Clinton Invokes RFK's Assassination as Reason to Stay in Race

Senator Hillary Clinton raised some eyebrows during a conversation with the editorial board of South Dakota newspaper The Argus Leader. She mentioned it's odd that people are trying to push her out of the campaign; video is above, partial transcript below:

Clinton: I don’t know I don’t know I find it curious because it is unprecedented in history. I don’t understand it and between my opponent and his camp and some in the media, there has been this urgency to end this and you know historically that makes no sense, so I find it a bit of a mystery.

EB: You don’t buy the party unity argument?

Clinton: I don’t, because again, I’ve been around long enough. You know my husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere around the middle of June

EB: June

Clinton: We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. Um you know I just I don’t understand it. There’s lots of speculation about why it is.

A spokesman for Barack Obama's campaign said, “Senator Clinton’s statement before the Argus Leader editorial board was unfortunate and has no place in this campaign." A Clinton spokesperson explained, "She was simply referencing her husband in 1992 and Bobby Kennedy in 1968 as historical examples of the nominating process going well into the summer," but Clinton herself had to issue a statement apologizing for the remarks:

“Earlier today I was discussing the Democratic primary history and in the course of that discussion mentioned the campaigns that both my husband and Senator Kennedy waged in California in June 1992 and 1968 and I was referencing those to make the point that we have had nomination primary contests that go into June. That’s a historic fact. The Kennedys have been much on my mind the last days because of Senator Kennedy and I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation, and particularly for the Kennedy family was in any way offensive. I certainly had no intention of that, whatsoever. My view is that we have to look to the past and to our leaders who have inspired us and give us a lot to live up to, and I’m honored to hold Senator Kennedy’s seat in the United States Senate from the state of New York and have the highest regard for the entire Kennedy family.”

This week, New York magazine had a piece by Pete Hamill about his memory of RFK and his assassination at the Ambassador Hotel.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on May 23, 2008 5:45 PM

Comments [rss]

shovel

Clinton is indeed slightly nuts, which is why Obama NEEDS her as a VP candidate. Please, I'm no fan of McCain or Republicans, but if the past two weeks has been any hint of what Obama is in for this summer/fall, then Dems are in serious trouble.

It's really, really easy for Dems to be self-righteous about taking the honest path, but why do they so easily forget Republican tactics and the stupidity of many Americans in general?

VanessaNYC

Dear Matty and Rfive

"she is a stupid cunt. I agree with Matty."

Is it possible for you two to criticize Clinton without acting like a couple of misogynists? Even if you don't care about women, your comments will bring women to Clinton's defense.

Matty, you slam others because they are racist, yet I've heard you make sexist comments over and over again.

yomama

I'm a regular viewer of "Countdown" and what Keith commented last night was dead on. At the beginning of the race I was leaning towards Hillary but little by little she began to show her true colors.

For those who think that this bit is being blown out of proportion, listen to/read her comments again. They are not being taken out of context. They leave no room but to infer that she is sticking around in this race just in case something bad should happen to the other candidate.

Absolutely irresponsible of her when there are racist loonies out there. People should remember that character still is an important quality in a candidate for the Presidency.

sj

Just watched Olbermann's commentary in its entirety. I have to say he's right on the money on this one.

johnnye, did you even listen to/read her comments? That's exactly what she said. She specifically mentioned that RFK was "assassinated" in June in CA.

S.D.

I think Keith Olbermann's special comment was most appropriate.

John Knee

Once again a headline inferring something that was not said. She was making reference that a primary was being held in June. She did not say that RFK died in June so I am waiting this out.

BINGORAMAIREZ

Lets all just calm down. She is obviously in need of mental help. He is in more danger now that she has encouraged, in effect, BO's murder, and we dont need that as a country. It would be the worst thing that couled ever happen and that includes for the racists who hate him because he is ONE HALF black.

Think2wice

Even though the gaffe is not such a big deal, I hope the hoopla ends her campaign, which is fueled by nothing but ego and blind ambition.

zodak

omg, i go out dancing in red hook & i missed all the action. O.O

babyhitler

wow. LOL at the matty guy! He's fighting racism and ignorance with racism and ignorance and violence.

Rfive

is HRC putting the word out to off Obama? she is a stupid cunt. I agree with Matty.

Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend!

chuzzlewit

jesus matty i feel like i'm watching "the exorcist"

except of course for the fact that you're engaging a plurality, so instead of "your mother sucks cocks in hell" it would be "your mothers suck cocks in hell". other than that...whoah dude!

sonyactivision

If I was Barack Obama, I'd be avoiding the ballroom at the Ambassador Hotel in L.A.:it's got bad juju.

Anna_Merkin

Nik, could you kindly indulge us as to the things that have led you to the conclusion that Obama is stupid? I hear this insult lobbed frequently by those who seek to denigrate him, yet I find the evidence sorely lacking.

That said, anyone with a bit of sense has to admit that this statement by HRC represents poor judgment in terms of word choice at a minimum.

VanessaNYC

To be clear, I wasn't defending Snoopy and Babyhitler. Their behavior speaks for itself.

Snoopy

Baby Hitler did you see what Matty said about us?

Forget about it. He probably lives in a housing project in south Chicago and this is the only channel he gets on his computer.

Long live Tawana Thompson.

VanessaNYC

Matty,

You said:

"What a stupid cunt."

"I bet you're a couple fat fucking jews. I cannot wait to kick the godamn fuck out of the both of you."

"I would love to kick your stupid fucking ass one day."

Seriously???

Now YOU are making the Obama supporters look bat-shit crazy...

Get a grip.

babyhitler

Black Person = Progress

Woman = Not Progress

jenspellnogood

if he does the stupid thing and makes her vp, he better watch his back - she'll pull a vince foster on his ass so fast. she's a malignant cunt.

bklynd

Times story on Tsongas dropping out. It's a good read - compare then with the present.

Without adequate money to win, Mr. Tsongas said, "the alternative was to play the role of spoiler." "That Is Not Worthy"