President Clinton to Skip Arkansas Free Clinic, Blames Olbermann for Politicizing Event

[Are_grits_groceries]

Bill Clinton told FDL’s Eve Gittelson that it would be problematic for him to attend a free medical clinic being held in Little Rock, Arkansas tomorrow because MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann had “politicized” the event.” He indicated that some were turning the event into a primary kickoff against Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln.
<snip>
Clinton told Eve that Lincoln has done a great job as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. He felt that the most important thing for Lincoln’s reelection, was for President Obama to be able to go into the State of the Union address with a “win” on health care behind him and to focus on jobs and the economy.

“I think he was saying that job growth is critical to the survival of endangered incumbents, and that blocking health care won’t put the wind at the backs of the administration, so they can get on to jobs and the economy. If we can get through health care, I think he was saying, then Blanche Lincoln’s political futures will improve. That’s what will get her re-elected,” said Eve.
http://news.firedoglake.com/2009/11/20/president-clinton-chides-olbermann-for-making-arkansas-free-clinic-political/

It's all political now anyway. Lincoln deserves a primary if she effs things up. I think BC doesn't like people messing around in his home state.

[madrchsod]

1. bill is the one that has "politicized" the event

tough shit bill....you and your wife did`t get the job done and it looks like obama will.

[Duppers]

3. my thoughts too.

Jealous much, Bill?

[malaise]

6. Yep

Strange comment.

[DumbBassRepublicans]

9. Get a grip, Bubba...!!!

G-E-E-Z....
Strange comment is right..!!
I've ALWAYS liked Bill and I ALWAYS will, but...
I'm afraid you're wrong here, President Clinton..!!
Keith... political...???
I suppose the republicans have NOT been political..??!!
Looks like Bubba's being out of the spotlight,
is affecting his judgement..!!
Sad.
Really sad...

[Duppers]

2. Nuts to Bill Clinton. Keith Olbermann did not 'politicize' this event

According to the article, Big Dog is thinking that the event would be supportive of Arkansas Lt. Governor Bill Halter who wants Blanche Lincoln's seat, simply because Halter arranged the venue! Olbermann did not, so this is nuts.

Besides, B Lincoln can't even decide IF she'll vote on today's cloture motion on the Health Reform bill! So, f**k her and Bill Clinton.

Keith has contributed his own cash to the clinic in order to help people in need in that state. Politicizing my ass! If that's politicizing, then good on him. Bet Halter would vote for cloture and care more about poor folks than Blanche Lincoln does. And Clinton doesn't like that???!!!

More here: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/11/20/2133322.aspx



Thanks, grits!


On edit: Besides, when did Bill Clinton start caring about the appearance of support for the "opposite" side? It seem there are too many pics, too many times of him hugging up the Bushies for that theory to swing any weight.

[Why Syzygy]

4. Hm. This must mean that Keith Olberman is more

powerful and influential than Bill Clinton.

[democracy1st]

5. more bs from Clinton

[ashling]

7. If Keith hadn't "politicized" the event, there would be no event for you to avoid!

:puke:

[Caliman73]

8. That is some ridiculous shit.

I disagree with FDL. The clinics are political. They are. So what? They are a message to idiot Democratic legislators who are threatening to block health care reform. It is showing those idiots the need for health care services to their faces, if they care to look. It is also getting some of our fellow citizens health care services that they need but cannot afford because said idiots are more concerned about industry profits and campaign contributions. It is political. If I recall correctly, it was not KO's idea but he has been backing the clinics with money and with advertisement on his show. Unlike the stupid Teabag protests which just gave a venue to all manner of crazy bastards spouting nonsense, these clinics serve a dual purpose. Caring for people and getting the message out to the industry Democrats that there are a great many of their constituents to whom access to health care is a critical issue that will motivate them toward the ballot box.

What is ridiculous shit, is that Clinton is balking at attending the clinic because it calls on Lincoln to see the need of the people she represents over the profits of her campaign contributors. Clinton should be dragging Lincoln by the hair to go and witness the hundreds or possibly thousands of Arkansans who need medical services the health care reform bills currently in Congress would just barely give them.

It has always been political and Clinton is lining up on the wrong side of history on this one.