There are two of special note today. This one by Steve Chapman in the Chicago Trib is notable because of its source. Criticism like this coming out of the president’s home state and the nerve center of his reelection campaign (not for the first time) should be cause for pause.
Why Obama should withdraw
By Steve ChapmanSeptember 18, 2011
… Obama might do his party a big favor. In hard times, voters have a powerful urge to punish incumbents. He could slake this thirst by stepping aside and taking the blame. Then someone less reviled could replace him at the top of the ticket.
The ideal candidate would be a figure of stature and ability who can’t be blamed for the economy. That person should not be a member of Congress, since it has an even lower approval rating than the president’s.
It would also help to be conspicuously associated with prosperity. Given Obama’s reputation for being too quick to compromise, a reputation for toughness would be an asset.
As it happens, there is someone at hand who fits this description: Hillary Clinton.
This one is notable also because of its source, President Clinton himself chiming in. So the Clinton stance on this is “that’s just Dick Cheney trying to make trouble.” Very good! But we all know that this began well before Cheney opened his mouth. The record is right here on these pages. HuffPo reports it thus.
Bill Clinton: Dick Cheney ‘Sowing Discord’ With Suggestion That Hillary Run Against Obama In 2012
…
“Well, you know, I’m very proud of her, so I’m always gratified whenever anyone says anything nice about her. And I very much agree that she’s done a good job,” Clinton told Bob Schieffer on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
“But I also have a high regard for Vice President Cheney’s political skills, and I think one of those great skills is sowing discord among the opposition. So I think he’s right that she’s done a heck of a job. But she is a member of this administration, and committed to doing it. And I think he, by saying something nice about her in the way that he did, knew that it might cause a little trouble,” Clinton continued.
“I don’t want to help him succeed in his political strategy. But I admire that he’s still out there hitting the ball.”
He walked that tightrope like a Flying Wallenda! I am glad this question did not come up until after Cheney spoke to it. He provided a position from which to address it. I admire that Bill Clinton admires Cheney still hitting the ball.
This is cute. Just for the heck of it!
Still4Hill 
Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Rep. Peter DeFazio all say President Obama should face a primary challenge.
What started on the blogs, next reached the MSM, and now includes members of the U.S. Congress.
Imagine the excitement and energy if Hillary Clinton decides to jump in?
All disenfranchised men and women, young and old, straight and gay, black and white, who feel abandoned by Barack Obama?
I’m committing my blog to Hillary in 2012.
LikeLike
Good for you, Christopher! Do I have you on my blog roll?
LikeLike
So Bill’s opinion on a Hillary 2012 campaign is that Dick Cheney is a troublemaker? Can a question be dodged any more obviously?
LikeLike
I love this opener from the Chicago Trib:
“When Ronald Reagan ran for re-election in 1984, his slogan was “Morning in America.” For Barack Obama, it’s more like midnight in a coal mine.”
How true…………
LikeLike
Wow…. The Chicago Trib is really on his case!
LikeLike
Yeah, they aren’t pulling their punches.
LikeLike
I guess they have reason to know him best. Familiarity breeds contempt, as they say.
LikeLike
Looks like someone wants to “vote for” her.
LikeLike
He has a very serious case of it. Over the weekend he started following me on Twitter. (My guess – he was stuck in the US over the weekend waiting for UNGA and started googling himself. Since I tagged him a few times he ended up here. But the following part is all about Hillary.)
LikeLike
LOL! Foreign Minister Rudd got caught Googlebating!? Glad he found his way here. I think he likes the subject matter.
LikeLike
Right. That would be the reason for the follow.
LikeLike
WOAH! I’ve never seen anyone else’s hands there besides Bill’s. You’re moving into dangerous territory Minister!
LikeLike
South Korea’s President Lee also had a close diplomatic encounter.
LikeLike
… entanglement.
LikeLike
Yes, that’s the word I was looking for.
LikeLike
President Lee is a repeat entangler.
LikeLike
He’s on Hillaryhood watch!
LikeLike
Bill might be, too.
LikeLike
I would guess!
LikeLike