Sometimes Hillary Clinton is happy to embrace President Obamas positions.
Sometimes Clinton is happy to distance herself from Obama.
Clinton, who is weighing whether to make a second White House bid, hasnt taken sides over the pipeline since the midterm elections spelled disaster for Democrats, nor did she weigh in in her memoir or during her book tour this summer.
A Clinton spokesman didnt respond to an email asking about the former secretary of States position, and more than 10 Clinton allies declined to comment, underscoring the precarious politics involved with a project that is vehemently opposed by green groups crucial in a Democratic presidential primary, but that is supported by many white working-class voters important in a general election.
The Keystone caution differs from Clintons moves to distance herself from Obamas handling of Syria and her willingness to tie herself to Obama on other issues, such as immigration.
It shows a willingness by the front-runner for the Democratic nomination to handle the issues of Obamas presidency on a case-by-case basis, in whatever way is most convenient for her own political future.
This is why its convenient not to be an official candidate, said Julian Zelizer, a professor of public affairs and history at Princeton University. Its easier to pick and choose what to speak about, while letting the president handle his own controversial issues.
On immigration, another high-profile issue confronting the White House, allies say Clinton will tie herself to Obamas executive actions. They mostly see the expected immigration executive action as a win-win for Clinton, because Obama moving to give legal status to millions of immigrants could excite Hispanic and Asian-American voters who have become crucial parts of Democratic presidential coalitions.
Its an early win for her, said one former Clinton aide who worked on her 2008 presidential campaign. The Republicans are still trying to figure out their position on this, and this helps her secure a huge bloc of voters. Its probably the best thing Obama could have done for her.
Clinton knows that, if she runs for the White House, shell be asked about every move the president makes. She and her team will have to be ready to embrace Obama where it suits them, and to cast him aside when that would better serve her candidacy.
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Clinton enjoys unofficial campaign