more on the Murdoch-Hillary connex
A Murdoch in Clintonworld [Ben Smith]
I thought I’d begin this thing on comfortable terrain, with a small
advance on a reportorial obsession of mine: Rupert Murdoch’s
relationship with Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Here’s how close they’ve grown: Murdoch’s daughter-in-law, Kathryn
(center, above), is currently employed by none other than the Clinton
Foundation (!), working with old-time Clintonite Ira Magaziner (!!)
on climate change issues (!!!). Kathryn Murdoch is married to the
London-based James Murdoch, who’s now the heir apparent to the family
empire; she’s described in print as a model and marketing executive.
Rupert hasn’t made a move yet in the 2008 sweepstakes, and has no
particular reason to do so soon. Giuliani, in his confidential
fundraising plan I obtained when I was at the New York Daily News,
appears to assume Murdoch’s support; he’s also close to McCain; and
while he supported Hillary in New York, he hasn’t given any sign that
he’ll back her for President.
Indeed, the Murdoch-Clinton relationship has always been less about
Hillary than about Bill. But even if he doesn’t endorse her, their
ties can help dial down a conservative noise machine in which Fox
News and the New York Post are quite major players.