Just what has Chelsea Clinton done that makes her so admirable?

[cali]

Why is their such adoration of her and giddy excitement over the prospect of her running for political office?

What work has she ever engaged in, either professionally or on a volunteer basis that indicates that she's devoted to progressive or humane causes?

Working here?

McKinsey & Company, Inc. is a global management consulting firm that focuses on solving issues of concern to senior management. McKinsey serves as an adviser to many businesses, governments, and institutions. It is recognized as one of the most prestigious consulting firms in the world,[3][4] has proportionally produced more CEOs in large-scale corporations than any other company,[5] and has been a top employer for new MBA graduates since 1996.[6]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKinsey_%26_Company

How about working here?

Avenue Capital Group is an American investment firm focusing on distressed securities[2] and private equity with regional teams focusing on opportunities in the United States, Europe and Asia. The firm operates as both a private equity firm and as a hedge fund. Avenue’s core strategy is focused on distressed debt and equity securities although the firm also manages investment funds that focus on long-short opportunities, real estate, and collateralized debt obligations. The firm manages assets valued at approximately $20 billion[1]. The firm was founded by former professionals of Amroc Investments, an affiliate of the Robert M. Bass Group.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_Capital_Group

Or at NBC:

On November 14, 2011, NBC announced that it hired Clinton as a correspondent, reporting feature stories about "Making a Difference" for NBC Nightly News and Rock Center with Brian Williams. It was a three-month contract and allowed her to concurrently continue working for the Clinton Foundation and pursue her education.[39][40] Clinton's first appearance was on the December 12, 2011, episode of Rock Center.[41] Although she received critical reviews for her work, Clinton's contract with NBC was renewed in February 2012.[42][43][4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea_Clinton#Professional_life

She serves on several boards like The American Ballet Company and Clinton associated foundations.

She's well educated, certainly, but so are others. She's attractive, but that's hardly a qualification. She may well be a lovely person, but to date she's done nothing that's particularly admirable from the standpoint of progressive politics or humanitarian work.

I don't get the swooning over her at all.

[elleng]

1. Haven't heard any swooning.

Guess I'm not reading or listening to the right stuff.

[cali]

3. there's a thread with a number of adoring posts

active in GD.

[elleng]

4. Glad I've missed it.

Been waiting for her to become pregnant!

[NCTraveler]

10. +1 nt

[MADem]

25. You would have done well to cite it at the outset to give people a contextual base for your, er,

"remarks."

[aquart]

2. Okay.

[Ikonoklast]

5. I'm not one for political dynasties based on a last name.

I'm for politicians earning their place because they do the people's work, and if they happen to be related, OK.

But to vote for someone that has no track record to speak of because they are related to someone is a mistake.

[hifiguy]

18. Agreed. The only political dynasty in the US

that has been any good was the Kennedys, and their dynastic status rose more from Jack's tragic assassination than anything else. It was reinforced by Bob's murder Had Jack lived and retired in 1969 there probably would still have been Kennedy family members in politics, especially Ted, but there would have been no perception of a dynasty.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

32. What about the Roosevelts?

[GoCubsGo]

38. Or the Kennedys?

[hifiguy]

41. Good point.

I was only thinking of my lifetime. That was slightly different because TR and FDR were second cousins, or were they first cousins once removed? I get confused with cousins and cousins-removed and such. They were also thirty years apart, and FDR had made his own name as a sub-cabinet appointee in the Wilson administration and as governor of NY.

There aren't many Roosevelts active in elective politics anymore AFAIK.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

51. I'm not aware of any Roosevelt descendants.

Last edited Thu Aug 16, 2012, 03:20 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm sure they're around but apparently not into running for office.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

59. Kermit Roosevelt , a CIA man, was instrumental in overthrowing the Iranian government in 1953.

But he died in 2000


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kermit_Roosevelt,_Jr.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

71. Quite a career.

By the early 1950s, Kermit Roosevelt, Jr. was a senior officer in the CIA's Middle Eastern division. At that time, there was a political crisis centered in Iran that commanded the focused attention of British and American intelligence outfits. In 1951, the Iranian parliament, under the leadership of the nationalist movement of Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, voted unanimously to nationalize the oil industry. This shut out the immensely profitable Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), which was a pillar of Britain's economy and political clout. A month after that vote, Mossadegh was elected prime minister of Iran.

-snip-

In 2003, William Blum, in Killing Hope: US Military and CIA Interventions Since World War II criticized Roosevelt for providing no evidence when he "argued that Mossadegh had to be removed to prevent a communist takeover" of Iran. Blum noted that while Roosevelt kept repeating how Mossadegh was a danger due to his seizure of the oil industry and his other Socialist reforms as well as his cooperation with the Tudeh Party, Mossadegh's role was much more nuanced.

This view was shared by many in the Intelligence community, although most notably the head of the CIA station in Iran resigned rather than participate in the coup. Many outside the intelligence community, including some in the Truman administration, had felt that Mossadegh should be kept in power to prevent a Communist takeover.

[frylock]

144. that really shouldn't be looked upon as a positive action

[HiPointDem]

120. there are a fair number. for example, mark roosevelt

Mark Roosevelt (born 1955) has been since January 2011 the President of Antioch College.[1] He was previously the superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the second largest school district in Pennsylvania, until December 31, 2010.[2] He is also a former state legislator of Massachusetts and former Democratic candidate for governor of the state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Roosevelt

teddy's great grandson and the author of pittsburgh schools' dismantlement. an education deformer.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

128. I don't think I like Teddy's offspring.

[HiPointDem]

134. yes, there seems to be a multi-generation involvement with intelligence services, for starters.

going back to teddy's confederate uncles, at least.

[Marrah_G]

133. I heard one on the radio the other day

I forget which progressive show it was though...maybe frank santos?

It was a roosevelt grandson I believe

[HiPointDem]

135. i think there are rather a few of them around, not always with the roosevelt surname.

not in high-profile offices usually but in positions of influence.

[Ikonoklast]

48. Bobby was rising power in his own right, I though for certain he could have been president

one day even if their never was a Jack Kennedy.

Teddy, I'm not so sure of. He grew into the postion he held over time.

[HiPointDem]

123. not a dynasty. one generation held office and most of them were killed.

[hifiguy]

125. You said it more clearly than I.

That's the point I was going at.

[marsis]

63. What about the

Bushies. Head of CIA, two Presidents, two governorships and counting. Too bad the cokehead hasn't run for office.

[Ikonoklast]

66. For the most part, that highlights what I oppose.

People voted for the name, not the policies and lack of vision.

[rbrnmw]

150. one of the cokeheads did and won

[MADem]

6. WTF? Swooning? Adoration? Giddy excitement?

Who is feeding you this line?

She is a delightful young adult, educated, articulate, with a good mind, who grew up in a horrible spotlight and was excoriated as a CHILD for her physical appearance by that 'he should talk' fetid blob of hate, Rush Limbaugh.

People don't like obese, sweaty, drug-addled bullies who take to the airwaves to beat up on little kids. It arouses a protective instinct in most normal people, which is why many people regard her fondly.

She's "not ruling out" running for office. That's ALL she said.

I'm "not ruling out" an expedition to the North Pole, myself, or a trip to the International Space Station, once I get my astronaut certifications!

[cali]

9. You mention the negatives but fail to mention the positives

which I believe, at the very least, counterbalance the negatives. She grew up loved and privileged and never had to worry about how to pay for college, and she was well protected by her parents when she lived in the White House- to their credit.

No one is defending Rush Limbaugh.

In any case, my comments are directed more at those folks who seem to think she's accomplished something wonderful and love the idea of her running for political office which, if you'll forgive me for saying so, is a lot more likely than you traipsing off to the International Space Station.

And no, I don't find anything in her career choices that I think is great.

[MADem]

19. I think you need to stop, slow down, and read what I wrote.

No one asked me for a history of her life, here. Pardon me for not regurgitating her childhood resume.

Further, if "...a delightful young adult, educated, articulate, with a good mind..." aren't "positives" I don't know what qualifies as "postives" in your head.

All I said--and if you read, carefully, you will take the point, clearly made--is that when an asshole picks on a little kid, people don't like it.

I also said that she said that she quote, would not rule out, unquote, running for office at some undefined future date.

I didn't say shit about her "career choices." I never ONCE suggested that anyone was "defending Rush Limbaugh."

Are you sure you want to direct your snip-n-snark at me or am I just the convenient victim, here?

An eyeroll on my part is quite justified, frankly.

[hifiguy]

22. Fortunately, I doubt many of Chelsea's peers

paid the slightest attention to Baghdad Blob's cruel and imbecilic comments. And at any rate she has plainly gotten the last laugh on the Vicodin-addled pig that walks like a man.

But I am not a fan of political dynasties in either partyh with the one and only exception of the Kennedys.

[MADem]

70. Geez, all she said is that she didn't rule anything out. It's not like she's declared for office.

What should she have said? "Hell no, and fuck you for asking?" "Absolutely and I think I'm entitled?" "How DARE you ask me that question?" "Yes, I'm angling for my mom's old job?"

She gave a diplomatic answer to a very lazy reporter's question. I think all of the Yee-hawing and pooh-poohing is a bit overblown.

My point was simply that people don't take kindly to a bloviating, perspiring pig beating up on a little kid, and people have long memories.

I hope she lives her life the way she wants to live it, and does well no matter what path she takes. She's at that stage in life where the possibilities are still endless--it's a good time of life; I'd sell a body part to turn back the hands of time to that era, myself!

I am not a fan of dynasties as a rule--even Kennedy ones. However, Al Gore did a decent job and he was a "chip off." It can and does happen...

[hifiguy]

72. Good point.

Unfortuately, thanks to the Bush Crime Family, the word "dynasty" conjures hellish associations these days.

[MADem]

76. That's no lie--if "Jorge P" runs I'll be aghast! And he's the best of a rather bad lot! nt

[fadedrose]

7. What!? You're not a fan of nepotism? nt

[Skinner]

8. She got shat on by Rush Limbaugh when she was 13.

John Derbyshire wrote a column for the sole purpose of stating that he hates her and thinks she should be dead.

Despite growing up as a target for right-wing assholes due to the accident of who her parents are, she has grown into a well-adjusted and successful adult.

I like it when the good people beat the assholes, which is what Chelsea Clinton did. More power to her. I will always be a fan.

[cali]

12. Yes, she got shat on by Rush Limbaugh as a kid

She also had every possible advantage a kid could have. That outweighs asshole comments by deranged wingnuts.

That she's apparently a nice, well adjusted person has nothing to do with the points I made in my OP.

[progressivebydesign]

15. you're coming off very jealous.

it's not what you're born with, it's what you do with it. George Bush comes to mind. and every other rich fuck up I've gone to school with...

[BOG PERSON]

21. i admit to being jealous of how spectacularly well-connected she is

i am jealous of every person out there who will never know the taste of failure.

[LanternWaste]

85. Well-connected does not deny failure.

Well-connected does not deny failure.

Yet we do tend to rationalize your jealousies in way that either advertise us as more than we really are, or minimize the recipeint of our jealousies as less than they are.

[BOG PERSON]

88. ah, could you perhaps phrase that less euphemistically

why don't you just come out and say it? "Chelsea Clinton is better than you"

[Egalitarian Thug]

149. Now, that's where you're wrong. Look at the last pResident for a perfect example.

When you're born into that class failure is impossible. No matter how badly you screw up, you will be bailed out and have the next thing waiting for you.

Do you suppose that Chelsea submitted her resume and went through HR and the interview process to get any of the jobs she had/has?

[whathehell]

107. Oh, I don't know that she will never know the taste of failure...Dubya was "connected" too.

and he was certainly a "Failure", and I believe he and everyone else knows that.

[Autumn]

129. Chelsea, just like Malia and Sasha Obama ,will never know the taste of failure.

Their Fathers being elected President will make sure of that. They will have every opportunity given to them to succeed.

[treestar]

143. Or never have to worry about making money

I always wonder why it is so bad to be "jealous" of that.

[BOG PERSON]

146. beats the hell out of me

what, are you supposed to be happy for people whose lives are unimaginably better than yours? what kind of pathetic weirdo doesn't even have the self respect to resent his/her social betters?

[HiPointDem]

23. no she's not. but the "jealous" canard is inevitably trotted out whenever the privileged are mildly

criticized.

[cali]

31. not at all.

I grew up in New Canaan Ct. And my family was well to do. Went to private and boarding schools and didn't have to worry about paying for college either. And both of parents grew up in much the same milieu. I've known some wonderful people with money as well as total dicks- though I have to say that in my experience very few people who grew up in privilege really seem to understand how much of an advantage that gives them.

that jealous line is so stupid.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

62. Ugh.

George Bush was a rich fuck up who did everything to fuck things up for himself and still became President because he was a well connected rich kid. Of course everyone should work hard but saying "its not what you're born with" is some libertarian double speak. The fact is there are kids in situations where they have nothing and have almost no opportunities either because their schools are shit or because they are faced with adult responsibilities towards the family when their still a child.

[MADem]

75. "That outweighs asshole comments by deranged wingnuts." Says who?

Not if you're the kid, it doesn't.

What a very curious comment.

[cali]

78. wait a minute: do you actually know that she heard that comment as a kid?

has she said that? And even if she did, yes I know that loving, good parenting outweighs a hateful comment by a nasty adult. And you should know that too.

[MADem]

89. They didn't keep her locked in a closet, you know. She went to Sidwell. She had friends.

Of course she knew.

To suggest that she didn't is absurd in the extreme.

Those good, loving parents surely prepared her for the eventuality that she'd hear some of that hateful shit. If they didn't, they'd be lousy parents--and we know they weren't.

From CC's comments, here, it looks like she did know, and she was prepped to deal with the remarks:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2124301/Chelsea-Clinton-tells-Rush-Limbaugh-fun-looks-13-comparing-dog.html

If you know anything about kids, and I am assuming that you do having been one yourself, at a minimum, you must recall that there's a time in life, generally in the teen years, when parents don't get through, and peers hold sway. This happens even with "good parenting." All parents can do is keep chipping away, but that doesn't obviate the feelings of the child about their appearance, their place in the world, their popularity amongst their peers, in the slightest. Money makers write "teen angst" songs, and create "teen angst" movies, about these very issues of separation from parents in the teen years, the importance of fitting in amongst peers, putting the views of peers ahead of adults who "don't understand," and these media efforts make a fortune, because they're true to the emotions being felt by the youngsters during this time in their life.

This is a universal thing.

Unless you are Chelsea Clinton--and we know you aren't--you can't assume that the hate-filled rants of that asshole didn't bother or affect her at the time, even though she handled them well.

I find your resentment of the young lady a bit odd, frankly. What has she ever done to you?

[cali]

93. I don't resent her. I find your insistence that I do quite creepy.

I haven't attacked her. I'm criticizing the juvenile fandom I see. Really, that should be clear to anyone who isn't a wee bit cockeyed about it.

And your article from the Daily Mail (lol) doesn't confirm that she knew at the time, but as I said even if she did know she had loving, good parents and a supportive environment. And by the way, if you don't think that what your father or mother does matters at an elite private school like Sidwell, you're wrong. It matters a lot. And her father being president would have far outweighed any comment made by wingnut rush. Sidwell is a liberal private school. Your argument is absurd. And yes, I know about kids. I was one. I have one. I've worked with them. I also know about elite private schools and how they work.

[MADem]

98. You're the one who started this creepy trainwreck of a thread, that misrepresents what the woman

said...and now you're griping because a few folks NOTICED?

I don't know how much clearer “Thankfully I had grown up in public life and knew that having thick skin was a survival skill,” needs to be for you, but if you want to insist she didn't know, you go right ahead.

You just keep digging that hole, if you'd like. I guess no one taught you the whole "Money can't buy happiness" meme when you were growing up.

Envy is shit, ya know--it will eat you up if you let it.

And "I don't know" means "I don't know."

[HiPointDem]

97. The same things mitt romney did, for starters, when she worked for avenue capital & mckinsey.

your attack on the poster is pitiful.

[MADem]

101. Mitt Romney spoke up in defense of Sandra Fluke and women in politics?

Mitt Romney was a champion of the Big Sister's Association? Mitt Romney is a human/animal rights champion?

Really? Who knew?

You're unclear on what "I don't know" means, too, then?

I am not attacking ANYONE here. I am pointing out a few facts that suggest an agenda--as the OP did. The difference is, my facts provide a more complete picture as regards the intent of the subject of this conversation.

[HiPointDem]

104. avenue capital & mckinsey are participants in the dismantlement of the US industrial economy,

the offshoring of business, the outsourcing of labor, and the attack on US workers.

Both Romney & Clinton made money off that.

Disqualifies both for US office, IMO.

Clinton's only "qualification" is her parents.

no more clintons, no more bushes.

[MADem]

117. Since she hasn't said she's running for anything, you're safe, now, aren't you? nt

[HiPointDem]

119. not safe from the hype and slavering.

i wonder why there's so much objection in some quarters to getting a few facts out to counter the unwarranted adulation

[MADem]

140. Unwarranted adulation? Really?

I think you need a bit of perspective.

[lpbk2713]

17. Given the unrec feature any thought lately Skinner?

Hmmmm?

[MADem]

79. Heh heh! Gotta say, I wouldn't mind seeing it back again.... nt

[MADem]

20. That's just what I was talkin' bout. nt

[fadedrose]

33. I hate Limbaugh too....

But Jimmy Carter's family suffered at everyone's hands, even some Democrats. His sister who died, the preacher, she was even made fun of, not to mention his daughter, Amy, who was said to be "ugly."

Then there was Margaret Truman, who played the piano in the WH. She was made fun of.

Even the Nixon girls were treated harshly. And the Bush twins were scrutinized and criticized quite a bit till they got them settled down.

Kennedy's kids were treated well because he was shot. Had that not happened, Limbaugh would have sunk his teeth into them too.

Getting back to Chelsea, all I know about her is that she had a job and she was friends with Madonna. Before I could say I'd like her to run for office, I'd like to see her interviewed by a really good reporter who would let us see her personality. If I sensed her warmth, sincerity, empathy, knowledge, etc., maybe I'd like to see her run for office. But she's so young and I'm so old that I'd never see her in office anyway. But it should be on her own merits, not who she's related to, which was the wrong reason for Limbaugh to criticize her.

[dsc]

105. with the exception of Amy

all of the above were adults which is a very different thing.

[obamanut2012]

60. This

[hamsterjill]

130. I like how you wrote this!

I feel the same way. I like it when the good ones win once in a while!

And as for all of the "privilege" that was bestowed on her, there is also the simple fact that she has had a lot more to contend with than the average person her age.

I particularly liked the way she handled herself during Hillary's campaign. If she decides to ever run for an office, I'll be happy to listen to what she has to say.

[NCTraveler]

11. "Just what has Chelsea Clinton done that makes her so admirable?"

She would never post an op like this. That puts her one up in my book.

[cali]

13. lol.

wow. now there's a big reason to endorse someone's potential political career. And there was nothing even harsh or rude about my OP. I find the outrage really interesting though. And I mean that sincerely. I believe it has more to do with partisanship and her being picked on by assholes like Limbaugh than anything else.

[progressivebydesign]

14. Meow. Guess it bothers some people that she didn't turn into a drunken coke whore. n/t

[nanabugg]

16. She has said that she wants to "give something back to society." Great qualifier in my book.

She just doesn't want to entertain people, she wants to help people. nuff said!

[hifiguy]

27. Good for her.

Let her be judged on her own accomplishments, not on her last name. She's clearly a highly intelligent young woman with a remarkable academic resume; that cannot be inherited, only earned.

[HiPointDem]

29. i know lots of people who want to give back. they're unlikely to become political representatives

because:

1. not enough money
2. not enough connections

americans fought the revolution to free themselves from political dynasties. enough of clintons, enough of bushes.

[LanternWaste]

44. However, I imagine those same persons are yet admired by people, regardless of political connections

" i know lots of people who want to give back. they're unlikely to become political representatives..."
However, I imagine those same persons are yet admired by people, regardless of political connections.


"americans fought the revolution to free themselves from political dynasties."
For the opportunity to vote for who they want-- regardless of blood or family relation. I would imagine that works in both directions, though...

[HiPointDem]

58. they're admired by as many people as clinton would be were it not for her political connections.

she's not done anything but work for wall street.

[cali]

34. oh for pity's sake. I said she may well be a lovely person.

I certainly think it's nice that she turned out well adjusted. I just don't get the "she's so wonderful thing". She went to work on Wall Street for a private investment firm. That's certainly her choice, but I don't really see that it's a choice that normally would get much of a cheer from DUers. In fact, if one of bush's daughters had done so, they would have been thoroughly lambasted here.

[Angry Dragon]

24. she won the sperm and egg lottery

[MoonRiver]

26. I heard today that she is supporting a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants.

For this animal rights activist that is huge.

[BOG PERSON]

30. i just *love* baby animals !!!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[MoonRiver]

36. Well, a lot of people in this world care deeply about animals, babies and adults.

So sorry for your limited, and unempathetic world view.

[LanternWaste]

46. I imagine it's much more convenient to a particular point of view to both minimize and trivialize an

I imagine it's much more convenient to a particular point of view to both minimize and trivialize an action rather than see it for what it is, and what it may accomplish.

And although that convenience is hardly substantive in any way, and becomes guilty of the very indictment it attempts to make, it does tend to advertise our character, or our lack of character in many ways.

[MotherPetrie]

28. She's not Bristol Palin

[ananda]

35. LOL

nt

[stevenleser]

37. If she can win and advance the Democratic agenda, I'll swoon once a day and twice on Sundays

but that goes for pretty much everyone as far as I am concerned.

[PotatoChip]

39. So you are basing this merely on how she earns her living?

She may well be a lovely person, but to date she's done nothing that's particularly admirable from the standpoint of progressive politics or humanitarian work.

And you know this, how exactly?

Some people do plenty of progressive political and humanitarian work behind the scenes without drawing attention to, or taking credit for their actions.

[jillan]

40. Why don't we save this Chelsea attack for when she runs against a true progressive?

Until then - what is the point???

[Tommy_Carcetti]

42. You realize that America watched her grow up from a kid into an adult.

As the President's daughter, many of us had something of an emotional attachment to her, seeing her on the news frequently with her parents. To many of us, she became like family, just like fictional characters on a favorite TV show will sometimes feel as though they are family. So when doucehbags like Rush Limbaugh attacked her because of their ultra-shallow perceptions, we too took offense as if Rush Limbaugh were attacking one of our own family members. When she went to college, we were happy for her. When her parents were having marriage difficulties, we were worried for her. When she got married, we were again happy for her, as if one of our own relatives was getting married.

Yes, to the cynic it might sound stupid, but many people like the idea that they saw a kid grow up into a beautiful, intelligent well-rounded women. Even if we didn't actually know her. And even if lots of kids grow up to be well-rounded and intelligent and so forth. I don't see what the harm in that is, though. It's a perfectly human response.

[cali]

50. Yes, I do realize that. As someone who's always been keenly aware of the difference

between people I actually know and fictional characters or celebrities, I perhaps am not as sensitive to those who believe they know celebrities or that fictional characters are real, as I should be.

I was also offended by Rush Limbaugh's comments about her. I thought they were disgusting- but they certainly didn't surprise me, and they didn't stir some great passion in me. I was aware that she had loving parents who were taking good care of her.

I guess I don't understand people thinking they have some real connection with someone they've never met.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

54. Well, of course not.

People are always going to know the difference between friends and family that they actually know, and celebrities they only feel as if they know. They're not stupid.

But it's uniquely human to still have in interest in a person even if one has never met them. You read about someone's heroism, and you like them as a person. You read about someone's unfortunate circumstances, and you feel for them. It's a matter of empathy and sympathy, which is perfectly normal.

In other words, just because a reaction isn't perfectly logical doesn't mean it's somehow wrong or not a normal human reaction.

[Paladin]

43. Why Don't You Shit-Can The Obama Daughters, As Well?

They're no more a part of a socioeconomic dynasty than Chelsea Clinton is.

[cali]

45. uh, perhaps because I didn't shit can her.

not even a little bit.

[Paladin]

55. Don't Be Obtuse.

You have no more basis for trashing Chelsea Clinton than you do the Obama daughters. The Obama girls have been born into wealth and extraordinary privilege, they'll have advantages if they choose to run for public office, they haven't accomplished much, to date---so why don't you smear them? Go ahead, cover yourself with glory.......

[cali]

61. I didn not in any way shape or form, trash her.

As for the Obama girls, they're 13 and 10, not 32. But more importantly, how is saying she's attractive, well educated and may well be a lovely person, trashing her? Big clue: It's not. And neither is pointing out that her career choices and volunteer choices don't demonstrate any progressive or humanitarian activity. she may be both, but she has yet to show those qualities.

One of the things I always look for in a candidate is evidence via their past work or volunteerism that they are progressive and that they have done some sort of humanitarian work. It's one of the major reasons I supported President Obama. He could have had a cushy job in a white glove law firm but chose instead to help others. My congressman is the same. I'm not saying Chelsea Clinton doesn't have every right to have chosen her line of work, but I don't find it inspiring.

[Dreamer Tatum]

83. Cali didn't trash Chelsea. Cali presented facts, which have a subtext.

If you removed her name and wrote that profile on DU, the overwhelming reaction would have been
"spoiled entitled 1%er scumbag needs a tax increase NOW!"

But because of her parents, all is forgiven, and, a fortiori, because she was horribly smeared by Limbaugh, she has
acquired cache similar to sainthood.

It's a WEE bit hypocritical.

[MADem]

91. Yeah, sure...because any old "spoiled entitled 1%er scumbag" would speak out vociferously in support

of Sandra Fluke and women in political/public life...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2124301/Chelsea-Clinton-tells-Rush-Limbaugh-fun-looks-13-comparing-dog.html

Or support the BIG SISTER Association:

Or engage in scores of other efforts to advance human and societal rights.

What's hypocritical here is the cherry-picking about what the young woman's priorities are.

[Dreamer Tatum]

118. I'm not cherry picking her priorities.

I'm pointing out that she has aspects of her life that are held as morally objectionable
to many people here.

And that is a fact.

[MADem]

141. Gee, if we tossed everyone over the side that ever worked at a "morally objectionable" workplace,

you'd likely be talking to yourself (assuming you practice what you preach and have NEVER done time at anything "sketchy" to some here--from the military to Walmart or any non-union/right-to-work shop) and maybe a few other people who have never worked a day in their lives.

Mind you don't dirty those clean hands, now...

[whathehell]

109. I was thinking the exact same thing.

I'm completely neutral about Chelsea Clinton.

[Marrah_G]

47. I don't understand it either

I don't hate the girl, just haven't seen anything that she has done that would make me go wow or exclaim my desire to have her run for president.

[cali]

52. exactly. This thread went just about as I expected

and pretty much made my points for me.

[MADem]

94. But here's the thing--she hasn't expressed a desire to do that, so why beat her up?

Stop reading the HEADLINES, and read what she actually said. In response to a direct question, not her own free-form rambling or musing: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/14/chelsea-clinton-considers-politics/

Asked if she would consider jumping into politics, Clinton - daughter of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton - is now saying, "I don't know."

"Before my mom's campaign I would have said no. Not because it was something I had thought a lot about but because people have been asking me that my whole life," Clinton, speaking of her mother's unsuccessful 2008 presidential bid, said in an interview for the September issue of Vogue.

"And now I don't know. . . . I mean, I have voted in every election that I have been qualified to vote in since I turned eighteen," Clinton continued.

..."If there were to be a point where it was something I felt called to do and I didn't think there was someone who was sufficiently committed to building a healthier, more just, more equitable, more productive world? Then that would be a question I'd have to ask and answer," said Clinton, who is also a contributor for NBC News.

I don't know, to me, means I don't know.

Jeez, leave her alone. What mean-spirtedness here, on a Democratic board, to someone who spends more than a fair share of her free time championing humanitarian causes.

[cali]

111. one more time, my dear. and just for you.

I was criticizing those swooning over the idea of her running for office in another thread and anyone who feels as they do. I think it's juvenile fandom behavior.

duh.

[MADem]

145. Yeah...that's REAL clear from your OP...NOT. Or your follow-on comments.

But hey, whatever.

[mfcorey1]

49. She kept her head above the fray when even attacked in ops and articles

that challenge her for no reason. Sure takes a lot to avoid leveling a good old fashioned "cussin out" to some people.

[grantcart]

53. I didn't see the swooning but I am pleased that any child grows up in that glass bowl can end up

being as normal as she seems to be.


Think of all of the others from rich famous families who form a seemingly endless line of addicts, alcoholics and unproductive drifters. She seems healthy, smart and happy. She doesn't owe us anything and I don't notice the swooning. Just glad that she seems to be doing well.

[Throd]

56. Sometimes DU can be like Tiger Beat

No one is disputing that she is intelligent or attractive.

Merely pointing out that she was born into tremendous wealth and privilege isn't a nefarious RW talking point.

[MADem]

95. Tiger Beat? This is more like a beat-down in the Junior High Bathroom.

I find the misrepresentation of her actual remarks on the topic the most "nefarious" thing happening, here.

She never said she was planning on, or even thinking about, running. Her answer to the pointed question was "I don't know."

Sheesh.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/14/chelsea-clinton-considers-politics/

[limpyhobbler]

74. nevermind. I probably misunderstood the thread.

[jonthebru]

64. And you probably never will.

[cali]

67. that depends on her.

As it is, I bear no animus toward her, and wish her well in her life. And my criticism was actually directed far more at a number of duers response to her than toward her.

[Spazito]

65. Geez, she was asked the question, she answered...

by saying she hasn't closed the door on running. A very vague, 'never say never' kind of answer. It's the usual media over-hyping as they do just about everything EXCEPT the real issues they should be discussing, imo.

Unless or until she indicates a real intent to run, OPs like this are just an invitation to knock someone who hasn't done anything to justify being torn down, again imo.

[cali]

68. one more time: I'm criticizing the response to her by

many duers in a prior thread. That's what my criticism is about.

[Spazito]

92. Well, your OP and subsequent responses re her privileged upbringing, etc,...

smack of criticism of her rather than criticism of those who are complimentary of her in other threads, imo. Just my take on it.

[cali]

106. no, really not.

and if you read my post above, I come from a quite privileged background myself. That simply is not what I'm criticizing. I'm sorry you have reading comprehension problems. It's rather a shame.

[MADem]

115. +1 nt

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

69. The scions of nobility and/or celebrity are often thought admirable because of their bloodlines.

Just look at the achievements of George H.W. Bush's sons.

[Redford]

73. I'm glad she turned out well.

I remember her being made fun of by SNL, Limbaugh and McCain. I always felt bad for her then and also when she had to go thru the Monica Lewinsky stuff. That must of been very difficult seeing your parents issues out flapping in the wind for all to see.

I do remember several years back an article that said she was the new JFK, Jr and it seemed really a stretch to me. I don't think she would sell People magazines the way JFK, Jr could (especially with his shirt off).

[Enrique]

77. I hear she is an independent strong-willed woman

I'm not sure how anyone knows that, or why anyone would care, but that's what I heard.

[moondust]

80. She inherited well.

Status, privilege, opportunity, money, fame.

Inheriting is hard werk! Just ask GWB!

[joeybee12]

81. Well, she's always handled herself well in public under

very trying circumstances under a microscope...I admire her for that...I don't know if that qualifies her for office, but I haven't seen swooning.

[The_Casual_Observer]

82. It's like movie stars. The same ones over & over, and the new ones are usually related to the old

ones in one way or another.

[HiPointDem]

99. often times they're also related to the 1%. jane fonda wasn't only henry's daughter, she was

related to oil money.

Frances Ford Seymour was a Canadian socialite, the second wife of actor Henry Fonda and the mother of actors Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda...the daughter of Eugene Ford Seymour and Sophie Mildred... Among her first cousins was Mary Benjamin Rogers, the first wife of Standard Oil millionaire Henry Huttleston Rogers Jr.

Her father, an attorney, was descended from Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset who was brother to Henry VIII's third wife, Jane Seymour....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Ford_Seymour

there are a lot of cases like that.

[The_Casual_Observer]

114. Google just about any of them anymore, parents are actors, directors, producers or something

with equal value or weight.

[NYC Liberal]

84. I think she's a lovely young woman. I don't like her or dislike her based soley on her last name.

I don't think she should run for office now. But if she gains more experience and works hard for progressive causes then I would certainly be willing to support her in a campaign.

[gkhouston]

86. ^^ This. n/t

[avebury]

87. I wouldn't so much as say that people swoon over her but that

she has handled herself in a mature manner. You never heard stories of her getting drunk in bars like Bush Jr.'s daughters, get pregnant and get into swearing fights on Facebook like Bristol Palin, or get into arrested like Jeb Bush's son. She is educated, has handled everything that she has been through (White House Fish bowl, Monica Lewinsky scandal, rude comments by the press/public when she was younger) with grace so I am willing to cut her some slack. If she decides to run for office I would be willing to listen to what she has to say and consider giving her my vote. Even at her age she still has better credentials then Bush Jr.

[bobburgster]

90. Anything would be better than her being a Special Reporter for NBC.....

she sucks at it.

[HiPointDem]

96. Avenue Capital does the same kind of thing Bain does:

We conduct an in-depth analysis of the business that is being acquired, so we can then leverage the existing assets of the business to structure the right financing for you.

http://www.avenuecapitalsolutions.com/types-of-financing/mergers-and-business-acquisitions/

It leverages companies, uses the proceeds to buy them, sells off the pieces (destroys them) to pay off the debt then pockets the profits. Other people's money scam.


McKinsey also does the same things Bain does (like advising outsourcing):

McKinsey is one of the market leading "Big Three" in management consulting services to the Fortune 500 set, along with Bain & Company and The Boston Consulting Group,



Why is this great experience for a Clinton, but akin to child rape for Romney?

[cali]

102. that's too stark a question for many in this thread

and I want to make quite clear that Chelsea Clinton's choice of career doesn't make her any kind of a monster in my eyes, but it doesn't burnish her credentials as a progressive or humanitarian- at least not in my eyes. Yes, I'm trying to dispel the bizarre notion that I'm jealous of her, or hate or hate rich people or resent her or whatever.

I do have to say you've raised an awkward question. I would have phrased it a little differently because I don't think anyone has said it's great experience. It seems to be acceptable experience though.

[HiPointDem]

103. it's the hypocrisy.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

100. Not much best I can tell

She is clearly working with "handlers" and is being groomed.

[Bluenorthwest]

108. To be blunt, anyone who grows up famous and turns out to be anything other than a reprobate

has accomplished something that gets my personal respect. It is not an easy path and that's admirable. I've seen many others do very poorly with that sort of youth, famous parents and all of that.
Chelsea has an impressive mind. She's like a super wonk. She would impress me in that regard with any name at all.
And she's on the board of The School of American Ballet, not 'the American Ballet Company'. The school is associated with NYC Ballet. It is a very useful and excellent institution...
http://www.sab.org/

[kskiska]

110. Alice Longworth Roosevelt and Margaret Truman Daniels come to mind

and were admired and names in the news long after their fathers were president. Why is Chelsea different?

[Nye Bevan]

112. She's probably generated millions in fees for the Wall Street firms she has worked for.

I'm sure her last name opened a lot of doors to meetings that led to highly profitable transactions. And as long as everything is legal, and she paid her taxes, I don't begrudge her for this.

[mzmolly]

113. She's a smart, strong, hardworking,

highly educated young lady. I admire that.

[The_Casual_Observer]

116. So are millions of other people, people that couldn't even dream of being elected

to the local school board.

[mzmolly]

139. I'm not sure what your point is?

Average Americans run for congress every election cycle. That's part of the foundation of our democracy, presumably.

[Shankapotomus]

121. Have you

been following the Clinton Foundation blog?

http://www.clintonfoundation.org/main/clinton-foundation-blog.html/2012/07/19/letter-from-rwanda/

[Duppers]

122. why are you so hostile

to this young woman who has the same right as any other american to run for office if she so chooses.

I am not swooning here but only being fair.

[Marrah_G]

132. I don't think the poster was being hostile

I also don't think the OP said anything about her not being able to run for office.

What I got out of the OP was that she was asking what makes Chelsea someone that we would want to run, besides being Bill and Hillary's child. I would want to know more about her views and what she has been doing to push forward progressive ideals or what does she want to do.

I wouldn't back someone because of a name. I might NOT back them because of a name though...coughbushcough.....

[Orsino]

124. Swooning for Chelsea's prospective run is swooning for the Clinton presidency.

That's understandable, and perhaps Chelsea would make a good politician--but goddammit, I hate dynasties.

Fortunately, the swooning seems more MSM-based than a DU phenomenon.

[DainBramaged]

126. She hasn't gotten in trouble, drugs, bad crowd, pregnant, car acidents, shoplifting.....

I think she's admirable

[bluestateguy]

127. How many people at 32 have?

A few yes, but not most.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

136. At 32 Bill Clinton was elected Governor of Arkansas

[HiPointDem]

137. her dad? law professor (u of ark) after college, mcgovern campaign coordinator at 26,

attorney general ark at 28, gov ark 32.

[Scootaloo]

131. Rabble rabble rabble! n/t

[Alduin]

138. Seems as though she enjoys the company of large corporations.

Doesn't make her much appealing to me.

[treestar]

142. No more so than JFK Jr. and Caroline and various and sundry Kennedys

We all might wonder what we could have accomplished with such connections.

They have endless opportunities. So if they use them well and do what they can to help others, they rate some admiration for it.

[MADem]

147. Errrrrr....how about JFK SENIOR? His daddy was a bootlegger and a starlet-screwer, but he was also

the Frigging Ambassador to Great Britain--those kids moved in rarified political circles from an early age. And their Grampa on their Momma's side was one of The Most Connected Politicians in Greater Boston, even after his mayoral days.

JFK Senior also wasn't "The Chosen One" to ascend to the Presidency. He became the Heir instead of the Spare when his brother Joe was killed in the war.

I am not an enthusiast for the whole nepotism thing, but if they can do a good job and really, truly have the stomach for it (not in a "Dubya" way, mind you, but in a real, genuine, sustained 'public service' fashion), then let them try. Sometimes, the name is as much a curse as a blessing. You get name recognition on the one hand, and inevitable comparisons on the other. A two-edged sword...

[treestar]

152. Yeah if JFK Jr or SR were born into my family

they'd probably still be alive today, too.

The Kennedys are a rare breed. There was still some sense of service to the country that allowed them to have such opportunities.

The Bushies - they just want the power.

Chelsea I would see as more like a Kennedy, on the other hand, her career doesn't seem to popular, public-friendly, like if she'd become a lawyer or something like that.

[Raine]

148. WHY dump on Chelsea, leave that to the rethugs they've done since she was 12. nt

[liberallibral]

151. Yeah, seriously...

[JI7]

153. She would have to PRove herself, Caroline being a Kennedy didn't help her

and i think Caroline has worked in more progressive areas as you think Chelsea Should.

maybe Caroline was being judged against people like her father and uncle TEd . she doesn't have the charisma and stage presence they had but i think she might have been good working on policy issues.

so far Chelsea doesn't seem to have what her parents had when it comes to getting out campaigning among the people. but we haven't really seen her either.

i don't think just being a Clinton will help her and could hurt her because she will always be judged against her parents.

[Posteritatis]

154. Nothing like a thread on president's daughters to really bring out DU's class. (nt)

[DCKit]

155. Eight years as first daughter in a highly toxic environment? nt

[joshcryer]

156. I don't admire her, but I'd support her for the lulz.

I mean, really, who more to rile up the wingers?