The White House says those offered commuted sentences weren't involved in the deaths and injuries. The offer came after a years-long lobbying campaign, but it has been portrayed by Republicans as an attempt by Clinton to help his wife win over New York's Hispanic voters. The president last week denied the charges, saying he made the offer after consulting with outgoing White House counsel Charles Ruff and was swayed by former President Jimmy Carter and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who argued the sentences were too long and unfair. After initially backing clemency, Mrs. Clinton withdrew her support as the controversy exploded. Mrs. Clinton phoned Puerto Rican leaders over the Labor Day weekend to try to make amends, but the usually friendly pols were still seething last week.
All politicians know artful campaigning takes years to perfect.
It's even tougher when your husband is the nation's highest office holder. Some politicos say the first lady should have declared her opposition to clemency sooner. But she's still trying to figure out how to distance herself from her husband. It is wrong to be unable to disagree with your spouse. She has to learn to be less hesitant to do it.