Megan noted earlier Andrea Mitchell’s take on “what insiders are saying” about Sec. of State Clinton’s annoyed “I’m the Secretary of State” response yesterday to a question during a town hall in Kinshasa, Congo — mis-translated, apparently— about what “Mr. Clinton” thought about a particular loan issue. Mitchell, in part: “She was exhausted—and and clearly, some would say, having a bad hair day. So not an easy day for Hillary Clinton.”
Here, two New York City tabloids’ takes. And while neither mentions the “bad hair day” factor, both the Post and Daily News stories note Clinton’s purple pantsuit (the Daily News leading with it: “She wore a lavender pantsuit and purple rage.”). The Post, like Mitchell, also offers analysis/reaction from unnamed “insiders” (Clinton was experiencing “either jet lag or jealousy.”)
Come on, who can be surprised? The person asked "What does Mr. Clinton think through the mouth of Mrs. Clinton?" She waited to make sure she'd understood that correctly. Then, without looking angry at all, just sort of annoyed, she said, "Wait, you want me to tell you what my husband thinks? My husband is not the Secretary of State; I am," and she flipped her right hand out towards her right side, as if to say, "so there you go." As she continued she looked more annoyed: "If you ask my opinion, I will tell you my opinion; I'm not going to channel my husband."
She had every right to be annoyed. She deserves respect, someone made a stupid mistake, and she put them in their place. She didn't insult anyone, she just clarified things.
#1 Posted by Mark Stewart, CJR on Tue 11 Aug 2009 at 04:34 PM