The $8 Million Woman -- An Ethical Double Standard for Hillary
Lisa De Pasquale
Featured Rightgrrl February 1999
Program Director, Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute
January 7, 2001
Feminist poster girl and Senator-elect Hillary Rodham Clinton just got another sweet deal.
Not only is she garnering $8 million for her memoirs (though hubby Bill says he doesn't think "there's $8 million worth to say"), she is getting a free ride from leftist cohorts and the elitist media.
Remember former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich? Apparently, the Left does not. They generated fierce opposition against his two book, $4.5 million (and also legal) book deal.
§ "This is an arrogant act for a man who's about to assume one of the most powerful positions and offices in our land. Before he gets to the public business, he's taking care of his own private profits," said Congressman David Bonior of Michigan
§ "[The $4.5 million advance] raises some very important questions. I think it needs to be looked at," said White House press secretary Dee Dee Myers.
§ "...Who does [Newt Gingrich] really work for? Is it the American people or his New York publishing house?" said Congresswoman Carrie Meek of Florida.
Predictably, the Left has had a change of heart when it comes to their queen's sizeable sum.
§ "More power to her," said Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota.
§ "I haven't heard a single word about it. I think it's wonderful she could do it," said Senator Harry Reid of Nevada. Senator Reid is currently Vice Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee.
§ "I don't think there's anything wrong with it," said ABC News's Sam Donaldson.
The Left also criticized Gingrich's book deal because media mogul Rupert Murdoch owns his publisher, Harper Collins. Gingrich's critics are now silent about whether Hillary's publisher, Simon & Schuster, which is owned by Viacom will pose a conflict of interest for the freshman senator. Currently, Viacom is hoping for favorable rulings that are before Congress and several regulatory agencies.
In the end, Gingrich gave up his $4.5 million advance, signed a contract for a $1 advance and took a modest portion of the royalties.
Will Hillary forego the possibility of a posh new residence in Georgetown and more designer black suits or recuse herself from Senate votes involving Viacom in order to clear ethical questions?
Don't hold your breath. With fellow feminists, leftists and media elitists on her side, the impenitent Hillary Rodham Clinton will continue to avoid criticism and accountability. This is just the latest example from a slew of improprieties that Hillary has been plagued with. It started with Whitewater and shady commodities deals, but one can only wonder where it will end.
Copyright 2001 by Bonnie Lisa De Pasquale. Not to be reproduced in any fashion, in whole or in part, without written consent from the author. All rights reserved.