‘Outrage’ Over Hillary Clinton Not Speaking

AP – ‘Outrage’ Over Sen. Clinton Not Speaking

The former chairwoman of the New York State Democratic Party on Wednesday called it “a total outrage” and “very stupid” that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has not been offered a prominent speaking role at the Democratic National Convention. “It’s a slap in the face, not personally for Hillary Clinton, but for every woman in the Democratic Party and every woman in America,” said Judith Hope, a major party fund-raiser.

Oh, please.

Hope said she would appeal to Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry to “correct this omission” and would send an e-mail message to more than 1,000 New York women – “many of them major donors to the Kerry campaign” – complaining about the slight.

Why? They’ve been slapped in the face. Surely, they’re aware of it?

Asked about Clinton’s role Tuesday, Arizona Gov. Bill Richardson, the convention chairman, said, “Senator Clinton will speak also. She’s a major star in the party.” But later, convention officials said Clinton would appear at the convention’s opening night as part of a special segment featuring all the women senators, but she was not expected to speak. “To include the wife of the governor of Iowa, who I’m sure is a wonderful woman, and to not include Hillary Clinton is just such a glaring injustice,” Hope said. “It is, frankly, very stupid,” she added.

Hillary Clinton has overtaken Teddy Kennedy as the Democrat Republicans love to hate. Not giving her a prime time speaking role only makes sense. I’m guessing the Republicans won’t be having Rich Santorum in a prominent role at their convention, either.

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James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.