I Did Not Plagiarize This Article
If the biggest hit that Barack Obama took during last night’s debate with Hillary Clinton was her repeating her already shop-worn plagiarism allegation, then her campaign is in even worst shape than I thought.
Josh Marshall cites a great example of Clinton’s own phrase borrowing at Talking Points Memo:
“I mentioned at the end of my debate blog that the pivot of Hillary’s powerful concluding remarks came from Bill Clinton’s 92 campaign. Clinton had various permutations to it back then. But TPM Reader CG found one example in this November 1992 article by Anna Quindlen . . .
“Clinton, 92: ‘The hits that I took in this election are nothing compared to the hits the people of this state and this country have been taking for a long time.’
“Hillary Clinton, tonight: ‘You know, the hits I’ve taken in life are nothing compared to what goes on every single day in the lives of people across our country.’ “
Josh then delivers a most appropriate punch line:
”Just to be 100% clear, there’s nothing in the least wrong with this. And it’s a great line. But I think it shows the silliness of the ‘plagiarism’ charges based on a few borrowed lines. Politicians borrow good lines and catch-phrases. Happens all the time. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
Having done a fair amount of Clinton bashing, I would be remiss if I did not praise her for what we can only assume was a heart-felt exit line as she shook Obama’s hand:
“I am honored to be here with Barack Obama. I am absolutely honored. Whatever happens, we’re going to be fine. You know, we have strong support from our families and our friends. I just hope that we’ll be able to say the same thing about the American people, and that’s what this election should be about.”
That got far and away the biggest applause of the evening and deservedly so.
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6 Responses to “I Did Not Plagiarize This Article”
Clinton's campaign health, strategic position — note Bill Clinton, sign, and audience
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120363843454384…
The debate was so-so. Sport-wise it was the equivalent of sudden-death overtime. Neither party chose much risk of their loss of popularity or appeal prior to the primary election that is about to happen.
I thought the Debate was an inspiring example of civil discourse between adversaries. I hope tapes of it are circulated around the world to help set a standard.
“Whatever happens we are going to be fine. You know we have strong support from our family and friends, I only hope we can say the same about the American people.” Hillary's best moment? Sounds an awful lot like what John Edwards said in New Orleans when he suspended his campaign. So, her best moment was to lift lines from someone else…..interesting!
I've got to agree with you Paul, it was a very civil airing of ideas with the exception of the Xerox line.
I sort of felt sorry for Hillary when the boos came out.
“as she shook Obama’s hand”
I joked about this earlier (possibly too close for Clinton voters' comfort), but a picture says it better:
http://www.nps.gov/archive/apco/rocco.htm
Considering the moral and competency fitness of 21st century politicians in general, I have to say I find Hillary to be, on the whole, a class act. In addition, I believe that most of the negative rep her detractors have attempted to brand her with over the years is unearned, unfair, and primarily a reflection of their own failures in judgement. I have no doubt Hillary would make a fine and effective president. Unfortunately I'm beginning to suspect we won't have the opportunity to find that out.