Is the Clinton medical story good or bad for Kerry '04?

[benburch]

Poll question: Is the Clinton medical story good or bad for Kerry '04?

[West Coast Democrat]

1. I don't think we should try to politicize it...

because that would be like something the GOP would do.

[benburch]

10. It has an effect whether we do anything ot not.

And that is what I am asking about. It takes the Focus off of Bush when he most needs to capitalize on his rebound. But it also takes the Focus off Kerry when he is just starting to roar like the Lion he is.

[Frodo]

2. From a purely political focus (completely ignoring my feelings)

And being as crass as possible.

Whether he lives or dies makes a difference.


Of course I would never wish for that. Any more than I'm sure most republicans were hoping for Reagan to die just to aid Bush's numbers. I'm just saying they knew it WOULD. And Clinton would too...

Even as the story sits now, it can be a big help if the networks start running nostalgic looks back to his terms.

[freetobegay]

3. Why does everthing have to come down to a poll?

I find this disgusting!

[Renew Deal]

4. That's politics.

[LTR]

8. I see what the poster's getting at

Sure, it's crass, but it's inevitable that it would be said.

I wish this Clinton thing weren't true.

Does steal Bush's thunder, though.

[benburch]

12. Crass...

Yep, I guess that describes me...

[LTR]

13. No offense, Ben

We do live in kind of a crass society, though.

[benburch]

23. None taken...

but I did have to tweak you for it. ;)

[unfrigginreal]

5. Oh for cripes sake!

This is real bullshit.

[Cheswick2.0]

6. who gives a damn?

for God's sake

[mbali]

7. This is beneath us.

[ezekiel333]

11. Yes eom

[Worst Username Ever]

20. No it isn't

it is a legit political dicussion about the political effects of the illness of... a politician during an election year.

[benburch]

28. That was my thought...

I'm sorry if I offended anybody, but this is reality here.

[Worst Username Ever]

29. Right on

We discussed ad-nauseum the political repurcussions of ray-gun's death. This is far froma death, but it will still have SOME sort of effect. Why should this be any different?

[Norquist Nemesis]

9. Sorry, Ben

but I have to agree that we shouldn't politicize this. No doubt, there will be plenty of pundits to do that for the masses. :(

[benburch]

16. Explaining myself...

Yes, this matter will be politicized, and the reason that it will is because the GOP and their noise machine have made Bill Clinton into the symbol of the Democratic Party even though he has been out of power for four years and has not run for anything. Hence, when ill health visits Clinton, it also visits that party that the GOP associated so stronglky with him. This is inevitable. What the question is about, and what I am not sure of, is what the effect will be?

[Worst Username Ever]

14. It si terrible for another human being to be ailing,

but from a political standpoint, it shifts the focus from Bush's speach.

[liberal N proud]

15. PLEASE!

The repubs will make enough of this, we should not partake in this kind of thinking.
Wish the Clintons well.

[JI7]

17. ugh, i don't like this thread

[wryter2000]

18. It doesn't matter

Because he's going to be just fine. Anyone who says anything else has to answer to me.

[MichDem10]

19. It is bad in the sense that Clinton won't be able to campaign for Kerry.

God speed Mr.President. Get well soon.

[benburch]

21. That's my big worry.

I saw Bill Clinton as a major ally in this election.

[napi21]

25. He should still be able to campaign for Kerry!

My hubby had that same procedure 11 years ago (they're much better at it now) and he was back to work in 3 weeks! A patient who is healthy in every other respect recovers very quick. He will be back in the spotlight in a fairly short time.

[cmf]

24. I agree

I hate to look at it in a political light, though. I hope he gets better soon.

[dumpster_baby]

22. good--it distracts attention away from GOP convention/Bush speech

The timing of the Clinton story (along with the hurricane Francis story) is good in that it goves the media something else to focus on.

[rinsd]

26. Jesus...what are you guys.... vultures? (nt)

[mimitabby]

27. "all is fair in love and war..." and this is war n/t

[complain jane]

30. I think the whole thing's bad, because

1. I like Bill a lot so it's unfortunate and 2. the timing's bad because Kerry's trying to get his own message out to counter the Reptards' hatefest and it's being buried by Clinton in the headlines

[yellowcanine]

31. It is "neutral" unless this kind of shit keeps up. Check it out.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x799724

[TheRovingGourmet]

32. He will recover too quickly for it to be an issue.

[benburch]

33. I hope you are right.

But I think it is already an issue coming exactly when it does. At a time when Rove wanted the media having on-air orgasms over his "masterful" speech last night, instead they are showing pictures of Clinton and talking to doctors about heart bypass surgery.

[TheRovingGourmet]

34. I'm just glad that he is up and talking. :) These surgeries have

good recovery rates for someone his age. I'm sure he will be sore as all get out for awhile though. :)

[molly]

35. People will remember the golden years of his presidency

and compare them to what we now have.

[WoodyD]

36. Prediction . . .

I voted for Clinton twice and I certainly wish him well. But I have to admit I did wonder about the political effect of the news when I saw the headline.

I have a feeling we'll be seeing this headline at The Onion next Wednesday: "Democratic Leaders Ask Clinton to 'Pull a Reagan'."

The evil part of my brain ran away with the idea and I had to write an article. I hope The Onion's version also includes Terry McAuliffe's suggestion that Clinton challenge Zell Miller to a duel, as well as the charges of the "EKG Veterans for Truth" that the surgery is "politically motivated."

Yes, I'm a very bad person. I'll go out right now and buy a nice get-well card.