The conventional wisdom is that Joe Biden isn’t electable, Elizabeth Warren won’t run, and no other prominent Democrats are worthy of the nomination. Hence why Hillary Clinton will emerge victorious, at some point, during the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries. But will she?
At least one former Clintonworld spokesman is throwing cold water on that theory, citing age and the “terrific work” she’s already doing as a private citizen as two possible reasons why taking the plunge in 2016 might feel more chilly than exhilarating, and thus unlikely to happen:
Hillary 2016 is all but a done deal for nearly everyone who follows American politics.
But former White House press secretary to Bill Clinton Mike McCurry says he's not convinced there's going [to] another Clinton in on the ballot.
In a segment on Real Clear Politics 'Changing Lanes series, where the news organization interviews influential figures while driving through the nation's Capitol, McCurry said Hillary may opt to continue the work she's doing with the Clinton Foundation instead of pursuing elected office again.
'I'd like to say I'm the only person left - I'm probably in this car the only last person in Washington who'd be willing to take some bet that she might not run,' McCurry told RCP co-founder Tom Bevan and Washington Bureau Chief Carl Cannon.
McCurry said he wasn't sure Hillary would want to go through the hassle of running again at this stage in her life, especially when 'she's doing terrific work' and 'finding other ways to make a contribution.'
'We all know what running for president is like,' McCurry said. 'It's kind of hanging around in Manchester, New Hampshire... at the local Denny's shaking hands with a lot of sometimes less-than-interesting local political people.'
'She's going to do that for the next two and a half years at age 65 when she could be doing all this great stuff on a global stage? I don't know. I think that's why she hasn't said, "I'm doing it." '
Fair enough. But there are other concerns to think about. Attacks have already trickled in questioning Hillary’s health and wellness -- that is, her ability to serve effectively as commander-in-chief. These attacks, of course, will only grow more virulent in time as everybody in the political world expects. Thus, is she prepared to re-live the recent past -- and once again have every aspect of her life scrutinized and turned upside down? I can imagine, if not sympathize, why she isn’t chomping at the bit to declare her candidacy (or let down the progressive base) earlier than absolutely necessary.
Speaking of which, it goes without saying that the Left will be immensely disappointed if she doesn’t run. Odds are, however, that she will.
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