Category Archives: Bill Clinton

A Losing Win



Electoral College 12-19-16New York State’s Electoral College convened Monday, casting its 29 votes for New York’s home state candidate Hillary Clinton.   Led by former president Bill Clinton, the electors met in the majestic state senate chamber at the Capitol for a tightly scripted session without any disruption or deviation.  Clinton’s New York victory, expected to be a  foundational bloc for her winning campaign, was instead a cruel coda to the disorienting election night experience of an anticipated presidency suddenly vanishing.  There were some smiles and applause in the senate chamber Monday, but it wasn’t a celebration.  Like a jilted groom recasting the pre-paid reception as a party, New York Democrats could cheer their own victories and predominance in their state but the overriding feeling was the last-minute loss of something so much bigger.

Electoral College 12-19-16

Former President Clinton and Governor Andrew Cuomo were the stars of the show, with Cuomo presiding as president of the convention.  They entered the senate chamber together to a standing ovation, after all of the other electors and spectators had taken their seats, later rising to cast their ballots together.  Cuomo lauded Clinton during his closing remarks, drawing a standing ovation for the former president.

Photo Gallery:

Our full photo gallery is here.

2014 – Year In Photos



From Bill Clinton swearing in Bill de Blasio on the steps of City Hall as 2014 began

Former President Bill Clinton administers the oath of office to Mayor Bill de Blasio. 1/1/14
Former President Bill Clinton administers the oath of office to Mayor Bill de Blasio. 1/1/14

to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara looking at Andrew Cuomo as 2014 ended

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (back of head to camera) looks toward Governor Andrew Cuomo as the funeral for NYPD Detective Rafael Ramos concludes. 12/27/14
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (back of head to camera) looks toward Governor Andrew Cuomo as the funeral for NYPD Detective Rafael Ramos concludes. 12/27/14

we have a photo gallery of 2014 in New York Politics.

Click here to view it. Continue reading 2014 – Year In Photos

Clinton Campaigns for Cuomo; Chapter 2 (Updated)



For the second chapter of Clintons campaigning for Cuomo it was Bill Clinton, following in his wife’s footsteps, joining Andrew Cuomo Thursday evening for a campaign rally at SEIU 1199’s midtown headquarters.  Many New York elected Democrats, including Charles Rangel, Jerrold Nadler, Scott Stringer, Tish James and Adriano Espaillat, joined them.

Cuomo gave a strong campaign speech, battering his Republican opponent and praising Clinton’s presidency.  Clinton, speaking for more than 25 minutes, forcefully supported his former cabinet member but also meandered through other themes.  He spoke of the broad consequences of the upcoming election, casting it primarily about the federal government and the changes that a Republican controlled senate could have.  While engaging, his speech was not as solid an election battle cry as Cuomo’s speech.

Highlights:

Here are highlights of the speeches:

His County:

Among the Cuomo attacks on Astorino was an exaggerated claim based on the long-running HUD lawsuit against Westchester County.  Dramatization and hyperbole are a standard element of campaign speeches, but Cuomo’s assertion that Astorino “won’t allow … minorities to live in his county” pushed the boundary.  Another of Cuomo’s recent campaign rallies also had racially charged comments. Continue reading Clinton Campaigns for Cuomo; Chapter 2 (Updated)