Hillary Clinton apologizes to Kennedys

In a talk with the Argus Leader in South Dakota earlier today, Hillary Clinton  took a walk through political history -- and stepped on a figurative land mine. Asked about her continuing campaign against increasingly long odds, she invoked 1968 and the assassination of Bobby Kennedy fairly late in the primary calendar. Her intent seemed to be to point out that anything can happen.

But with Ted Kennedy gravely ill, and an undercurrent in the election of the risks Barack Obama faces, well, the reaction was not quite what she expected. Which led the campaign to release this statement a few minutes ago:

"Earlier today I was discussing the Democratic primary history and in the course of that discussion mentioned the campaigns that both my husband and Senator Kennedy waged in California in June 1992 and 1968 and I was referencing those to make the point that we have had nomination primary contests that go into June. That’s a historic fact. The Kennedys have been much on my mind the last days because of Senator Kennedy and I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation, and particularly for the Kennedy family was in any way offensive. I certainly had no intention of that, whatsoever. My view is that we have to look to the past and to our leaders who have inspired us and give us a lot to live up to, and I’m honored to hold Senator Kennedy’s seat in the United States Senate from the state of New York and have the highest regard for the entire Kennedy family."

Gaffes like that don't help you play catch up with the SuperDs.

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[Destini]

Her intent was not to poit out that "anything can happen">

It was to point out that there is historical precidence for campaigns going well into the summer undecided. That is why she mention her husband's campaign as well as RFK's. If tragedy had not struck RFK when it did the campaign would have gone on much, much longewr.

[Bob Kholos]

No wonder why Hillary Clinton has a 50% negative rating.

[brandy]

What about Obama's gaffes, which get almost no media exposure?

--57 or is it 58 states in the US?

--The Great Lakes of Oregon?

--Iran is small threat? Or grave threat? Depends on the day that you ask Obama.

--They speak Arabic in Afghanistan?

--There's a President in Canada?

--What about the fact that he was born 4 years before the event that precipitated his birth?

His campaign said that he was "metaphorically" speaking.

--Kentucky is closer to Arkansas than Illinois even though Kentucky BORDERS ILLINOIS AND ARKANSAS DOES NOT.

--He does not know about Hanford even though Hanford is the most toxic site in the US, a security risk, and poses environmental and human health dangers.

AND HE VOTED ON A BILL REGARDING HANFORD JUST THREE YEARS AGO.

Let's start counting Obama's gaffes, especially since they appear to be growing exponentially by the day.

[N.E. BodybutHillary]

I just read on MSNBC that Hillary has referenced the Robert Kennedy assassination as a reason to stay in the race. Everybody MUST STOP supporting this sick twisted psychopath.

[Tex]

Brandy, there is a different between harmless gaffes where someone mis-states a fact and everyone knows it was an accident (e.g. Obama saying 57 states instead of 47 states) and making a remark suggesting she's staying in the race in case Obama gets assassinated in June like RFK.

In fairness to Clinton: when I first heard the reports of what she said, I was outraged, but when I listened to the interview it seemed she was inarticulately trying to make the point that nominating contests sometimes go until June. Nevertheless, it was in extremely poor taste for her to say it that way -- why couldn't she just say Bobby Kennedy didn't win the nomination until June? This is not a "57-state" caliber gaffe, this is a "bitter-gate" caliber gaffe, and she needs to make an appropriate apology (which she has yet to do). Whether HRC likes it or not, the implication of her comment (whether intended or not) was that she is sticking around in case Obama gets assassinated.

Even Mike Huckabee had enough sense to immediately apologize for his dumb joke about someone pointing a gun at Obama.

[robinia]

Hillary,

The media is getting ridiculous. I dislike Hillary just as much the next person, and I sincerely did not think she intended to be offensively shallow. The Kennedy's know that, and most sensible people know that. Hillary is not that twisted...is she?

[marla OC, Ca.]

When I heard this, I immediately thought, how apropos. Obama's campaign is now trouncing on 'much to do about nothing' the way Clinton has trounced since his Iowa win. Turnabout is fair play.

[Mark]

To think that I actually considered voting for HRC early in the campaign. Her comments and intractability in the face of insurmountable odds speak of sheer desperation. She is embarassing herself and possibly harming a potential future run for the presidency. And frankly at this juncture, she would make a lousy running mate for Sen. Obama. She thinks she is somehow special and entitled to continue this charade and refuses to recognize the inevitablility of the process. This is the most selfish display by a candidate I can recall in recent presidential elections.

[Ezes]

Last i checked, the Democratic Party convention in 1968 was one of the most violent, tumultuous political events in modern US history, and that was in the midst of a social revolution, AND it signaled the ascendance of the conservative movement on a nationwide scale. Maybe Hillary longs for a return to that chaos... when she was a true progressive btw, not the triangulating chameleon she's become.

[Robert]

Funny how the media ignored Hillary after she won WV by 41 points and KY by 36 votes. Now she makes a silly comment and all of a sudden the media remembers who she is. I dont care about Hillary's gaffes. I am loyal and will thus support her until the end. HIllary is the best candidate running for president. PERIOD

[jamesincalifornia]

Of course Hillary Clinton is trying to squirm her way out of this gaffe and make it appear she was just misunderstood. It won't work. The implications of her remarks were all too clear. Clinton needs to apologize not only to the Kennedy family but also to Barack Obama and the American people. She should be ashamed ... thoroughly ashamed.

[San Ying]

Hillary Clinton has made too many statements for which she 'apologized'. Apologies only accentuate the blunder or lie. So she had better be careful not to 'misspeak' again. Are these 'misspoken' statements signs of a disquieting mental state or condition which disqualifies her candidacy for the world's most demanding and important job? Her 'sell-by' date is not that distant.

[Harry Grace]

Actually, if you listen to the apology from her campaign, they're saying, essentially, "we're sorry you guys didn't understand us". Another classic HRC refusal to just say "I'm sorry, I was wrong". It's pathological with this woman, just like it's pathological with Bush. Probably why they both wanted the Iraq War.

[abdul rahim]

Hillary will never leave the stage. And she would like someone to help her out by eliminating Obama. But she didn't "mean it that way." Of course she didn't. Right.

[BRFK]

Swift and absolute action is required on behalf of all Democrats, all Americans and all People to denounce such hideous analogies. This is not the first time Senator Clinton has used the specter of death as a call to action in her campaign, and it is certainly not the worst (showing a willingness to obliterate an entire nation certainly wins the award for most awful). We cannot stand for politics that play on fear, we cannot stand for politics that play such overt games with the psyche of a nation. We cannot stand for a candidate who raises the issue of the destruction of lives as the reason to support their candidacy, and worse, the reason for their own hopes for the future.

Support Senator Obama, denounce the comments and tactics of Senator Clinton and send a message to the people of this great nation and the world that we see a future of Promise, Hope and Peace.

[Stop Hillary]

CNN reports that this is the second time she made the very same assertion. Last time it was in a Time interview. She is indeed one sick puppy. This is beyond bad taste. This now bespeaks the lack of ethics for those those who would continue to cast a blind eye to her vile tactics. She is essentially saying let's wait and see if Barack lives to become the nominee. Nobody, absolutely nobody should condone her actions or put any spin on them.

[Benny]

This election is some sort of Battle of the Outrage All-Stars. Obama - Rev. Wright, Hillary - Bosnian fire, Obama - Michelle's patriotism, Hillary - Bill, Obama - bitter white people with guns and religion, Hillary - RFK's assassination late in the primary season.... So, does the candidate who has inspired the least outrage win? What an insightful way to choose a presidential candidate...!

[Dennis]

Come one folks, even as a non-supporter, I know what she meant and she didn't mean what people are criticizing her for. I think it was just a stupid mistake and of course, it just makes her look bad. Why didn't she just that both her husband and RFK campaigned into June?why would you invoke the memory of someone getting assasinated--regardless of what your point is?

I am critical however of all the new ways she's trying to justify why she should stay in the race. First, it's because of the super delegates. Then, it's because i will do better against McCain. Then it's because i won the bigger states. Then, it's making sure Florida and Michigan are represented. Then, it's because i can get the racist white vote. Then, it's the popular vote. Now it's because other candidates have done so in the past? What's next?

Her story changes each time Obama proves her wrong. Of course, God forbid, we actually go with whomever wins the delegate count.

[Dennis]

To brandy: "Let's start counting Obama's gaffes, especially since they appear to be growing exponentially by the day."

Clinton voted in support of the Iraq war. Oops.

[Scott]

Ouch. Some things you just don't incite. She is done. Unforgivable.

[Andi]

Clinton is beyond vile.

Please contact Howard Dean (deanh@dnc.org) and Nancy Pelosi (http://speaker.house.gov/) to let them know how you feel. You can also go to this website and lobby the Uncommitted Superdelegates in each state (https://www.lobbydelegates.com/)

Please take action.

[Joe American]

Who gives a rip? Anybody remember Chappaquiddick? Kennedy is a slime ball not fit to lick Hillary's boot!

[annie]

Hilary has NOTHING to apologize for.

This is another example of OBAMAS DIRTY POLITICS, DIVISIVE POLITICS and RACE BAITING.

Obama is willing to hurt this nation for his own self interests.

This has only done one thing....helped me MAKE UP MY MIND ....I will NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA.....even if I have to vote Republican.

I cannot in good conscious vote for a person who sat in a racist church for 20 years and applauded, cheered, supported and funded RACISM and ANTI-AMERICAN propoganda.

Yet this is the same man that is willing to TRASH a former First Lady and make ridiculous insinuations in order to win this election.

This latest action by Obama was the LAST STRAW ....

I will NO LONGER be able to Vote for Obama

[Justice]

I agree with Brandy.

Obama gets more free passes than Hillary, and the big to-do about the "Bosnia" remarks were about as harmless as Obama's gaffes. It's not like she lied about Bosnia having a war.

Obama gets to "joke away" his gaffes, but Hillary has to apologize profusely for hers.

But overall, this contest has been more about non-issues than the real problems that are facing our nation. It's kind of silly when "mis speaks" garner more coverage between supporters than what is going on in the world... such as, the earthquake in China, the cyclone in Myanmar, the war in Irag, etc.

I understand this presidential election is one of the most important ones we will have in the history of the US, so it's really sad that so many of us are saying so many nasty things to each other. Let us just agree to disagree, without using profane language against each other, or the candidates we support. They are both good people, with good intentions.

[KYJurisDoctor]

A new LOW in politics has been descended into by the AWFUL Clintons.

Now, if you can't beat your opponent with ideas and BOGUS "experience" and you CANNOT incite racial hatred against your opponent, you speak of a wish that your opponent be off'ed in June before the primary!

SHAME on BILLARY. You ARE UNFIT to be President!!

[KYJurisDoctor]

A new LOW in politics has been descended into by the AWFUL Clintons.

Now, if you can't beat your opponent with ideas and BOGUS "experience" and you CANNOT incite racial hatred against your opponent, you speak of a wish that your opponent be off'ed in June before the primary!

SHAME on BILLARY. You ARE UNFIT to be President!!

[Barbara]

So why didn't she apologize to Obama? She was implying that HE could be assassinated. Disgusting. Hillary, go home, your done. No VP slot for you.

[LCSusan]

Damn, like a blow to the gut...so, so sad.

http://strictlyanecdotal.com/2008/05/23/when-really-smart-women-say-really-stupid-things.aspx

[Majadi]

You know what, let's just stop playing games. Hillary Clinton meant her statement just how it sounds. She is hoping that Obama gets killed so she can ascend her thrown. She has been pissed that this black guy has somehow stolen it from her. She is from the old school, and in the old school it was always thought that it would be a white women before any black. She is mad as hell that Barack Obama has smashed that notation and didn't wait his turn like a good little black boy would do. Her supporters feel the same way. You can keep making all the excuses you want, but we all know the real truth laying deep within. White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Arab, etc. RACISM is alive aand real. Hillary Clinton is far too intelligent to have just made a gaffe...get real people.

[MaoTseClinton]

Yknow, I can tolerate a certain level of lies, non-promises, gaffes.... but she's gone beyond the pale again and again.

I didn't think she could top the bizarre convoluted math to win, I didn't think she could top the "Whites Luve Me!!!" argument.

But this.... It's as if she's thinking aloud that "HEY! If someone kills Obama, I'll be the front runner". It doesn't matter if she's male or female, white or black. And her excuse was "Oh, I've been thinking of all the dead Kennedys". What???

Maybe that's the logic behind Clinton (Bill) trying to fight for her to be the VP. They may honestly believe Obama won't make it past the election, and then she'd be president for *almost* two terms.

They both scare me, possibly as much as Bush and Cheney do.

[Phil Doggy]

I just got off the phone with a Kennedy family member, and I want all to know that the family is not miffed at Hillary for her comments on Bobby. Although the family does stress that Hillary is no Kennedy, and never will be. Lets all pray that Uncle Ted gets better. I told him years ago to put the bottle down, and well, here we are with a liquored up tumor, the poor basttard. Anyways the family wants you all to know they appreciate your prayers, and wants you all to vote McCain in November.

In Christian Love, Phil

[Rdav]

There is a list circulating the e-mail about how people who got in Hillary and Bill's way mysteriously wound up dead. Now coupled with Hillary's vengeance towards the Kennedy's for supporting Obama, and her losing the Democratic nomination it may be a resonable deduction to believe she was hinting at Obama's untimely death.

For those of you who claim to be loyal, are you loyal because of gender, sex, or race, or are you able to discern that we need a President who can fulfill the job requirements of presidency...my mistake, there seem to be no rules beyond being a US citizen, being at least 35 years of age and having lived in America for 14 years... a person going for a job at a 7-11 or mini-mart has more requirements.

Let's us use intelligence this time and get a candidate who can actually do something right and get our military folks home with their loved ones, get healthcare, make better environments for us and our progeny and better education for our kids.

Loyalty can be blinding and blind loyalty is foolish!

[WTL]

There seems to be a pattern. As Stop Hillary said above, Clinton has done this before, and she used almost exactly the same words in explaining why she shouldn't stop campaigning. Since there are so many ways for her to make her case without such references, that's no accident; it's calculated. Clinton doesn't make that kind of egregious, nightmarish mistake (if she does, she's automatically disqualified to be president). There's no other way to put it: It’s as if she’s subconsciously calling for Obama’s assassination. Having lived through all three '60s assassinations, which marked me for life in a very bad way, I think he’s already in danger because of what he represents – some people love to be the one to destroy other people’s hopes and dreams – and I hate even to talk about it, it makes me sick. But Obama brings JFK and RFK – especially JFK – to mind just because he’s so new and fresh and different, and now Clinton has said this at least twice, in the same language, and Huckabee has said it once. It's what many people are beginning to associate with Obama, and that’s not only bad for the campaign but it actually increases the danger to Obama as people like Sirhan Sirhan pick up on this meme and take it upon themselves to be the one to do it. For whatever reason. And as we all know, the Secret Service can’t always save a president’s or candidate’s life. This is a horrible situation, and I'm appalled that Clinton could do this, and seem so unaware of how awful it is.

[BobbyG]

The Hardworking White American Woman Candidate dog whistles "Put the Asset on Standby."

In the wake of Hillary's "gaffe" today mentioning the murder of Robert F. Kennedy as one tangential rationale for her staying in the primary race, it occurs that, well, nothing whispers "psst- hey, I want to be your running mate" as effectively as does reminding the electorate of prior Presidential candidate assassinations.

[Steve]

For crying out loud , what is it with you people ? Get all cranked up about nothing other than a comment . You seem to base who is going to be President on who has a big nose , which baseball team they support , fashion sense ,anything other than the ability to govern a nation and reinstate the USA as a world leader . Maybe thats why you got Bush twice !

[Anne]

And this person is applying for a job that requires DIPLOMACY?

[Charles]

Both candidates make mistakes. But in this instance, just like the Bosnia case, this statement also has a track history. She made the same statement in March.

As for the length of the Primary season, her husband for all intents and purposes, had his nomination locked up by the end of March. Paul Tsongas, the last real threat, withdrew in mid-March.

The season in which Bobbie Kennedy participated in was thrown into chaos when Johnson withdrew after losing in New Hampshire on MARCH 12, 1968 and Kennedy announced his candadicy. Note the date: MARCH 12. The beginning of the primary. Only 13 states had primaries (how far we have come in only 40 years....). Humphrey had 561 delegates, Kennedy 393, and McCarthy had 258.

This is a history she knows, she was politically active already. This is just a continuance of Bosnia.....if she can get away with it once, why not twice?

[On the Clock]

She apologizes to the Kennedys, without mentioning Obama.

Nice try, Hill. Thanks for the peak into your dreamscape. See you in the funny papers.

[jh]

A question for annie...
From your comments you seem to think it is Barack Obama's fault that Hillary Clinton made a gaffe in invoking (for the second time) Robert Kennedy's asassination? Why are you seeming to blame him for Mrs. Clinton's unfortunate choice of words?

[Dee]

Robert Kennedy Jr. issued the following statement this evening:

"It is clear from the context that Hillary was invoking a familiar political circumstance in order to support her decision to stay in the race through June. I have heard her make this reference before, also citing her husband's 1992 race, both of which were hard fought through June. I understand how highly charged the atmosphere is, but I think it is a mistake for people to take offense."

The Argus editorial board also confirmed what Hillary Clinton said was about June primaries, not about assassinations.

I'm sure the truth won't stop the criticism, but the LA Times should report the news, not make up the news. Even blogs should have integrity. And the bloggers on this site who spew hatred toward Hillary should take a deep breath. Get a life. If you hate your mom, find a therapist.

[El]

Inciting murder is not a "gaffe" nor is it a "joke". Those who think so are in serious denial. Neither Clintor nor Huckabee said those things "out of the blue". Obama scares the corporate maniacs who pull the Old School strings. Can we trust the Secret Service to protect Obama from these people?

[lebecka]

to annie--
doesn't sound like you were gonna vote for Obama anyway.

Hillary and her supporters- what a class act. Glad she won't be representing my country.

[joe]

No Bama, the landslide against him will be worse than McGovern, Dukaksis and Mondale combined.

People are so gullible to believe the empty rhetoric of the DNC's mouthpiece.

[DavidB]

Fist it was Mike Huckabee; now it's Hillary Clinton. In both cases, the suggestion and seed planting are clear.

[Slim]

I'm now hoping that she stays in the race as long as possible. Give her lots of rope, and watch her hang herself. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

As far as I'm aware she's continuing only to garner enough donations to recoup the multimillion dollar loan she made to her campaign. Anyone still in her camp is either (a) pretty stupid and willing to be used and discarded, or (b) a cornered racist with nowhere to go if she drops out. Going by the support she still has, there's lots of both out there.

[Bill]

The problem with Hillary's explanation is that Bill Clinton had the nomination to himself in March of 1992. Not June. When Tsongas dropped out, only Edmund G Brown was left, and Bill had a 7-1 lead over him. It was over.

So the "June" coincidence and thus the analogy she says she was making is another "sniper fire" mistake, no?

[ROBERT MANN]

She acts as though the Obamas do not exist -- as though they are not worthy of consideration. Her "apology" to the Kennedy family is a bit bizarre. Only they are worthy of her concern. But, of course, they suffered no injury. Her "apology" is displaced from those whom she actually injured.

[LAShores]

Hillary is a dangerously insane person and should not be let out of the house.
P.S.
Keith Olberman speaks for me!

[Mark]

To parody Hillary - "As far as I know" she has never had an opponent assassinated.

[mona]

If journalists did report factual based news reports and actually did some research instead of always sprinting to the SPIN cycle, you would find she has said this sooo many times throughout this campaign. However, because it's all about making sure Obama is pampered and powdered the media prefers to SPIN this and make him the victim. The longer this process continues the more I realize just how ridiculous the American media has become. Journalists have become so pathetic you should all be writing and reporting for the National Enquirer.