Hillary: Let's Chat

Something totally unexpected has happened!

After months, make that years, of denials, Hillary Clinton has announced that she's a candidate to be the President of the United States. Well, she's not quite a candidate yet; but the exploratory committee has begun the exploration.

Wow!

I didn't see this coming!

NEW YORK -- Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton launched a trailblazing campaign for the White House on Saturday, a former first lady turned political powerhouse intent on becoming the first female president. "I'm in, and I'm in to win," she said.

In a videotaped message posted on her Web site, Clinton said she was eager to start a dialogue with voters about challenges she hoped to tackle as president — affordable health care, deficit reduction and bringing the "right" end to the Iraq war.

"I'm not just starting a campaign, though, I'm beginning a conversation with you, with America," she said. "Let's talk. Let's chat. The conversation in Washington has been just a little one-sided lately, don't you think?"

"Let's chat"?

Hillary wants to talk, like neighbors, like friends.

That's a smart approach for her to take. Of course, it's all a crock but it's smart.

She has such high negatives. Step number one for a successful campaign has to be to get people not to dislike her so much.

The problem is people know her. They know what she's like. She's not a "let's chat" type. She's more of a "listen to me, I know it all" type.

The greatest obstacle that Hillary must overcome to win over American voters is the truth.

Clinton's announcement, while widely anticipated, was nonetheless historic in a fast-developing campaign that has already seen the emergence of a formidable black contender, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

In an instant, Clinton became the most credible female candidate ever to seek the presidency and the first presidential spouse to attempt to return to the White House in her own right. Her husband, Bill, served two terms as president from 1993 to 2001.

Really? Her husband served two terms?

I had no idea! Is this AP article written for illegals without a clue of our recent history?

So much is being said about the fast pace of the campaign.

I know we're talking about fund-raising here and the candidates need to grab as much in the way of contributions as they can as soon as they can.

Still, it's only January 2007. Official primary season is a long way off. I will go nuts with this TWO YEAR campaign.

Shouldn't Senators Clinton and Obama be serving their constituents instead of serving their egos?

"I am one of the millions of women who have waited all their lives to see the first woman sworn in as president of the United States — and now we have our best opportunity to see that dream fulfilled," said Ellen Malcolm, president of EMILY's list, which raises money for Democratic women who run for office.

I don't see it that way.

I can honestly say that I haven't waited to see the first woman president.

I don't really care. It doesn't matter to me.

I want the best person in the office. The individual's gender makes no difference to me. Zero.

I wouldn't cast a vote based on a person's sex.

Their reproductive organs aren't high on my list of qualifications.

Call me crazy.

With her immense star power, vast network of supporters and donors and seasoned team of political advisers, the 59-year-old Clinton long has topped every national poll of potential Democratic contenders.

But since joining the field, Obama has secured the backing of a number of prominent fundraisers, including billionaire philanthropist George Soros, stepping up the pressure on Clinton to disclose her plans.

Don't forget George Clooney. He's in Obama's camp, and it has nothing to do with Hillary not being quick enough to disclose her plans.

Some of the Lefties prefer Obama. Maybe they believe that blank slate Obama could be more readily manipulated than the powerful Hillary.

And another thing, Hillary's "immense star power," the fact that she's a known entity, isn't necessarily good news for her.

All of Hill's supporters and all of Hill's advisers can't take away the image that many Americans have of Bill's wife. That's set in stone.

Simply put, lots of people can't stand her.

And then there's Bill.

What about Bill? Will he be out front and center, biting his lower lip, feeling our pain?

Will he accompany Hillary on the campaign trail, and sit there looking at her adoringly as she delivers her stump speech?

I don't think that'll be very believable.

It's weird. The inexperienced Obama is out there presenting himself as worthy of the presidency. I think he's believing the media hype.

Then we have Hillary, acting as if she's entitled to occupy the office, as though she's earned it for standing by her man the former president.

At this point, it's all fluff -- fluffy fluff.