Infinite MonkeysOk. Not exactly, drop dead. But more like the way Gerald Ford told New York City to Drop Dead. In other words, get lost.
VINTON, Iowa (AP) - It's one thing for Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign to turn down interview requests for the candidate's daughter, Chelsea. But can't a 9-year-old reporter catch a break?Sydney Rieckhoff, a Cedar Rapids fourth grader and "kid reporter" for Scholastic News, has posed questions to seven Republican and Democratic presidential hopefuls as they've campaigned across Iowa this year. But when she approached the 27-year-old Chelsea after a campaign event Sunday, she got a different response.
"Do you think your dad would be a good 'first man' in the White House?" Sydney asked, but Chelsea brushed her question aside.
"I'm sorry, I don't talk to the press and that applies to you, unfortunately. Even though I think you're cute," Chelsea told the pint-sized journalist.
Sheesh. I know that Gen-Y is having a hard time growing up, but isn't just three years shy of 30 old enough to no longer be acting like a pimply-faced teen who is "hands off" to the press? Of course Hillary's lap-dog press followers — the same ones who hounded Jenna and Barbara Bush — honor the dictate from Democratic headquarters. Certainly Mitt Romney's adult kids get quizzed, as it should be. You stump for the man, you answer the questions. That's the way it works.
And, as a nice ending to this story, the dejected moppet's mother promises — despite the snub — to caucus for Hillary come Jan. 3. That's the cult of personality for ya.
UPDATE (Jan. 1): Here's a link to Romney's adult kids getting questioned by the press. With quotes and everything!
And, Hmmm. That most mainstream of lefty blogs, Wonkette, feels its fair game to call Mike Huckabee's sons "fat, creepy and sinister." Yet a 9-year-old asking the Fair Chelsea an innocuous question is out of bounds? Puleeez!
Posted by Dr. Zaius at December 30, 2007 10:34 PM | TrackBackWhat a cheap shot! Journalist like you is what made the little 9 year old decide that she no longer wanted be a journalist when she grows up -- Dr. Zalus is one ugly, bitter, petty, lying and distorting pinhead of a journalist!! Chelsea Clinton is an amazing person ... something that Dr. Zalus will never be ... Don't take it out on Chelsea, Dr. -- take your problems out on your therapist -- or one of your own family members!!! Leave the candidates family members alone -- you big bully!
Posted by: Merry Jaine at December 31, 2007 07:45 PMInteresting response, Jaine, but not exactly "Merry". Obviously, you agree with the Democratic National Committee and the Main-stream Media that Chelsea, an adult in her late 20s and able to be out campaigning for Hillary, is nevertheless a child who needs to be protected.
Do you also feel the need to protect Chelsea? Yet, you don't care about the actual child, a 9-year-old? Isn't that a little inconsistent?
Perhaps it says a lot that you are a Hillary supporter. Are you typical of Hillary's supporters? That says a lot more.
Personal comment/advice: You call yourself Merry; how about trying to be Merry?
Posted by: Dooz at January 1, 2008 03:11 PMOh, and also Merry: While you're learning to think for yourself, try learning a little grammar.
Posted by: Dooz at January 1, 2008 03:15 PMCheap shot? I didn't say a word about Chelsea's looks. Yet you call me "ugly." My wife (I think) begs to differ.
And, for the record, I was not taking it out on Chelsea. Well, Ok. I was a little. But refusing to treat a 27-year-old college graduate like a child is hardly being a bully.
Like I said: You campaigns with the adults, you takes the questions like the adults. I sure think blowing off a 9-year-old — whom the reporter described as "a bit crestfallen" at the snub — is the greater bungle here.
I guess we'll see soon whether the people of Iowa will warm to the regal Hillary tour.
Posted by: Dr. Zaius at January 1, 2008 03:41 PM