“We have a great time; we laugh at our dogs; we watch stupid movies; we take long walks; we go for a swim.”
The cover photo of Hillary is one of the most flattering I've seen in a long time. Inside, there's another photo that is far less flattering. Neither photo is dated. Midway through the interview, there is this description of her and Bill at a speaking event last spring:
Onstage, the former president looked older than in the past—thinner, stooped, more subdued, his hands trembling while he held his notes at the podium. Haloed in blue light, he spoke about the “still embattled American Dream” and then introduced his wife as his new partner in the foundation, the woman who “taught me everything I know about NGOs.”
Her appearance made for a stark contrast. When she emerged from behind the curtain, she appeared much more youthful—smiling, upright, beaming in a turquoise pantsuit; she received huge applause and a standing ovation that dwarfed the response to Bill.
The article discusses the evolution of the Clinton Foundation into the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation, and briefly mentions Benghazi, her relationship with Obama, her tenure at State.
It also describes Hillary as the obvious front-runner, if she chooses to run. A recent CNN poll suggests this is true.
I doubt Hillary's age will be a persuasive argument against her. Republicans conveniently forget Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, and John McCain. They also need to be reminded that baby boomers are the largest voting block, women vote more often than men, and older voters vote more than younger voters.
The Daily Beast last month had this article listing 16 reasons Hillary would win if she chooses to run. Among the most persuasive reasons:
Akin to the movement that elected the first African-American president in 2008, the “Madame President movement” will be propelled by the mainstream media, Hollywood, and social media. Together they will build momentum and coalitions across all platforms, while reveling in their awesome social and cultural significance. You will hear the “triumph of the ’60s feminist movement.” You will hear that you will be “voting to make history.” And you will hear that your vote will be used as a “hammer to break through the glass ceiling of the Oval Office.”
Warning: Prepare for the onslaught, because it is coming your way.
Ready for Hillary is also gaining steam. The longer Hillary delays making a decision, the greater the clamor will be for her to run. Any formal decision is unlikely before November, 2014 or January, 2015. I think it's clear she will run unless something unforeseen happens between now and then to change her mind.
I've been chronicling Hillary's political campaigns online since 1999, when I created a "Run Hillary Run" section for Hillary's senate campaign on my first website, CrimeLynx. Will I do it again? I haven't decided, but it hardly seems necessary. Candidates no longer need bloggers to champion their cause. Social media is far more effective. On the other hand, social media is superficial, and there will always be readers who want in-depth analysis and a place to express their opinions in more than 140 characters. I'm glad I have a year to decide.
