Why is Hillary Clinton embarrassed about her own last name?

[Cali_Democrat]

I noticed that she's one of the only candidates I can remember that only puts her first name on her campaign logo. It's just "Hillary" and not "Hillary Clinton" or "Clinton." Thats a little strange to me. Recently we've seen some of the following campaign names...

"McCain"
"Obama"
"Bush Cheney"
"Kerry Edwards"
"Gore Lieberman"
"Dole Kemp"


Why is Hillary ashamed of her last name? Why is she afraid to use it?

[Deja Q]

1. People would see "Clinton" and think "Bill", for which they would read as "Monica"?

:(

It's a novel approach in terms of a candidate reaching out on a 1st name basis, and because she is not a male. Two firsts.

[LisaM]

2. I think it's pretty obvious that she's trying to carve out her own identity

and differentiate herself from Bill, because contrary to popular belief, they weren't co-presidents walking in lock step.

She tried to keep her own last name when they got married, but apparently it was unpopular in Arkansas then for a woman not to take her husband's name.

How can she win on this with you? She can't really use her maiden name at this point. She wants to differentiate herself as her own person. What do you suggest?

[Cali_Democrat]

6. How can she win with me?

What the hell are you talking about? Stop being so defensive. I was just curious, that's all.

[LisaM]

17. On this issue, not in general!

I know that you are supporting Obama. I just think it's pretty obvious why she's using the name Hillary by itself, but it seems to be bothering you, so I was wondering how, on this issue, you think she SHOULD define herself to get a unique identity.

[Cali_Democrat]

22. Actually, her omission of her last name doesn't bother me at all

I was just wondering why she's unique in that sense. She can define herself how ever she wants. But, I see nothing wrong with her using "Clinton" or "Hillary Clinton."

[BornBlue]

61. Not unpopular in Arkansas.

She only changed her name to the hyphenated Rodham-Clinton when Bill ran for Pres. The American people would not have elected a man whose wife did not take his last name. Think about how often you hear about Gov's wives, not too much. It was all about image so he could get elected.

[PoliticalAmazon]

69. Focus group told her "Hillary" is more likeable...

...just like another focus group told her that she should drop the "Rodham."

One thing she is NOT trying to do is differentiate herself from WJC. The subtext of her entire campaign has been "vote for me because I'm married to Bill Clinton."

[dbonds]

3. Since there are two famous Clinton's, it is just a clarification.

I don't see anything strange about it.

[crankychatter]

4. I've been refusing to call her "Hillary" except as necessary for months

CLINTON

that's her name

Only HRC or Hillary to distinguish her from her future Ex-Husband, for clarity, in a sentence.

I'd appreciate it if other people would do the same.

good call OP

[cali]

5. Do you ever post anything but stupid flamebait?

[Cali_Democrat]

8. Being curious is flamebait?

I was just wondering why she's being unique in the sense that she doesn't use her last name. Jeez. Chill out.

[Occam Bandage]

72. She isn't being unique.

[TahitiNut]

7. In eastern Washington, 'Doc' Hastings uses "Doc" on his campaign signs.

When I lived there, several of us got together and printed up some signs that we placed adjacent to his "Doc" signs.

Our signs advertised the candidates "Sleepy," "Grumpy," "Bashful," "Dopey," "Happy," "Sneezy," and (of course) "Snow White" (the NORML candidate).

:evilgrin:

[newmajority]

15. That's because three letter words are all his voters can read or spell.

That's why they love groups like the NRA, KKK, and GOP. :evilgrin:

[TahitiNut]

21. Well, they CERTAINLY didn't appreciate our signage.

Even though we were LMFAO about it. Those same folks regarded "ACLU" as a four-letter-word - an obscenity. Go figure.

[BumRushDaShow]

9. Bush Jr. didn't do that to distinguish from Bush Sr. and neither should Clinton.

She had an ad running here in Philly with a series of military supporters doing sound bite endorsements and one uttered the travesty of "...we support (or equivalent statement) Senator Hillary". WTF is "Senator Hillary"? :wtf:

She should have just run as Hillary Rodham and called it a day.

[Lucky 13]

10. Not often used in Presidential campaigns, but FREQUENTLY used in congressional/local campaigns.

1) sense of friendliness - like you know the person
2) distinguishes you from others with the same last name - like your husband
3) only works if your first name is fairly unique.

I don't know of any other "Hillary" in politics. When people see "HILLARY" they know exactly who we mean.

It doesn't work if you have a name like "Sue" or "Jane".

[onehandle]

11. Another brilliant contribution.

Why was John Kerry embarrassed about his own last name in 2004?

Careful. You might hurt yourself.

[shaniqua6392]

12. She is just trying to distinguish herself from Bill

which is completely understandable. I see nothing wrong with her doing this. I prefer to call her Senator Clinton to show the deserving respect that I have for my fellow Democrat.

[Adelante]

13. Do you have anything else to do?

Besides disrupt DU?

[Cali_Democrat]

20. I'm disrupting DU by asking why a candidate doesn't use their last name?

:wtf:

[Bake]

55. That's not what you asked.

You asked "why she is ashamed to use her last name." There's a difference, and you know it.

It's like asking "Have you stopped beating your wife?"

There's no good answer.

Bake

[rinsd]

81. No, for constantly posting flamebait thread that get locked.

Even Obama supporters....even non-candidate supporters are tired of your bullshit.

[Madam Mossfern]

14. I ran using my first name

there was someone running in the race with the same last name as mine. It was successfull, albeit less dignified. When a woman is running, I don't think it wise to run on a first name if it can be avoided. Yeah - there is still sexism out there and first names tend to infantalize a candidate.

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MonkeyFunk]

18. dumb

[bellasgrams]

19. This OP is a joke right?

[QC]

23. You're still around? n/t

[Cali_Democrat]

27. Funny

I was wondering the same thing about you

:P

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cali_Democrat]

56. You just violated DU board rules..

"Do not draw negative attention to the fact that someone is new, has a low post count, or recently became a member of Democratic Underground. Do not insinuate that because someone is new, they are a troll or disruptor."

[Forkboy]

58. You missed this one: Do not say that you are hitting the alert link to report another member.

Thanks...I'm here all week...try the veal.

[Zavulon]

24. Because her last name didn't...

...come from the last name of a mountain climber BEFORE his Everest climb, as she claims her first name did.

Just a guess. :rofl:

[Forkboy]

25. Your post disturbs me.

because I really hate the Montreal Canadiens. :P

[Zavulon]

30. Bruins fan?

I wish you luck in the first round, just not a whole lot of it ;)

[Forkboy]

32. We're gonna need it.

:scared:

Montreal in five. Too much firepower for a B's team that barely scores.

But at least it's one the great rivalries, and it's good to see them tangling once again for something meaningful.

[Zavulon]

35. Same prediction here.

Boston was the only playoff team to be outscored in the regular season. If not for Koivu's injury, I might have mustered up the stones to predict a sweep. No offense, obviously.

You're right about the rivalry thing, though, and it will be fun to watch. Truth be told, if Chara can carry the team on its back for two games, I can see it going to six.

Still, I think it's San Jose's year. I can't see the Habs beating any of the West's top-tier teams in a best-of-seven, and to be honest I can't see us getting past Pittsburgh (or the Rangers, for that matter) anyway.

[Forkboy]

39. I think the biggest question will be how far Price can take them.

We all know what a hot goalie can do in the playoffs, young or old. And he doesn't have to play awesome with their offense.

A Penquins/Habs matchup would be an exciting series. I would think we'd see some serious offense, and that could go either way.

I'm not sure about the Rangers. Jagr is so up and down that you never know which one will show up, but Lundqivst is really becoming an excellent goalie, slowly but surely. Of course, I'm hoping they won't even get past the Devils anyways, but if the season series is any indication that may be a long shot. Any team with Brodeur is a threat though, so we'll see.

This is the best time of the year. :)

[Zavulon]

41. It really is.

Sadly, more people care about discussing the Tigers' 0-7 start than the greatest playoff tournament in the world.

Okay, since we're into it, let's go. We already agree Habs in five.

My other predictions:

DET 4, NASH 0...Nashville just sucks.

SJ 4, CG 2...Calgary's too tough at home to predict anything fewer, even against the Sharks.

DAL 4, ANA 2...This is just a gut feel. Anaheim is the better team and Dallas limped into the playoffs, but something tells me the champs are going home early this year. If you disagree with me I admit I have nothing substantial to debate you.

COL 4, MIN 1...I need a better team than Minnesota to pick against Sakic and Forsberg in the playoffs, and Theodore has hit his stride.

PHI 4, WAS 2...I really hope I'm wrong here, but rest doesn't generally favor a team that's been as red-hot as the Caps have been.

PIT 4, OTT 1...Ottawa has real problems in goal and with Alfredsson out, I just don't see the Sens doing anything but folding like a low-quality lawn chair.

NYR 4, NJ 1...Brace yourself for a long Rangers run. Truth be told, the Rangers scare me more than the Pens do.

You?

[Forkboy]

45. Hmmm

Det. 4-0 over Nash for the same reason...they do suck, and Detroit is just too good. Any team that can afford to sit the goalie with the best GAA in the league is scary.

SJ 4-1 over Calgary...the Sharks are just so hot right now that I think the first series will be a continuation. Add Nabokov's play and I think Calgary is in trouble.

Ana 4-2 over Dallas. The Ducks are a big, physical team that will be tough to beat over a seven game series. That physicality may catch up to them, but I still think they can do damage in the playoffs. And their goaltending has been excellent.

Col 4-1 over Minnesota. Like you say, Forsberg and Sakic are tough to pick against with a team like Minnesota. But I didn't see Minnesota doing what they did a few years back either.

Phi 4-3 over Washington. This could be a surprise series, and may end up being one of the better first round matchups. I think it could go either way as both teams showed a lot down the stretch by hanging tough. I'm giving Philly the nod because of Biron.

Pit 4-1 over Ottawa, and a sweep wouldn't surprise me. I wish Boston was playing Ottawa instead as we play them well. The weak second half, the injuries..I don't see Ottawa being a threat at all. Another two weeks and they might have missed the playoffs altogether the way they were going.

NYR 4-2 over NJ. I'm not sure the Devils have the night in and night out scoring to match up, and the Rangers have more depth than ever, plus a few good grizzled graybeards to keep things on an even keel. Brodeur playing stellar, which he's capable of, is the Devils only chance.

[Zavulon]

49. So, in essence...

...our only real disagreement is ANA-DAL, the series in which my pick is based on nothing more than a gut feel and which I admit I can't back up logically. Doesn't bode well for me.

What always gets me about this time of year is how sure I can be about seven of eight series,and still only be right on three or four of them. Two years ago there was a great (and typical) example of this: I was absolutely sure about seven of eight and wound up 4-4; the most embarrassing loss of which being my "rock-solid lock" that the Thrashers would win in seven over the Rangers (which of course meant that New York swept Atlanta).

Last year was a rare year for me in which I got most of the series right, but I did have some disastrous picks - most notably Buffalo over Ottawa in the EC final.

If history should have taught me anything by this point, it's that most of my upset picks suck. Truth be told, my successful upset picks have been few and far between, my all-time best being Isles over Pens in spring of '93, so you'll probably teach me a lesson regarding my Dallas pick.

[Forkboy]

51. I wouldn't worry.

I got almost everything wrong last year. :D

That's the beauty of the NHL playoffs every year. A number 8 seed winning isn't a big stretch, so picking the other seeds is just guesswork and hunches. A hot goalie, a hot scorer...they can ruin the best laid plans of mice and hockey fans.

[Arkansas Granny]

26. I thought it would be pretty obvious to most people that she was using her first name only

so there would be less confusion as to whether someone was referring to President Clinton or Senator Clinton. No big deal.

[Cali_Democrat]

29. I don't think it's a big deal at all, I just found it a little strange because...

I didn't think people would confuse Bill and Hillary. Also, it's pretty standard to use your last name when referring to your campaign. Oh well. I guess some folks in America can be that dumb.

[durrrty libby]

28. Your craving and addiction to any type of attention is pitiful

[Cali_Democrat]

31. The Hypersensitivity of many Clinton fans is apparent.

nt

[Forkboy]

33. Many non-Hillary supporters also think you post a lot of crap.

[Cali_Democrat]

34. then they're more than welcome to ignore me.

my feelings won't be hurt, trust me.

[Forkboy]

40. No dice. Don't ignore people.

How would I be able to laugh at them if I did that?

[durrrty libby]

42. The ignorance and stupidity of the Cardboard Messiah Followers

is like old abused crack heads

[roseBudd]

36. um she thinks she is like Cher, Charo & Madonna?

[KAZ]

37. Lamar!

[Mezzo]

38. why are you ashamed of your candidate's middle name? nt

[Hepburn]

43. I am not in the least ashamed of his middle name.

In fact, I like it. I understand that this is what the "H" actually stands for in both Harry H Truman and Jesus H. Christ. Besides, the name reminds me of a certain ME king who was a great and good friend to the US.

:hi:

[AZ Criminal JD]

48. Obama is ashamed. He gets upset when anyone uses it.

[BornBlue]

68. If people would not use his name as a negative

MAYBE HE WOULD NOT GET UPSET. But the fact of the matter is people only use it to evoke fear in the hearts of good old Americans who think all muslims are out to get 'em. The sad thing is we live in a country where people will actually decide how they feel about a person strictly based on their name not who they are.

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cali_Democrat]

57. You jsut violated DU board rules...

"Do not draw negative attention to the fact that someone is new, has a low post count, or recently became a member of Democratic Underground. Do not insinuate that because someone is new, they are a troll or disruptor."

[Forkboy]

59. Do not say that you are hitting the alert link to report another member.

[Cali_Democrat]

60. whoops

[11 Bravo]

66. After you've been here for a while, you'll get the hang of it.

Maybe.

[rinsd]

76. OP seems to have the hang of it.

Most of their threads are locked as inflammatory.

[Name removed]

47. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Forkboy]

50. Your posts are like theater.

:applause:

[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Forkboy]

54. And there's Act 2.

If we played a drinking game for every time you typed "obigot" we'd all be cocked in minutes.

[madrchsod]

62. obigot...seems it turns up on the right wing sites

and he`s posting it here at du...makes ya wanna go ..hmmmm

http://freerepublic.com/tag/by:iseemyhands/index?more=53587147;tab=comments
Posts by I see my hands

http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2008/03/the_obama_race.html
Debbie Schlussel

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/barack_obama_donated_22500_to_rev_wrights_church/
Barack Obama Donated $22,500 To Rev. Wright’s Church - Say Anything

http://www.libertynewsforum.com/libertynewsforumcgi/news/YaBB.pl?num=1205793553/404
Liberty News Forum - Political Discussion Forum

http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=220057&Disp=42
LP: The Obama Crash and Burn

[madrchsod]

63. it`s a shame

no act three

[marshall]

53. I think it's counter-productive, it identifies her as a girl among men

I remember friends who refused to refer to her as just Hillary several years ago. They insisted on calling her Senator Clinton and took great offense if she was referred to simply as Hillary.
But now the candidate herself has thrown off her last name and has stepped into the ranks of Roseanne, Cher, and Madonna.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

64. When will the mods review your posting history and...

conclude that you joined DU just to create controversy?


It's SOOOOOOOOOOO obvious, with stupid non-issues like this, that I have to wonder what's taking so long?

[Cali_Democrat]

65. If its a non-issue, why would you be concerned about controversy?

?

[SaveOurDemocracy]

71. Because you try your best to make it one.

Keep stirring:




edit: typo

[Occam Bandage]

67. And on the GOP side this year, we had "Rudy" and "Fred" on campaign signs.

So what?

[MyNameGoesHere]

70. Ashamed of her last name?

Well that tends to make me want to call you all kind of pathetic names and curse at you like there is no tomorrow. But you know what? I am just going to wait and let karma get your ass. And just for your info YES there is a hell for people that trump up pathetic arguments.

[MaineDem]

73. How silly! (And I'm an Obama supporter)

This is certainly a stretch.

Four of the "campaign names" you quoted were tickets. Let's see what's used when there's a VP nominee.

Otherwise, everyone knows her as Hillary. I see nothing whatsoever wrong with what she's doing. Her Senate signs were the same thing.

I don't think she's ashamed or afraid to use her last name. She just doesn't have to.

Better luck next time.

[rinsd]

75. That's because you're an actual Obama supporter

Not pretending to be one while starting endless flamewars between the two camps.

[kwyjibo]

74. It's a woman's name, and that makes it so different than every other candidate's logo

[intaglio]

77. I think it is meant to make her appear more human

More loveable

Shame about her campaign ruining that idea

[Marrah_G]

78. Sounds like something a dittohead would ask.

[LanternWaste]

79. I imagine every poster here who uses a sobriquet

I imagine every poster here who uses a sobriquet rather than our real names must also be ashamed of our names.

If not, then we must conclude there is more that one reason. And if that is indeed the case, who is to say there's more than merely one reason?

[anonymous171]

80. I usually call her Hillary Rodham.

[WinkyDink]

82. "embarrassed", "ashamed", "afraid" = Stupid O.P.

[Igel]

83. "I like Ike".

Much better than "Claim the power with Eisenhower".

[SaveOurDemocracy]

84. Kicking for the sheer idiocy of the OP

:kick: