From David Broder's column in today's Washington Post. After noting that, in the confirmation hearing for General Petraeus last week, Sen. John McCain asked 16 pertinent questions of the General while Sen. Hillary Clinton took the opportunity to repeat Iraq War speech material and ask only one concluding simplistic question:
This month Clinton began her presidential campaign, as she did her first race for the Senate in New York, by saying that she wanted to do a lot of listening. She sure wasn't listening to Gen. Petraeus. She wasn't even asking.
Which reminds me of the conversation between Captain Renault, Victor Laszlo and Major Strasser in the Prefects office regarding Senor Ugarte in Casablanca. (A lot of things remind me of Casablanca - sue me.)
Renault: By the way, Monsieur, last night you evinced an interest in Signor Ugarte?
Laszlo: Yes.
Renault: I believe you have a message for him?
Laszlo: Nothing important, but may I speak to him now?
Strasser: You would find the conversation a trifle one-sided. Signor Ugarte is dead.
Much as Gen. Petraeus was to Ms. Clinton. At least, when given the opportunity to engage someone who disagrees with her in debate and discussion - "conversation," if you will - she declined the opportunity.
