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Fair-weather friends: The Clintons cut NH loose
REALLY, there are no permanent Friends of Bill. For the former President and his wife, a tandem of duplicity and ambition unrivaled in American history, there are only temporary alliances. New Hampshire is learning this now, as so many others have before.
Ever since Bill Clinton proclaimed himself "the Comeback Kid" for his second-place finish in the 1992 New Hampshire Democratic primary, he has portrayed himself as a stalwart defender of New Hampshire and its first-in-the-nation tradition. He championed this state's retail politics as a model for the nation and made sure he maintained his ties here in preparation for his wife's inevitable future presidential run.
Those relationships paid off handsomely in January, when Hillary Clinton, who had spent more than a year fawning over New Hampshire's great electoral traditions, won here with the strong backing of the Democratic Party establishment.
Now, having used New Hampshire as the launching pad for both of their presidential bids, the Clintons have no more use for us. And so it was that on Monday, Bill Clinton threw New Hampshire and our Democratic Secretary of State Bill Gardner under the proverbial bus.
To justify his claim that Florida and Michigan delegates should be seated at the Democratic National Convention, the former President said, "We let New Hampshire go out of turn. They had a Democratic secretary of state. The Florida voters are totally innocent. They asked to vote on time."
To the Clintons, rewriting history is as simple as repeating their own talking points until they become accepted as facts. But the truth is that the Clintons happily accepted the bumped-up New Hampshire primary at the time because they perceived it gave Hillary an advantage. Hillary Clinton even signed a pledge to not campaign or participate in the Michigan or Florida primaries. That pledge was meant to punish those two states for moving up their primary dates, and she knew it.
But it was not sincere. It was one point of the famous Clinton triangulation. And before you knew it, Sen. Clinton was participating in both the Michigan and Florida primaries, which, of course, she won by violating her pledge.
Now, needing those delegates, she and her husband innocently claim that it was the sneaky New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner who broke the DNC rules, victimizing poor, helpless Florida and Michigan. And the DNC let him get away with it only because he is a Democrat.
Never mind the historical record, which shows that Florida and Michigan moved up their primaries first, prompting New Hampshire to respond. If they stand in the way of the Clintons' march through history, the facts be damned.
And, if they stand in the way of the Clintons' march through history, their friends be damned, too.

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Andrew Cline has been editorial page editor of the New Hampshire Union Leader since October of 2001. His writing has appeared in more than 100 newspapers and magazines, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and National Review.
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YOUR COMMENTS
I am no lover of the Clinton. Will vote for Ron Paul. But you people that intend to vote for Obama are going to be really sorry as he is a spawn of Zib Brezinzski who is one of the most eveil men on the planet. Please think twice before you vote.
- Ginger, Goochland, Va.
If NH wants to do things their own way "freedom style" why dont we secede from the US and start our own country. Who are we to tell other states when to have elections about anything?
- John, Raymond
you said, "Now, needing those delegates, she and her husband innocently claim that it was the sneaky New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner who broke the DNC rules, victimizing poor, helpless Florida and Michigan. And the DNC let him get away with it only because he is a Democrat."
Uhhhhh, scuse me? Wasn't it the democrats that were disinfrachised in FL and MI?
- MamaD, Birmingham, AL
Where were you and the other Dems in the nineties?
When it was to your advantage, you guys went right along with the Clinton spin machine, hell you guys were the Clintons reliable parrots.
Now the Obamatrons are acting aghast at the duplicity displayed when the Clintons wrath is aimed at their hopeful.
Take some quiet time for real introspection.
- dualdiagnosis, Santa Cruz, CA
Well NH I was pretty ticked when you fell for the clinton crap again but I say go public and tell the world that you see the light and the light has turned towards Obama! Fox loves to talk about Obama's association with his former pastor, well how about hillarys life long association with a sexual predator? (hubby) The women in this country who are voting for her should be ashamed. A true feminist would have kicked his skanky butt out years ago and a true feminist would have made a career on her own, not her husbands! The Dems need to do the right thing and tell the Clintons to get off the stage. Women don’t let hillary fool you.
Read The women who are invisible to hillary Clinton at my 2008 election blog.
http://ismellwhatyoursteppingin.tripod.com/ I hope PA wakes up before they are duped too!
- Mem, Tx
Clintons using people? You must be kidding. No, what bothers the leftist lap dogs is they jumped laps to Barack and don't understand why herself (the very one you all supported for years) won't quit. Just keep blaming President Bush and Cheney and Halliburton and the VRW and it will be OK. Better yet, just put some ice on that and pass me the popcorn. This is fun.
- ken, Billings, Montana
All you had to do was look at how they treated their old Arkansas friends when they got to the White House and the right-wing investigations began. I never heard a word in defense of any of their friends, no support whatsoever; many were financially wiped out paying for lawyers to defend themselves. The Clintons couldn't care less. It was shameful. Don't look for loyalty or integrity from this duo. I read one great description- they're like a pair of televangelists, going around bilking people for their own enrichment.
- Nancy H., Orange Va.
I saw someone say the Obama doesn't use spin??? You are right he doesn't. But he is a great pretender. Everything about his foundation is divisive but he promotes himself to be a uniter....Not.
It would be hard to determine who the biggest frauds are.
- Diana, Houston
You might want to put some ice on that.
- chris, washington dc
If NH voters and Democratic Party members want to express their true displeasure with the Clintons' duplicity and their FL and MI mischief-making then do it in a way the Clintons understand -- push them back and harder. All of the IA and NH superdelegates should immediately endorse Obama. I have frankly been shocked at how timid Gov. Lynch and all of the IA and NH superdelegates have been in failing to defend IA's caucus and NH's First in the Nation primary positions as the Clintons have maneuvered to count the improper FL and MI votes. Surely the IA and NH political leaders have to know that if the FL and MI delegates chosen based on those early votes are ever seated in Denver you can kiss the first in the Nation IA and NH roles goodbye. The calendar will never hold again. NH and IA political leaders and press should step up and defend the DNC rules and calendar and punish the Clintons for trying to have the rules violated when it suits them to do it. All IA and NH superdelegates should endorse Obama now and should come out and reveal this latest Clinton myth about the DNC giving NH a pass as another Clinton lie.
- Kim, Islesboro, ME
At this rate the Clinton defenders in the media may even dare to discuss these most heinous of Clinton atrocities:
http://www.wizardsofaz.com/waco/waco2.html
http://www.therealcuba.com/elian_gonzalez.htm
- Don DeVan, Knoxville, TN
Why even write this article? You say you knew what they were but you still allowed them to 'clintoon' you and the state. Attempting to expose them now does little as Hilliary has been putting nails in her own coffin very well.
We all know what they are and it still confounds me how anyone would ever consider voting for either one of them. But then I remember that NH's education system which used to be number 1 in the country is now just slightly above that of Kentucky, that coupled with the influx of Mass narcississtic liberals makes my confusion disappear.
You should be apologizing to NH voters for your stupidity, not doing the typical liberal thing and pointing the finger of blame away from yourself.
- Harry, Salem,NH
I am proud that NH voted for Sen. Clinton-she should be our nominee. Give me a break that the caucus systems reflect the will of voters as does a primary. I think the DNC has some explaining to do as to how they have bungled this year's election calendar. They must have a do-over in Florida and Michigan. Someone has to speak plainly about where we find ourselves in this process--yes with a bunch of Obama dreamers presumably advocating for change you can believe in and at the same time demanding Sen. Clinton drop out of this race when neither she or Obama will reach the magic number at the end of the primary process. I have always been proud to be a Democrat and I am watching my party very closely--we are not about disenfranchising voters so let the contests go on and let the people decide.
- Terri Donovan, Gilmanton NH
No big surprise here. The Clintons are typical politicians and shift their positions whenever it is convenient. For the record, though, Hillary barely squeaked by in New Hampshire despite leading by double digits for weeks. It's unbelievable that they could spin this as a huge comeback. The delegate count in New Hampshire is actually tied.
- Matt, Washington, NH
We were unabashed Clinton supporters all throughout the 90's. Our eyes were opened during the 2000 election when the Clinton's stood by without stepping in to help Al Gore during his Presidential bid. Since that time, the Clinton's have supported Bush's devastating policies that have damaged our country. Due to her own power grab and scorched earth policies, the spot-light is on her and Americans are beginning to examine her faulty record.
- Joan Gilbert Magit, Northridge, CA
I probably should take the high road, but I'm not that decent. NH brought this on themselves! They fell for her fake tears and kept this thing going when it could have ended. What, you thought you would have a special place in their hearts because you saved them not once but twice? Suckers!!!!
- Dawn, Arlington, VA
This fable, is a good example of why so many Democrats and even some Republicans are interested in Obama. People are tired of the political spin machine and are looking for a candidate that will respect the intelligence of the voter.
BTW - The DNC rules have been in place since, 2004. Which gave ample time, for Hillary to protest.
- Amy, San Francisco, CA
oh, stop picking on Bill and Hillary!!
- judy, miami
Dear New Hampshire,
We from the state of Iowa handed you the chance to end the democratic nomination race by handing you Barak.
But you believed the Clinton lies.
Tsk. Tsk
Well ... now you now.
- Chip, Iowa City, IA
Perhaps New Hampshire's pledged delegates should take Hillary up on her position that they have the right to switch sides -- to Obama.
- Marc, Chicago
Yet more distortions and political maneuvering by the Clintons for their own advantage!
I was mildly surprised by the NH primary outcome in February, although we did no better here in California. I now hope that PA will take their opportunity to put an END to this travesty of a campaign by HRC, and vote for Barack Obama.
Let's get on with the business of winning the election with a powerful candidate, and a unified Democratic Party.
- John Mc., Valley Village, CA
Bill and Hillary Clinton seem well on their way to sabotaging the Obama campaign to such an extent that neither Democratic contender will be able to win the general election. The Clintons have apparently reached the conclusion that a Republican win in 2008 and another shot for Hillary in 2012 is their best bet.
It may sound good at first, but the logic falls short. If the Hillary supporters fail to vote for Obama this time, surely his will return the "favor" in 2012. Hillary Clinton will become the pariah she so richly deserves to be. Her future in the Democratic Party will be as a former senator from New York.
- Paul Halbach, Agawam, MA
The Clintons have no loyalty to New Hampshire...please New Hampshire do not put your faith in Hillary Clinton...
Take a look:
Hillary: “The Movie”
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8464923602139974671
- Eloise, Clearwater, FL
Right on Union Leader for bringing this to the forefront. Now, I think it would be great for you to publicly renounce your democratic endorsement of Clinton and come out with an endorsement for Obama. What a statement that would make!
- Bonnie Harris, Peterborough
Oh Puleez. Why wouldn't any person fighting for the nomination point out that the DNC gave a pass to New Hampshire in moving up it's primary as a basis for allowing Florida delegates to be seated. This is just another effort to smear Hillary Clinton for no good reason. Bill Clinton wasn't throwing New Hampshire under the bus. He was proving the inconsistency of the DNC, and why shouldn't he do that. It's simply a matter of advocacy, but, once again, the forces of Clinton hate are at it again. Stop the silly over reaction.
- Barbara LeBey, Atlanta, Georgia
Don't sweat it, NH!!! Just jump on the phones and GOTV in PA. Help those folks to avoid being scammed by the Clinton version of the English language. (i.e. Insinuation, Lies and Victim-playing).
If you want immediate gratification, call into TX to support the delegates from the caucuses. They meet tomorrow and the Clinton machine is up to more hijinx, hiding the meeting locations.
You can do both of these things from Barack's web page.
"Live free or die"
- arvan, chicago, il
Former President of Mexico Ordaz Diaz used to say that in politics friends are false but enemies are real.
- Jim Walters, cordell, ok
Well, there is a ways of payback. Voters should petition the New Hampshire super delegates and press them to support Barack Obama.
There are 5 super delegates in New Hamsphire. I assure everyone that if your 5 super delegates all endorsed Obama in the same press release, you would send a loud message to the Clinton's and it sounds like they have one coming.
- Gerry, Indianapolis
With friends like these, who needs enemies?
To further prove the point, today Bill Clinton is praising John McCain as a "moderate. In 1998, John McCain voted "Guilty" on Clinton's Impeachment Trial.
- AxelDC, Montreal, QC
Thanks you Union Leader!!!
Wow... the truth is out.
I did not understand this reference when Clinton made his statement. I am very happy that you are stating the truth and letting people know what the Clinton's will do to get elected.
Now New Hampshire Democrats need to look at the history that has transpired and make sure that State Democrats make their voices felt about the lies the Clintons are spreading. They in fact have a rsponsibility to set the record stright as the Union leader has done.
Perhaps a statement from the NH Democratic Party rebuking the Clintons in very strong language would do it. Perhaps it would be covered by the national media in this period of unearthing Clinton lies and misstatements!!!
- Ramon Morales, Santa Clara, Ca
I just have to respond to "McCain is our best choice." If by best choice you mean, continued and unending war in the middle east that does not make us safer, embracing tax cuts for rich people who do not need them, and acceptance of free trade with no restrictions in spite of the effect this has on AMERICAN workers. Mr. McCain supports these policies and all I will ad have contributed to bringing us this recession that is quickly getting worse. If this is our best choice then this great country is doomed.
- Derek, Andover, MA
This article is right on the mark!
"To the Clintons, rewriting history is as simple as repeating their own talking points until they become accepted as facts." Sure sounds like the Bush/Cheney crew. I'm surprised at her supporters who can't see this.
Hopefully, Raymond Buckley and John Lynch will see the light and declare that 'politics as usual' won't be there choice.
- Anja, Turner, ME
It's sad that people are surprised by the Clintons. Just goes to show people hear and see what they want and follow like ignorant lambs rather than questioning. These people should catch "John Adams" (HBO) which provokes the deeper thinking of the founders re lambs to slaughter.
- Ellen, Portland
For all the women out there that voted for Hillary and her boo-hoo speech- this article is for you.
She and her husband have been putting on an elaboarte show for years now.
I am disgusted that the women of NH fell for it.
As for the Monica conspiracy, I don't believe it had anything to do with the right wing. It has everything to do with getting Hil sympathy for her future run. NY felt so sorry for her and welcomed her. The rest of America wore blinders and followed suit.
The Clinton's have always been greedy and selfish.
While everyone complains about Bush and what he did and is doing- the American people have forgotten about good old Billy boy and his retroactive tax hike.
With the recent new article of the Massachusetts invasion of NH, it's no wonder why she won here.
- Jenna, Sanbornton
I am just surprised that for such a smart and intelligent state such as NH is, those who favored the Clintons were duped again- "fool me once, your fault- fool me twice- my fault" Thankfully I can not relate to either Democrat. McCain is our best choice.
- Robert Harris, Salem, NH
Can't we all agree that the fat lady has sung for the NH primary, and it's about time?
- Leo Paradis, Canterbury
Perhaps if the Clintons are that unhappy with New Hampshire, those Democrat delegates pledged for Hillary should turn and toss their votes to someone else, or not vote at all.
It seems they don't want nor need our delegates.
- Bess, Southern NH
Believe me, William, many in New Hampshire are also concerned about the direction we have been going lately. You have my word that some of us are still fighting for our conservative values that have proven successful.
By the way, to answer your question, it feels miserable to have been used by the Clinton Political Machine ..... again.
- Nicholl, Manchester
So, New Hampshire, How does it feel to used by the Clinton Political Machine, doing whatever and whomever it takes to win. I loved N.H. when it was a Strong Conservative state; I am concerned for the direction you're headed now.
- William Livingston, Smyrna, Georgia
I am still amazed that the ethically challenged Hillary Clinton won here. It makes you wonder about the character of the people who voted for her. Are they "thug" worshipers, plain dumb or just in love of the idea of a woman president. I can't believe anybody here would be foolish enough to believe she could unite the country or get anything done. To quote Dick Morris "Hillary and Bill are always one step ahead of the grand jury." As a Republican I should be thrilled about her winning. Hillary would be great for Republicans across the board. My conscience tells me no. The thought of Hillary winning makes me sick.
- Chris, Merrimack
He is a Clinton. What did you expect? Except for those core supporters who still think that Monica Lewinski was a vast right wing conspiracy, most people who pay attention to politics ( unfortunately only about 30 of the voters if I read the studies right) know that the Clintons both place themselves first, thier party second, and the American people a very, very distant third.
- jeff, Goffstown
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