Former First Lady, Senator and 2008 Presidential Candidate, Hillary Clinton is not one to remain silent on her political views along with her thoughts concerning major events around the world and the policies of the day, although, this year is different.
Due to various federal statutes, her esteemed diplomatic position and the role she plays both here in the United States and across the globe, Secretary Clinton has decided skip the DNC convention this year and focus on her duties at hand.
Spokesman for the Secretary of State, Philippe Reines
told the Charlotte Observer Friday: “Given her current position, she will not be attending, consistent with her not engaging in any political activity whatsoever."
Reines also added, he believes this convention will be the first one Clinton has missed "possibly all the way back to ’68 in Chicago."
Secretary Clinton will not be the only Cabinet member absent at the convention. According to federal statute Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta are also precluded to attend any political gatherings which includes national party conventions.
“I can’t think of one (of those office-holders) from the modern era who has attended,” said spokesman Reines.
Political scientist at Catawba College, Salisbury, NC., Michael Bitzer
told the Observer he doesn't expect that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will be attending the political event either.
“While they are political appointees, they are in a class by themselves,” said Bitzer. Adding, “They are representatives of institutions that are oftentimes seen as apolitical.”
File: Sen. Hillary Clinton addresses 2008 Democratic National Convention.
Illustration by Digital Journal / photos Obama For America
Flashback to the 2008 Democratic convention in Denver, Colorado. Clinton, losing her party's nomination to then Illinois Sen. Barack Obama rallied the party to unite around Sen. Obama to defeat Republican nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona in the general election.
"Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose," said Clinton. "We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future. And it's a fight we must win."
However, have no fear Clinton fans, as confirmed by former President Clinton spokesman Matt McKenna, (unlike the Secretary of State) husband Bill does have plans to attend the convention come September.
