Clintons’ Latest Move Combative, Not Cathartic

Please feel free to slap the “sexist” label on me, but I am stunned by the news that Hillary Clinton is actually hedging on the idea of her name being placed in nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, just 18 days from now.

Many of you have likely seen the YouTube clip of Hillary talking about this in California last week, and a new Time article by Karen Tumulty talks about the Clintons’ inability to let go. In my video blog yesterday I recounted how many signals the two have given recently that they are planning a 2012 run for Hillary if Barack Obama loses — check out the list, it’s long — but that was before I read the Time piece or had heard Hillary’s remarks in California about how “cathartic” it would be for her delegates and supporters to be heard at the convention by voting for her in a roll call instead of the person the party will ultimately nominate.

Sure, I knew the “I-Told-You-So” campaign began on Nov. 5, should Obama lose to John McCain, but this is ridiculous. Sorry, Clintonistas, but staging a floor fight, or a venting session, isn’t cathartic. It’s combative. If you want Hillary elected, just vote for John McCain in November, help Hillary retire her debt, donate to her next campaign, and volunteer your time to elect her president, should Obama lose. Even if he wins, she can come back in eight years — just ask McCain. But if Hillary doesn’t look like she helped Obama this year, it will only be harder for her to rally her party next year or in 2016.

Ask A.B. is on vacation, but I still want mail! Stay in touch and send your questions and comments to askab@digital-release.thehill.com for our post-Denver edition on Friday, Aug. 29. Thank you and Happy August.