Bill Clinton's vanishing act

Who says Bill Clinton lacks discipline? Then again, maybe he's just become old news (for now).

As the vote was counted in last month's South Carolina primary, it was evident that the former president's outsized personality and controversial statements had hindered the effort by his wife to become the next president. The challenge facing Hillary Clinton and her campaign aides was whether it would be able to rein him in.

Based on the latest study of political coverage by the Project for Excellence in Journalism, they pulled it off.

The group's report found that ...

... Bill Clinton "registered as a significant or dominant newsmaker in only 2% of stories" during the week of Feb. 4-10, compared with 18% during the latter part of January.

He's still hard at it on the campaign trail -- Monday night, he drew a packed crowd at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. And, according to blogger Todd Beeton, a Democratic activist, he effectively pressed the case for his wife.

The study also found that John McCain figured prominently in 42% of all campaign stories during February's first full week -- not surprising, given that he established his front-runner status in the GOP presidential contest during those days.

But the leading Democrats got their fair share of the spotlight -- the comparable coverage figures for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were 41% and 40%, respectively.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Becky]

I think that Bill supporting his wife is what the spouse of candidate is obligated to do
The difference is that he is an ex president
Should he be condemed for that?
The comments made by Obamas mate as of late are basically over looked by the media as they do not want to suffer the racist acuusations that would follow should they say any thing that the BOs didnt like
Had Bill said he would have to think about supporting Bo if he were the nominee all hell would have broken loose
Had he made any comment on how the BOS run their house same thing a big whoppin cry fest
Bill has not personally attacked the BOs nor has Hillary Yet the mate of BO can say whatever classless things she wants
I am not fooled by her Jackie O hairstyle an Jackie O choice in suits
Some are brain washed by all this
The Jr and his mate are sailing through this because of their race yet keep claiming they dont want this to be about race little slip of the hand there
In the end I hope that this becomes a fair playing field but who knows
Avoiding debates is an obvious thing on the part of the Bos yet no one reports on this why because it would be racisist to say such a thing

[Keith]

Remember when Bill characterized himself as "America's First Black President"? This from a guy from Arkansas who couldn't be whiter? As America's "First Black President" he is probably conflicted by having to choose between Hillary (oddly enough I don't remember her ever saying she was the first "Black First Lady") or supporting his gifted obvious heir to the Oval Office, Barack Obama,who would be either the first or second black President of the United States. I don't know, it's so confusing.

[Joe]

Well thank God for small favors. A bad stench always precedes Bill when ever he comes into a room. The quicker the both of them fade into history, the better off all Americans will be!

[jc]

Well, I think he finally realized that his presence in his wife's campaign has proved costly. The rhetoric of "change" was tainted when people figured out that since 1988, a "Bush" or a "Clinton" has been elected Commander in Chief. Obama's wave of momentum is clearly a manifestation of what change is. They look at an aging Bill, his wife and a young Obama whose family rekindles those who remember JFK.

As Obama's wave continues to grow, the "FAT" lady is urgently beginning to rehearse. So long Hillary, you didn't see the wave coming last year, did you? Neither did Vince Foster during your husband's first term at the White House. Sometimes "coincidences" come back twice as painful and you can't even see the providential connection of "what comes around, goes around". The difference is that you have to live with the humiliation of defeat and Vince Foster will forever be silent, but loud in your conscience and thoughts. May you and Bill live very, very, long and physically healthy lives, with fresh minds to remember EVERYTHING that has been done but as politicians do well - cover up .

Thanks Bill, you were the silver lining in the black cloud for many "anti-Hillary" citizens. No, I don't like her because she's a woman, I don't like her because she's no Margaret Thatcher or Condaleeza Rice. Integrity and disgrace can characterize either gender.

[frank carter]

I hope bill take a more active roll in her work, this way both of them can go back home and try again in the next 4 years or 8 which ever comes first....

[Hugh Jorgan]

If the campaign is all about CHANGE, why would anyone vote for the poster child of Politics As Usual. If you like your country torn asunder, by all means vote for Hillbilly. If you like long lines at the ER, let Hillbilly take care of your healthcare. If you think lunatic terrorists will stay in Iraq and Afghanistan, vote for Hillbilly.

There are 4 candidates left - 3 represent change (a little or a lot). 1 symbolizes the status quo.

You do the math.

[Kelley]

It's the Iraq war that did Hillary Clinton in, not Bill. That war has diminished our standing as a superpower, wiped out any claim we could have held on "moral" authority and has bankrupt our country. Unfortunately, Hillary voted yes on Iraq and, in doing so, she lumped herself in with the right wing neo cons (that includes the current disgrace, Condoleeza Rice) and the wimpy democratic establishment. Besides, the democrats need someone who can defeat McCain.

[Cathy Alquijay]

The Clintons have been villified and written off many many times....yet they are always back.
Hillary will come back, as usual with a vengeance.
Want to bet?

[Nathan Harper]

I am surprised that after all the impeachment and everything Bill Clinton is still walking around as if he is some big shot. He wears these flashy ties only a used car salesman will wear.

As for Hillary, she wants the female votes, but I don't see any female celebrity or democrat pitching for her. It has turned out to be only the Clinton family, her mom, her womanizing husband, and her daughter. Now a daughters camaigning may attract just a handful of votes, since people will just ignore what she says and will listen just out of a polite jesture.

Hillary's reason for not winning any state in past few days is that those states don't represent the true America. What a cacameny reason is that. The only states that are representative of America are the ones where she won. That is very few.

[tedall]

Hillary is not loved in texas. She is promising socialized medcine, child care and Minmium wages $10.00.
Hillary is here for hispanic vote and to divid us it is sad day and I know she will lose.
How many times the Clintons are going to fool you last time they were the black president and now the are the Hispanic president. Why not president for the united states of America. I heard Clinton is going to Mexico city rally/