Hillary Clinton 2008 - R.I.P.

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton have taken the people of the U.S. on a roller coaster ride since the early 90s. Though Bill's tumultuous presidency was often rewarding, it was often disappointing. But always one hell of a ride. If you could stomach it.

Hillary was the ever supportive mate. At least that is the picture she took pains to convey in public. Many of us would give up much, temporarily at least, to be the proverbial fly on the wall as the two of them went at it over everything political to Bill's awful addiction to chasing every skirt that wasn't nailed shut.

It wasn't a secret of any kind, despite her denials, that she eventually would want to start her own political career. Winning a lop-sided victory for the US Senate in New York made it very clear that it was just a temporary victory. Hillary had her sights on something bigger - the US Presidency.

But one thing was clear to most of us. Hillary was committed to one goal - becoming President - at any cost. Even if it created a division within the Democratic party, a division that could possibly cost the general election the Dems "can't lose." That she would say anything, and do anything, to achieve this goal was written all over her face. After all, she learned at the seat of the grand master - Bill.

Considering that as late as January of this year Hillary was the presumptive Democratic nominee to where we now find her in what must be considered a very precarious position boggles the mind. Yes, there were all the gaffes, the poor planning, the in-fighting among her surrogates, Bill's screw-ups and need for attention, every week a different face, a different message, on and on and on. Through all of this drama Hillary and her supporters have managed to make it a very close primary race.

Last Friday Hillary uttered some very damaging words, words that will go down in political history as one of the most horrendous, hurtful, and outrageous comments ever. Said for the third time, but this time it grew legs so fast that it went around the world in minutes, Hillary said she was in the race until June because "things happen in June. Bill was nominated in June of '92. And Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June." Political suicide.

Her supporters are defending her, that Hillary was making a historical reference. If so, making any reference to an assassination of any kind, of anyone, successful or attempted, in a political race, and one so charged with passion from the outset is obscene.

"Things happen in June." So Hillary is staying in the race because "things happen in June?" And her opponent just happens to be Barack Obama, a "skinny black kid with a funny name," a black that many hateful Americans would prefer he not be around?

I am sorry but I refuse to think that Hillary just misspoke. This thought was on her mind, has been on her mind for a long time, and just lends credence to the now well earned "Hillary will say anything, will do anything."

Whether intended or not, it truly goes beyond the pale.

Hillary's "apology" was weak and lacked feeling. "If I offended anyone" is not an apology. Get real. And her "deer in the headlights" look as she spoke was not one of regret for any hurt she may have caused but a look of "oh shit, I have just screwed my political career, big time."

There is a bit of sunshine in all this mess. Hillary has just made some political decisions easier for many - voters, super delegates, and Obama. Hillary can forget the nomination. Hillary can forget being offered the vice-presidency as Obama's running mate.

The Clintons have taken us for a roller coaster ride for a long time. The ride is coming to an end.

Peace.

Larry