The Clinton Betrayers: 'Et Tu, Brute?'

Despite the fact that I am no fan of the Clintons, I will admit that they have been betrayed, unfortunately, by some longtime friends during this campaign.

Some of it is understandable. Politics is about winning, and many within the ranks of the Democrats simply feel that Hillary has shown herself to be unelectable. Prudence would therefore dictate that many would throw their support to Obama in spite of the fact that he may even be more of a liability than Hillary when it is all said and done.

However, many of the Clinton betrayers are longtime friends who have now proven themselves to be companions of the fair-weather variety. These would include Chris Dodd, Charles Rangel, Ted Kennedy, and John Kerry, among others.

The most stinging and embarrassing defection in the Clintons' point of view, however, is that of New Mexico Governor and former Clinton Administration official Bill Richardson.

While on a campaign swing through California to lobby Democratic super-delegates, Bill Clinton exploded into rage when asked about James Carville's reference to Richardson as 'Judas.'

News reporters and observers alike report that the former President's face immediately turned blood red as he seethed with anger in his response to the question. 'He (Richardson) promised me at least 5 times he would not do that,' Clinton claimed.

Richardson's staff immediately issued a complete denial, that the Governor never promised the Clintons that he would not endorse Obama.

Bill Clinton's reaction, however, tells another story.

True, Clinton is known to lie. We have all seen it many times on prime time TV. But when Clinton lies there is lacking the spontaneity and split-second emotional outburst that is characteristic of the former President's demeanor when he is truly upset and when he truly believes what he is saying is the truth.

One reporter noted that Clinton's outburst sounded and felt more like hurt than anger.

Perhaps the former President has every right to be hurt very deeply. Perhaps Richardson is the one who didn't have the guts to be upfront with the Clintons concerning his decision to go with Obama after he had affirmed his friendship with and support for Hillary Clinton.

Just as in Shakespeare's famous tragedy when Julius Caesar began to realize that even his best friend had participated in the fatal betrayal, and thus the words, 'Et tu, Brute?' (Even you, Brutus?), Bill and Hillary Clinton find themselves stunned that even Bill Richardson, of all people, would participate in the betrayal.

Two things are certain--Bill Clinton has lost his 'political sex appeal,' and Hillary is suddenly fighting for her very political survival.