Looks like the new tact will be to attack Bill Clinton - Russert thinks he can drag up the old muck

[bigtree]

. . . and sling it around, hoping it'll stick to Hillary's campaign. Others, who profess 'concern' for Hillary's campaign are hollering for Bill to keep his head down, complaining that he's generating too much heat.

But, the obvious risk Russert and other critics of Hillary's campaign run if they make the former two-term president the center of their focus and dredge up the past, is that they will draw attention to Bill Clinton's excellent record in office. It's that excellent record which most elected Democrats point to when they rebut the republican claims that they know best how to stimulate the economy, keep us safe, etc.. Bill Clinton is in the catbird seat. And, he's already, repeatedly, shown he knows how to beat republicans; albeit, often using their own platform and proposals as a hammer.

I like having the Big Dog in the picture. He represents our party's greatest successes in over a decade. Keep talking, Bill.

[NanceGreggs]

1. Memo to Tim:

If you're looking for Bill-bashing talking points, you'll find them right here on a democratic website.

Wouldn't want you to have to work for a living ...

[Mutineer]

2. But that's exactly what the GOP will do

so of course the media is willing to drag it all back up again.

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. Let 'em. They'll just piss the people off like they did the first time they

threw all the garbage at Bill and Hill.

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. I agree. Did you hear Russert say that Bill called the MGM Hotel to complain about

access to the polls and the situation was rectified IMMEDIATELY. Russert then had to admit the Big Dog is a force to be reckoned with. I think the repukes are scared to death of Hillary winning. You can tell by the look on Russert's face.....the looming defeat of his party.

[bigtree]

5. there's definitely a push by republican pundits to sweat Obama

I gotta believe republicans fear running against Hillary more, partly because of the prospect of Bill reminding voters of his term of relative peace and prosperity.

[TomClash]

6. Bill is putting himself out there

So he has to take the heat. I for one am sick and tired of Bill Clinton - he's become a disgrace and it's rubbing off on his wife.

[mitchtv]

7. all Russert has to do is log on to DU

every bit of anti Clinton, RW bullshit is being regurgitated daily by the Obama camp here.

[papau]

8. If Obama slings the mud it will work to make that mud harmless in the general - there is no

downside to Obama deciding to sling - or deciding to not sling

[bigtree]

10. that's not consistent with his claim of skill at 'bringing folks together'

politics as usual

[AntiFascist]

9. the risk to right-wing media if they focus too much on Clinton's....

time in Arkansas is the risk of uncovering criminal CIA and even NSA operations. :hide:

[Dave From Canada]

11. It's the "Big Dog" who's the one slinging muck, in the direction of Obama.

[bigtree]

15. that may well be so,

. . . but I expect Bill Clinton will efficiently and effectively dispatch any return fire which attempts to smear his own record and his own person.

[K Gardner]

12. Well, this is a bit ironic, isn't it? No one is allowed to be critical of or "attack" Hillary..

that only brings on charges of "ganging up on her", or tears, or pity votes, or charges of institutional bias. Her opponents, however, are fair game on all fronts. No one is allowed to challenge her squarely in a debate for fear of charges of "beating up on a woman". Her opponents, however, are fair game from the Clinton Attack Machine. The media can't cover her critically, or they get lambasted with organized groups demanding apologies. Her opponents, however, are fair game. Her husband is out there everyday, attacking relentlessly. Now no one can attack him back? This is all simply ridiculous. She put herself in this game. She should play it fairly or quit whining about it. Bill is fair game. So is she.

[bigtree]

13. well, Bill Clinton is fair game

and, I predict he'll wipe the floor with critics who attack his record in office.

I think much less of his defenses of his wife.

[mitchtv]

17. does that make Mrs Obama fair game also?

she's out the campaigning . Should the MSM be repeating her "nevada " chant as nauseum .

[spanone]

14. as Karen Carpenter sang...'it's only just begun....'

[bigtree]

16. yes,

we've only just begun . . .

[sandnsea]

18. I don't think he's talking about past muck

I think he's talking about current lies and distortions, election intimidation, and all the other crap they've been doing.

And he could make a case that their record in the 90's wasn't all that, but he would have had to start a while ago. Might be too late to try that.