Michelle Bernard on Hardball : Hillary Clinton "will run a parallel government" if named secretary of state
By John Amato Sunday Nov 16, 2008 6:30am
C&Ler Jim T. alerted me to this segment from Hardball and said this:
The last 20 minutes or so are a case study of the gossip-fest that cable and "journalism" in general have become. The segment features Michelle Bernard and some kook from N.H. discussing the possibility that Hillary Clinton may be offered State in the Obama administration. Probably one of the most bizarre spectacles I have seen in a long time, even considering the two year idiocy we've just been through.
Bernard is a serious Clinton Hater and as the day unfolded she just couldn't contain it any longer. There were plenty of snide comments about Hillary from the media like, "Obama better have a food taster" if he gives her the job, (I wonder if the media would say things like that if McCain asked Romney to join his cabinet) but nobody went as far as she did.
For some people the primary has never ended.
MATTHEWS: [unintelligible] You guys are so suspicious. Look, I think that since she lost the fight for the nomination, Michelle and Jennifer, she has been not just a good soldier, she has sang the tune of this guy. She's been illustrious, she's been admirable. She -- her spirit seems to be with him. Bill's a little more troubled, obviously, by what happened. But she's been totally with him, and that's why he's obviously thrown her name out. Why would he even be thinking of her if he thought she might be insubordinate?
{snip}
BERNARD: No, they're not going to keep her in line if she's secretary of state. If she's secretary of state --
DONAHUE: Well, that's why she's not gonna get it.
BERNARD: -- she will run a parallel government. It will be a huge problem.
DONAHUE: I don't believe she'll get it
It's Obama's party and he gets to decide ultimately who he wants and if he actually asked her or even seriously considered her then he knows he can trust her not to run a parallel government that would destroy Obama. Outside of being plain stupid, it's insane talk.
I always wondered where Michelle Bernard came from when she suddenly showed up on MSNBC as an analyst. The group she belongs to have people like Kate O'Beirne and Larry Kudlow attached to it. Bob Somerby felt the same way back in March:
Who is Michelle Bernard?
On the surface, the question is easily answered. At present, Bernard is CEO of the Independent Women’s Forum, a conservative women’s group founded in 1992. (According to Wikipedia, the IWF grew out of an ad hoc group created to support Clarence Thomas.) The groups directors emeritae include such conservative stars as Lynn Cheney, Wendy Gramm, Midge Decter and Kate O’Beirne. To peruse the group’s web site, just click here.
The IWF, like many such groups, is founded as a non-partisan 501(c)(3) group. As such, the group does not endorse candidates. But it does promote a range of conservative causes.
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I disagree with Michele Bernard.
Well, Henry, what a surprise you have time for this. Just few weeks ago you were praising Phallin.
Kissinger Praises Clinton As Secretary Of State: "Outstanding"
How refreshingly fitting that the international War Criminal, Dr. Doom Kissinger, would endorse the War Monger Hillary for SoS.
I remember everything. I remember this blog was guilty of Hillary bashing too. It reeked in here for a while. However, it seems, that most people are over it. Clearly though, some aren't.
that is such horseshit
no one was bashing hillary, until she came out with the stuff that everyone knew would end up getting used in the general election...until she and her hubby did things like play the race card
if hillary is talking terms rather than gracefully accepting the position....eff her
dont give her squat
if she makes a peep during the next 4 years....crush her like a grape
It's starting to stink in here again.
and go play with your puma friends
give rove something more to crow about
cuz somwhow, hillary was beaten by an inadequate black man
You're right debaser, for some on the right, the Hillary hatred will never end, sadly, there is an unhealthy does of it on the left as well.
Michelle you had your say on "Hardball", now take your sorry bottom home.
I don't think C&L's posters have ever once been guilty of bashing Hillary. I think you mean to accuse many of the readers who frequent the blog and leave comment here of being guilty of Hillary bashing.
Obama won. Yay!
WOW
After finishing reading the synopsis of Bernard it all makes sense. When I first noticed her (back in the spring) she seemed to dismiss Obama or had some snide remarks. Then this fall she seemed to be covering Obama and I thought it was a little strange. So she is a Kudlow/Wendy Gramm/Kate O’Beirne conservative. Well her opinion is worthless isn't it?
And Tweety has always hated Hillary. Just becasue he seemed to have a nice word or two in this thread doesn't mean shit. I also saw him make a snide remark or two about Hill being SOS (personally I don't think she will take it - or she should not take it. She is needed in the Senate!).
I'm inclined to agree with Bernard. It's hard to see Hillary playing second fiddle to anyone. Also, she is very hawkish, especially in regards to Israel, I always thought her foreign policy outlook was one of the least attractive things about her candidacy.
Hopefully Obama will pick someone else, but I fear this may have been the price the Clintons extracted for their support of Obama during the campaign.
I don't hate her, but she's shown her stripes quite often in the past. Her refusal to consider other input on the Clinton health plan is basically why it failed. Her enthusiastic support of GW's invasion and occupation of Iraq was, for me, her upholding Bill's (somewhat unsuccessful) attempt to deal with terrorism, so she's way too hawkish for comfort, given Barack's intention to tone down the warmongering.
We'll all be better off if she refuses the post (if he's offered it). She seems to love fighting much more than seeking consensus among people.
I am really, really tired of these paranoid crazies like Bernard being treated as if they were actually credible. Her comment is despicable and an insult. Personally, I am way past the criticism for Hillary and recognize that she is a valuable asset for the Democratic party who did what she could to help Obama get elected. Contrast her to Liarman for example, for when the going got tough for him---he bailed.
As for you, Tweety, next time call these frauds out in stronger terms instead of acting as if they actually had some credibility---that is unless all you aspire to is Jerry Springer like journalism. If you did your job better the moron fringe would get the message and this toxic waste would gradually disappear from the airwaves.
Michelle Bernard.
Michelle Malkin.
Michelle Bachman.
New First Lady Obama, you may want to refer to yourself by another given name. "Michelle" is proving toxic.
Richardson will be SoS.
Sometimes the world unfolds the way you want it.
It sure did on Nov 4, 2008
are you sure? I've been saying this was a ruse . And that Richardson will be SoS.
at least I certainly hope so. I would love to know where these leaks are coming from. Its weird that Obama's team has shown such discipline everywhere else and along comes the possibility of Clinton and suddenly we are back with all the drama. Here is a bit of speculation: is it possible that some people in the Obama camp are trying to derail the possibility of Clinton as SOS and that is why they leaked it? I admit I pulled that idea directly from my arse. Then again that is probably the same source as most of these pundits.
Was designed to throw off the GOP attack machine.
To keep them guessing. Regardless of who is selected, the GOP will attack this person. And there is no better person to drive the GOP nuts than HRC.
the Obama camp leaks or floats possibilities to gauge reactions to them, particularly by the base. I suppose Republicans do that, too. So, the yeas and nays of the base are important to the final decision, though probably not the only factor.
He should be. Richardson is very impressive on foreign affairs.
?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27713965/
everyone else, I guess).
I'd prefer Richardson, personally.
If Obama did really pick Hillary for this position I would lose a lot of faith in him.
I'm sorry but I just don't trust the Clintons. And as for Ms Bernard, I just don't see why an African American woman would be a conservative. What the hell do we have to conserve?
I have said this before. I think that John McCain and Sara Palin wanted the job, but I have to wonder if the leadership or the ones that control the republicans wanted to win. The condition that this administration has left the world in is going to be impossible to fix in a 4 year term. They have already blaming the Dems for the recession. We have to counter every pundit they put out there. As Obama says, it's not going to be easy.
Another thing Obama says is, "We don't throw the first punch, but we will throw the last".
To me, Richardson has the best resume for Sec of State. He has a proven track record for getting other countries to come around to his way of thinking.
According to the news this morning, President-elect Obama met with Richardson last night. Perhaps his meeting with Clinton was to tell her who his choice was and get her opinion. I hope so.
and i think that she did start dictating terms
On the upside at least tweety was able to get his Clinton fix with this latest rumor.
Honestly, State is the last place I would have thought for Hillary. I picture her in HHS if anything but I feel she would be far better remaining in the Senate, particularly if she can take Reid's job.
I have wondered for quite awhile who Michelle Bernard is. Never heard of her until she was all of sudden on MSNBC, as an expert no less. I am not impressed. Who are quite a few of the so called experts that MSNBC keeps putting in front of us? There are many and I had hoped after the election they would crawl back to wherever they came from. They have absolutely no credibility. Only their personal opinions. Obama was elected 13 days ago, has not yet been sworn into office, and these so-called experts think they know more than Obama??? Give me a break. MSNBC if this is all you have to offer just STFU!
she is an opportunist (omg, im hillary bashing)
while first lady, she hugged arafat's wife...to the dismay of jews everywhere
she became a hawk when she felt it would gain her polling points
she has yet to apologize for this stance, because she is afraid of being seen as weak
give her squat
if she and bill want to spend 4 years badmouthing this administration...so be it
history wont look kindly on either
I remember how pissed the Hillary camp was when Richardson endorsed Obama. Maybe for that reason he talked to Hillary to see if she might be riled if Richardson became Sec of State. Maybe it was more of let's agree, kind of meeting.
Hillary Rodham Clinton please remain a sound voice in the senate. I believe Senator Clinton can play a major role in healthcare policy.
As far as a cabinet position for Hillary, how about a Lazy Susan?
Who is this woman? The actual government IS run by a parallel government. It's called the civil service. Every nation has that. There is no way an elected body could do squat in 4 years or more, without them. Elected reps are more or less window dressing for the actual government in most nations. It would be beyond a nightmare if actual government that ran everything was elected every 2-4 years.
Nope. Civil service positions are the hands-on working segment of the government. I worked for the Federal Civil Service (DOD) and we were always controlled by the current president's administration. Our mission/goals/objectives were very much a reflection of each administration's political objectives/policies. If we didn't adhere to them, everybody up and down the line was called on the carpet, transferred, or fired.
Without civil servants there would be no government anney. If everything had to change every time an election was held, there would be nothing but chaos in every nation. It is impossible to completely change all political objectives and policies every 2-4 years. Impossible. Take what we call Employment Insurance in my country. Every newly elected gov't says they are going to change it. Very little ever actually gets changed. They can't or the system will collapse.
No administration changes everything. Much of the work is comprised of procedures, documenting causes and actions, and learning new directions or emphases.
It's true that without civil servants there would be no government, but without government there would be no civil service either. They're inextricably bound together and don't operate independently of each other.
The trick is to make changes slowly enough that the system doesn't collapse, and that's certainly do-able.
Anyone who watched Dennis Kucinich (chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee) chair the hearing last week about the bailout, would surely suggest Obama keep an eye on this man and perhaps give him an appointment. I'm not sure where he could best be used, but he deserves some attention and consideration.
I have never rallied for Kucinich, but in this particular situation, he was great.
Kucinich has been so marginalized it almost seems he's made of green cheese. Yet, he's the one that speaks up for upholding the constitution, impeachment and ending the use of war as a foundation for the economy.
Should Obama appoint a man such as Kucinich in ANY key post, then we'd have reason to 'Believe' he means what he says when it comes to "Change" and "Hope".
As soon as a real progressive is chosen he wins evidential credibility.
The Clintons had their long, long run and many successes and personal benefits that should satisfy them.
This new Idea that we owe them something is complete and utter bullshit.
This is OUR time...show us the CHANGE.
Kucinich has been standing up for YEEEEAAAARRRRRS!!!!!!!!! :P
Yes! He's our best man in government IMO.
Mine too. Super-smart, straight up guy, not but a thimble-full like him, if that. He is a jewel.
.....she needs to remain in the Senate as does Kerry. I thought Obama was about C H A N G E rather than re-inserting the same ole retreads?
I about barfed when someone mentioned Warren Christopher as a potential Sec of State or Sec of Def? What, John Quincy Adams or Ben Franklin couldn't be dug up and utilized?
Thus far I haven't been impressed with Obama's selection of his staff. Rahm Emanuel? Why? Hillary? Why?
The idea of Hillary and her hubby anywhere near the White House directly counteracts his 2-year long campaign of change......unless it was just a simple campaign slogan that fit the times.(Although he used it for his other campaigns in Illinois previously)
Hillary is just pissed Teddy has come back to push healthcare reform through the Senate and she knows it will be his crowning achievement and she will be shut out of any of the glory if it succeeds.
It is interesting to read people's opinions on various blogs questioning the "change" meme that seems to imply the use of the same old Washington insiders. The only people not worried about it, or voicing their opinion, seem to be the die hard partisans. Before anyone bites off my head, ya I know he hasn't been sworn in yet. Ya, I know SOME posters think I'm a troll, or an unhappy cynic. I don't. I consider myself a realist. Change and hope don't provide jobs, or feed your family regardless of what party is using it as bait.
"I consider myself a realist."
Say no more, I am convinced.
Not being mean, canuck! I'm actually sort of a fan of yours.
:)
This is proof of how pathetic U.S. news and reporting has become. It’s junior high school level commentary.
Jennifer Donahue is an idiot.
Cliché after cliché. “Past as prologue.” “Hug your friends tight, hug your enemies tighter.” (It’s actually “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”). Then she says, “… You and I were talking about Machiavellian “The prince.” Absolutely true stuff in there. I think it’s smart to do it.”
It’s Machiavelli’s “The Prince. Machiavellian is an adjective Ms. Donahue. Before you speak to the nation on television, maybe you should learn how to speak.
And while you’re at it, learn how to think. If I understand Donahue, Machiavellianism, is a smart attribute that our leaders should have and use?
This is more proof that too much of the United States of America has become morally bankrupt. The USA is now a very sick nation. It’s this whole attitude that “the ends justifies the means” that has brought us over the last 40 years to where we are today. From Reagan to George W. Bush, Michael Milken to Dennis Kozlowski, Angelo R Mozilo, Ken Lay, and even Hank Paulson. From John Mitchell to Alberto Gonzales, Ollie North to Scooter Libby, and on and on and on. A total disregard for law, right and wrong. Where does it end?
And these so called "commentators" laud such behavior, Machiavellianism , as "smart.” I have no hope.
I have never been a Clinton fan. Always thought Bill was too far right, and Hillary is too close to business and too hawkish.
I think it will be a huge mistake if she is appointed Sec. of State. Hope it doesn't happen. I think there are a lot of fine candidates: Kerry, Richardson, Hagel, Powell, Clark. Anyone BUT Hillary.
Bernard and this woman from NH are paranoid. It would be nice if MSN also offered someone with a contrasting view. A lot of things happen in the heat of an election. Clinton is a bulldog and she originally had her eyes on winning the presidency. There isn't anyone with more talent for the role of Secretary of State that would get immediate credibility from the rest of the world. The best leaders surround themselves with the best talent and can put aside past differences. I trust Obama is such a leader.
..., even Michelle Bernard. She must be doing something right, as she gets to express hers on national TV...! I've never agreed with anything I've heard her say before, but I do think both of these women make a valid point. Hillary has too much baggage (including Bill).
As much of Obama's "platform" in the international sphere is based upon diplomacy - face-to-face interaction and negotiation, in my opinion, Hillary does not have the mindset or temperment, or really the wide-ranging base of foreign affairs experience to be the most effective SoS for Obama. Nor do I think she'd be a good selection for the SCOTUS.
She's very bright, has good political instincts, and is beginning to assert herself in the Senate. She can be much more effective in advancing the cause by working to move the essential legislation through the Senate.
I'm glad I didn't do what I often do: only read the headline! I get sidetracked very easily by all the pretty colors on my computer. I miss a lot more than I get. I also get up and LEAVE my computer at the drop of a hat, and stay gone sometimes for days. Look out for those fleeting shocker headlines....
But thanks for taking this on, C&L, and clearing it up as to source. We all have more than enough to worry about without the "junk news" and all the twisted-motive beasties thrown at us by cable news.
If we don't want to loose a seat by kicking Lieberman out, why the hell weould we decide to loose a seat by appointing Hillary Clinton to Sec of State? Hillary should stay right where she is we need the vote, at least the first 2 years of Omerica.
I have to agree, Hillary would fight for power every inch of the way. That is her nature.
Recall the tale of the 'The Scorpion and the Fox'
And Honestly I think he is going to be darn good at it...
Although I am not sure where she is going to land... we could be wrong.
--
And if I am remembering the ol tale correctly..
It is the Scorpion and the Frog
Could it just be that we knew we would lose if she was the candidate, that we were tired of having 2 politcal dynasties running our government for 16 years? Could it have been that Obama was the better candidate. No we must be bashers. It's bull crap like that out of the 90's that gave everybody on the left and the right a bad taste in their mouth from the Clinton's, particually Hillary. It's bull crap like that why she lost. If she had won would the 90's PC police have come back out of the woodwork?
That's why I wouldn't vote for her, even though she was certainly smart enough. If Hillary Clinton had been elected, then 24 straight years of U.S. presidential power would have been held by just two families. That possibility profoundly offends me as an American.
Parallel government? Kind of like the one Bush ran outside the oversight of congress and the courts?
most ignorant witches I have ever heard babble on the tube. Jealousy is one dangerous drug, and Michelle Benard is one serious addict. Jeez you two just shut your pie holes.
Obama treats Hillary like a Mother. If you look at Obama's life it shows every step of the way there's been a stronge woman and now comes Hillary. Obama lost the House Seat for Illinois when he ran. He called Hillary Clinton for help in running for the Senate seat. Now Michelle makes woman out to be cat fighters. It's time for the Republican supporters to move on and get over the lost. As for Tweety the suck up he need not worry most of us told Hillary about his comments and disrespect.
The term "parallel government" may be over the top, but isn't the concern that a Secretary of State Clinton might stray from President Obama's message, go "off the reservation," or push things too far without proper authorization (you can use whatever term you want) legitimate? I certainly thought of that when I heard the news that Clinton was being considered for SOS.
This concept isn't unique to Hillary Clinton. Presidents often take this exact issue into account when choosing either a strong secretary of state (Nixon/Kissinger) or a weak one (Lyndon Johnson/Dean Rusk). I think it's fair to say that Clinton is no shrinking violet, and that it remains to be seen whether she would toe the Obama administration line in any cabinet or top Executive Branch position.
those two women have serious issues. i'm sorry but it sounds like the level of delusional mental illness I'd expect to see on FOX. seriously. I saw this segment on the air and i spit up laughing at the absurdity of the display (which is not all that unusual for Michelle Bernard). OK, they both obviously despise hillary clinton. but, you have to admit their statements and deep paranoia are laughable. thank GAWD they're not in public office--can you imagine how they'd behave? seriously, i hope they're both in therapy and that tweety stops scraping the bottom of the barrel to fill his time. sicko.
Two Right Wing Bimbos. They have a different agendas!
Hillary will be a valued asset to Barack's administration
Now that I've actually watched the vid - Michele Bernard is kinda cute.
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