(This caricature of Hillary Clinton is by DonkeyHotey.)Last Saturday, in a speech before Iowa Democrats, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) endorsed Hillary Clinton for the presidential election in 2016. He said, "Hillary's experience is unrivaled and her vision is unparalleled. . .I am urging Hillary Clinton to run for president and, when she does, she will have my full and unwavering support."
Schumer is not the first to do this. Last June, Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) did the same thing, saying that coming out publicly in support of Clinton "was an important thing to do right now." And a couple of months ago, some supporters even established a super-PAC dedicated to helping Clinton become president.
For her part, Clinton has been gracious -- thanking those who want her to run, but saying it's too early and she has not made a decision about a possible run for president. And that's exactly what she should be doing right now (even if she has secretly already decided). It's still three years before the next presidential election -- far too early to announce even an intention to run for office.
Making an announcement at this early date would gain Clinton nothing. It would just hang a huge target on her back for the GOP to take shots at. I know they are already taking potshots at her, but saying bad things about her while she's just a private citizen just makes them look mean-spirited and petty. Once she declares as a candidate, the attacks will be viewed as politics (and even expected).
Clinton is just being smart. She doesn't need to make herself a candidate for at least another year and a half. I'm sure those already endorsing Hillary have the best of intentions, but they need to let her do this the right way. They may think they are helping, but they're not. She already has a huge lead among Democrats (and over all possible GOP opponents). Endorsing her at this early date won't improve her chances, but it might lend some credibility to the GOP attacks.
Her time will come (if she wants it). Be patient.
