Keller @ Large: Politicians Have To Flip-Flop To Survive
BOSTON (CBS) - In politics, especially when you're in the middle of a tough campaign, one of the worst things that can happen to you is to be labelled a "flip-flopper."
Perhaps a resourceful politician like Hillary Clinton can find a way to avoid that fate after Wednesday's spectacular flip-flop on the Trans-Pacific Partnership – or TPP – trade deal. But I don't see how.
There is plenty of damning video of then-Secretary of State Clinton in 2012 claiming TPP "sets the gold standard in trade agreements," and her spin Wednesday that it has somehow changed in ways that undermine her previous support doesn't hold water.
Clinton haters will find this move profound confirmation of their conviction that she is without real conviction, a pol on the make interested only in gaining power. Clinton backers will look at this and say no, she has principles, but in order to pursue them from the White House she has to win over the labor unions and liberals who will go elsewhere in the primaries if she doesn't make concessions like this.
As always, the truth lies somewhere in between.
Politicians who want to wield their power properly always have to find the right balance between principle and compromise. You can look it up.
A key reason we have campaigns is they force the people who want power to listen and react to voters. It's a crucial element of our political system, when it works.
So trash Clinton for her flip-flop if you like, or praise her for it.
But understand that what she did is what all politicians have to do to survive and prosper.
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