Hillary tells waitress, "I'm proud of you"...

[Al Federfer]

Cringe-making small talk from Hillary to one of Her subjects, as reported in ABC News Blogs:

"In early October, Sen. Hillary Clinton's 'Middle Class Express' made a pit stop at the Maid Rite diner in Marshalltown, Iowa.

The New York senator, joined by local political luminaries Christie Vilsack and Ruth Harkin, enjoyed a famous loose meat sandwich and attempted to hand caucus cards to the Iowans inside.

Clinton also spoke to one of the diner's waitresses, Anita Esterday. It was her first day on the job and she and Clinton shared a short exchange. Esterday, who has three jobs and works 12 hour shifts, said to Clinton "both of my sons have worked since they were 14 years old"; Clinton told her, 'I'm proud of you.'"

After Clinton and her entourage left the diner, Esterday told NPR, "I don't think she understood at all what I was saying."

Story:http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/11/clinton-stiffs-.html

I mean, shouldn't Clinton have told the waitress that SHE should be proud of herself and her children for working so hard? But no, Hillary bestows her "blessing" upon her instead. Yeech.

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

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[silverweb]

2. Almost as condescending as W...

...when he told that single mom who worked three jobs that it was "wonderful... uniquely American."

:puke:

[Al Federfer]

5. Yeah, that one takes the prize. n/t

[Greyhound]

34. Exactly my first thought too.

She's just so proud that this person's child has been working, almost certainly to help keep the family off the street, instead of getting what passes for an education, and that this woman has the privilege of spending half of her life toiling to make somebody else money.:puke:

WTF have we become?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. Chalk it up to Clinton's inexperience.

[mitchum]

70. Nicely done

:)
very nicely done

[baldguy]

4. And if she had said any of those things, she would be blasted for being a phony.

[Al Federfer]

6. Not if she had been sincere. LOL n/t

[baldguy]

64. No level of sincerity would be enough.

Some people have swallowed the RW propaganda about Hillary hook, line & sinker.

[Selatius]

7. She should've said that Esterday should be given more help to raise her kids.

3 jobs and 12 hour work days to pay the bills? Only in America. This would never fly in Europe. The trade unions would strike for better working conditions.

[Deja Q]

11. And yet Americans are called "too lazy" by some of their own countrymen...

:crazy:

[Deja Q]

8. Or, as a purported proponent of the Middle Class, shouldn't she have made some empty promise

to help make life better for her and her FAMILY?

Nope. Just "I'm proud of you", of which the only context to infer is "for working your life away for so many hours you don't have time to be with your family or to pursue the American dream".

Still, at least Hillary went to a small town shop instead of a franchised restaurant.

And on the fourth hand, the whole article was worth the read.

Thanks for posting it.

[PinkTiger]

9. There's a total disconnect between people like Esterday and people like Clinton.

This is what pains me, that those who are in a position to run this country have very little in common with the common folk.
However, we need to continue working toward changing that. At least today a woman can run for office, and perhaps win, and that will encourage more women. And I'm looking forward to the day when all people have more to look forward to at the end of the week than another job over the weekend. We are fast becoming a nation divided by class and position.

[piesRsquare]

36. We already ARE a nation divided by class and position n/t

[Ilsa]

52. Yeah, I don't think Hillary grew up in poverty. Probably more

middle class, IIRC from a biography written about her in 1993.

[truedelphi]

98. She grew up inside a securely upper middle class neighborhood

Complete with a daddy who was an executive.

She actually, in marrying Bill, married down.

And maybe because of her upbringing, she has always had a serious disconnect with a working class person's experience.

That is why, back in '93 or '94, she touted her health insurance proposal as offering a family of four making $24,000 a year, a chance to have insurance that they would ONLY pay 4,000 a year for.

"Honey - I guess we'll quit taking two trips a year to Hawaii, and we'll cancel the summer trip to
the French Riviera, so we can sign on to this fabulous new health insurance plan!"

Her idea actually might have worked if you ran the numbers for a family of four circa 1993 who were living in Arkansas. But in about any other place in the USA, that family had NO disposable income with which to fund a 4K health plan.

It certainly wouldn't have worked for a family of four in California - that family might have been paying one half of that $24 K to the landlord.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

10. This is deja vu all over again. Remember when Shrub said how great it was that a woman

he had next to him at a campaign event said she worked 3 jobs? That was horrendous then and it horrendous now.

[Deja Q]

13. Exactly. It doesn't help the "family values" mantra...

I wish she had a father figure in her life to help out as well; but the ideal world isn't one everybody can have at times.

[rug]

12. What the hell is a loose meat sandwich?

[Deja Q]

14. Check out "Roseanne", the 5th season

Roseanne opens a loose meat sandwich. Bits of meat in a bun. High in carbs, and sloppy so more if it falls out of the bun than what gets into your mouth. (so ordering seconds is inevitable :evilgrin: )

[rug]

32. So, it's ok to make a "Loose Meat For Hillary" T-shirt?

[OzarkDem]

108. ..

:spray:

[AlCzervik]

15. it's ground beef, kind of like a sloppy joe.

[SoCalDem]

17. all the grease..but no red sauceiness

:puke:

[AlCzervik]

26. check please.

:puke:

[gorekerrydreamticket]

30. best served with Maalox.....n/m

[mcscajun]

22. It's like a Sloppy Joe, only without a tomato-based sauce. Just another

ground meat slopped on a bun experience. :9

[many a good man]

28. ABCNEWSBLOG is loose meat

Political Radar! Don't believe a word of it!!

[BeHereNow]

87. Queen Walmart will soon be adding it to the Walmart menu- so you will soon find out.

Heaven forbid any family owned businesses exist.
Hill stopped by to make sure the local Walmart offers
loose meat sandwiches at discount price.
That way the woman and her sons wont have three jobs to go to.
See how it works?

BHN

[SoCalDem]

16. Just what she hoped for for Chelsea, wasn't it?

:)

[emilyg]

18. Petty post.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

21. Petty candidate.

[OzarkDem]

109. No, this is the real world

This woman's situation isn't a rare occurence, its commonplace. Candidates are going to hear a lot about the misery average Americans are living with in the coming months. America has changed and its not a pleasant place for most people any longer.

[leftchick]

19. she probably didn't listen to a word Anita said

clinton's job is to smile, mug, canoodle and glad hand for the camera. It is about getting elected, not you, me or the Anitas of America.

[Naturyl]

20. I'd tell her to go F herself.

I don't need patronizing parent-talk from politicians. Sheesh.

[Name removed]

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[Toasterlad]

40. Your Post Was Much More Sexist Than Naturyl's.

You were the one who dragged sex into it. What makes you think he wouldn't have said the same thing to Guliani or Edwards? If he'd said it about Obama, would you call him racist?

[durrrty libby]

42. As they say...Nice try...not really

Are you his mommy? He can't respond for himself?

[Naturyl]

45. I wouldn't want any "class"

You're aware that the term "class" is a classist (duh) attack on the poor, right?

And I'm not sexist in the slightest. I'd tell Obama or Edwards exactly the same thing if they had said it.

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[cali]

58. not really.

As E.M. Forester said, I believe in an Aristocracy, not one based on class, but an aristocracy of the kind and the plucky. That's a rough paraphrase, but you get the idea. The classiest person I ever knew grew up on a poor hill farm 60 to 75 years ago.

[durrrty libby]

83. Gross

[Name removed]

56. Deleted message

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[JI7]

23. i think she wanted Hillary to explain how her policies would help her

so she doesn't have to work so much for so little including the kids.

but Hillary took it as the mother telling her as if it was some accomplishment and wanted a compliment.

[asjr]

25. I guess I read it a different way. I think

Hillary said I'm proud of you because the waitress did a good job of raising her sons.

[Al Federfer]

27. Who does Hillary think she is to say that to someone? That's the point.

[Terri S]

29. You may want to read this about the little 'impromptu' stop at Maid Rite...

link

Exerpt:

"She leaned forward as her waitress Anita Esterday explained that she was a single mother and nurse who did two jobs to raise her sons and could not afford medical insurance. Mrs Clinton nodded sympathetically and told her: "I'm proud of you."

The scene was picture perfect and the theme just right. An impromptu stop at a roadside eatery crammed full of everyday folks would help dispel the oft-levelled charge that the former First Lady is a professional politician who does not relate easily to ordinary people. Miss Esterday's plight was just what Mrs Clinton was highlighting on her "Middle Class Express" bus as it sped from town to town past fields of corn and soybeans. Such a spontaneous interaction was the stuff of campaigning among Iowa caucus-goers, who are proud of their brand of face-to-face retail politics.

Except that virtually every detail of the casual visit had been carefully orchestrated. A team of burly Secret Service men, clad in suits and shades, had driven ahead to carry out a recce. All but two of the customers were Clinton loyalists, including union leaders flown in from New York and Washington, who had been at her previous rally and were travelling on her bus."

[jackstraw45]

31. It's called a political campaign. EVERY campaign does it and the media plays along...

I'm not Clinton supporter but aren't there more important issues?

[Terri S]

41. Um, ok.

You think John Edwards has 'his people' clear out a place before he shows up anywhere? You think Obama's campaign fills the chairs of the local barber shop with his own people before he stops in? You think Kucinich would stage something like this? Yeah, we all know * is famous for this kind of staged photo op, and I don't put it past any of the Republicans, but I think most of our candidates actually WANT to encounter real people.

[leftchick]

43. wow! Just Like Bush!

what's not to love? :puke:

[mitchum]

72. Talk is cheap, but double talk certainly isn't...

that's why she needs those corporate millions

[truedelphi]

100. Ever watch or read "Primary Colors" wherein the Clintons

Bus over some homeless people so that Bill's party as canddiate for governor looks to be well-attended.

Doubt those same homeless people were invited to the inaugural ball.

[slackmaster]

33. I heard the Anita Esterday interview on NPR this morning

Although her comments about Senator Clinton were less than flattering, Ms. Esterday did say she might get her vote.

The late payment of a tip is pretty tacky.

[WilliamPitt]

35. Another dogshit post in another dogshit day filled with stupid petty dogshit DU sniping.

And no, I don't support Clinton.

This thread, along with about 50,000 others like it, is a waste of electrons.

[durrrty libby]

82. It is sick

[Toasterlad]

37. Such a Typical Political Answer.

Politicians NEVER listen to what average schmos say. Instead of "I have to work three jobs because of the lousy job you guys are doing running the country", politicians hear, "Listen to me brag about being a hard-working American type!"

[Greyhound]

38. Would it have hurt her at all to @ least drop a 'c' note on the woman? n/t

[durrrty libby]

44. Why would she do that. Then the woman would whine that she's not a

charity case. Small petty people are stupid.

Don't like your job? Take some classes. Get an education.
It's not that difficult. waaawaaawaa

[Naturyl]

47. Are you kidding me?

Those are right-wing talking points if I've ever heard them. "Wawawa?"

And you're telling other people about not belonging here?

[durrrty libby]

49. Value an education is a RW talking point? Yeah right

[Naturyl]

51. No, THIS is a right-wing talking point:

"Don't like your job? Take some classes. Get an education.
It's not that difficult. waaawaaawaa"

Could you have been any more patronizing and condescending toward low-income workers? How do you figure she's going to "get an education" while working her ass off for practically nothing and raising two kids?

[durrrty libby]

53. I've been there honey. I raised 3 and earned 2 degrees.

People live up or down to their own expectations.

When my young husband dropped dead, I put myself through college

while raising my boys by waitressing


Sad and sexist. pfffffssst

[Apollo11]

105. Good for you. But not everyone can be a high flier under this system.

If you honestly think that everyone in America can go to college, get a degree and then find a well-paid job that provides a good salary, benefits and security - then you obviously don't understand how the capitalist system works.

The people at the top are getting richer because the folks at the bottom are staying poor.

It's called an unfair distribution of wealth. One of the main characteristics of a capitalist economy.

The way to address it is raising the minimum wage and providing affordable healthcare for all.

Not by telling the folks at the bottom to stop being so lazy and stupid. That would make you a conservative.

[Name removed]

66. Deleted message

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[BeHereNow]

88. Who pays for those classes dl?

And exactly WHICH outsourced jobs should the poor woman
be preparing for?
I must say, your posts vex me to no end.
Thoughtless, arrogant and ignorant.
It's the Amurikkkan way, eh?

BHN

[Greyhound]

102. You can have the post deleted but you are still a shameless bigot. n/t

[Ignis]

103. Someone needs to read "Nickel and Dimed"--and try empathy. (nt)

[Name removed]

39. Deleted sub-thread

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[Tierra_y_Libertad]

50. Ahhhh...the personal touch. Did she allow Ms Esterhazy to kiss her ring?

I love politicians pretending to be "just folks" while speaking down to them.

[durrrty libby]

55. How sad it must be to live a one dimensional life

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

59. I wouldn't know. You?

[durrrty libby]

62. Denial is sad?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

63. So, stop denying and cheer up.

[leftchick]

74. I imagine she keeps disinfectant wipes on hand

at times like that. Poor Hil, the crap she has to suffer for the crown.

[Raine]

54. So patronizing

x(

[durrrty libby]

61. No ..it's empowering. geesh. Stop using single moms for your hatred

[Breeze54]

57. What the F is she proud of?

That a single Mom has to work TWO fucking jobs just to keep her and her kids heads above water??

:evilfrown: What the fuck is THAT all about?

That her husband passed NAFTA and "welfare reform' and it fucked ALL workers and the poor??

Gheesh!! :grr:

[durrrty libby]

60. She's proud that she hung in there. Stop marginalizing single moms

[Breeze54]

65. I AM a single Mom and

screw her and her patronizing BS! :grr:

[durrrty libby]

69. Me too honey and I worked for 2 degrees, raised 3 fab sons

I don't blame others. I am happy with my accomplishments and theirs.

No one said it would be easy and it's not. Thankfully I don't live with your hate

[Breeze54]

76. Get over yourself....

I also raised THREE SONS, have THREE COLLEGE degree's and

it isn't all just about working hard...

[durrrty libby]

79. Then it's a shame you are so angry. I won't get "over myself"

That would be idiotic.

I accomplished a lot, help others, and I got to see the the final game of the World series

up close and personal.


:woohoo: :applause: :woohoo:

[Breeze54]

85. You have no idea what was dealt to me in my life.

Go take a long walk...off a short pier.

Must be nice to be so perfect and a pompous ass. :eyes:

[BeHereNow]

91. Go to Dictionary dot com and...

guess whose picure will be there under
Ignorant, arrogant dumb ass Amurikkkan?
Why DO they hate us?
The answer should be very clear to all by now.
BHN

[cuke]

93. You want to play Misery Football?

bring it on

[tyedyeto]

86. I see.... the be all and end all is to go to the World Series of baseball?

No wonder you have a hard on for those who work 2 & 3 jobs to support families.

[woo me with science]

95. three college degree's?

Those must be why my eye's cant believe how good's your English's are.

[Breeze54]

97. Byte

this.

[woo me with science]

101. Sorry, just teasing. :)

Hope I didn't trigger any repressed memories or anything...O8)

[OzarkDem]

111. Its also about opportunities

where you live, luck, chance, etc.

Things are growing worse daily in many parts of this country, leaving people with few options no matter how much education or expertise they have.

I'm doing ok myself, but I deal every day with people who have had the worst kind of luck and, regardless of how hard they work, would still be in dire straits.

[OzarkDem]

110. That's condescending and insulting

you owe her an apology.

[asdjrocky]

67. Parents just don't understand.

Support Edwards.

[durrrty libby]

71. Edward's goose is cooked. Enjoy

I wish I could tell you how much I loathe him, but it wouldn't be prudent

[Nutmegger]

73. Says you.

Enjoy that.

[durrrty libby]

78. Thanks..I do enjoy it mucho

[Odin2005]

68. Heard about this on NPR this morning.

I vaguely remember hearing that Hillary never gave the lady a tip. :puke:

[durrrty libby]

81. You heard a lie that has been debunked

The small and petty are killing this country

[Evergreen Emerald]

75. why are we posting this crap on DU?

What happened to the issues?

[DefenseLawyer]

77. "You work three jobs?"

Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that." —George W. Bush, to a divorced mother of three, Omaha, Nebraska, Feb.4, 2005. As someone pointed out, Shrub took hell for that quote, and rightly so, but the sentiment is basically the same.

[gatorboy]

80. Zandor...Is that you?

[Bluebear]

84. ("Loose meat sandwich"?? Q'uest que c'est?)

[Beausoir]

89. Yawn.

Every hour or so...one of these silly posts pops up.

Of all the things to get pissed about, this is really WAY down on the list.

[BeHereNow]

90. Translation: You are a GOOD slave serf... just what Bill had in mind with his WTO!

What a fucking insult.
"I'm proud of you?"

What the hell does that mean?

"I'm proud that you and your sons have to work non-stop to survive?"

"I'm proud that you have no quality time with your kids?"

"I'm proud that you have accepted your position as a SERF under corporatist America?"

R E A L L Y Queen Walmart, just what DID you MEAN by such
a heartless response to a fellow human being?

BHN

[Katherine Brengle]

92. Telling a person you are proud of them doing what they have to to get by

doesn't make you an asshole.

What was she supposed to say? Was she supposed to pity this woman? Would that have been less condescending?

[BeHereNow]

94. As a person who has worked with the youth of this class of working class citizen...

I can tell you this-
It is a disgrace that anyone in Amurikkka has to work three jobs to
get by-
Who pays?
The kids.

The kids who have no parents to nurture them.

So YES, as a mother, she should have been deeply concerned
as to what the woman's statement implied in regards
to her children.

FUCK the elites.
They have no concept as to what their economic
policies have done to the youth of this country.

They are completely out of touch with the reality of
the average citizen.

And so, apparently, are you.

BHN

[woo me with science]

96. Someone actually recommended upthread

that she give her alms of $100.

Maybe she should just carry a basket of bread and scatter it wherever she goes.

[Greyhound]

104. How about, "It is a disgrace that you have to sacrifice that much of your life

to merely survive while the very few of us take so much more than we deserve"?

[OzarkDem]

112. She can offer hope

She can tell the person that she knows things are tough but that they don't have to be that way and she plans to make a change.

There's no reason in the world why any American shouldn't be able to work a 40 or 50 hour week and be able to earn enough to have a roof over their head, food to eat and health care if they need it. Working wages for many today don't even come close to sustaining an individual or their families.

America should never settle for an economy where people have to work 3 jobs and put their children to work all so they can just make a living.

[Jim Sagle]

99. Whadda crocka chickenshit bullshit.

[Vinca]

106. It might have been nice if Hillary remarked she would work hard

to improve the waitress's lot in life. While it's a noble thing to not give in to bad times by working like a dog, it's not much of a life. I doubt the waitress has many fond memories of summers on the Vineyard or time spent traveling in foreign countries with her sons. It shows how much most of the people in Washington - not just Hillary - don't get it. (Exception - that one Congressman from Maine who used to work in a paper mill. He gets it.)

[kurth]

107. Yeah, proud of Americans working themselves to death for subsistence wages and no benefits

and half of their paychecks go to the oil companies.