Beyond the Pale

I have always accused Hillary Clinton of being a somewhat disingenuous, opportunistic politician. I know that all of them play the "politics game" but I have always found Hillary to be particularly objectionable. This is partially an informed opinion and partially just a gut reaction to a politician I don't like.

To me, though, this latest stunt is beyond the pale. Front and center on Hillary's website (I am consciously declining to link to it) is the picture below with the caption "Join Hillary in sending the young women of Rutgers a message of respect and support."

Give me a break. This is nothing more than shameless, opportunistic pandering at its worst. The reason behind this, of course, is that (in addition to her campaign's perception that she will win favor with voters by getting involved in this) if you sign up to send the message then you get to give Hillary's campaign your e-mail address, and they can hit you up for money down the road. What's next, an online greeting card congratulating Larry Birkhead on being named the father of Dannielynn?

I understand that as national figures campaigning for a major political office, all of these candidates have to take a position on what has become a headline issue. Indeed, they've all done so. But taking a position on the issue when asked about it (such as John McCain suggesting that Imus was wrong but should be forgiven, or Barack Obama suggesting that the comments warrant Imus' firing) is one thing, putting it front and center on your campaign's public platform in a transparent attempt to win brownie points and inflate your viral marketing abilities is abominable.