Ground Game

Video of Hillary Clinton's recent appearance on "The O'Reilly Factor" is making the rounds on YouTube (going from 20,000 views to nearly 70,000 in just a few hours) because of Clinton's remarks where she says "God bless us," in reference to being wealthy. Here's the video in question:







In a conference call yesterday, Clinton Communications Director Howard Wolfson denied Clinton said "God bless us," and instead suggested she said, "God blessed us." But on review, Clinton clearly does say "God bless us, and we deserve all the opportunities to make sure our country and our blessings continue to the next generation." The thing is, what's so incriminating about Clinton's statement? Her stated desire to pass on the financial "blessings" she's received to the next generation is a common sentiment amongst those who are the first in their families to have independently accumulated a large sum of wealth. It is a big part of what is known as the American Dream.

While it's clear she is saying "God bless us," it's equally clear to any fair observer that she is saying this not to self-aggrandize her financial assets, but is more likely attempting to diminish her identity as a wealthy person. In other words, she's pandering to those who think it's somehow morally wrong, or uncouth, to be simultaneously rich and liberal. Of course, when Wolfson tries to dodge Clinton's actual remarks rather than accurately explain their context, he makes it appear as if she does in fact have something to hide and/or be ashamed of.