Bill Clinton: I'm behind Barack Obama

[TeamJordan23]

The former president says through a spokesman that he’s committed to helping Obama win the White House.

Spokesman Matt McKenna in one-sentence statement: “President Clinton is obviously committed to doing whatever he can and is asked to do to ensure Senator Obama is the next president of the United States.”

These are the first comments in support since his wife left the race three weeks ago.

http://thepage.time.com/2008/06/24/b-clinton-says-hes-behind-obama/

[peoli]

1. golfclap for Bill.

[Barack_America]

2. Yep. But if he wants a fist bump, he's gonna have to say that himself.

Not through a spokesman.

;)

[peoli]

8. totally

[geiger]

128. I agree; has his lost his "voice" ?

[otohara]

3. The Sky Has Opened, The Light Has Come Down

celestial choirs are singing and everyone will know we will do the right thing and the world will be perfect.

[southern_belle]

9. hahahahaha

:rofl:

[genna]

14. And I'm just lovin' every minute of it...loving every minute of IT!

I want to see that clip emblazoned on every single of the GE endorsement series along with the clip that says it ain't over until the lady in the pantsuit says it is over.

[babylonsister]

4. How magnanimous of him. nt

[JoFerret]

106. How crappy of those for whom this is an excuse for more stupidity. n/t

.

[jobycom]

5. Even that probably galls him to pain.

[tularetom]

6. Sounds like a bit of a sore loserman

Perhaps he's a bit jealous. Obama is everything Clinton was only better. Bright, charismatic, informed but without the personal baggage.

He'll get over it. He'd better sound a bit more enthusiastic if he wants Obama to use his fund raising power to get back his $10 million for him.

And if nothing else Clinton knows which side his bread is buttered on.

[Donkey_Punch_Dubya]

16. Yeah, every thing except

Bill won 2 presidential elections, and neither one was close. He was one of the best presidents of the 1900s even with the personal baggage. Obama has great potential, but has not won a national election yet.

It's a little early to say Obama is even on par with Bill Clinton, let alone better. To put it mildly.

[Shakespeare]

20. Yup. Very grudging "endorsement."

C'mon, Bill. You're better than that. x(

[PresidentObama]

31. I love Barack Obama, but he hasn't won anything yet.

Bill Clinton won two elections in a row.

And he was one of the best Presidents of the 1900's.

Obama will be a great President. But you shouldn't downplay Bill Clinton, or suggest Obama is better when he hasn't even won the election--yet!

[Alexander]

72. Your post is nearly identical to Donkey_Punch_Dubya's above...

Interesting. You even used the same words and phrases.

Almost like it was a talking point from somewhere...

[Donkey_Punch_Dubya]

85. Just came back and it's not me!

Weird copy, but I promise I didn't write the 2nd one. I'm just a jackass, who thinks bush needs a Donkey punch type of violation like this .

[Hieronymus]

136. And things have changed a lot.

[sourmilk]

36. Obama is everything Clinton was only better?

Um...like President of the USA?

Let's not get too carried away, here.

[StevieM]

56. My God...the arrogance is astounding. Clinton doesn't need Obama, Obama needs Clinton, and that

includes for fundraising, now that he has opted out of public financing.

Steve

[tularetom]

58. Obama isn't the one that's over $20 million in the hole

He doesn't need any help from anybody who can't run a more responsible campaign than that.

Clinton ruined his wife's campaign. Obama should avoid him like the plague.

[Bake]

75. I seriously doubt Bill OR Hillary are too worried about the $20 mil.

Bake

[hendo]

90. he sure did a lot for his wife's campaign n/t

[JoFerret]

107. When Obama has completed 8 years

we can consider your comment in context.
Meanwhile - shush already.

[highplainsdem]

7. I wish Bill Clinton could have run again. 65% approval rating when he left office.

Greatest political orator of my lifetime, and a great policy wonk. Wonderful combination.

[Beacool]

18. You, I and a few million people wish that he could have ran again.

Look who we ended up with........enough said.

[Genevieve]

92. Self-delete

Sorry, that was a mistake.

[highplainsdem]

93. Editing to delete my comment. Thanks for correcting yours.

[Genevieve]

94. You're right.

I misunderstood the post.

Apology noted.

[highplainsdem]

95. I've deleted my earlier comment. Again, thanks for the correction.

[Genevieve]

113. Thanks, as well. .. nt

[Beacool]

111. Thank you for standing up for me!!!

Of course I meant Bush. Who else would I have meant, who got elected (or selected) after Bill Clinton?

:eyes:

[PresidentObama]

29. If one President could have a third term, Bill Clinton would be my pick!

[musicblind]

137. I agree, a third term of Bill would rock.

But I'd feel uncomfortable about toeing the "monarch" line at that point. Though HILLARY on the other hand I would be swell with ;)

[karynnj]

35. The current New York Magazine gets it right

saying of Clinton that he is "remembered as a brilliant speaker who never gave a memorable speech." (I have this in hard copy - it's in "Obama's Impossible speech" in the June 30, 2008 issue) This in spite of being President for 8 years. The truth is that he is VERY articulate and speaks very fluidly and he is charming and charismatic - but there is something that kept his speeches from being memorable or great oratory.

I also would dispute the "great policy wonk" for both Clintons, policy wonk - yes, great - no. He was President for 8 years - what major policy could Clinton lay claim to as his legacy? Don't ask, don't tell? Several in the Senate - starting with Ted Kennedy, a better orator as well, could claim this. (In fact, MA has 2 Senator's who are better orators - which is more compelling - "I did not have ..." or "How do you ..." - both left unfinished because I have faith all could finish them.)

Obama has already given at least two memorable speeches - his 2004 convention speech and his race speech. What line or words would you use as even one example of Clinton's oratory that is remembered by anyone?

I have no idea how old you are, but there should be a long list of people that you would place higher on the basis of oratory than Bill Clinton, who does beat the 2 Bushes.

[mod mom]

86. The internet has allowed a better understanding of just what Bill Clinton accomplished.

I'm sorry but I do not support furthering his policies. I believe many of his policies, although benefitted the very wealthy have had a disastrous effect on the middle class:

1. Trade policies helped destroy the middle class. Even worse than NAFTA was Most Favored Trade Status for China, in sending well paying American jobs overseas. Who benefited? The corporations, while the middle class, and the environment got screwed.

2. Banking mergers helped create the current financial mortgage crisis.

3. The Telecom Act of '96 was instrumental in allowing the GOP coup through their control of media. Here is an excellent summary of it by Commoncause:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This study tells the story of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and its aftermath. In many ways,
the Telecom Act failed to serve the public and did not deliver on its promise of more competition,
more diversity, lower prices, more jobs and a booming economy.

Instead, the public got more media concentration, less diversity, and higher prices.

Over 10 years, the legislation was supposed to save consumers $550 billion, including $333 billion in
lower long-distance rates, $32 billion in lower local phone rates, and $78 billion in lower cable bills.
But cable rates have surged by about 50 percent, and local phone rates went up more than 20 percent.
Industries supporting the new legislation predicted it would add 1.5 million jobs and boost the economy
by $2 trillion. By 2003, however, telecommunications’ companies’ market value had fallen by about
$2 trillion, and they had shed half a million jobs.

And study after study has documented that profit-driven media conglomerates are investing less in news
and information, and that local news in particular is failing to provide viewers with the information they
need to participate in their democracy
Why did this happen? In some cases, industries agreed to the terms of the Act and then went to court
to block them. By leaving regulatory discretion to the Federal Communications Commission, the Act
gave the FCC the power to issue rules that often sabotaged the intent of Congress. Control of the House
passed from Democrats to Republicans, more sympathetic to corporate arguments for deregulation.
And while corporate special interests all had a seat at the table when this bill was being negotiated, the
public did not. Nor were average citizens even aware of this legislation’s great impact on how they
got their entertainment and information, and whether it would foster or discourage diversity of
viewpoints and a marketplace of ideas, crucial to democratic discourse.

Now, as Congress once again takes up major legislation to change telecommunications policy, and as it
revisits the Telecom Act, major industries have had nearly a decade to reinforce their relationships with
lawmakers and the Administration through political donations and lobbying:

• Since 1997, just eight of the country’s largest and most powerful media and telecommunications
companies, their corporate parents, and three of their trade groups, have spent more than $400 million
on political contributions and lobbying in Washington, according to a Common Cause analysis of
federal records.

• Verizon Communications, SBC Communications Inc., AOL Time Warner, General Electric Co./NBC,
News Corp./Fox, Viacom Inc./CBS, Comcast Corp., Walt Disney Co./ABC, and the National
Association of Broadcasters, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and the United
States Telecom Association together gave nearly $45 million in federal political donations since 1997.
Of that total, $17.8 million went to Democrats and $26.9 million went to Republicans.

• These eight companies and three trade associations also spent more than $358 million on lobbying
in Washington, since 1998, when lobbying expenditures were first required to be disclosed.

All this investment once again gives radio and television broadcasters, telephone companies, long-distance
providers, cable systems and Internet companies a huge advantage over average citizens.
While these corporations have different, and sometimes opposing views on individual provisions of a new
Telecom Act, their overriding desire is for less federal regulation. A new Telecommunications Act could
be written “in a matter of months, not years,” and be a “very short bill,” focused on an almost complete
deregulation of the telecommunications industry, said F. Duane Ackerman, chairman and CEO
of BellSouth Corporation. “The basic issue before the Congress is simple,” Ackerman said.
“Can competition do a better job than traditional utility regulation?”

http://www.commoncause.org/atf/cf/%7BFB3C17E2-CDD1-4DF6-92BE-BD4429893665%7D/FALLOUT_FROM_THE_TELECOMM_ACT_5-9-05.PDF

[merh]

99. You forgot to mention that BC started the extraordinary renditions that

GWB is using today, that Kosovo was for the oil and that the "no fly zones" that BC maintained, as begun by Poppy, were violations of the UN resolutions and UN charter. But hey, our economy was good during his terms.

[mod mom]

117. Sometimes it takes years to feel the true effects of policies. Short term stocks ups

more money being spent but years later we see that shifting jobs overseas -not so good for the economy.

As far as the extraordinary rendition, you are so correct, another major taint (and disgrace to the entire country) to Bill's legacy.

Some Dems are as bad as the Republicans in Reaganizing the Clinton years.

[merh]

121. Of course you are correct about the economy, I was just trying

to find something good to say about BC's terms. It is true we were better off but his policies, foreign and domestic, paved the way for what we have now, His personal behavior "because he could" allowed the "moral majority" to seize power and he created the atmosphere that allowed GWB and the RNC the chance to take power and do what they have done. And you hit the nail on the head - the reaganization of the clinton years is over the top for far too many here.

[DeschutesRiver]

142. Very true that the ability to access information has simply killed Bill Clinton's

reputation for having allegedly created "peace and prosperity" in the 90s. Yeah, I knew he could talk smooth, but it was more like a very nice happy salesman patter, without substance. Some people found it calming and reassuring, the chaser after drinking the straight shot of his bullshit. Much harder to conceal your actions today than it was during his tenure as president, and we can look back with much transparency at what actually was or was not accomplished by all presidents, including Mr. Clinton. Everyday I learn something I had not realized about his presidency and his policies. We were a nation of fucking idiots for falling for it. He was every bit as corrupt and bad as the jokers who followed him into the Oval Office - they are just more transparent during their time there, than was Bill, and maybe a bit more greedy without caring who knows about what they do, so that is why everyone bitches more. Bill was a republican in his heart, just like Hillary used to be one.

Bill Clinton basically either bilked outright to provide illusory prosperity for people who had no access to information like we do today, or repealed/fucked with enough regulation/laws that some of the mess we are just beginning to live through is directly attributable to that man's presidential years.

Because of the internet and general free flow of information now, there is no longer any excuse for gullibility regarding Bill's version of his record in office. It is out there, it is appalling, and it is sickening to think of what he did to this country. We've now had years and years of bad office holders - both Dem and Repub. I am freaking sick of it, but I don't see anything changing soon. I do hope Obama can make some good moves, decent policy and hold to the high road personally, but he is coming into office at what will be remembered as one of the worst times. My only expectation is that he decide to be a good leader of this nation, surround himself with good knowledgeable people, and remain flexible as we work through what is coming.

[DeschutesRiver]

143. Maybe it is like any other myth of childhood

Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc. You grow up, you learn they were just illusions, but it isn't your fault for believing in them as a child, because without any other real information about the subject, you believed what you were told, or in some cases, what you saw for yourself.

At the time, he seemed like the real deal. It has frustrated me to no end to learn the truth about what went on - mostly because it took away the false hope he'd provided. It was a good lesson in learning that we all should "trust but verify" in life.

As far as the endorsement: Carter, Gore, Richardson, Edwards, Kerry and a whole host of other Democratic powerhouses simply decided and then endorsed Obama. Bill Clinton sends out a staffer to say that "Bill will do whatever is ASKED of him." What the fuck ever, Bill. I don't think he is pouting as much as he is plain Arkansas' pissed off at Obama snatching the presidency away from him, Bill Clinton. That is how Bill viewed his wife's race for the office, and he continues to prove it with his actions.

If I were Obama, I'd keep saying nice stuff about him, and not "ask" him to do a damn thing for me or the country. If Bill can't come to this decision on his own, like all the other grownup candidates/former pres/former govs have done, then let him stew in his bad choices awhile longer, let him come to his senses on his own if he can. Otherwise, he will be worse than ever. He is showing what he is made of, and it is still not any prettier than it was during his moments of being a complete angry finger waving jerk during his wife's campaign. Gonna shred whatever is left out there of a reputation if he doesn't have a come to Jesus moment soon.

[hendo]

91. Bill the greatest political orator of your lifetime?

How old are you? He doesn't hold a candle to Reagan. Reagan was a master orator. Note though, that being a great political orator does not a good policy make.

But seriously, Reagan's speaches are regarded as some of the best political oratory of all time. We used to watch them in my highschool and college public speaking classes.

[Bucky]

145. Evenso, that no third term rule has its advantages.

With all the power the imperial presidency has, and the utter ineptness of Congress for dealing with issues it finds challenging, a three-term president is like a recipe for dictatorship. Every president would turn into a little Bush.

[madura]

10. what a spoiled, pouty child bill has turned out to be.

I'm really disappointed in him - I thought he had class and all that but apparently it's all been for show and nothing else.

[Donkey_Punch_Dubya]

17. I missed the part where he

pouted and stomped his feet while saying if his wife didn't win the primary, he's taking his ball and going home.

Oh, wait that never happened.

[cbayer]

25. Bill Clinton, former and most recent Democratic POTUS x 2, is spoiled, pouty child?

Where did you get that talking point?
:rofl:

[JoFerret]

108. Amazing how a minority believe they invented the democratic party

They will learn. But meanwhile their immaturity is embarrassing.

[cbayer]

112. Now, that's one of the best ways I have heard this described.

It does remind me of the 60's, though. We thought ALL the old guard should go and that we, the students and activists, would take over. The difference is the level of activity at the street level. I have been wishing for the generations behind me to begin to actually change things and this Presidential campaign has give me some hope about that, but you are right - sometimes the level of immaturity is embarrassing.

[JoFerret]

115. Cheers cbayer. Now - we know that this too will pass

But wouldn't it be nice if we could move forward together instead of trash each past and necessarily failed attempt at doing a little better?

In a generation these same people will be trashing Obama - even sooner. And the the facts are - it is all a failed collective attempt to make a little progress.

If we can establish universal health care and establish a little economic and social justice while fending off ecological doom and foreign wars....now that would be a miracle and a revolution.

[PresidentObama]

27. If you're sick and tired of people attacking Bill Clinton, raise your hand.

I'm raising mine high up in the air.

This bullshit gets old!

[polmaven]

37. Really, really old

My hand, too, is high in the air! This is getting really sickening. The man left office with an enormously high approval rate, even after having been IMPEACHED, but we just keep getting this crap from Democrats!!!!!

[TBF]

61. Yes, it's past time to move on.

[Bake]

73. I'm waving BOTH hands high!!

I'm sick as shit of all the bashing of the Big Dog. I suspect that Obama, much to the consternation of some of his less-savvy followers, will utilize the charm of the former POTUS to great effect.

Bake

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

63. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mtnsnake]

83. What a no-brained juvenile post by someone who doesn't know squat n/t

[damntexdem]

11. Good, good. But watch your back, Barack.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

12. "I got his back

waaaaaayyy back."

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[foo_bar]

22. yiff! yiff!

Save your anthropomorphic spooge for an internet that cares.

[Beacool]

23. I meant it in a nice way.

I love animals.

[lojasmo]

33. Rank douchebaggery. EOM

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

50. Shit, I'd run away from her crazy multiple personality ass too. n/t

[Beacool]

59. Not she's not!!

She's a terrific person.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

62. I don't know her personally. I'm sure she is. But if you're gonna dish it out.........n/t

[genna]

13. I like the fact that he is ready but he's angry about it at the same time.

How can you not like his one sentence statement?

He'll behave it. (that is a combination sentence. He'll behave. We'll believe it.)

[ProSense]

15. I'm still skeptical about Bill

He still hasn't spoken to Obama?

Bill along with Mark Penn, Harold Ickes and Howard Wolfson were responsible for a lot that went wrong in the primary. Now this story is out there today.

Italian businessman Follieri arrested; faces charges in NYC

By LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press Writer


NEW YORK - An Italian businessman who has been romantically linked to movie star Anne Hathaway has been arrested on wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges, Manhattan prosecutors said Tuesday.

Raffaello Follieri, who was awaiting an appearance in Manhattan federal court, is accused of falsely telling an investor that the Vatican had appointed him to manage its financial affairs.

He allegedly claimed that, as a result of his Vatican connections, he and others could obtain properties of the Catholic church in the United States at a substantial discount to fair market value.

The name of his attorney could not immediately be determined.

more

Background

I still think Obama should proceed with caution. Bill seems a bit angry, and his financial dealings are still a liability.

[Donkey_Punch_Dubya]

21. Nice background link

Does that thread have the world record for most no-text kicks by the OP? It's like 15 of 21 responses. LOL

[ProSense]

32. Question:

What does how many times a thread is kicked have to do with Bill's financial dealings?

[Donkey_Punch_Dubya]

88. Nothing. I just thought it was funny that you linked to an archived

thread, started by you, that tried to attack Bill Clinton, but nobody responded and you kept kicking it over and over. 2 people agreed, 1 person argued with you, and there was no good discussion of anything. But I've never seen a thread where 70+% of the posts are you kicking in hopes of getting responses that never happened. Nice work.

[JoFerret]

132. And sensible people

are still skeptical about Obama. (Check back in with me in 12 years and I will tell you if I still feel the same way.)

And - btw - NEITHER have spoken to me and i am getting peeved and miffed.

[PresidentObama]

24. This is the best endorsement Obama will get.

[cbayer]

26. Bill Clinton is doing the right thing.

Let's make this an opportunity to beat him up some more, shall we?

[PresidentObama]

28. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I remember some snickering that he wouldn't endorse Obama.

And now that he is, they STILL attack him.

It's all about attacking Bill Clinton.

Doesn't matter if he does something good or bad, the attacks continue.

[cbayer]

42. I know.

You are doing a truly valliant job of trying to get everyone on the same team. I, like you, always am surprised when you get a negative response to a positive OP. Don't give up!

[PresidentObama]

43. I had my own criticism of Hillary during the primary, and Bill. But that doesn't change anything.

Doesn't change Bill's legacy, Hillary's life work.

The primary is over. And while I questioned some of their tactics, I'm happy Hillary ran and she should be proud of herself.

It amazes me how some people want to still trash the Clinton's even after the dust has cleared.

[lojasmo]

30. I hope Barack checks the knife drawer. EOM

[PresidentObama]

34. Why? So he can slice you some cheese with that whine?

:evilgrin:

[lojasmo]

39. Don't be so snyde.

I sent your lady ten bucks.

[PresidentObama]

40. She isn't my lady. I just respect and admire her, and don't trash her family at any chance.

I supported John Edwards for 80% of the primary.

[Marie26]

38. Oh, Bill.

Is that the best you can do?

[PresidentObama]

41. What more do you want him to do?

Seriously.

[AspenRose]

45. Making the statement himself would have been nice

He didn't have problems speaking up during the primaries

[JVS]

46. Speaking it for himself would be a nice start

:rofl:

[BklynChick]

53. I think the fact that he did it through a spokesman shows he's angry and makes me wonder how much he

will really work for him. Bill has no problem finding a newsreporter for a quote and it says something that he chose not to say it himself and make a strong statement.

[Marie26]

52. Say it out loud?

I voted for Hillary Clinton in the primaries, & she's been very gracious towards Obama since the nomination. Even though it must have been very difficult for her to do - she gave a gracious speech, urged supporters to vote for Obama, coordinated fundraisers for Obama etc. All we get from Bill is this terse statement. To me it seems like Bill Clinton can't let go of some of that anger.

[JVS]

44. Bill, that's not the kind of oratory that pays off campaign debts, if you know what I mean.

[Major Hogwash]

47. Yeah, this and $2 will buy you a cup of coffee at Starbucks,

Just stay home Bubba. We don't need ya. We can win without ya.

Yes, we can!!

[PresidentObama]

49. Fuck that. That's the dumbest thing I've heard anyone say.

Bill Clinton will help Obama in places like PA and OH.

Give me a fucking break. You people need to let your anti-Clinton feelings go. The Obama campaign knows how valuable Bill Clinton is on the campaign trail, even if you don't.

[JVS]

55. No. It's smart to plan on working without him in light of the fact that he seems so reserved.

We can't bet the bank on Bill not being a pill.

[Major Hogwash]

71. Maybe Bubba could start his own coffee shop.

He could use the slogan "Bubba's Best Brew - It's bitter to the last drop."

LoL

[PresidentObama]

77. He's a former POTUS with a wonderful foundation, great public servant as his wife, talented daughter

and a great life.

He has nothing to be bitter about.

[Major Hogwash]

84. Monica, is that you?

[BklynChick]

51. that was the best he could do? through his spokesman? that's pathetic

[madura]

81. the self appointed king must not be amused!

too much from bill over the last few months just screams out jealousy and pettiness and male territorial pissing and beating of chest. i feel embarrassed for him.

[mopinko]

54. hmmm. seems like he is a little more emotionally involved than he lets on.

i mean, was it bill that pushed to keep going?
really, this is sad. i loved them both when they were in the white house, but they have completely dishonored themselves. this is ridiculous.

[goldcanyonaz]

64. whoop te do

[Lugnut]

57. I want one thing from Bill Clinton.

Silence.

[TBF]

60. It's a start.

We still have alot of work to do to mend the party and I vote we take what we can get. Somehow we need to support Obama (yay!), help Hillary pay off her debts (I know this is controversial but I think we ought to help out a little if we can), and we've all got to work together somehow to get the White House back.

Hillary is a good Senator and the Clintons gave us 8 years of their lives in the White House. Yes, it ended up being profitable for them, but that's not why they did it. They are BOTH Yale Law grads for heaven's sake - they would've had their pick of private firms.

We should thank Bill for his service, be happy that he's starting to campaign for Obama, and move on. Move on. Move on. :)

[mtnsnake]

65. The arrogance on DU about Bill Clinton, one of the finest presidents & campaigners ever, is absurd

Thank goodness most Democrats in the real world don't share this same level of arrogance and over confidence that runs rampant here in Bizarro World, or we would blow our third election in a row.

Bill offers a helping hand to Barack, and half the people here shit on him for it. Figure that.

[Clintonista2]

67. It's amazing isn't it?

There's still a certain Clinton-hating zealot on DU who goes around claiming that Bill dumped baggies of cocain on detroit while he was prez.

[mtnsnake]

78. It's borderline traitorous what they're doing to him

It's hard to believe sometimes that this is a Democratic board. It won't be long before the same people will be turning on Obama just like they've done with Bill. You can count on that, my friend.

[americanstranger]

105. No, it's not.

The guy ran a sleazy campaign against a fellow Democrat, and he's due criticism for it.

For all the pontificating you guys do about Obama supporters demanding that Dems 'march in lockstep' and whine about not being allowed to criticize Obama, you sure seem to be behaving exactly the same way when it comes to Bill Clinton.

- as

[mtnsnake]

116. No. What we're doing is sticking up for 1 of the finest Democratic presidents. Try it sometime

instead of jumping on the hate-Clinton-bandwagon that has suffocated this place for several years.

[americanstranger]

119. Nice knee-jerk reaction.

I respect Clinton's presidency and his legacy.

I think he seriously damaged that legacy by the campaign he ran against Obama, and any criticism he gets for the way that campaign was run is deserved in my book.

If you want to call that hate, fine. Whatever works for you.

- as

[mtnsnake]

120. Glad you respect his presidency and legacy

and I apologize for including you as one of the ones on the hate-Clinton bandwagon. You didn't deserve that.

Peace

[americanstranger]

124. Apology accepted. Thank you.

I do realize what a great president clinton was, even though I disagree with some of the things that he did as president (not talking about Monica here - I thought the telecommunications Act and NAFTA were huge mis-steps on his part and we're paying for them now).

But just as Obama is being raked here for his stance on FISA (even though that has yet to fully play out, IMO), Bill Clinton's conduct during the primaries is, to me, worthy of criticism.

It takes nothing away from the good he did as president.

- as

[mtnsnake]

125. and I thank YOU.

You are refreshingly reasonable.

:thumbsup:

[americanstranger]

Hey, we're all Democrats here, mtnsnake.

We'll sort this stuff out and move on, and kick Republican butt in November. And Bill will be right in it with us, I'm sure.

- as

[mod mom]

118. Re-examining his policies is traitorous?

Sheesh...I guess the GOP idolizing Reagan is deserving as well. :eyes:

[mtnsnake]

122. No, not that part. Borderline traitorous is done by those who hate him like a Repub would. n/t

[mod mom]

131. There's a difference between hating him personally and hating the disastrous effects of many of his

policies. It is the Telecom Act of '96 ( helped lay the groundwork for the GOP coup), his MF Trade Status w China, NAFTA, support of banking mergers, extraordinary rendition policies and in my state of Ohio, his backing of Jackson Stephen's East Liverpool Toxic Waste Incinerator (located on a floodplain on the Ohio River-1,100 feet from an elementary school) that I hate. To ignore these policies and place him on a pedestal despite what effects they have caused is no different from those who glorify the Reagan era.

[PresidentObama]

68. Whats funny is some were bashing Big Dog for not endorsing yet. Then he does, and they shit on him

Shit on if you do, shit on if you don't.

[mtnsnake]

76. No kidding. They'd only be happy if Bill shunned Obama instead of supported him.

The more they can complain about Bill, the happier they are. You know dam well that lots of them were hoping Bill wouldn't offer his help, just so they could whine about him all the more.

[PresidentObama]

80. And it's even stupider than some bashed him for having his spokeperson release this.

That's because Bill Clinton hasn't came out and gave his full endorsement yet, and hasn't started campaigning for Obama yet. Hell, Hillary who is Obama's former rival is just now going on the campaign trail for Barack. They just finished their long overdue vacation, and I'm sure Bill has a lot of work to do with the foundation. This was to show he's on board with the Obama campaign, and will do his part. But some STILL aren't happy.

[totodeinhere]

123. He was not one of the finest.

He signed off on DADT and signed DOMA. He signed off on the Rethug's so-called welfare reform. He stood by during the genocide in Rwanda. For these reasons and others I don't think he was one of the finest presidents.

[mtnsnake]

126. He wasn't perfect, but he's got a list of accomplishments a mile long

including some outstanding support for our environment and wildlife, among other things of course. Then Bush came along and rolled over most of Bill's exceptional environmental legislation, unfortunately. Obama will reinstate those environmental regulations once he's in, I'm sure.

[Danger Mouse]

66. It's a start.

[anonymous171]

69. I still like Bill.

:hide:

[PresidentObama]

70. Me too!

[Cha]

74. Their tactics didn't

work and now if he genuinely does get on board then maybe he'll learn a thing or two.

[Beacool]

79. Bill will "learn a thing or two"?????

He is the only twice elected Democratic president since FDR and he needs to learn a thing or two from the Obama campaign???????

Oh, the arrogance.......

:eyes:

[mtnsnake]

82. Maybe Bill will "learn a thing or two"???

Who from? You? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[bunnies]

87. Is this what passes for an "endorsement" these days?

Meh.

[papapi]

89. hillaryous

[Forkboy]

96. LOL

:crazy:

[Arkana]

97. I knew there was good in Bill somewhere!

It's like the redemption of Darth Vader when he reverts back to Anakin Skywalker--there is still good in him, dammit.

[barack the house]

98. It means a lot we all have to be on the same page for this, the price is too high regardless of FISA

Yes, the whole FISA thing blows but Obama's nature would clearly show he would have no call to do anything underhand with the law. If there is any unwarranted spying it will only be with in the next few months left so let's be cool really.

[moondust]

100. He lost a big one. Let him mope a while.

[Kahuna]

101. ....kinda sorta..nt

[eleny]

102. What a big baby

[hokies4ever]

103. 3 weeks and this is the best he can do?

Hillary only had a couple of days to work on her endorsement of Obama and it was a million times better. Bill is obviously just going through the motions, treating this endorsement like something on a checklist he wants to check and get rid of.

[JoFerret]

110. Sweetie -

run for office. And then check back in.

[hokies4ever]

127. Doesn't take a politician to know

that Bill still thinks this 2008 election is all about him. He thought it was about him and not his wife (with his quote about maybe this will be his last time campaigning) and he still thinks its about him now.

[JoFerret]

129. Your ability to read the hearts and minds of public figures

is amazing and infallible.

[hokies4ever]

130. Thank you!

Very nice of you to say. :patriot:

[JoFerret]

133. Cheers. Do you also do tea leaves? n/t

.

[hokies4ever]

134. Palm reading is all the rage

so I can give you a two-fer. Spread the tea leaves in your palms and I can see not only your future in this life but in the afterlife also. :rofl:

[JoFerret]

135. Crikey. Sounds like a deal. n/t

.

[hokies4ever]

139. Bill Clinton's "endorsement" still needs some work though

:rofl:

[JoFerret]

141. Everyone MUST step in line and do it properly on demand

or it does not count. This is the new regime and those are the roolz. Snap to it fella.

[americanstranger]

104. Note to Webster's Dictionary:

Replace your current definition of the word 'tepid' with that endorsement.

Bill sure sounds like he's still sore about getting his ass whupped by an upstart.

- as

[RNdaSilva]

140. "

[Raine]

109. Just endorse him Bill

than go away cause if you do the same for Obama as you did for your wife...you're a detriment. x(

[Faygo Kid]

114. "Obviously." How fucking weak.

Disappointing, to say the least.

Guess we'll have to crush McCain without him. Oh well.

[Colobo]

138. I'm glad President Clinton is supporting Obama. We need to win.

[samsingh]

144. Welcome back Bill.