Hillary is a "Sticker"

Heeding the Past As She Looks To the Future
Centrist Strategy Shapes Hillary Clinton's Politics

By John F. Harris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 31, 2005; A01

This article includes material adapted from a new history of the Clinton presidency, "The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House."

As she ran for Senate as a sitting first lady in 2000, Hillary Rodham Clinton was facing an obstacle that her advisers found a bit awkward to discuss in her presence.

Her husband's impeachment and the sexual affair that precipitated it were still recent memories. Now, that scandal was causing a headwind for the candidate as she found her own values questioned by a key segment of New York voters. This was the delicate subject on the table one evening at a White House strategy meeting, several participants recalled. The president gazed intently at poll data and then turned to his wife. "Women," he announced, "want to know why you stayed with me."

There was an awkward pause among the group of political operatives. But Hillary Clinton did not seem embarrassed. Instead, a half-smile crossed her face. "Yes," she responded, "I've been wondering that myself."

Jabbing the air for emphasis, Bill Clinton gave his answer: "Because you're a sticker! That's what people need to know -- you're a sticker. You stick at the things you care about."
_____________________________

A half-smile crossed Hillary's face when discussing how to deal with Bill's daliances? That's just creepy. You'd think there'd be some sign of hurt or embarrassment.

What was it like to talk about something so personal as marital infidelity with a bunch of political operatives?

I can't imagine being able to hash over my husband's unfaithfulness in such a detached manner, as if it were just a political obstacle on the road to the Senate and not the ultimate personal betrayal.

Bill's suggestion that his cheating could be framed as a positive for Hillary, because it would show her to be a "sticker," is typical Clinton. Rather than hanging his head in shame, he seems to be saying that his adulterous behavior was actually a plus for her campaign. In an odd way, he did her a favor.

The scariest part is Hillary probably agreed that she could twist his disgrace to work for her. Being Bill's "sticker" could have its advantages.

Creepy.