View Full Version : Clinton: I’m secretary of state, not Bill
Do we actually have a Secretary of State now?:munchin;)
SOURCE (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32361939/ns/politics-more_politics/)
Clinton: I’m secretary of state, not Bill ‘I am not going to be channeling my husband,’ says the former first lady By the AP updated 2 hours ago
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/afp/par2710833.rp350x350.jpg
Image: Hillary Clinton
LOUISE REDVERS / AFP/Getty Images
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton listens to Angolan Foreign Minister Assuncao dos Anjos on Aug. 9 during their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, Angola.
KINSHASA, Congo - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's temper flared on Monday when a Congolese university student asked for her husband's thinking on an international matter.
"My husband is not secretary of state. I am," an obviously annoyed Clinton replied sharply.
A week after former President Bill Clinton traveled to North Korea to secure the release of two detained American journalists and stole the limelight from the start of his wife's first trip to Africa, Clinton was clearly nettled by the question at a town hall forum in Kinshasa.
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"You want me to tell you what my husband thinks?" she replied incredulously when the male student asked her what "Mr. Clinton" thought of World Bank concerns about a multibillion-dollar Chinese loan offer to the Democratic Republic of Congo. . "If you want my opinion, I will tell you my opinion. I am not going to be channeling my husband," she said.
The question was left unanswered as the moderator of the event quickly moved on.
Sidelined for weeks after she was injured during a fall this spring, Clinton returned to a flurry of speculation that she had been shoved to the side as a diplomatic force inside the administration, overshadowed by globe-trotting President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and a bevy of heavyweight special envoys assigned to the world's critical hotspots.
Clinton launched into a series of high-profile speeches and television appearances. But just as she landed in Africa, her ambitious visit ran into stiff competition from her husband's secret mission to North Korea, which drew heavy coverage for his role in freeing the two journalists and talking with the regime's long-time leader, Kim Jong Il.
It was not immediately clear why Clinton reacted with such umbrage, and she quickly recovered her cool and moved on to other subjects Monday. Just before the question that set off her anger, another student had asked if the United States and the West felt a need to apologize to the people of Congo for colonialism and post-colonial interference.
"I cannot excuse the past and I will not try," she said. "We can either think about the past and be imprisoned by it or we can decide we're going to have a better future and work to make it."
11-day tour of Africa
Clinton is in the middle of a marathon 11-day tour of Africa and has held to a grueling schedule of official meetings and private events that have kept her busy from sunrise to well after sunset.
She returned to the public eye in mid-July with what aides billed as a major foreign policy address at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. Since then, she has traveled to India and Thailand and now to seven nations in Africa.
Hours after she left Washington for Africa last Monday, news broke that Bill Clinton had gone on the humanitarian mission to North Korea to win the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, two television journalists who had been arrested there and sentenced to 12 years at hard labor.
Mrs. Clinton arrived in Kenya to find herself peppered with questions about his role in the secret mission to North Korea.
And some of you guys were worried her job at State was going to help her national politics resume.:D
Trouble in paradise? :D
Seriously, while I don't care for either HillorBill, it pains me to say that I can somewhat see her point.
HowardCohodas
08-10-2009, 17:19
It turns out that the student's question was mistranslated. The student was asking about the President's view, not President Clinton's view.
Dozer523
08-10-2009, 17:37
Trouble in paradise? :D
Seriously, while I don't care for either HillorBill, it pains me to say that I can somewhat see her point. give yourself a break. It is statistically impossible to be wrong all the time.
give yourself a break. It is statistically impossible to be wrong all the time.
:p
It happens once per year. :D
Looks as if the Red Diesel isn't in the loop, as it were, when she gave this answer, seeing that The One has been apologizing left and right for everything the U.S. has done (and hasn't done).
It was not immediately clear why Clinton reacted with such umbrage, and she quickly recovered her cool and moved on to other subjects Monday. Just before the question that set off her anger, another student had asked if the United States and the West felt a need to apologize to the people of Congo for colonialism and post-colonial interference.
"I cannot excuse the past and I will not try," she said. "We can either think about the past and be imprisoned by it or we can decide we're going to have a better future and work to make it."
If she keeps up with that line of thinking, she's not going to last long at State, under this administration.
HowardCohodas
08-10-2009, 18:18
If I were Hillary, I would be suspicious of whomever is vetting her translator staff. This is at least the second major translation error that exposed her to public humiliation. Recall the red button she presented in Russia.
incarcerated
08-10-2009, 20:54
"An error in translation..."
So what?
She could be related to Rosanne Barr...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxkrtzRqcQE
What a warm demeanor!
The translator was lucky there wasn't an ashtray within reach. Glad she's not the NCA.
Utah Bob
08-10-2009, 22:44
Man, that was a GREAT clip. She totally lost it!:D
I've seen things mis-translated 100s of times!
Trust but verify.;)
Stay safe.
I guess irrelevancy is even more uncomfortable for her to wear than her pantsuits.
HowardCohodas
08-10-2009, 23:15
Many on this board will understand that there are many high risk professions where intelligence and instincts cannot be replaced with training. She unquestionably has the intelligence and training, but I think she lacks the instincts that tell you that something isn't right and caution is recommended. Of the few SFs and the many doctors I have known, the good ones seem to have that instinct in abundance. One SF member once told me that if you don't have it you will likely not make it through training. If you do make it through training you wont survive many missions. I don't know if he was jazzing me or being really serious.
HowardCohodas
08-10-2009, 23:25
The thing is even IF that was the correct translation she did NOT handle the situation the was a person in her postion should. Why not just say something like "you will have to ask him his opinion". She has a big chip on her shoulder and it showed in this clip. Mistakes are one thing, stupidity and temper tantrams are a whole other story IMHO.
We are in violent agreement. :)
I'm simply making the case for why I don't expect her to be able to improve.
incarcerated
08-11-2009, 00:41
The thing is even IF that was the correct translation she did NOT handle the situation the was a person in her postion should. Why not just say something like "you will have to ask him his opinion". She has a big chip on her shoulder and it showed in this clip. Mistakes are one thing, stupidity and temper tantrams are a whole other story IMHO.
Wait until the next translator asks her to iron his shirt.
http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/design/25199637
http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/design/25176259
http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/design/25211032
http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/design/25380270
:D
FWIW - based on my experiences at embassy and theater levels, host nations often provide the interpreters for such an event or they may come from among the embassy's staff and include someone who is not really a trained interpreter - also remember that 'slang' or a 'local patois' in speech is often an issue when translating in real-time - and don't forget we all have some of those 'bad hair' days. ;)
On another note - Africa is a HUGE problem and Foggy Bottom's Africa Bureau has some major issues of its own to deal with.
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Problems Plague State Department's Africa Bureau
Ken Dilanian, USA TODAY, 11 Aug 2009
The State Department's Africa operations are beset with "leadership shortcomings" that "compound acute staffing problems," according to a bluntly worded inspector general's report released Monday in the midst of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's trip to Africa.
"There is an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the uneven quality of leadership that affects recruitment to key positions in some cases, and retention in others," said the report, written by a team of diplomats who interviewed Bureau of African Affairs employees.
Despite the criticism, the report said the Africa bureau "performs extraordinarily well in light of the constant, exhausting crisis management that characterizes much of its work." It praised the new leadership under the Obama administration, including Johnnie Carson, the new assistant secretary of African affairs.
However, the report said:
• Diplomats feel overwhelmed by new demands without additional staff.
• The group in charge of boosting the U.S. image is a "failed office" with no strategic plan and little integration with other diplomats.
• While the United States "helps feed Africa," it should focus more on helping Africans feed themselves — and on preventing HIV/AIDS as well as treating the condition.
• There isn't enough travel money to properly oversee a $2 billion Africa peacekeeping program.
• A new military command in Africa is "stepping into a void created by a lack of resources for traditional development."
• Corruption "receives insufficient attention as an impediment to trade, development and investment."
President Obama's focus on African political corruption, which he laid out in a speech last month in Ghana, has not yet penetrated the bureaucracy, that last finding suggests.
Clinton has addressed the issue repeatedly during her seven-nation African tour. In Angola on Sunday, she urged lawmakers to "stand against corruption."
The State Department "looks forward to considering the report's recommendations" and using them to improve the Africa bureau, spokesman Bill Strassberger said.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-08-10-africa_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
I'm sure the foggy bottom issues don't help the QP's and 'others' deployed in support of OEF-TS and the CJTF-HOA efforts. God bless all of you. I'm sure it all just works to muddy the waters and make your missions all the more difficult, and cause you to wonder if you'll get the support you'll need when the chips are down.
It's sad really, in an era where they US Govt should have a united front, and be working together to mitigate the threats. It seems that in it's current incarnation and in the cabinet, that it's like a bunch of unmedicated schizophrenics trying to agree on which 'vision' is the most prevalent amongst the group.
I am fluent in the language used at the meeting so I can help here. I watched the video several times to review the body language and facial expressions and had to listen very closely to the verbal exchange before I could correctly make out everything that was said.
Sec. Clinton was speaking a rare dialect of politi-speak:
she said "my husband is not the secretary of state - I AM"
...when coupled with her body language this statement translates into colloquial English to mean:
"Who let you in? Now sit down and shut up fucko"
I hope this helped out.
The SOS just sent me an email stating the following: My husband is Secretary Richard Cranium, and is addressed informally.
I am fluent in the language used at the meeting so I can help here. I watched the video several times to review the body language and facial expressions and had to listen very closely to the verbal exchange before I could correctly make out everything that was said.
Sec. Clinton was speaking a rare dialect of politi-speak:
she said "my husband is not the secretary of state - I AM"
...when coupled with her body language this statement translates into colloquial English to mean:
"Who let you in? Now sit down and shut up fucko"
I hope this helped out.
Thank you Billy, it did immensely.
Now is this a Language qual you learned while going through the Q course, or is this something you've just picked up along the way?
:munchin
Red Flag 1
08-11-2009, 17:42
Man, that was a GREAT clip. She totally lost it!:D
Not really, Hil is just trying her best to win the weekly gaf award. With Biden in there, she just has to try harder :rolleyes:.
I am wondering if her old Senate seat wold have been better for her in the long run? Hilary as SOS was really a loose-loose for her from day one, IMHO.
RF 1
incarcerated
08-11-2009, 18:05
I am wondering if her old Senate seat wold have been better for her in the long run? Hilary as SOS was really a loose-loose for her from day one, IMHO.
RF 1
No, she's getting a little old and tired for politics. There is a bright future for her out of government in the service sector.
I am fluent in the language used at the meeting so I can help here. I watched the video several times to review the body language and facial expressions and had to listen very closely to the verbal exchange before I could correctly make out everything that was said.
Sec. Clinton was speaking a rare dialect of politi-speak:
she said "my husband is not the secretary of state - I AM"
...when coupled with her body language this statement translates into colloquial English to mean:
"Who let you in? Now sit down and shut up fucko"
I hope this helped out.
Nah, that's just her communista Wellsley College training shining through there. :D;):munchin
If I were Hillary, I would be suspicious of whomever is vetting her translator staff. This is at least the second major translation error that exposed her to public humiliation. Recall the red button she presented in Russia.
I disagree...I don't think that the translation error was related in any way to her humiliation...her own immaturity and overreaction were responsible!!:lifter
She can iron my clothes, though...
Here's a great blog from a guy who lives in Moscow part time, goes there often for his job, and is an 'old school' (read patriotic, has journalistic morals, etc..) journalist and speaks Russian fluently.
Here's his article on that very gaff.
http://russianreport.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/clinton-tries-to-soften-bidens-comments/
Trouble in paradise? :D
Seriously, while I don't care for either HillorBill, it pains me to say that I can somewhat see her point.
This is from a very good source. The Obama Team hates Biden and Hillary's Teams. Thus they hate the Obama Team. More infighting then any of the recent Presidential offices going on here.
HowardCohodas
08-12-2009, 05:46
This is from a very good source. The Obama Team hates Biden and Hillary's Teams. Thus they hate the Obama Team. More infighting then any of the recent Presidential offices going on here.
While I'm no fan of these three, I take no pleasure in this report. The world is a dangerous place and we need effective players.
Red Flag 1
08-12-2009, 06:02
IMHO that was Obamas plan all along. He put her there then set her up for failure. He is a master minaplater. That is one good thing he has done right, he DX'd her out of a potental presidental canadate in the future. My question is will Michell Obama be the first female black president? :munchin
Interesting thought. Michelle really pales before Mrs. Clinton in terms of experience for any office, elected or appointed. That having been said, her husband had the same profile and got elected.
This is making my brain hurt.
RF 1
incarcerated
08-12-2009, 12:28
While I'm no fan of these three, I take no pleasure in this report. The world is a dangerous place and we need effective players.
IMHO, I'd prefer a fractured Dem party to a unified one. While they should be a little less effective in implementing their agenda when divided and squabbling, classic Socialist decision making does not rely on consensus and cooperation. They simply throw two competing ideas into a closet and lock the door. Whichever one comes out standing up is the one they go with. Unified or not, I do not have a lot of faith in the Dem's desire or ability to pursue the national security issues that face the country. The Clinton and Carter administrations provide plenty of examples of security neglect.
HowardCohodas
08-12-2009, 13:14
The Clinton and Carter administrations provide plenty of examples of security neglect.
That's my point. This neglect is of great concern to me.
Utah Bob
08-12-2009, 14:41
I guess irrelevancy is even more uncomfortable for her to wear than her pantsuits.
My guess is that the outburst could have been caused by Acute Polyester Toxicity Syndrome, a condition brought on by wearing the aforementioned pantsuit and caused by chemical poisoning and restriction of the vessels in the thighs. Thus causing a lowered blood flow to the brain and spine. Symptoms are irritability, enlarged buttocks, paranoia, and delusions of grandeur.
This is from a very good source. The Obama Team hates Biden and Hillary's Teams. Thus they hate the Obama Team. More infighting then any of the recent Presidential offices going on here.
I wouldn't doubt it, and in all honesty I can't clap my hands with glee because our Country is in the hands of these fools. :(
Regardless of how the question was posed, you'd like to think a person in the position of SoS would have the poise to field any question or situation with grace and maturity. She sounded like a freaking 12 year old on a temper tantrum. :rolleyes:
Well, I've seen her in pants suits - you certainly can't blame it on neurological damage from skinny jeans syndrome! :p
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Red Flag 1
08-12-2009, 17:29
My guess is that the outburst could have been caused by Acute Polyester Toxicity Syndrome, a condition brought on by wearing the aforementioned pantsuit and caused by chemical poisoning and restriction of the vessels in the thighs. Thus causing a lowered blood flow to the brain and spine. Symptoms are irritability, enlarged buttocks, paranoia, and delusions of grandeur.
Ah yes.........APTS. It is related to the surface area of skin exposed to the polyester. Given the need for the pantsuits in the first place, there is a clear tendancy for skin surface area to increase over time, resulting in an expodential increase in clinical symptoms.
There is treatment; however, it is rather expensive and few sufferers have followed through with treatment. Key in treatment is to wear nothing but above the knee skirts, mid thigh/mini is ideal. The full impact to the surrounding environment can be remarkable, and often is the cause for suffers to relapse. Saddly this all feeds into the delusional component of APTS with outbursts as noted earlier.
OH well just another SoS with our SOS in full blown APTS.....dang, I should have seen this for what is sooner:D
RF 1
incarcerated
08-17-2009, 00:32
:munchin