http://www.mediaite.com/online/halperin-media-remains-more-fascinated-by-clintons-than-anybody/ Meet the Press not only devoted some time to discussing Chelsea Clinton’s wedding this morning, they brought in resident historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to add in her two cents. Joking aside, it is rather astounding how much attention Chelsea’s wedding has received. Goodwin thinks it demonstrates how far we have come as a county (though she neglects to mention in which direction):
"We have lived with this family in a very intimate way giving troubles and successes they have had and in a certain sense it shows how far we have come as a country. When Maria Monroe got married, 34 words in a Washington newspaper, compared to incredible excitement. Whatever Democrats and Republicans may say about the Clintons, the legacy in this kid, well-balanced smart and seemingly in a terrific shape is a great legacy to have."
Very true, though again I’m not sure the nation’s sudden obsession with Chelsea necessarily reflects well on the state of…well, a lot of things. Meanwhile, Mark Halperin thinks it’s just the latest evidence of how preoccupied the country continues to be with the Clintons.
"The first politician I ever covered was Bill Clinton. And I thought you know, he seemed interesting. The country is more fascinated with the Clintons, and press is more fascinated with the Clintons than anybody."
It’s hard not to read the emphasis Halperin puts on “anybody” as meaning the Palins. It’s also hard not to read the pandemonium over Chelsea’s wedding as a sign the nation is quite willing to keep the Clinton’s in the national political conversation. Something both the Palins and the Obamas would probably do well to remember.
I especially like that last sentence. The Clintons seem to have achieved the right balance in terms of press coverage - something neither the Obamas nor the Palins have mastered as yet, IMO. The Clintons are to be admired in protecting Chelsea's privacy - both as a child, and later, as an adult. They have not sought the lime-light for her, and she, following their example, has not sought it for herself. She is to be admired, as are her parents.
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It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less. ~Susan B. Anthony
Ironically, the act of trying to keep the details of the wedding secret seemed to drive the interest of the press even more. Or perhaps it was simply the interest of the viewing public. It is abundantly clear that the country is not done with the Clintons yet.