The Savvy, Salty Political Saint

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  • Posted By: RobinGerber @ 12/20/2007 1:05:18 PM

    It's true that Franklin Roosevelt was seen as the political strategist, even though Eleanor shared his passion and talent for political battle. She told women that they had to learn to play the game of politics as men do, and wasn't above political chicanery even as far back as the 1920's. She wasn't a saint, but rather a person of enormous conviction with the courage to withstand her legions of detractors. Unfortunately, she never chose to run, but she would have supported Hillary all the way, I'm sure.

    • Posted By: sean2002 @ 12/21/2007 3:59:02 PM

      Now, I have great respect for Eleanor. Based on my understanding of Eleanor, I don't see she would support Hillary (just like many leading progressive women haven't supported Hillary in this primary) for two reasons.

      First of all, Hillary is not a real progressive. She hasn't shown us that she is true to her convictions but more a politician whose ultimate goal is power and status.

      Secondly, she voted for this unnecessary war. I am almost certain (even though I am not Eleanor), Eleanor would oppose the war steadfastly since the start.

  • Posted By: williefank @ 12/20/2007 6:52:31 PM

    Trying to associate Eleanor with Hillary...At long last, have you liberals no shame?

  • Posted By: mkminter @ 12/19/2007 12:28:40 PM

    I liked the history article about Eleanor D., especially the line: "We think we know her, but we do not, and the myths we choose to believe may tell us more about ourselves than they do about her." However, I was frustrated by not having information given about the author of the article, Ms. Baird; usually Newsweek provides a byline paragraph at the end of an article giving information about the author's credibility. There was good info about the new book by Allida Black, "The Human Rights Years;" however, that was a bit disjointed and hard to follow. I would also recommend regarding Eleanor's life: "No Ordinary Time," by Doris Kearns Goodwin (1994).

  • Posted By: mkminter @ 12/19/2007 12:23:14 PM

    I like Julia Baird's article on Eleanor R., especially the line: "We think we know her, but we do not, and the myths we choose to believe may tell us more about ourselves than they do about her." However, I was very frustrated that Newsweek's editors failed to include (as they usually do) the byline including information about the author of the article, Ms. Baird; who is she? what's her background/credibility? Good plug for the new book by Allida Black (ed.), "The Human Rights Years, 1945-48. However, I would also recommend: "No Ordinaray Time" by Doris Kearns Goodwin for a glimpse into E.D.

  • Posted By: sean2002 @ 12/16/2007 7:15:35 PM

    I hope it will only become a reality when she is elected as an individual because of her capacity and the trust which the majority of the people have in her integrity and ability as a person."

    Eleanor's above statement demonstrates her intelligence and depth. As a woman she was fully aware of the significance of a female president for women collectively and for the history. Even so, she didn???t think we should rush to elect any first woman as our president, but the right one. The one who wins our trust because of her unquestionable integrity. The one who deserves the presidency because of her own merit and ability as a person.

    Does Hillary fit the bill? I doubt. At least, so far she hasn???t won me over and the gap for her to close the deal is huge.

    • Posted By: itruth @ 12/18/2007 8:51:11 PM

      Media bias against women hasn't changed much since Eleanor Roosevelt's day. We've alll been subjected to weeks of toxic wasted heaped upon us by a predominantly chauvinistic media and a bunch of Hillary Hating Naderites who have nominated Obama for sainthood (Oprah's "He's the one.") The neocon conservative columnist David Brooks' in the NY Times today even attributes "transformational" powers to Obama, suggesting that they compensate for his slacking off in the senate and overall lack of experience. Hillary Clinton is obviously hte best qualified candidate among both the Democratic and Republican ranks, but misogyny still reigns in the US.

      • Posted By: mac2007 @ 12/18/2007 11:39:03 PM

        I do agree with your media bias observation. But the bias is not against Hillary but toward Hillary. As a candidate, Hillary is overwhelmingly covered since the start comparing to her fellow opponents, not because of anything but because her last name is Clinton. That's why without trying she has beem the front runner. Eleanor's words is wise; she points to us--yes it is important we will have a female president, but it has to be the right one. The one who proves to us by her own merits, abilities and integrity. In addition to her name recognition, I don't see any reason I should vote for Hillary, especially witnessing her dishonest campaign tactics. I think if Eleanor is alive now, she probably would not support Clinton because of her stand on Iraq War and her wavering attitudes towards many progressive issues.

  • Posted By: itruth @ 12/18/2007 8:54:55 PM

    Eleanor would have been dismayed by the chauvinistic, blatantly sexist treatment that the media has inflicted on Hillary Clinton since the Oct. debate in Philadelphia when callow Obama and Edwards first attacked her, and she chose to fight back. Clinton is obviously the best qualified candidate of both the Democrats and Repbublicans. But she's ripped apart daily by the media's double standards while tjhese same unethical journalists are practically deifying Obama.

  • Posted By: sheilab @ 12/18/2007 10:50:57 AM

    Why does the media feel the need to constantly lump Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton together? I can honestly use that often quoted statement. Hillary you're no Eleanor Roosevelt. Forget about it?

  • Posted By: rstultz52 @ 12/17/2007 1:58:31 PM

    Do you really feel that any of the current candidates would meet this requirements?
    The one who wins our trust because of her unquestionable integrity. The one who deserves the presidency because of their own merit and ability as a person.
    I currently do not

  • Posted By: rstultz52 @ 12/17/2007 1:57:15 PM

    Do you really feel that any of the current candidates would meet this requirements?
    The one who wins our trust because of her unquestionable integrity. The one who deserves the presidency because of their own merit and ability as a person.
    I currently do not

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