Hillary Clinton or video games? One 11-year-old's choice

As 11-year-old Dalton Hatfield set about selling his earthly possessions, his parents thought he was doing his part to help pay for a family vacation.

  Instead, he was doing his part to help his favored presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. And on Friday, the young fellow made news when he presented a stunned Bill Clinton with a check for $440.

The former president, according an Associated Press story on the occasion, "seemed to nearly come to tears" as he accepted the donation at a fire station in Williamson, W.Va. (one of the many off-the-beaten-path locales where he has been rallying support for his wife).

The Hillary Clinton campaign, understandably, was so taken with the boy's gesture that today it posted the AP story on its website. Every little bit helps, after all, when it comes to erasing the $20-million debt that the campaign acknowledged on Sunday.

Killjoys that we are, we checked federal regulations just to make sure everything was on the up-and-up with Hatfield's contribution. And we are relieved to report ...

that it passes muster.

The key, according to the law, is that the "decision to contribute is made knowingly and voluntarily by the Minor" and that the "funds, goods, or services contributed are owned or controlled by the Minor."

Hatfield generated his money, he told the AP, by peddling his video games (talk about commitment!), bicycle and anything else "I could make money with.''

It's just as well he didn't cast his lot with Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential race; otherwise, his initiative might have been squelched. The Times' resident expert on campaign finances, reporter Dan Morain, reminded us that on its fundraising pitches, Obama's campaign says it will not take money from federally registered lobbyists, political action committees and those under the age of 16.

We could be hearing more from Hatfield, who's from the Appalachian town of McAndrews, Ky. (close to the border with West Virginia). He says that after becoming a lawyer, "I want to be governor or a senator, then president."

As thrilled as the Clinton camp is by the lad's generosity, there is one possible downside to it. Given the history of the region he hails from, we came only assume an onslaught of McCoy money is headed Obama's way.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: Associated Press

Comments

[mona]

What a very perceptive, intuitive 11 year old. Making the right decision for America. It's too bad he is smarter than all the college educated elitists supporting Obama.

President Hillary 08

[T Ross]

Cute story, but the boy's parents should have explained to him that at this point in Hillary's campaign the donation would go to pay off her gross $20 million debt- not to the hope of a nomination.

Where are the informed parents these days?

[Bobby Hatfield]

It is shameful for Mrs. Clinton to accept political donations from a 11-yr old child and even worse for her to use his story in a juvenile manner by posting it to her website in dire hopes to elicit more campaign contributions from minor age children.

Shame on you Mrs. Clinton. Give back the child's donation and stick to raising money from adults.

By the way, does it not seem strange that a 11-yr old child can donate to a Presidential campaign BUT he cannot post to this website ?

[joe]

If you are under 13 years of age you may not post. So I quess that also includes Doltan Hatfield.

[CC]

Legal or not, it's a rotten thing to do. That child is throwing his money away, and the Clintons are bragging about it. Disgusting.

[DALE]

Kid, keep your money! its not worth it.. put toward a real cause like feeding a homeless person, or building a garden for the neighborhood. You just flushed $440 dollars down the drain.. kiss it goodbye. However, it is good to see youth get involved and not worry about their material poccessions!

[Jessica.]

Oddly appropriate that he'd be selling his video games in support of Clinton... as she stoically opposes video games, and has even tried passing legislation AGAINST them. How sad.

Video games don't make people violent- people like Hillary do!

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=051129223726.dqn74ka0&show_article=1

[Dee]

A fool and his (or her) money are soon parted.

[Bill]

Like taking candy from a baby....

[WOW. That should shut the pundits up.]

You know, if an eleven year old kid so strongly believes that Hillary Clinton shouldn't drop out of the race, that he sells his bike and video games to help her --- I think the pundits should respectfully shut up and let Hillary run until someone reaches the required delegate number. This kid gets the young patriot award of the year.

[Rick Sparks]

And, of course, the Clintons TOOK the money. From an 11-year old. Sheesh.

[wolf]

So, multi-millionaire Bill Clinton will take the only $440.00 an eleven year old has.

*sigh*

[Mike from CT]

The "happy end" to the story would have been for the Clintons to return the check (and perhaps add another $100 to the campaign's debt by helping the boy rebuy what he had sold).

I can admire the lad's commitment, but he is still an 11 year old. He (presumably) doesn't have the maturity or judgement even to post a comment, here....

[Miri NY]

& her Health care plan would make the kid's parents spend 5 times that much every month to give to her insurance company cronies

[Kent]

It would be more heartwarming if I didn't know just how hard that kid's parents probably had to work to get those things for him (it's not like the kid earned the money to buy the stuff) - probably cost a bit more than the $440 he got. But not everyone in West Virginia is dirt-poor, I don't see a struggling family letting their kid sell all his toys for pennies on the dollar. Maybe they thought it was a good learning experience.

For a kid in W. Virginia to be in the national news is a lifetime experience. All and all, I'll bet the family is proud - and now they are somewhat famous.

[Michael]

We should all be grateful that, unlike Barack Obama, he didn't take the money and buy coke with it.

Right?

Isn't using cocaine a felony?

Didn't Obama admit to a felony?

And he's running for President with his adoring followers.

I want to vomit.

M

[Vince]

The little squeaker just pawned all of his belongings to donate some chump change to Hillary Clinton just before she's about to drop out. I think the kid's parents should have talked some sense into the kid. Its not even his money anyway, I'm sure his parents bought his bike and video games for him, and now likely they're just going to give him some more.

[Gloria]

Wow, even a sweet story of an 11 year old with dreams and hopes for the future deciding to put his money behind Senator Clinton can't get it's proper due. It has to be tarnished by words of "debt" and other crap that has zero to do with the actual story. The story is a great one.

I'm not sure what kind of breed these Obama supporters are and I'm shocked by how unnecessarily cruel and childish they are acting at all times. It really sickens the heart. It's the reason that us HRC supporters will not, by any means necessary, vote for Obama.

And we won't. The percentages keep rising.
Why would we vote such a hateful person with vindictive followers...? no way in hell.

[Franky]

To Michael:

lol - don't worry, he didn't inhale....but these types of Clinton tactics make me want to vomit!

Clinton (yes, the one who's husband is a purgerer, disbarred lawyer, and impeached POTUS.) is done. All that fat-headed lady is doing is singing now.

Why not help her repay her $20mil debt? Or is that what you're doing?....

[SmartyPants]

>>
It's too bad he is smarter than all the college educated elitists supporting Obama.

President Hillary 08

Posted by: mona | May 12, 2008 at 03:22 PM
<<
----------

Plz dunt speal Edumated rite! U leetist!!! U speal & hav PC!! U rich leetest!!

Gu Hiluruty en '80!

[Justin M.]

The kids parents repaid the kid after he donated for them. Just a Clinton stunt....as normal.

[Aaron]

This is stupid, and 11 year old? Stupid. where are his parents? Where are the people that actually worked for the cash to buy all of that stuff for that 11 year old? Plus he wants to be a lawyer, and then the president? An idiot kid like that will be lucky if he makes manager at McDonalds.

Whatever, all I am saying is vote democrat, who cares who the nominee is. If we actually gave a bleep about policy and credentials it would be John Edwards.

By the way, using cocaine is not a felony, it is no more serious a crime than using marijuana actually. They both have the same scheduling. Our current president has done both of those things, the president before that did also. The president before that probably did not, but he was directly involved in the Iran Contra affair, the first Iraq war, the expansion of our prison system, and a debilitating recession.

So what matters? Mistakes someone made in their 20s? Or the destruction of our economy, school systems, and integrity as a nation?

Vote Democrat, who cares if it is Obama or Clinton, vote democrat.

[irma]

This kid made a decision with his parent's approval. He is following the election and made $440 selling his stuff. Smart kid. When can we count on voting for him as President? He has great aspirations.

[kenneth Patrick]

I have read most of the comments. I am aghast at the unkind and cruel comments from some citizens. Obviously thses are Obama supporters.I am stationed overseas in Singapore and we follow closely all the campaigning at home.
I am neutral and am happy that this 11 yr. old has the making of greatness in future. He has guts, resolutions and courage to make sacrafices and unselfish hard decisions like Hillary.Much more than a lot of adults who are voting not with their brains but their emotions .
For an 11 yr. old I an adult and world citizen salutes U and wish U well . In fact all Americans should take a leaf from the action of this boy and analysie the facts by asking him why he donotes toHillary and not Obama.
Best Wishes to U young man
Peace and happiness to America and the world.KENNETHPATRICK

[MH]

What's the legal voting age? 18. Why is 18 the legal voting age? Because that is the SOONEST most people will have the capacity to make an intelligent, informed decision about who should run the country.
Child prodigy's aside, most 11 year olds lack the ability to form informed decisions based on a candidate's voting record and affiliated party's platform.
I think what we are witnessing here, is a boy with an incredibly large heart, who has been unfortunately brainwashed by a vocal political zealot. For some reason I keep imagining a teacher...

I would be equally suspicious of any donation from a CHILD to a presidential candidate.

[JTS]

What a stupid kid

[Puad Chi]

Aaron. This kid is 11. We don not know his future. He might make president. How about yourself. How old are you? Could you make McDonald's manager? Be fair. If you are older, be more mature. What do you know about this world more than that boy?

[Pull Your Head OUt]

"What a very perceptive, intuitive 11 year old. Making the right decision for America. It's too bad he is smarter than all the college educated elitists supporting Obama.

President Hillary 08

Posted by: mona | May 12, 2008 at 03:22 PM"

Gosh, isn't Hillary college educated? Doesn't that then make her one of the 'elitists you hate so much?

[Larry Oregon]

That is just downright SHAMEFULL! Im from Oregon and Hillary just lost my vote! How SAD!

Guess it's Obama 08' now

[Michael]

Obama supporters posting here and lamasting this kid for his supporting of Hillary have no shame. These Obama supporters can not stand anyone that is not on their side. They think like cult fanatics blindly folllowing their leader. And yet they talk of the new politics to unite the country, what a farce.

[OBAMANAUGHT]

Hillary who? Is she still running?

[Loren]

Quite bashing the little kid.

To have that kind of conviction and drive to firmly believe in someone else at the age of 11 is nothing but inspiring. Far better than the majority of supporters in both campaigns.

There are just way too many bitter people in this world, be they Clinton or Obama supporters. Personally I think Obama's character is unquestionably far more charismatic than Clinton's and her knowledge of the critical issues that face the U.S.A is greater than that of his, but it's very unfortunate that so many Obama supporters are perhaps some of the most bitter and close minded people yet.

So little Mr. Hatfield, I admire and salute your courage and dedication to the Clinton campaign! Good on you lad .

[Tom]

Awwww...what a sweet story. But the child's parents should of explained to the boy that primary season is in its last throws. That said, the $400 can go to paying off some Hillary's debt.

[serenad]

I don't understand why so many people are criticizing this story....this kid wants to be a politician and he figured out a way to generate tons of good (great?) press for himself on a national stage for a mere $400 bucks! He is on the right track....and this may be the kind of event in a young childs life that makes them work harder, try and harder and truly BELIEVE that they are special!

[Jim(Atlanta)]

The Clintons never cease to amaze me. Just when you think they have sunk to a new low they outdo themselves. Taking money from an 11 year old? How despicable! Yes America, the Clintons have no conscience. How they get anyone with half a brain to vote for them is beyond me.

[Nate]

The kid should be proud. Getting involved early is great. One thing that is funny though. Hillary Clinton is the biggest opponent to the video game industry in the country, and the kid sells his games to fund her. I think its funny at least.

[lastnymleft]

To have inculcated their son to such a point that he would - at such a tender age - succumb to the evils of collectivism, and support CFR-warmonger statist scum (just like Obama, and just like McCain) could be considered a form of child abuse.

Bill Clinton was close to tears? It was probably with joy that the CFR plan for America is coming together, to such a point that even little kids are duped into handing over money.

[KT]

The comments on this article are so ironic. Hillary supporters seem to be expressing the same hate they accuse Obama supporters of harboring. And I've been just as alienated by Hilary supporters as they seem to have been by Obama's.

The Democrats just can't get their stuff together for this election. And all it amounts to is that there is no way we can win the election in November.

Here's to at least four more years of republican tyranny!

[Patrick]

"he is smarter than all the college educated elitists supporting Obama.

mona 03:22 PM"

OH NOES! ALL DEM PEOPLES WITH THEM FANCY BOOKS ARE VOTING FOR MAH PRESIDENK! I ARE SO GLAD I ARE A SIMPLE, NON-ELITE WOO-MAN! EDUMACATION SHUD BE ILLEAGLE!

[RalphyBoy]

This kid is doomed to have his milk money and purse stolen.

[Mc]

The people on this blog denigrating that young man would bash Mother Theresa were she alive and donated a dollar to HRC.

Your pernicious prattle knows no bounds. Your lack of class and civility is astounding.

Children are not even out of bounds for your vacuous insults. None of you apparently have children or grandchildren, and judging by your willingness to attack this young, probably do not even know any.

However, the cause could be that you are all children yourselves. Simply selfish, insipid, adolescents trying to make an impression in a grown-up world.

[Concerned Citizen]

The sheer amount of stupid in these comments - from Clinton ,Obama supporters, and yes Republicans I'm sure are chiming in too - is astounding. Carry on.

[Ouch]

Wow, that wasn't very smart. He just threw away all of his games for a losing campaign. His parents should have let him know that donating to the Clinton's right now is just like flushing it down the toilet. He won't get his money back, and it won't help her get the nomination. Giving money to a lost cause is a bit of a waste. Maybe she can use it to replenish the million's she's had to donate to herself to stay alive. Poor kid, it hurts to see him sell 400 bucks worth of his stuff, just to fund a battle that was already lost.

[Jason H]

This kid would have been better off using that money to fill up the tank of his parent's car. It would have gone much further.

Actually, I'm surprised at Clinton. If I was a candidate and an 11 year old did such a thing, I'd tell him the keep it and I'd match the amount to have put in some sort of fund. Oh well, if the kid is throwing you a bone...

[BlueBerry Pick'n]

apparently:

"IT TAKES A VILLAGE" to retire campaign debts.

Clinton's Scorched Earth extortion & the Judgement of Solomon
http://thiscanadian.typepad.com/this_canadian/2008/03/clintons-scorch.html

LDS arrests: McCain's campaign inoculated against combined Romney & Huckabee ticket
sure it was a 'feminist mission'... of course it was.
http://thiscanadian.typepad.com/this_canadian/2008/04/lds-arrests-mcc.html

~~~
Spread Love...
BlueBerry Pick'n
ThisCanadian com
~~~
"We, two, form a Multitude" ~ Ovid.
~~~
"Silent Freedom is Freedom Silenced"
"Do no harm"

[G-Man]

Should of donated it to someone that would of really fixed the country if elected, like Ron Paul.

Ron Paul 2008.

[ALAN]

it's his money and he can spend it as he likes. he has got my vote when he runs for president..

[mb]

It doesn't seem appropriate for Hillary to accept that money.A 11 year old has his priorities.Him giving up everything for making a contribution is a bit touching though it makes me wonder what made the 11 year old take such a course.She should have acknowledged the contribution,thanked him and returned the cheque.I would have been more impressed if her campaign had helped the boy get his belongings back!

[Frank Forum]

For those saying that the Clintons should return the money are those who always complain about everything. If the Clintons did return the money you would be bashing them for doing so. The kid new what he was doing and did it of free will. His age should not and clearly does not matter according to the law so leave the Clintons and the kid alone.

[WAKE UP!]

Whether he gave his money to Clinton, Obama, McCain, or some other political cause, I commend the boy for taking interest in the political process and his parents for encouraging him.

We should all be so invested and so willing to sacrifice for our great Democracy. His story is inspiring and is an example to us all.

SHAME ON THOSE OF YOU condemning a citizen and future voter for caring so much about his country.

[Kenny (from Boston)]

like Obama's campaign, they should have set a minimum age for donations before the campaign, although I would set it at 18, not 16 like Obama's campaign did. just because it's legal, doesn't make it right. that way they could appreciate the gesture and politely decline without taking the shameful extra step of exploiting our youth.

[retard]

To M, the guy who's obsessed with Obama's cocaine usage: you *are* aware that Bush used cocaine, too, right?

[Character Counts]

Well, you learn from your mistakes. The Clinton’s are millionaires. Did they need to take $440 from this 11-year old to support a campaign that is doomed to fail? In New York State, which Hillary represents in Congress, we have a truth-in-advertising law. Perhaps Bill Clinton should have been honest with the kid. Instead, he "seemed to nearly come to tears." Good grief! Maybe, I’m a bit dated, but I still believe that adults have a responsibility to protect minors from making mistakes, and to be good role models.

[Scott K]

Ye, gods. This is what happens when too many people have too much time on their hands.

First, I applaud the kid for being civic-minded. Second, I applaud his parents for raising him to even think this way.

Can't we just leave it at that? The kid freely gave support to a candidate of his choosing. Who cares who it was? Isn't that the essence of what this country is about? The freedom to choose?

I am a white male, 50, not college educated (not sure if "elitist" applies) but I am very much an Obama supporter.

The thing that has won me over to Obama from the start was that he was about finding common ground. He seems to be about respect. While he may differ strongly with many people, the message that resonated with me was that he acknowledged that we all think we're right. We all have reasons that, in our minds, make us feel so strongly in our beliefs.

That being said, Obama always projects respect for his opponents. He acknowledges that noone is 100% right or 100% wrong. What he seems to stand for is the process of reason. Of determining what the best course of action is based on differing opinions and differing world views.

If you're a democrat, don't let these immature and hateful people sway you from your heart. If you want to stay home and not vote, or even vote republican, by all means do so. But make sure you're basing your decision on Obama the man, not a few crackpots who are just looking to get a rise out of the HRC supporters.

If Obama wins the nomination, fine. If he loses, fine. I can tell you one thing, no matter WHAT happens, I am voting democratic this year because both candidates are a vast improvement over what the republicans have fielded.

If you are a democrat, you really need to step back and think about what you may do in November. Remember, it was a fractured democratic party (and a few questionable chads) that got us into this mess in the first place. Don't let the fact that "your team lost" (again, Obama OR HRC) cloud the real issues facing the country.

Which brings us back to the very mature 11 year old. If HRC loses, do you think he'll urge his parents vote against Obama?

[Character Counts]

Kenny (from Boston), I agree. We should not exploit our young.

[Character Counts]

When you think about this tale, recognize that this young boy was taken twice. First his money was taken, and then the story was used by the same folks who chose to take his money for the purpose of making political hay. Some of you seem to see this as a lesson in good civics. It’s not. It is an excellent commentary on just how squalid politics can become.

[bp]

'the kid gets the young patriot award"? Huh? For being a dumbass and for having moronic parents?

The "young patriot of the year" is the U.S armed forces.

[Nick]

Is this a subtle hint to Hillary supporters that "yes you can still donate" but you have to do it through your children. I think accepting money from children despicable when you have a large personal fortune and massive campaign debt. I would be offended by any candidate taking money from children at this point.

[Someone]

Stop isulting him. He only tried to help. Look at the numbers. Mrs. Clinton needs only 70% of the remaining superdelegates and pleged delegates to win the nomination. And she only needs 50% of the remaining delegates to win the nomination if Michigan and Florida are counted. MRS. CLINTON STILL CAN WIN! The youth made a choice to give Hillary his $440. Though if I were the youth, I'd probably just make phone calls for Hillary or Volunteer for Hillary. Anyway, stop accusing the child or the parents or the Clintons. It is completely legal, what he did. Mrs. Clinton is NOT repaying her debt She is still campaigning hard for Michigan and Florida and her needed 70 percent. He really has dreams and is headed for them. I'm surprised how rude these Obama supporters have been, accusing Dalton of being dumb. Vote Hillary!

Hillary '08

[RJ]

I really doubt this story. What kid with a life would give up his video game and his bike to a presidential canidate who tells a bunch of hard cold LIES.
Also what game system was this it really matters.

Obama 08 get ready for change

[Michael]

If Clinton loses the nomination I will then support John Mc.Cain. Obama is out of touch with the regular people and he seems to elite to be amongst those who drive this country. And no this is not going to ease I will Not vote or support Obama

[Character Counts]

Dear Someone, you are right. The eleven year old is the clear victim in this sordid tale. We haven’t heard from the parents, so we don’t know what their role was.

Bill and Hillary Clinton reported well over 100 million dollars in income last year. Hillary Clinton continues to campaign in the last remaining primary races. She and Bill Clinton know that it is now impossible for her to become the nominee of the Democratic Party. They have run up a campaign debt of $20 million.

Bill Clinton took $440 from an eleven year old. The Clinton campaign then posted the story on their campaign web site. Do you really think that the Clintons acted responsibly? Is this something you would have done, or encouraged others to do under similar circumstances? Would you have wanted someone under similar circumstances to fleece your eleven year old?

I don’t know about your values, but Bill and Hillary’s actions in this case violate my sense of ethics. Not all unethical behavior is against the law. Just because something is “completely legal” doesn’t make it right.

[Megan]

How can we possibly elect someone who refuses to say the pledge of alliance, who just stands there, doesn't even have the curtsy to put his hand over his heart....

yea its a free America, but us Americans would like to think that our future leader will respect what makes this country so great... he could at least fake it like he does everything else....

GOD HELP US ALL IF HE IS ELECTED!

[Mark]

Shucks, that won't even cover one night's stay in one of he luxury hotels Hillary's staff like to frequent. The boy's parents should have innoculated him with a little less trust for politicians and a bit more appreciation for money.

It's a touching story and makes for good copy, but maybe Clinton should give the poor kid his money back. It does take a village to teach kids the value of savings.

[jonathan]

It's sad that the bloggers here would make fun of an 11 year old child like this. He made a choice and should be respected for his opinion. I'm embarassed to have voted for Obama.

[Tom]

Talk about greed. The Clintons took in $110 Million in personal salary, and they're taking some 11 year old kid's bike money to pay off their $20M Boondoggle Mathematically Impossible To Win Campaign. How can ANYONE ON EARTH support these greedy people. I seriously cannot believe any of you out there have voted for her. How sick.