Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Politics

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Republicans Say Clinton's Joke Was Smart

By Paul Bedard
Posted 1/29/07

If Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's point in making a joke seemingly at her husband's expense over the weekend was a bid to show her lighter side, political strategists said it worked.

In Iowa, Clinton was asked if she had the background to handle evildoers like Osama bin Laden.

"What," she asked while smirking, "in my background equips me to deal with evil and bad men?" The crowd ate it up. Strategists, especially two Republicans contacted today, said the offhand remark smartly showed off her humor, which has long been hidden from the public.

"That joke was great. Sure, it wasn't really on Bill, but everybody thought it was, and she just went with it. She seemed looser than normal," said one of the Republicans. "I bet we see more of that stuff, maybe even when she and he are together," added the other Republican. Clinton associates said that the senator's comment was not directed at her husband but were pleased with the outcome even if it did ding the former president. 

"We all think it's good for people to get to see her funny side," said one Clinton associate. "She's actually hilarious."

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