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Thirty Ways of Looking at Hillary

By Helaine Olen, AlterNet. Posted January 31, 2008.


Some heroize her. Some hate her. There's something about Hillary, but what is it?
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Hillary Clinton elicits reactions so intense, so vehement and at times so odd it's a wonder the poor woman manages to continue performing on the political stage. She's been called everything from a doormat to a drag queen, and her public image somehow manages to encompass both the story of Chaucer's Patient Griselda and the tale of Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth. She plays a large role in the internal psychodrama of many American women, who often seem convinced that Hillary Clinton finds them personally wanting.

There's something about Hillary, but what is it? Susan Morrison, a longtime editor at the New Yorker, decided to try to get to the bottom of our obsession with the former first lady and current presidential candidate by asking 30 well-known female writers and journalists to explore their thoughts about her. The result is a compulsively readable but ultimately erratic anthology devoted to all things Hillary: Thirty Ways of Looking at Hillary: Reflections by Women Writers (Harper 2008).

Morrison's goal was worthy, but one wishes she had gone about it by, well, mixing it up a bit. The vast majority of the contributors to her book are card-carrying members of the chattering classes, with more than half residing in New York City or the immediate surrounding area. Almost all identify as feminists and Democrats. As a result, there is a lot of hand-wringing over female competitiveness and the persistence of double standards for everything from grooming to likeability for men vs. women. A few more red staters, women who don't identify as feminists, or even a male viewpoint or two might have gone a long way toward shedding light on the topic of Hillary Clinton.

That's not to say the conversation isn't sometimes enlightening. Two of the best pieces in the collection are written by lawyers, who might well have a greater understanding than most of us for the environment that molded Clinton into the person she is today. Susan Lehman's piece "Firm Hillary: How the Culture of Corporate Law Shaped Hillary," ultimately attributes her controlled and controlling public persona, at least in part, to the 15 years she spent at the Rose Law Firm in Little Rock. She makes a compelling argument about what makes Clinton tick, even if you don't agree with her ultimate conclusion that after eight years of George W. Bush, a successful corporate lawyer is just what the United States needs.

In addition, Slate's Supreme Court correspondent Dahlia Lithwick writes a compelling brief about what women do and don't like to see in other members of their sex. In her view, Hillary Clinton reminds us of "someone shrill and judgmental" like a know-it-all neighbor. The genius of the piece lies in Lithwick's refusal to let either herself or us off the hook for feeling that way, arguing we are unlikely to elect any American female politician to the top job until we learn to "judge female candidates less brutally."

Nonetheless, a number of the essays in Morrison's anthology are intensely self-involved, more about the authors' reactions to Hillary Clinton than Hillary Clinton herself. There's little examination of Clinton's political skills or her record in the Senate. Despite what some of the essayists in this anthology think, the personal is not always political. Our need for action on problems ranging from healthcare reform to ending the war in Iraq go way beyond what these writers think of Hillary Clinton's -- or any other candidate's -- various haircuts or personal life. And whether one is pro-Hillary, anti-Hillary or an agnostic on Hillary, that's a sentiment all voters should share.

AlterNet sat down with Morrison in her New York office to see what insight she could offer into our fascination with Hillary Clinton, why she chose to approach her subject in the way she did and how she plans to vote in her state's primary on Feb. 5.

Helaine Olen: Why did you decide to edit an anthology on Hillary Clinton?

Susan Morrison: She clearly pushed different kinds of buttons than other politicians pushed. When people are talking about her, they were, more often than not, not talking about policy and ideas. They were talking about kind of strange, personal, emotional reactions. We have different expectations of her just because she's a woman. That's the jumping off point for the essays in this book.


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Helaine Olen is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, Salon.com and numerous other publications. Her book, co-written with Stephanie Losee, Office Mate: The Employee Handbook for Finding -- and Managing -- Romance on the Job, was published in 2007. Her Web site in progress is www.helaineolen.com.

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Give it up.
Posted by: magus65 on Jan 31, 2008 12:24 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hillary cannot win. She is hated, and rightfully so by men and women alike. She is a republican in sheepskin clothing. A corporate shill that will continue to screw the working (productive) people just as she did at Walmart.

She will lie to you just like she did when affecting a horribly fake accent because she thinks you are stupid.

She will walk blindly like a drunken idiot into nuclear war with Iran.

Her idea of change is YOU with no rights at all.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: She can't Give up all of her baggage. Posted by: left_libertarian
» RE: Give it up. Posted by: peacelover
» RE: Give it up. Posted by: Benson986
Her presidency would not be pretty
Posted by: vox persona on Jan 31, 2008 12:44 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
All that Goldwater gal has to do is just get in there, and we're back again to politics as usual. Remember the 90's? The Chinese connections, Marc Rich pardon, more 'gates' (Whitewater-gate, Travel-gate, FBI file-gate, et al ad nauseum) than I care to remember. There are no decent choices this year. Are there ever? Is this the best we can put up there, or does our very system negate having the good people run that we need? The process is ugly, and only a major egotist would even venture into that cesspool voluntarily. Statesmanship and bipartisanship has been replaced with petty party politics and career politicians. What happened to the citizen public servants our founders envisioned? Oh, yeah, that was probably as big a myth as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's now government of the people, by the corporation, and for the corporation.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Remember the 90's? Posted by: Nebris
» RE: emember the 90's? Posted by: dsmidiman
» RE: emember the 90's? Posted by: Bibsi
Fixation on Citizen Hillary is Pointless
Posted by: LookOut on Jan 31, 2008 2:13 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Most of what people think of her as a pop political celeb is equally meaningless.

The woman (and her slick Willie) is a transparent self-serve stooge for a global corporate crime syndicate that runs Washington / MSM like a private piggy bank.

There hasn't been a real "leader" at the oval office since JFK was cut down by the same corporate Mafia that owns BushCo, Clintons and sordid circus performers at Washington.

Until sheep on the ground realize this they will remain sheep and the wolves will have their way...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Wake up, you schmucks!!
Posted by: Nebris on Jan 31, 2008 2:17 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Remember the whole "Bush and Gore are just the same" meme from 2000? Any of you stupid or willful enough to still believe that anymore?

I thought not.....

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: No Gore Posted by: Andie927
» RE: No Gore Posted by: Timba
» pull yer head outta yer @ss! Posted by: KaptainSpiffy
» RE: No Gore Posted by: omatravel
» RE: No Gore Posted by: 2dogarage
» RE: No Gore Posted by: omatravel
» RE: No Gore Posted by: Bibsi
It's not about the person
Posted by: profmarcus on Jan 31, 2008 3:15 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
if we were just considering hillary as a person, i would have a completely different opinion, but, sadly, we're not... when we choose hillary, we are required to choose the entire package, including mark penn and her entire stable of noxious national security and foreign policy advisors, a gang who amply demonstrate that not a goddam thing is going to change under a hillary presidency... (of course, the unfortunate fact is that all the other candidates, both dem and r, have equally noxious advisors...) would i love to see a woman president...? absolutely... but hillary is not the one... would i love to see a black president... no question, but i think that barack may be just as co-opted as hillary... where's the REAL change...? where are our best and brightest...? who is going to return our constitution to we, the people...? who is even going to TALK about doing it...? we're in deep, deep doo-doo, folks...

And, yes, I DO take it personally

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» RE: It's not about the person Posted by: CoatesMoe
» RE: It's not about the person Posted by: Raina Dale
» RE: It's not about the person Posted by: cmaciain
Fun book idea
Posted by: kepstein7777 on Jan 31, 2008 3:54 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The picking apart of Hillary has been an interesting reflection on our culture, and what different people's personal demons are. If I see this book in the library, I might consider flipping through it.

The author's point about likability is a good one. From my experience, I've found that sometimes the most boring people are the ones who come through and get the job done. Plus, likability and a teflon personality can be dangerous in a leader, as we all know. I'm not saying that's all true in Hillary's case, but...

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I am fully aware that many of the so called progressives at this site are stealth trolls that
Posted by: johngary66 on Jan 31, 2008 4:08 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
will continue smearing one or both of the two remaining candidates. Would the grown ups now step forward and work to make sure we do not have another four years of rethugs running the government? Anyone who thinks that whoever the rethug candidate is will be better than Clinton or Obama is just plain blind and stupid. There is of course a great deal of difference. The trolls are already trying to split the democrats and there is no need to help them. I would have loved to see John Edwards as the next president, but that isn't going to happen. Now I would like to see him continue to serve in a democratic administration where he could continue the good fight for us. Chris Dodd has stepped forward as have other good progressives. They can still work for us if we elect a democratic president. That won't happen if progressives can't even get behind the nominee. How can a third party ever succeed when even the progressives can't agree on anything. We have to close ranks so that we know who the trolls are and who is with us all the way to the election. That means not smearing either of the remaining candidates.

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» RE: Typical Dem.Party Sheepel Posted by: Andie927
» RE: Typical Dem.Party Sheepel Posted by: nochicagoboys
I liked this peice.
Posted by: Raina Dale on Jan 31, 2008 5:16 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am an Obama supporter. But I really liked this peice. As a woman, and a graduate of Mills, a woman's college, I have found this primary season very interesting. I think it is good for our nation to look at the issue of the differing expectations of a woman canidate. A thought provoking article, and one I would like to share with other voters, esp. women.

That said, I feel that Obama is in a league of his own, both in terms of sound policies, and personal wisdom. Yes, I agree with Alternet journalist that issues ought to weigh heavier than personality for voters. I agree with Obama on most major issues, and he also has gained my unwavering trust and respect as a human being. His speeches are inspiring, and his website (www.barackobama.com)provides all the substance and specifics any voter could dream of.

A thousand books sympathetic to Hillary wouldn't even come close to moving me. Obama has won my head and my heart. He is the President America needs.

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» RE: Party Propaganda Posted by: Andie927
» RE: Party Propaganda Posted by: omatravel
» RE: Party Propaganda Posted by: CatDad
» RE: Party Propaganda Posted by: Fencerider
» RE: I liked this peice. Posted by: 2dogarage
» RE: I liked this peice. Posted by: 2dogarage
» RE: I liked this peice. Posted by: babs
» RE: I liked this peice. Posted by: Bibsi
» RE: I liked this peice. [sic] Posted by: nochicagoboys
» RE: I liked this peice. [sic] Posted by: nochicagoboys
» RE: I liked this peice. [sic] Posted by: foreverhope
redhawk
Posted by: redhawk on Jan 31, 2008 5:41 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Well since on average we have 30 days per month, hate Shillery or love Shillery .. If you do not like her position to day, stick around as she'll change them at least a dozen times by the end of the month... same with her currently "leashed" Lovey dovey Consort... He'll blow up again, so strong is his Wish to return to the Practices of his while at the WH... Remember that DC hasa 4-2 ratio of women to men....

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» RE: redhawk Posted by: Timba
JT Barrie
Posted by: rimchamp77 on Jan 31, 2008 5:43 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It has been said that it is better to vote for what you want and fail - than to vote for what you don't want and succeed. Hillary does not stand up for my most important issues: government intervention in the lives of our citizen taxpayers and citizen taxpayers abroad. She doesn't get "shrill" about suspension of habeas corpus or the scam that masquerades as the War on Drugs. She voted to authorize violence in Iraq and she will continue our presence in Afghanistan indefinitely as McCain will in Iraq. If an incident should arise [or be concocted] she will authorize violence against Iran. She has no backbone on issues I care most about. Why should I waste my vote for a lesser evil?

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» RE: JT Barrie Posted by: Bibsi
» RE: JT Barrie Posted by: nochicagoboys
Terrorist
Posted by: HeKnew on Jan 31, 2008 6:06 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Thirty-one...she's a stealth moderate Republican.

Government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Direct Democracy

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let's not over-analyze it
Posted by: zooeyhall on Jan 31, 2008 6:47 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let's not over-analyze why people "hate Hillary". Don't try to make flimsy connections with anti-feminisim, misogyny, blah blah.

The simple truth is that most people who are opposed to her--on the Progressive side of the fence--know that she is a corporate shill, a "Republicrat": in cahoots with Walmart, a booster for the Iraq war, a "compassionate conservative". She is a proponent of the brutal free trade and ruthless globalization endorsed and supported by her hubby when he was pres. She is nothing but Reagan with ovaries.

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I'LL READ THIS ARTICLE WHEN
Posted by: VZEQICVA on Jan 31, 2008 6:57 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
a comparable article about Obama & other candidates appears. The analysis and all out attack on Hillary Clinton is unprecendented. But that's not my only reason. I still haven't decided who will get my vote in the primaries and I don't know much about Obama. It would help me decide if we were to closely examine him and his past, for informational purposes only. It's only fair that a presidential hopeful be closely scrutinized. Haven't we learned? Thanks, ANNA

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» What? Ruin the illusion? Posted by: anothername
» RE: I'LL READ THIS ARTICLE WHEN Posted by: left_libertarian
Limit Two Terms for USA Presidents
Posted by: jackbauer2 on Jan 31, 2008 6:57 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If Senator Clinton is elected President
both Bill Clinton and George Bush will
have a third term as president.

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Issues and Positions
Posted by: Southern Gal on Jan 31, 2008 7:39 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am looking at Hillary's and Obama's positions on issues as shared on their campaign websites. It would be helpful to have some knowledgable progressive experts look at these positions and share their opinions on whether these ideas would work or not. It seems that with Alternet's vast participatory readers and with Alternet's access to various experts we could get some substantial assistance in looking at these candidates in depth.

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» RE: Issues and Positions Posted by: VZEQICVA
Who is a Real Democrat
Posted by: Peacekeeper on Jan 31, 2008 7:50 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I thought the Idea that Democrats should work together, is Gteat Idea but How Can we trust any of them to do the right thing. The problem is, we don't know what the Democratic party means, when they talk about Change. the Democrats need to lay it out for us, in a way that a 6 year old will understand. Its OK to tell us what they really think. then let the Candidates get behind the platform. We have had so many lies, for so many years.

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» RE: Who is a Real Democrat Posted by: NoPCZone
mick3
Posted by: mick3 on Jan 31, 2008 8:25 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'd hoped to read somethingof substance,but find a puff piece. It's not about Clinton's style, mannerism, or mien. It's about her philosophy of governance. She has shown herself to be a war-monger, a corporatist to the marrow, a militarist without principle or conscience. How else could she vote for the Military Commission Act? She claims she was misled back in 2002 and 2003. She voted for the MCA in 2007, and now Bush/Cheney have in place the final piece in the dictatorship they've been crafting all these years. Clinton says nuclear weapons are "not off the table." She says that attacking Iran preemptively is "on the table." It is also against international law, but what the hey, gotta keep capitalism's heel firmly pressed against the throats of small nations, especially if they have any resource that the USA might possibly need. Her husband lied to us right and left, i.e., he campaigned left and governed right. He bombed Iraq for years, undercut small nations' attempts to thrive in freedom, undercut women's rights (yes, he did), favored Big Agri, Big Pharma, Big Banking, Big Military, Big everything that is capitalist and preyed on single mothers in order to make brownie points with the Right. His fine economy was a bubble that luckily didn't burst until Bush/Cheney took over. Bill Clinton is all snake oil and loves it. Hillary hasn't the charm, but does have the same agenda, apparent by her position deep in the pockets of everything Republican. She even offered to "revisit" abortion. What a gal! I am a lifelong feminist, and I'm still waiting.

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» RE: mick3 Posted by: ejcleath
It's simple math
Posted by: zeitgeist1979 on Jan 31, 2008 8:33 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If Hillary gets the Dem nomination, we will have President McCain next year. The only people that actually support Hillary is the Democratic Establishment. The rest: real progressives, independents, and even some Republicans, will vote against her.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Diebold knows the math the best Posted by: fifthworld
» RE: It's simple math Posted by: Bibsi
The Idiots Will get What They Deserve: A Calculated Cold Power Hungry Couple
Posted by: aamer923 on Jan 31, 2008 8:52 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The Dem establishment likes her or will be bullied to support her. Many idiots would vote for her just because she is a women. Character, Honesty, Morality, truthfulness, dedication to one's nation all do not seem to matter as much as loyalty, partisanship, gender. How stupid are we. In the end we will get what we deserve.

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skysage
Posted by: Skysage on Jan 31, 2008 8:57 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
According to a well known astrologer, Hillary has the chart of a dictator more ruthless than the average person could ever realize. If she gains the White House, it will be a terrible day for our country. It is power, position and control that she wants. If she gains it, she will be the most arrogant president we have ever had. If we wake up to who she and Bill really are we could make a better choice in someone more humane and who cares more for our country and our people, rather than choosing two people who are self-adoring egomaniacs.

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» And Obama wants what? Posted by: anothername
» RE: skysage Posted by: cmaciain
» RE: skysage Posted by: Bibsi
From one who hates her... (and still doesn't trust Obama honestly)
Posted by: fifthworld on Jan 31, 2008 9:14 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"There's something about Hillary" -- how banal! I'll tell you what it is, if we need an answer here. I've never known a public woman figure so shrill, insincere, manipulative, and untrustworthy with the common good. For that matter, isn't it enough to know that she sits on the board of Walmart? What does that say? While they squash union organizing, what has she done???

This stuffed shirt gives "ice queen" a bad name. 'Fugghetaboutit'!

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Since when is a spouse a co-employee...
Posted by: heraldmage on Jan 31, 2008 9:21 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
and entitled to all the accomplishments and experiences of thier husband or wife? Does this mean that the spouse of a doctor, lawyer, fireman, policeman is qualified by virtue of marriage to employment in their spouses field?

Why hasn't the corporate news or other candidated questioned her claim of 35 years of public service? First Lady is not an official position it's just a classification given for the spouse of the president or governor by the media.

Could it be that the rich and corporate America are looking for a return on their multi-million $ investment in the Clinton therefore this mispresentation of the facts is being ignored?

Actually, the more experience candidate is Obama not Clinton who has been employed as a public servant for only ~8 years(1 1/2 terms as Senator from NY)

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I Have A Doctoral Degree in Clinton
Posted by: NoPCZone on Jan 31, 2008 9:32 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am a 46 year old living in Arkansas. Bill and Hillary Clinton have been screwing things up since I was in High School. I have met both, in person, a number of times. I do not trust either of them any farther than I could throw my car.

I'll spare you the litany, but would advise you to look elsewhere.

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So, here it is, huh?
Posted by: willymack on Jan 31, 2008 9:42 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lots of negative stuff on Ms. Clinton. You've got to ask yourself how much of it is nothing but gas and how much is pure karl rove. Subtract these from the equation and maybe you'll have the TRUTH, maybe not. One thing for certain is that the neocrooks are trying mightily to discredit Clinton, now and they haven't even started on Obama, yet. This says something about Clinton, and I think that something is that she's considered the more formidable opponent at present. Compare her to the eventual "winner" of the rethug dogfight. Do you dislike her so much that you'd vote for one of the vainglorious fools, hoping to ape bush without mentionong him? Oh, yeah; that'd show her, all right!

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» RE: So, here it is, huh? Posted by: heraldmage
» RE: So, here it is, huh? Posted by: left_libertarian
the Clintons
Posted by: laurababy0105 on Jan 31, 2008 9:49 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Well, would she be any different than BUSH? NO. I watched a documentary last night titled America Freedom to Fascism, and the Clintons were wire tapping phones long before 9/11. If I remember right, Bill Clintons Speech reflected the words, "Welcome to the New World Order". What makes ANYONE think, that the puppet master Hillary is any different?

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» RE: the Clintons Posted by: nochicagoboys
Tine to quit focusing on President and focus on Congress
Posted by: Rod on Jan 31, 2008 10:55 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The presidents power is very limited if we vote in a congress that is progressive and willing to use it. Time to see some articles on who is running in the states for senate and house, and who is progressive/independent. Then we need to work for those candidates. We will not get in someone progressive as president, that battle is lost.

Realistically if a veto needs to be overridden and the democrats do not have a clear majority then they have to compromise with these independents. There is the start of a solution.

Same for governors of states. They are usually the crop for future presidents. They may not make it to president because of the media attention, right Gov. Dean, but they have considerable power.

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No matter how one views Hillary -
Posted by: symcokid on Jan 31, 2008 11:17 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
her live in would still be calling the shots. Bill did his eight years and doesn't deserve another eight to corrupt the minds of elementary school age children. This is in reference to declaring, "I did not have sex with that woman". He tried to redefine what sex is by declaring fellatio not to be a sex act. The guy is sick in a sense and screwed up a lot of young minds.

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bitch English teacher
Posted by: zooeyhall on Jan 31, 2008 12:53 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think I know what makes me dislike Hillary Clinton. She reminds me of that bitch English teacher I had in high school.

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