one of the reasons I am on her side as much as I am (which is this --I am a well-wisher.)

[TrueAmerican]

8. Sadly she's going to run

I got a survey from her to help support her campaign for Senator of New York. I live in El Paso, TX. She wanted me to give her 35 bucks at least. I don't know why I'm on her mailing list. I have given to Wesley Clark and John Kerry, but not her.

[FreedomAngel82]

28. And that means she's running for president?

LOL!!!!! Cause she asked for some money for her SENATE race you jump to the conclusion she is running for president? LOL! Did she state in the Email "I have decided to run for the presidency"? Until I hear/read those words from Hillary I ain't buying it.

[karynnj]

33. We got the same survey and have never asked to be on her list

I suspect that she may have a list from the Clinton years. We did support Clinton in 92 (general election)and 96. We're at the same address.

[Bob3]

11. speculative gibberish - along the lines of look shiny thing!

to distract *'s base from his miserable handling of katrina. When ever things look really bad stories about Hillary Clinton's lust for power come out.

Is she thinking about running for president? God knows. Should she? Maybe - at least we would have someone who has a working brain, a sense of what government can do and the ability to get jobs done - all of which are painfully lacking right now. could she win? Again who knows - it's 2005 for christ's sake - way to early to tell. I mean another three years of THIS - the only disasters we haven't had yet is a major earthquake and somebody setting off an atomic bomb in one of our ciites - and a sock puppet could run and win, as long as he promised to listen to people not companies.

[SaveElmer]

20. The nightly Hillary bashing has begun...

How predictable!!!

She will run, and she will win...save this post!!!

[Yupster]

39. Agree Elmer

She is obviously preparing her run.

When she announces the press will follow her minute by minute for weeks. Other Democratic candidates will not get an ounce of coverage in any press and she will sweep to the nomination without a serious fight.

I think she has a very good chance of winning the general election too. That way things are going, it may be that any Democratic candidate would easily win the general election.

[ProudDad]

21. God, I don't even want her to win the primary

She's further to the right than Bill was, a complete tool of the corporations.

Don't you'all remember, SHE WAS A CORPORATE LAWYER!!!

She's not a lot better than Roberts when it comes to the real battle, that between us and the corporations who've hijacked our potential democracy.

Even if she could "win", which she couldn't...

(edited for positive suggestion:)

Think Al Gore or Clark

[FreedomAngel82]

23. I would like to know

when did Hillary ever make any public statement that she's running? I remember reading an interview from Bill last month and he said he didn't think she was running in 2008.

[Clarkie1]

29. Do you have a link to that interview? n/t

[OneTwentyoNine]

32. Of course she's running. Does Bill really think by BS'n.....

That he's keeping some kind of secret here?

[sepia_steel]

30. please god no

don't run, hillary.

[Norquist Nemesis]

35. The "Telegraph" must be telepathic or something

Let's see..."expected run at the presidency" and "likely White House bid in 2008".

However, "The work, including a 1,000 square foot extension, will create more space for the New York senator to hold money-spinning dinners and receptions" it would NEVER occur to the reporter that Bill Clinton has teamed up with George H.W. Bush to raise mega bucks (most recently for Katrina). Nope. Those 'expected' dinners and ostentatious soirees can ONLY be for the purpose of a Mrs. President run by Hillary. :eyes:

[ShaneGR]

36. She will run, and she will win

Who's gonna run against her? Frist? Don't think so, he's too stiff. Jeb Bush? Doubtful, the country is fed up with Bush presidents. Guliani? HAHAHAAHAHAHA, good lucking getting a pro-choice candidate through a Republican primary season. So uhh, who's it gonna be?

[Imagevision]

37. We're allowing the repugs to decide our nomination???

Why does it appear that Hillary is the Great White Hope for the democratic party?

She has approved and voted for too many bills Bush passed thru that I know some people disagree with. I feel like we're getting a female Bush with a higher IQ...

[Totally Committed]

38. We simply cannot allow this to happen again...

we must fight. We must resist. The DLC and the Republicand Party cannot continue to choose our candidates. We will continue to lose as long as either chooses. No matter which candidate wins, there will be a Republican in the White House.

TC

[LiviaOlivia]

49. kick