Hillary Clinton: Why Wait to Announce 2016 Bid?
She is giving speeches at a dizzying clip. Popping up at the White House to chat with President Barack Obama. Schmoozing with Prince William and his wife, Kate, during the royal couples recent trip to New York.
It all suggests a Hillary Clinton presidential bid is under way.
Only theres no candidate.
Mrs. Clinton hasnt announced she is running. And its now looking as if she could wait until spring before she officially jumps into the 2016 presidential race. The last time she ran, she declared in January of 2007. Were she to stick to the same timetable, shed tell us of her plans next month.
Why wait? After all, most people already seem convinced shes running, and Mrs. Clinton has done little to discourage the idea.
Lets look at both sides of the argument.
Three reasons it might be in her interest to delay an announcement:
Self-interest. Once she declares, shes on the hook to release a personal financial disclosure form. That will provide fresh fodder for critics who believe former President Bill Clinton and Mrs. Clinton have entered the ranks of the super-rich, propelled by six-figure speaking fees. Theres a palpable strain of populism in the Democratic Party, personified by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.). A spotlight on the Clintons personal wealth could stir up the left, stoking calls for a primary challenge from Ms. Warren.
Money. Some Democrats have complained that donors wont commit to candidates not namedHillary Clinton while shes a potential candidate.Shes effectively frozen the Democratic field. By keeping people guessing, Mrs. Clinton starves potential primary opponents of the campaign money they need to begin a credible presidential bid.
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Hillary Clinton: Why Wait to Announce 2016 Bid?