Obamanuel Wars Episode IV: Willy 'n Gerry 'n Charlie

Just one day after official word from the camp of Rep. Carolyn Maloney confirmed her intention to challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in the upcoming 2010 New York Senate Primary, it has come to light that the Congresswoman is already racking up her fair share of supportive Dem bigwigs. And, these are some awfully high-profile ones.

On July 20th, a fundraiser will be held in honor of the veteran Congresswoman. Attending the show? Well, probably dozens of the rich-ass New York Dem establishment, but aside from that, set to attend are Fmr. Congresswoman/VP nominee Geraldine Ferraro and beloved NYC Congressman Charlie Rangel. That's all fine and dandy, but one speaker is destined to stand out among of them.

That man is none other than Slick Willy himself, the 42nd President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton.

Now, granted, this event has been scheduled for quite some time; certainly long before this week, when Maloney announced her intention to run. However, Clinton, Ferraro, and Rangel know the implications of attending this event, and it looks highly unlikely that any will back out. The NYC press, which is perhaps already salvating at the notion of an Upstate/Downstate primary showdown, is destined to find itself questioning "well, are these endorsements or what?" Well, the truth is, they're not. But, this is still one awfully important event.

What makes Clinton's presence here so fascinating is his perceived loyalties toward Sen. Gillibrand. Following her appointment to the Senate seat by Gov. David Paterson, Clinton was quick to hold a high-profile fundraiser. A few months later, and the Fmr. Prez finds himself bucking any loyalty and stumping for her opponent. In the end, I imagine Clinton winds up not endorsing either candidate, and that's dreadful news for both Gillibrand and for the White House, which supports Gillibrand and has attempted to paint a rosy picture of reconcilation between Presidents Obama and Clinton.

Ferraro and Rangel are important too. They firmly showcase the NYC political establishment's weariness toward embracing Sen. Gillibrand. Sure, Gillibrand's got most of the Upstate political world locked down, but if this is really a clear cut battle between Upstate/Downstate, I'd stack my chips on Maloney. Plus, that's huge news if Ferraro and/or Rangel were to actually make an endorsement of the NYC Congresswoman. Ferraro remains a very popular among conservative/moderate Dems and in her Fmr. Queens district, and a Rangel endorsement would have serious implications upon Gillibrand's ability to coalease African-American voters.

Ah...Clinton, Ferraro, Rangel, and Maloney. It's beginning to look a lot like 1992. Where is Liz Holtzman when you need her?