Opinion: Hillary Clinton the comedian
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Must-see TV it wasn’t.
Hillary Clinton has become something of a regular on ‘Late Night with David Letterman,’ and during her appearance Thursday night it was evident why. It’s a cakewalk for her.
Letterman isn’t paid to ask penetrating policy questions, though he has been known to make his guests squirm a bit. But he treated the front-runner in the Democratic presidential race with kid gloves. He didn’t even ask about her major fundraiser, Norman Hsu, who plans to turn himself in on a fugitve warrant today.
The pair did have some fun at the expense of the candidate’s spouse, former president Bill Clinton. Asked if husband Bill could serve as her vice president, she said, ‘Believe me, he looked into that.’ Then, she admitted if the Constitution did not forbid a third term, ‘he might be running.’
Letterman did elicit from Clinton memories of what she termed her favorite summer job. After graduating from college, she said, she traveled to Alaska and took on the task of “sliming”—or cleaning—fish. ‘Best preparation for being in Washington that you can possibly imagine,’ she said.
She offered a few platitudes about the rigors of campaigning: “It’s exhausting but it’s also exhilarating.” When asked her strengths as a campaigner, she replied: “Stamina.” Asked by Letterman if she had any weaknesses, she replied, “Sure.” And cleverly left it at that.
Letterman also asked, “What’s the deal with Sen. Craig?” That remark about the Idaho senator arrested in an airport men’s room sparked audience laughter. Once the studio quieted, Clinton termed it simply, “Very sad.” And said she wished the best for him and his family.
Broaching the issue of Iraq, Letterman said it seemed to him that U.S. troops would be stationed in that country forever. “Well, I hope not,” Clinton responded, an answer that’s tough to disagree with. She then reiterated her oft-stated position that the U.S. needs to start bringing troops home now, but “in a responsible way.”
Clinton wrapped up the appearance by offering her own version of Letterman’s Top Ten List. The tongue-in-cheek campaign promises included: ‘Bring security and long-term stability to ‘The View.’” ’My vice president will never shoot anyone in the face.’ ‘We will finally have a president who doesn’t mind pulling over and asking for directions.’
And she concluded with a jab at her host, who has been known to crack wise about the former first lady’s tastes in fashion. “One more pantsuit joke and Letterman disappears.”
--Don Frederick