Ouch! Hillary Clinton's softer image is clawed over dumped cat

[jefferson_dem]

This story totally reads like a "Daily Show" skit...

***

Ouch! Hillary Clinton's softer image is clawed over dumped cat



AS THE “first pet” of the Clinton era, Socks, the White House cat, allowed “chilly” Hillary Clinton to show a caring, maternal side as well as bringing joy to her daughter Chelsea. So where is Socks today?

Once the presidency was over, there was no room for Socks any more. After years of loyal service at the White House, the black and white cat was dumped on Betty Currie, Bill Clinton’s personal secretary, who also had an embarrassing clean-up role in the saga of his relationship with the intern Monica Lewinsky.

Some believe the abandoned pet could now come between Hillary Clinton and her ambition to return to the White House as America’s first woman president.

Clinton has been boosting her prospects in the past week with some homespun references to her gender as part of a series of events with the theme Women Changing America, during which she chatted girlfriend-to-girlfriend and mom-to-mom with female voters.

The softening of Clinton’s image seems to be working. Her chief strategist, Mark Penn, predicts that up to a quarter of Republican women will vote for her. She leads Democratic rivals in the polls by 26 points and is scooping up more donations to her war chest from Wall Street and defence contractors than any candidate from either party – an unmistakable indicator of who they think will win in 2008.

Clinton’s treatment of Socks cuts to the heart of the questions about her candidacy. Is she too cold and calculating to win the presidency? Or does it signify political invincibility by showing she is willing to deploy every weapon to get what she wants?

<SNIP>

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article2702804.ece

[dsc]

1. are you kidding me?

We have the world literally and figuratively aflame and the Times of London prints this crap?

[William769]

2. Whats worse is someone thought they had to post it here in a political forum.

[jefferson_dem]

3. I find the story humorous.

Not *necessarily* to be taken seriously.

Lighten up, Will.

[William769]

4. With all the forums on DU, you picked this one.

Yes I am implying what your thinking.

[jefferson_dem]

8. Why not? There is political content...

There's as much in this story as in the bogus politico.com hit on Obama you just linked to.

I have no idea what you are implying and all i'm thinking about is that I need to go warm up my cup o' joe.

Have a great day! Sunny and 75 here in ATL today... :hi:

[cuke]

32. Disingenous

As if jd assumed that everyone would see the humor

Yeah, right

[MH1]

9. Would you prefer this quote from the same article?

The financial sleaze that dominated the final Clinton years is also making a comeback. After Norman Hsu, one of Clinton’s biggest campaign “bundlers”, was exposed as a fraud, it emerged last week that waiters, dishwashers and street pedlars in New York’s Chinatown have been handing over $1,000 and $2,000 sums to her campaign – some with genuine pride, others because they were ordered to do so by neighbourhood bosses.

The article isn't about Socks the Cat, it is about falseness, and the Socks story is just a lead-in. However, pet-lovers do see how a person treats their pets as an indication of character.

[Yael]

21. Yes, we do

[MonkeyFunk]

24. And when her situation changed

she found a safe, loving home for Socks.

I had to do the same thing for a pet once. Many people have done it.

Now I'm still curious as to why everyone presumes this was Hillary's decision and Hillary's alone?

[creeksneakers2]

43. I don't know what is false about Socks

After Buddy the dog was adopted the dog and the cat fought with each other. One had to go. If it were me, I would have kept the cat, but, its not like the Clintons just "dumped" the cat.

[divineorder]

46. It was Chelsea's Cat

And Chelsea couldn't have pets in her dorm, so Socks had to find a new home. According to what I have read, Betty Currie had grown attached to Socks, so going with her was the logical and compassionate thing to do. In any event, Socks was hardly dumped into the local pound or left on the side of the road. Much ado about nothing, and Socks is apparently happy and healthy where he is.

[MonkeyFunk]

5. If this is an example

of the "baggage" that's going to be used against Clinton that so many here are worried about, she's in very good shape.

[flordehinojos]

6. the whole caboodle stinks of poppy bush and his effort to give hillary hell

if she as much dares to run for the office of ELECTED PRESIDENT of these United States.

[sam sarrha]

10. sad when the Thugs only consider cat the other white meat.. pathetic propaganda

[Evergreen Emerald]

7. no stone is left unturned--and if there is no stone...

redefine stone.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

11. So with Chelsea off to college, Hillary readying to run for the Senate and Pres. Clinton

establishing his post Presidential policies and work, perhaps the family felt that Socks would be better off in a more stable household.

When I joined the military, I had to part with a beloved cat who eventually went to a co worker. She took wonderful care of him and it was such a relief to know he was loved.

Is Ms. Currie saying the cat was "dumped" on her? And, if the cat was adopted by someone else how does that make him "abandoned"?

Seems the rhetoric is a bit inflammatory. MKJ

[roseBudd]

23. Or was Socks an indoor/outdoor cat who wouldn't be safe going outside at the new digs?

My cats are indoor/outdoor but my location makes that practical. Some streets can't be good for in and outs.

[MonkeyFunk]

12. Funny how the people are so proud

of claiming that Clinton and Rupert Murdoch are BFFs then unquestioningly post some crap like this from a Murdoch rag.

[Baby Snooks]

13. People who hate cats...

There is a saying that people who hate cats will come back as mice in their next life. Perhaps some are just rats in this one.

I have no respect for someone who would dump an animal. And that is what Hillary did. If you want to know how a person treats other people, you need only look at how they treat animals. Socks was merely a prop for Hillary. Once the prop no longer served a purpose, she dumped it.

Why anyone would continue to support her is beyond me.

[MonkeyFunk]

14. LOL

she "dumped" it?

That's a crazy characterization.

Also, why do people assume it was Hillary's decision, and not Bill's or Chelsea's?

By all accounts, Socks and Buddy didn't get along. Sounds like Socks was placed in a safe, loving home. That's not "dumping" a cat.

But good God, this was over 6 years ago?!?! Why are we even discussing it?

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[DemBones DemBones]

18. Workmen at their house let Buddy out accidentally and he was hit by a car.

The Clintons did not allow Buddy to run loose.

I'm not a Hillary supporter but let's be honest here.

As for Socks, most of us have had to give away a pet at some point in our lives. Get over it.

[Missy M]

19. What a ridiculous post.....

downright silly.

[MonkeyFunk]

22. No evidence

just nasty, mean-spirited name-calling.

"A cold and calculating bitch"? LOL...

Did you take a wrong turn somewhere?

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

27. Yep. BS is a perfect acronym.

Yet another RW name calling newbie with no profile.

They seem to prefer playing silly games over here to hanging out in the dank confines with their brethren. :eyes: MKJ

[SaveOurDemocracy]

25. Hate much? n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

36. Oh how sweet!

The use of the word bitch is SO welcome!

I'm so glad to know that you have such an insight as to what happens in the Clinton's household.

Tell us, O wise one ... is Britney really a drugged up crazy loon??

You seen to know these things.

Tell! Tell! TELL!

[MonkeyFunk]

38. I heard

Mary Wilson is a cold and calculating bitch.

Oh yeah, I said it. Ms. Ross rulz! Wilson droolz!

:D

[Marrah_G]

42. Wow... now that could have come straight from FR.

Enjoy your stay, however brief that might be.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

28. So, did I "dump" my cat when I joined the Army? I guess it means you have no respect for me.

:shrug: MKJ

[ElizabethDC]

41. This is a joke, right? Please tell me it is. Please?! n/t

[Chulanowa]

44. Way overblown.

I love cats. How much? I don't mind terribly when my new kitten jumps on my face at four in the morning because she wants to play. I've had many a cat in my time, and you know what?

Sometimes you have to give a pet up. I have left cats with friends - When I moved from Alabama to Alaska, I could not afford the extra cost to bring my two cats with me, so I left them in the care of a friend. They're doing quite well still.

The Clintons are a busy family. College, campaigning, speeches, all this stuff... They can't take Socks along for the ride. Frankly I'd me pissed if they left the animal home alone with an automated food dispenser, wouldn't you? I'm likely not pulling the lever for Hillary in the primary. But my reasons for that are sure as hell not going to be about her giving her cat to another caring family, for any reason. It's not like she tied the kitty to a brick and tossed it over a bridge.

If you want to get pissed about mistreatment of pets, then for fuck's sake, there are any number of avenues you can take. Volunteer for the Humane Society or the ASPCA. Keep your eyes out for people who starve or beat their dogs. If you see a pet store selling cats or dogs, go in and talk about them, see if you can get the breeder location and have it checked out to see if it's a puppy mill. Foster a pit bull, even. Shaking your fist about Hillary over this is... It's fucking dumb is what it is.

[Karmadillo]

15. I hope the Obamamites choose not to be too destructive during the Great Decline

What's next? Vince Foster? The Clinton Chronicles?

[onehandle]

16. Ouch! Nobody gives a shit. I haven't heard a word about Socks in the media in years.

Hillary isn't my first choice, but this is just stupid and desperate.

[kskiska]

20. The Bushes dumped Ernie the cat before they even moved into the W.H.

They gave him away to a fundraiser in Brentwood for fear he'd tear the W.H. drapes, then Ernie ran away and was found walking down the Avenue of the Stars.

(snip)

Ernie the cat found!

April 10, 2001 | Since the saga of Ernie the cat has gotten its share of attention from RVB readers, we're happy to provide this update from the Associated Press:

President Bush's former cat, missing for weeks, turned up in the dead of night Wednesday strolling Los Angeles' Avenue of the Stars.

By Wednesday afternoon, the orange and white tabby cat was back with Bush fundraiser Brad Freeman and "doing interviews," first lady Laura Bush's office announced at the White House.

http://archive.salon.com/politics/red/2001/04/10/blue/index.html

(snip)

Lost But Now Found: Barney sibling Ernie the cat, who had been missing for more than 3 weeks in L.A., was found in the wee hours strolling along the city's Avenue of the Stars, First Lady Laura Bush's office announced. A security guard who located the president's kittie got a $1,000 reward. The First Lady's spokeswoman said: "Mrs. Bush is delighted that Ernie is back in the good hands of Brad Freeman," the family friend who took Ernie in after the cat was deemed too wild for the White House furniture. "We're pretty confident that Ernie is going to be safe this time."--ABCNews.com, 4/10/01

http://bushybarney.tripod.com/news0301.htm

And apparently, this donor doesn't much care for Ernie:

(snip)

Freeman said he uses different pitches in asking for money, all depending on whom he is talking to, and that he would never do it but for his friendship with Bush.

"Would I rather go to the dentist?" Freeman mused. "Probably."

And what of Ernie? "Unfortunately, the cat's still alive," Freeman intoned. "So it's what I've got for the next four years."

Or at least until the fundraising for Bush's library begins.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/11/29/letter_ed3__7.php?page=2

[amandabeech]

26. I'm another one who had to find a new home for a kitty.

During my first year in law school, I adopted a calico kitty whom I found in the basement of the dorm. She was a sweetie. Unfortunately, she went into heat early, before I thought to take her to the vet, and she had five kittens in my dorm room.

Unfortunately, I had a cat at home, and couldn't keep her. I did, however, find a good home for her and each one of her kittens. There were good reports from several of the adoptive homes, including hers.

I didn't like giving her away, but I did like knowing that she was happy elsewhere.

I am not a Clinton supporter, but I'm not going to give her grief about Sox. A few years ago I saw an article in the Washington Post about Sox, and it said that Sox really liked Betty, and could go outside in a nice Arlington neighborhood. The article included a picture of Sox prowling outside, and he looked happy. I'm betting that Betty had more time for him than any of the Clintons would have in their post-White House years.

[Vickers]

29. That does it!!! I'm voting for Obama.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

34. It's been a while since I've seen you here!

:hi: MKJ

[Maine-i-acs]

30. Did she strap Socks to the roof of a car and drive to Canada?

Mitt Romney did that to his dog ... he's a front-runner too ...
I'm just sayin', the media never seemed to give a rat's ass about that.

[meow2u3]

31. Hillary is allergic to cats

That's the real reason Hillary gave up Socks. Besides, he became attached to Betty Currie and it wouldn't be fair to take a cat away from those who can really love and care for him. Contrary to the right-wing Times of London's twisted "reporting", the Clintons saw to it that their cat, who could no longer be properly taken care of by the Clintons because of their extremely busy lifestyle, was given a home where someone could provide the animal with the love and time Socks needed; Betty Currie was just that right person.

I'd give up my Ruby if she became so attached to another person she'd be unhappy if she continued to live with me, which is highly unlikely to occur.

[incapsulated]

33. I thought this was a joke, at first

The fact that this is serious....

This is right up there with Ellen's kittygate on level of stupidity.

[cuke]

35. I love threads like this

I get to update my ignore list

[ronnykmarshall]

37. No shit.

It's out of freeperville.

[Yukari Yakumo]

39. Debunked as a Freeper hit piece, move along.

It's been pointed out (elsewhere) that the author is a Bush supporter.

This is a lame hit piece by a Chimpenfurher stooge.

[Jim Sagle]

40. RNC hogwash!

[Jim Lane]

45. This is not only a stupid story, it's an OLD stupid story.

Socks's adoption by Betty Currie was reported at the time. Anyone trying to make hay of it now looks really lame.

[Bluebear]

47. To be fair, the dateline on the story is 10/21/07.

If it's an old story, your issue is with the paper, yes?

[Jim Lane]

50. Yes, my primary issue is that the paper is hyping this as if they'd uncovered Watergate 2.

The article also ignores information that was published, at the time of the adoption (2001), explaining that Socks and Buddy didn't get along, and could be kept apart in the White House but not in the Clintons' new home in Chappaqua. After Chelsea (who adopted Socks from a friend's cat's litter) left for college, Socks had become attached to Betty Currie, so Currie adopted her. The Socks the Cat Fan Club website has some Washington Post excerpts (from 2001!) detailing the event: <http://www.geocities.com/socksthecat.geo/>

[Perry Logan]

48. Are those anti-Hillarites brilliant, or what?

[youthere]

49. It's not like she drove to some remote location and threw Socks out the window..

or had him put to sleep. She found a loving home for the cat. What a stupid news story.


Some believe the abandoned pet could now come between Hillary Clinton and her ambition to return to the White House as America’s first woman president.

This line actually had me belly laughing.
Why do they act as though Socks getting a new home is a horrible calculating move on her part? I've had to find a new home for loved pets in the past, and it was heartbreaking, but ultimately in the best interest of the animal.

I can't be considered a Clinton supporter by any stretch of the imagination, but this is just..just...well this is too stupid to even be Couric-worthy. The "TIMES ONLINE" must really be desperate.

On edit: I will literally piss myself laughing if Katie Couric reports this story tommorrow.