Topic: Hillary 2012

The hosts analyze the 2012 presidential election as a scripted "story arc" requiring constant controversy to maintain viewership. They speculate that neither party truly wants to manage the country's economic problems for the next four years, with the Republican establishment potentially looking toward Jeb Bush in 2016. The discussion also touches on the Hillary Clinton camp's interest in a weakened Obama presidency to favor her future prospects.

Speculation regarding the 2012 presidential election suggests that the Clinton family may benefit politically if Mitt Romney defeats Barack Obama, potentially clearing a path for a 2016 run. The current unrest in the Middle East has shifted the national conversation from the domestic economy to foreign policy, forcing the Obama administration to manage a complex international crisis during the campaign's final stretch.

Hillary Clinton discusses her plans to leave politics at the end of the current term to focus on writing, teaching, and advocacy for women and girls. The hosts express skepticism, suggesting she may still run in 2012 or 2016. They also claim internal sources indicate Chelsea Clinton is being groomed for a future political or diplomatic role.

Speculation regarding the 2012 presidential election considers the possibility of Barack Obama declining to run for re-election. Potential alternatives discussed include Vice President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, alongside the political fallout of the current administration's economic policies.

Despite public denials, the hosts predict Hillary Clinton may seek to replace Joe Biden as Vice President for Barack Obama's second term. They suggest this would position her to run for the presidency in the future while avoiding the immediate scrutiny of a primary challenge.

Following the midterm elections, media figures and President Obama are criticized for implying that voters were "sucker punched" or "duped." Political strategist James Carville's comments on the 2012 race are noted, alongside speculation that Hillary Clinton may eventually challenge Obama for the Democratic nomination. The President is described as appearing shaken and defensive during his post-election press conference.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to New Zealand coincided with a series of earthquakes, leading to media commentary about her "seismic" travel history. While in Christchurch, she was greeted by an aftershock, following similar events during her visits to Japan, Pakistan, and Haiti. During the trip, Clinton officially announced she would not run for president in 2012, while the New Zealand Prime Minister mistakenly referred to her as "President Clinton."

The hosts discuss rumors that John Kerry might replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, allowing her to challenge Barack Obama in 2012. They also mention a "tell-all" book by Carla Bruni claiming Michelle Obama finds being First Lady "hell," suggesting the Obamas are ready to leave the White House.

Speculation arises regarding Hillary Clinton potentially replacing Barack Obama on the 2012 Democratic ticket as her public profile increases. Simultaneously, leaked transcripts from JournoList, a private listserv for liberal journalists, reveal efforts to suppress negative stories about Obama during the 2008 campaign. The hosts discuss the coordinated media effort to protect the administration.

Political analysts suggest Hillary Clinton may have a strategic interest in Barack Obama losing the 2008 election so she can run again in 2012. If Obama wins, he would likely be the nominee again in 2012, effectively ending Clinton's presidential aspirations for at least eight years. This dynamic draws comparisons to the 1980 primary challenge by Ted Kennedy against Jimmy Carter.

The Democratic convention's move to nominate Barack Obama by acclamation via Hillary Clinton is described as a masterful show business stroke. Looking ahead to 2012, the hosts speculate on the political futures of both Clinton and Sarah Palin. A brief critique of Palin's vocal quality compares her to characters in the film Fargo.