Reply #24: It's all about Hillary.

[blonndee]

So this: "She feels a responsibility to the party, the process and the people who have invested time and money on her behalf" is all BULLSHIT. Clearly she has no regard for the party OR the process, seeing as how she is willing to go back on a SIGNED pledge (isn't she a lawyer?) regarding election rules.

As for "the brand": The Clintons have done nothing but tear down their "brand" this season. They've shown themselves to be pandering, consummate politicians and disloyal ones at that. It's not too late for them to recover. Americans are very forgiving and all about second chances (see Ted Kennedy) but they are skirting the limits here. Much further and she'll be lucky to keep her Senate seat. The Clintons ended with a good legacy--which is now in question. Could go either way.

As for "running out the clock"? Both reinforces the GOOD idea of the Clintons as "fighters" and the BAD idea of Clintons as scheming, greedy politicians. Lately, the possibility of being exposed as "cheaters" (not too far removed from "liars") has emerged (slowly, IMO). Also reinforces negative perception of the Clintons.

"Whither Winning" and "2012"? For me? Obvious. No question. Since it IS all about the Clintons, I have no doubt it is now all about 2012. EVERYTHING she is doing has nothing to do with today. She lost this time, but in her mind, SHE IS NOT A LOSER! SHE MUST WIN! I am firmly convinced that her actions TODAY are all about 2012.