Times on the trail - Mrs. Clinton and Lindsey Graham for 2008?
By CARL HULSE
It is the talk of the capital — a presidential ticket featuring a Northeastern liberal Democrat and a Sunbelt Republican with a military background and an independent streak. Sure, they've had differences in the past, but they have moved beyond them at this point and might want to consider teaming up.
John Kerry and John McCain? Hardly. How about Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democrat of New York, and Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina? The two appeared on "Fox News Sunday" and seem to be building a powerful political partnership despite Mr. Graham's leading role in the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.
"I believe in redemption and growth and people who were previously misguided can see the light," Mrs. Clinton said about Mr. Graham's previous connection with her family. "But on several issues, we have found common cause."
The two lawmakers, both of whom sit on the Armed Services Committee and have been pressing the inquiry on the Iraqi prisoner abuse, are part of a bipartisan effort to increase health care coverage for members of the National Guard and reserves.
Mr. Graham suggested that his Senate experience with Mrs. Clinton had given him a new appreciation of things.
"When you look at what we have in common, it really does change you, and I hope for the better," said Mr. Graham. "Yes, politics is fun, but some of the things that people say are not fun, and I've been guilty of saying some things that I shouldn't have said, and I've had some things said about me that I wish others wouldn't have said. The future is what this is about — not the past."
Speaking of that other potential presidential ticket, Mr. Graham, who ran Mr. McCain's campaign in South Carolina in 2000, said he was certain Mr. McCain would not run with Mr. Kerry.
Mrs. Clinton, however, said the idea had considerable merit. And if it doesn't work out, perhaps Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Graham can talk in 2008. |
