"The Clinton administration hated us, and it was a terrible struggle with them. I think that they felt if they didn't play, they could strangle us in our crib"

The quote by Brit Hume shows an understanding of bitterness and struggle in between the Clinton administration and a certain entity, most likely describing a media outlet or journalistic undertaking with which Hume was associated. To totally interpret this declaration, it is very important to consider both the historic context and the metaphorical language employed.

First of all, the phrase "The Clinton administration disliked us" recommends a considerable degree of dispute or argument in between the administration and Hume's associated entity. This could be interpreted as political tension, maybe originating from important reporting by Hume's group on the Clinton administration's policies or actions. Using the word "hated" shows a strong psychological action, possibly showing viewed predisposition or unfavorable coverage.

The expression "it was a horrible struggle with them" further highlights the nature of the relationship, suggesting ongoing challenges and opposition faced by Hume and his associates. This might have manifested in restricted access to information, public criticism, or other forms of blockage that impeded their journalistic efforts. The term "battle" suggests a dynamic, perhaps adversarial relationship where both parties were actively taken part in this conflict.

The metaphor "if they didn't play, they could strangle us in our crib" is rich in imagery and significance. The notion of "playing" could refer to interesting or cooperating with the media outlet. By choosing not to take part ("if they didn't play"), the administration is depicted as trying to suffocate or reduce the entity while it is still in its nascent stages ("in our baby crib"). This suggests a belief that the administration sought to suppress the impact or growth of Hume's company by keeping cooperation or acknowledgment, possibly intending to prevent it from becoming a more powerful force.

In general, Hume's quote catches a story of contention and perceived attempts at suppression, highlighting the complicated interactions between political power and the media. It shows the broader theme of media-government relations, where news organizations frequently navigate a landscape of gain access to, influence, and opposition.