Staff Reports
As the Democratic Party continues to frantically clutch at straws in hopes of resurrecting President Joe Biden’s 2024 candidacy, the spotlight has unexpectedly fallen on the indomitable Hillary Rodham Clinton. With her record of near misses in past presidential elections, a new wave of ardent supporters is convinced she might just be the Democrats’ secret weapon against the looming possibility of losing the White House.
Advocacy for Clinton has surged, thanks largely to Pablo O’Hana’s latest editorial in The Hill. O’Hana touts Clinton as a “seasoned, savvy, and adaptable candidate,” claiming that her age of 76 qualifies her as youthful compared to both Biden and Trump. While calling the attention to energy and stamina a trivial detail would likely make a great stand-up routine, it has become an awkward issue for the party. Clinton’s well-documented resume and long tenure in political circles might be impressive—if measured in yards of red tape, that is.
Those willing to look beyond Clinton’s checkered past will find a track record rich with experience as Secretary of State, senator, first lady, and advocate for children’s rights. O’Hana makes a valiant case that in today’s tumultuous geopolitical climate, her extensive and unmatched qualifications make her a priceless asset. However, one could argue that the sheer length of her time in government reflects less innovation and more stagnation.
O’Hana also makes bold claims about Clinton’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and articulate complex ideas, painting her as a global stateswoman. However, for the average voter who’s had to endure her high-pitched rants and infamous cackles, it’s hard to ignore the irony of her touted diplomatic prowess. She’s had her fair share of hits and escapades that make one question whether she’s more apt to oversee a U.N. retreat or lead a roundtable of self-righteous elites.
As amusing as it is to witness a forward-looking conversation about Hillary’s potential comeback, it’s important to note that she has been floated as a candidate for nearly every election since the days of dial-up internet. The public seems to have received her with the same enthusiasm as a flat soda. O’Hana believes Clinton could run on a platform of stability and restoration, but with her past baggage—including the Benghazi debacle and dubious dealings during her tenure at the State Department—how genuine can this narrative really be?
Somewhere, there's a circus missing its "big top!"https://t.co/UJPTRn8Nwo
— Terry Sater (@sater_terry) July 21, 2024
Polling data has also come into play, with even former Obama pollster Fernand Amandi suggesting that Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris would yield a “stronger together” ticket compared to the current administration. This, however, raises an eyebrow or two among conservatives who can’t help but chuckle at the notion of a Clinton-Harris reunion. After all, the Democrats seem to love nostalgia more than a family reunion—just without the food and joy.
Clinton’s resurgence may amuse some, but she embodies the Democratic Party’s struggle to find new blood while tethering themselves to worn-out establishments. Perhaps the “seasoned” approach isn’t what the voters are craving. With Biden’s administration already proving to be a wild ride reminiscent of a circus, the prospect of a Clinton 2024 candidacy offers more comedy than substance—a Halloween costume on a party that desperately needs to get its act together before Election Day comes knocking at the door.
