Hillary Clinton's brother is one unhappy camper

While Democratic honchos sought today to untangle the problems caused by the rogue Florida and Michigan primaries, the party was in danger of losing a high-profile vote -- that of Tony Rodham Hugh Rodham, the brother of Hillary Clinton.

[UPDATE: Correction from the original post; our reporter got it right, but we wrote Hugh when we meant Tony. Many, many apologies. And our thanks to readers who caught our error].

The Times' Faye Fiore found Rodham sitting in an Irish-themed bar across the street from the Washington hotel where the Democratic rules committee was grappling with the mess. He was drinking a pint ... and fuming.

“I’m just here to make sure Americans are represented by one vote for every person," he said, parroting the Clinton line that the results in the two states should be reflected in their totality at the Democratic convention.

With the Democratic National Committee likely to settle on, at some unknown point, a different solution that results in fewer delegates for Clinton, Rodham opined: "What the DNC and (Chairman) Howard Dean are doing is an absolute disgrace.”

The upshot?

Rodham, a self-described “yellow dog Democrat all my life,” is unsure who he would support in November if Clinton is not the party's standard bearer.

"If my sister doesn’t end up with the nomination, I gotta take a look at who I’m gonna vote for,” he said.

Horrors.

Does that mean, Fiore asked, Rodham would vote for Republican John McCain?

“I didn’t say that. It could be Bob Barr,” he said, referring to the Libertarian presidential candidate who, as a House member from Georgia, was a prime player in the impeachment of Rodham's brother-in-law, Bill Clinton).

With that, Rodham paid his check and gathered his family: his son (the grandson of California Sen. Barbara Boxer, whose daughter, Nicole, was once married to Rodham), his baby by his second marriage, asleep in a stroller, and his pregnant wife. They headed back ...

toward the committee meeting.

“I’m going to go yell at the DNC meeting or wherever they’ll let me in,” he said.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[CAC]

If Clinton were to run independently, she can't possibly win (it's those pesky number again) and she'll ruin her standing among her Dem peers (thus her long-term prospects) in the Senate. I also ask people who argue that MI & FL should be represented at the convention: do you think Clinton would be making these arguments about MI & FL if this involved another candidate? Of course not. She's not fighting on principle or for her supporters -- that's just tactical and rhetorical. For Clinton, this is expedient and entirely in her own interest, not in the interest of this country. Also, how is it fair that supporters of other candidates who removed themselves from the ballot don't get their vote counted? (So much for "one vote for every person.") And let's not forget: FL and MI knew very well what they were doing (there were amply warned) and the DNC caving into them would be unfair to other states (and their voters). Even giving delegates a half vote each is generous, considering those state's flagrant stunts; but a there will be a compromise, since the Dems want to minimize damaging their positions in MI & FL in November.

[For the record, I am a woman voter unaffiliated with any party and I was an Edwards supporter.]

And, Char, many of your points aren't founded in facts or are based on myths & assumptions. How is fanning the flames of your cause helping the country? Your desire for Clinton to win, you and many of her supporters have lost sight of what's truly important. This isn't about you, her, or any one individual: it's about getting the country back on track in the most reasonable, realistic, and effective way possible. This petty back biting & in-fighting just makes the people engaging in it look ridiculous and does nothing to better the nation at a critical time in its history.

I think it's always a good idea to scrutinize and challenge our own thinking and its premises, especially when so much is at stake, and to try to exercise good judgment. And to the more extreme among you, is Obama really *that* bad to warrant excessive hyperboles, misinformation, disinformation, and near hysteria? It'll be more effective for us to focus on the real enemies & evils of the world and to our democracy, than to squander our energy on pissing contests, petty battles, and other superficial activities.

Cheers...

[bill smith]

The Rodham's and Clinton's were made for each other: spoiled, self-centered whiners who will cut off their noses to spite their face. Hillary supporters actually believe Mrs. $100 Million is 'one of them' ? Not Obama, the child of a single parent who, unlike Hillary (whose whole argument for electability is "my husband was president"), had to fight for all he ever achieved? Obama is the best chance for Democrats to win the White House. If McCain wins in November, it'll be the fault of Hillary and her followers. Shut up and get on the bus! Go Obama!!!

[David]

For a long while many people were saying Hillary is selfish, and all she cares about is power and money. Now that her brother has spoken, we can be even more sure that all they care about is power.

Alcoholic Rodhams (remember hillary chugging straight wisky at campaign stops?), and power hungry Clintons should not be allowed anywhere near white house.

Hilly billys brother/in-law wants every vote to count. How about playing by the rules drunken punk? And it is very responsible to take your toddlers and infants to bar so that they can see you getting drunk and having a fit. Super material to be presidential family.

[ohmyachinghead]

I'm not going to vote for a Girl Party, even if I am a girl.

That's a *dumb*, yes I said dumb, reason to vote for anyone.

No New York Estate Owning, Law Degree Holding, Pearl Necklace Pantsuit Wearing, Starbucks drinker, is going to call *me* an elitist, just because I won't vote for her.

My Country before My Gender. Full stop.

I voted for Obama because I preferred his health care policy, and his plan to withdraw from Iraq over a longer period of time.

Bill Clinton said "When's the last time them college edujumacated types" had to worry about paying for gas. Right back atcha, Mr. President, SIR. You might want to ask the Junior Senator from New York the same question.

Frauds.

[JFredrik]

I can't believe this. She pushed this too far and she doesn't know when to stop. RIP Clinton

[Brian]

Choosing a president, on anything other than policies, is disgraceful. I can't count the number of women that would vote for hillary just because she's a woman. Ok girls, pull ur heads out of your vages and realize you are choosing a president not gilfriend.

[Jim]

Hillary's brother sounds about as sick in the head as she is showing everybody. Both of them should lay off of the heavy drinking!

[The Kevster]

Obama chose NOT to have his name on the ballot in Michigan. He can go cry over it, it was HIS CHOICE.

Gives the states 100% participation.

People don't want them to be counted because it will still PROVE Hillary really does have the majority.

Obama only has celebrity. He hasn't even finished one term on a federal level.

He'd work well as a vice president, then president after Hillary's two terms.

Why not have both? Hillary first, then Obama.

Unit the party by entertaining both senators as president over the next 16 years.

There's your damn unity...

*this message was proudly pulled out of my you-know-where for your benefit*

[dave from ga.]

One thing is definitely evident in all of this Democratic campaign mess, the DNC is calling the shots which appear to be deadly shots for the American people. When will they ever consider what is good for ALL of our citizens not just for their DEMOCRATIC AGENDA!

[A Smart person]

I swear some of you people must work for the Hillary campaign.

[MizuInOz]

Reality check (cheaper than the rent check)- no matter what happen in the DNC Rules committee someone will be disenfranchised. Not everyone who was able and willing to vote in either Florida or Michigan voted because some people actually believed in playing by the rules.

Period.

There is no solution that gives everyone their vote. What some want is to find a way to be better than their opponent by manipulation and fraud. Out and out fraud.

"Oh, yes. I will follow the rules. I will support the Democratic Party," they all said. But when things didn't go their way,: there is a conspiracy, or the rules aren't fair or I need to stick around just incase the unspeakable happens...

Well, the unspeakable has happened - Hillary has lost by her own hoof in mouth disease. Not by anyone else but hers. Lies - not mis-speaking - out and out lies! i wouldn't trust her to balance my checkbook - would you?

When push comes to shove Integrity is the only true key. McCain is confused as to what he sees as integrity - it changes daily. Hillary has a constantly changing horizon. And Obama has a modicum of integrity as far as I can see but I want to see more reality behind the talk. And that can only happen if he is elected.

So who has been unwavering - solid - unflinching in his campaign?

Ron Paul. Does he have even a chance? NOPE.

So, Obama is the only real choice that is electable.

Hmmmm.

[Kim]

Between the comments of Hillary's brother (doh) and icky Ickes at the DNC Rules Committee Meeting today (creepy), plus Bill's and Hill's recent phantasmagoria regarding perceived slights (weird) and ignoring the DNC rules with impunity when it's to their advantage (creepier), the Clinton camp is once again showing by their own self-serving behaviors precisely why Senator Obama is the better, more balanced, more presidential choice. The Clintons are scary and their divisive power-hungry attitude serves no American but themselves. Hillary continues to demonstrate over and over that she (and those associated with her) is truly the "anti-unity" candidate. Hopefully, the DNC will come to their senses and help boot her off the island soon. Thank God for the Shuttlle Discovery launch today to give us something we can stand behind and for which we can be proud! The antics of the Clintons create shame and disappointment for all Americans at this point.

[Diana]

I don't understand why Hillary just doesn't announce she's running on an Independent ticket. 17 million? votes is enough to carry her. The DNC made it perfectly clear from the very beginning they had no intention of letting her be the nomination. Four other states also violated the rules and they allowed all their delegates to be seated. Votes to be counted. No penalties. As I said from the beginning.

All she'd needs to do is choose a VP that's moderate, I think she'd do quite well in the GE. My whole family and it's quite large with nine siblings, as well as all our spouses and children are all going third party this year. We're sick of both sides. We were, even the Republicans going to vote for Hillary. Only because we know Clinton politics and what we'd get. None of us are voting for Obama, nor did we want McCain. We don't care who the media's Golden Child is. The choices this year...maybe Alan Keyes. He's a good man. Or Barr.

It's time for a stronger third party in this country, to make the other two stand up and represent the people they claim to represent. Quit with the Radicals on both sides of the table. They may be the most boisterous, they are not the majority and it's time we had our voices heard.

[LonghornMama]

I'm voting for Hillary as long as their is a party for me to vote for her for. If she's not on the ticket somewhere, I am voting for McCain. McCain and Powell, McCain and Rice -- give us that ticket. No one will be able to claim that America won't vote for a person of color AND we will actually get people who are experienced and who don't ally themselves with bigots.

[Cheryll]

Look at all the Obamites here! Welcome! Look at your blogges and listen to what you are saying..this is why you will never win...you are the "true stench " that comes from from this campaign! Never Obama!

[LonghornMama]

Well we knew it wouldn't take long...OBAMA RESIGNED FROM HIS CHURCH. For those of you who painted Hillary with the "she'll do anything to win," meet someone else who will do anything to win!!!!!

So much for fresh and new.

[Gyre]

Angry HRC fans are willing to screw this country because a democratic committee would not break the rules agreed to by both candidates to enable their candidate to continue her divisive nomination run. That's truly amazing. I'd add that the only logical inference to be drawn from that (clearly irrational) reaction is that her most loyal constitutents are; besides being under-educated, white and poor, insane.

[John the Voter]

Too bad the reporter didn't do some basic research. Hugh Rodham was not married to Nicole Boxer, his brother Tony Rodham was. Pathetic fact checking.

[Richard Friedman]

I would like to thank Hugh for reminding me why I don't want his sister and brother in law in the White House.

[lhummer]

Harold Ickes has finally emerged as someone who is as lacking in principle as the Clintons. As a member of the Rules and Bylaws Committee he voted to deny seating of the Florida and Michigan delegations. Only when it became clear that Hillary Clinton could not win the nomination without the complete votes of both states did he do a complete flip-flop. Now his other face argues passionately in favor of seating both delegations FULLY and has the gall to contend that there is no inconsistency in the two positions. It’s an insult to any thinking person’s intelligence!

[Jan E]

It shows the the Rodham is rotten to the last gene

[mardi felpsk]

I don't know much about Hillary's brother. Millions of people are behind him at this awful time. I don't drink but this crooked campaign will cause me to drink. I would add that thousand will vote like Hillary's brother for McCain or Barr. Never Obama! Obama will destroy America! Obama needs to just be the leader of the lower side of Chicago thug section. These birds always flock together. People are not dumb! They can smell the odor around that rose. Obama name alone makes a big statement and is a turn off. Please, Hillary don't get on the Obama ticket. Run on an Independent ticket.

Far left Dean should be fired!

[Eliot]

These un-educated, old white women don t have to worry about getting abortions in alleys- VOTE Mclame! lose more rights, everything is going so well now, why would we want change?? BTW, where did all the good jobs go??? America is becoming a 3rd world country- The Dems have the easiest election ever and they will lose because their party is weak, Rules were set in the beginning, if anything, Billary should be penalized for being on the florida ballot. wake up idiots.

BTW, does anyone know who McShame is referring to when he says we will never surrender in Iraq? would there actually be someone to surrender too? He must think Americans are dumber than rocks.

[Tony]

Send all the Clintons to the island they purchased in Dubi. What do you say to that Dick Morris?

I'm so sick of the bitching and moaning. Why doesn't she acknowledge she's done and take it like a man and go back to what she does best....lie, bitch, and moan.

[w smith]

If Hillary voters can't bring themselves to vote for Obama as a second choice - they are simply being irrational, and I fear their motivation stems from racism and and/or reverse sexism, there is no other way to explain it. Clinton and Obama's stand on most of the issues is nearly identical. Yet "woman and 'hard working white Americans' aren't being represented if Obama is the nominee"?? What are you talking about? If you are even considering voting for McCain instead of Obama, I don't understand how you could have supported Hillary in the first place.