May 28, 2008
Symbolism Run Amok
MOUNT RUSHMORE, SD -- When the traveling press learned we'd be staying near Mount Rushmore overnight, some asked if we could make an quick trip before heading off for the day. The campaign obliged, arranging an early morning bus ride for those interested. Then late last night we learned that there was another interested party: Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Clinton and her entourage visited the national landmark this morning, surprising some tourists who didn't expect to see a presidential candidate in the flesh. "We got fogged in yesterday, and I'm so glad we did," a North Carolina woman told Clinton.
Clinton stood before the four former presidents and listened in as a park ranger explained some of the history. At one point she was asked if she could one day picture herself up there. She smirked and shook her head as she contemplated whether to offer a quick soundbite.
"I …" she started to say, before throwing her hands up.
"You think Bill Clinton should be up there?" another reporter asked.
"Why don't you learn something about the monument," Clinton finally said, before walking away to greet some more tourists.
A reporter later attempted to get a quick reaction from the New York senator to some of the claims in former White House spokesman Scott McClellan's book. But Clinton, who has not held a formal press conference in two weeks, ignored the question.
(NBC/NJ's MIKE MEMOLI)
Posted at 12:59 PM
Comments
For all the hype, Mt. Rushmore is really really cool to see in person. I definitely recommend people go see it if they can.
Just as cool if/when it ever gets completed is the nearby Crazy Horse memorial carved from the same Black Hills rock.
www.crazyhorse.org
Pretty part of the country... Also check out the Badlands National Park which is a few hours east.
Ethan | 05.28.08 01:52 PM
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She had to go a long way to find some one who could keep a straight face in her presence
Hoboclown | 05.28.08 02:43 PM
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She sounds exasperated. I think she's in the final stages of dealing with her loss. Even Obama supporters like myself have to feel bad for her. She was so close, but not close enough.
In this race we saw what happens when an unstoppable force meets and immovable object. She deserves to go out with her head held high. That woman impresses the hell out of me. Give her some peace.
As a side note, while Mt. Rushmore is interesting, it really is a testament to American expansionism more than anything. It's certainly not a universally loved monument in Native American circles.
Micah | 05.28.08 03:46 PM
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who is the guy up there next to Obama?
flyover | 05.28.08 05:52 PM
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A classic Greek tragedy...in some photo
ops Hillary's face is superimposed to the left
of the granite visages. They look softer and
more mellow than she ever was or will be. Her
flaw is being unable to eclipse that scofflaw
husband of hers. Of course, without him.....
no one would know her name. Irony personified.
hombre | 05.29.08 01:29 AM
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I was at Mount Rushmore when Senator Cliton visited and would like to assure you that she was polite and more "soft and mellow" than the Monument. Perhaps you should see for yourself before you judge.
Amanda | 06.02.08 10:53 PM
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