Bill Clinton: He's really, really glad to see John McCain

John McCain, in suspending his presidential campaign to (eventually) head back to Washington from New York to help the push for a financial rescue plan, may have nixed a planned appearance on "Late Night with David Letterman" and cancelled a chat with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

But McCain wasn't about to snub his old friend, Bill Clinton, this morning. And the ex-president, for all his expressions of support for Barack Obama and predictions of victory in November for his fellow Democrat, continues to give the impression he's definitrely hedging his bets.

McCain kept his promise to address the annual meeting in the Big Apple of the Clinton Global Initiative, founded to fight malaria, global warming, poverty and other ills that know no borders. McCain's wife, Cindy, and his running mate, Sarah Palin, came along to lend support.

The Times' Bob Drogin also was there, and he reports, that Clinton was effusive in his introduction, saying he was "personally profoundly honored" and "profoundly grateful" that McCain showed up.

Obama, he noted less warmly, would speak to the group later by satellite feed from Florida, where he's been encamped for prep sessions for the Friday debate that may or may not take place.

Clinton, for all his kind words he lavished on McCain, did throw the Republican a curve ball.

Afrer his introduction, Clinton picked up a sheaf of papers as he left the podium. As McCain arrived at that perch, he looked down and suddenly appeared anxious.

By then, Clinton was on his way back to the podium, waving papers in his hand.

"I took his speech," he said, laughing.

"What kind of host is that?" McCain joked back. He grinned broadly as he unfolded the pages, adding, "I almost gave one of the most extemporaneous speeches of my political career."

Not really. The paper copy was just a backup. McCain read his speech from a Teleprompter.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[cp]

Clinton is disappointing me more and more. He seems incapable of taking a stand and being bold and assertive. He is becoming wishy-washy and false to his party. I have supported him for years and voted for HIllary. However, he is allowing his bitterness over the primaries to eat him up and make him a comical figure. His own pettiness seems to be more important to him than what is best for the country he was in charge of for 8 years. He is becoming a sad man.

[Warren Stringer]

Somewhere in my filing cabinet I have a letter from then President Bill Clinton. He wrote to thank me for my support during the Monica Lewinsky matter. His thanks was in response to my letter recalling how my mother learned how to swim in the treacherous waters of the Arkansas Black River: "if a whirlpool takes you down, just relax, let it take you down till you hit bottom, and then push off."

So, there is a feeling of emotion irony in seeing Bill Clinton embracing McCain, a man who demonstrates a different style from my Arkansas Mom. As the financial whirpool engulfs his campaign, McCain's reaction is to "Swim Harder!" It is embarrassing.

Finally, a side note to President Clinton: the more that you hedge against Obama, the less likely that people like me will ever support Hillary. Ever. We have a long memory. You are becoming Hillary's biggest liability.

[Fanatic]

I do not see any sign of bitterness in devoting time to a non-political issue and welcoming support from those who do not always wear the same color coat as he does. This is the lesson that he learned in 8 years in office. Being able to form a consensus in these areas is an important skill that deserves praise, not scorn.

[mike]

Go Bill.

It is not about party. He is a democrat and always will be. I think that some crazy BHO supporters forget that the party isn't BHO... it is the Democratic Party. Bill has not betrayed anyone or his party.

Get over yourselves... You don't have to be a sheep and agree with everything BHO does...

Look at the Republican Party... they don't even like McCain! ... but The party loyalists on both sides will vote or their party. This childish... Bill shouldn't do this.. and he is hurting Hillary... are stupid comments.

Get Over It... The guy already proclaimed his support for BHO.

[Rachel Brown]

This is how he "suspends" his campaign? Can't take the time to engage in a debate--an important part of the political process in this country--but he can glad-hand Bill Clinton? Really sickening--why doesn't someone call him out for being such a sneak?

[ELLIS]

Bill
we are really really glad that Obama crushed Hillary in the primary! So everyone is really really happy.

You need that new medication for dementia. It really would help you to remember that a political party elevated you to where you are now.

While it is unusual to see a former head of state act so childishly, it is okay....we don't need your "help" and we will be delighted to return all of your kind favors in the future. NOT.

But hey dude, you are giving us all a good laugh!!

[larry clifton]

Bill Clinton repealed the Glass-Steagall Act that deregulated the banking/securities industries in 1999 with bipartisan congressional veto-proof support, and that friends, is how we got here.
You liberals don't want to talk about your boy, though.
You pale-faced liberal men are snarky and clueless. You don't understand anything except attack that woman before she gets too uppity.
Shame on you for being so inferior and afraid of strong women!

http://americanpoliticalblog.wordpress.com/

[Warren Stringer]

"I do not see any sign of bitterness in devoting time to a non-political issue ..." Fanatic

This is a non-political issue that has become politicized; this is a not so subtle attempt at McCain 2008 / Clinton 2012.

Clinton should be standing with Obama with a reminder that it is the "economy stupid!"

[John Carpenter]

Re: "Swim harder"

Man, you know nothing about fighter pilots.

[steve]

The latest:

McCain lies to Letterman about suspending the show.

Letterman catches him in a lie by video taping his live appearance on CBS Katie

After McCain was caught in his lie, he comes out and says that it was suspended because comedy was not appropriate for the economic crisis.

OOPS! he didn’t think he would be caught in his lie by Letterman..so he had to lie again to cover up his first lie.

Why didn't McCain tell Letterman the truth from the beginning....man, he is a liar big time.

If McCain becomes President it is a Presidency of deceit, lies, distortion....sound familiar....BUSH!

Thanks Dave Letterman, we need some comedy relief during this time...but in this case, comedy was more honest than McCain slogans will ever be.

[s mills]

Clinton makes well over $250,000, has health care and pension for life courtesy of the tax payer, makes a lot more in capital gains than the average joe and doesn't need to worry about Social Security Surplus not being therefore him. So of course he likes McCain. He's one of the top 1% that McCain helps.

[sallievoter]

He is hugging the man who called Chelsea some of the worst names ever said in public.

NEWSFLASH:
Oh, the campaign insiders are saying that CLINTON IS REALLY MAD THAT OBAMA WILL NOT PAY OFF HILLARY'S HUGE CAMPAIGN DEBT, AND THAT CLINTON TOLD OBAMA THIS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL OBAMA PAYS. ISN'T THAT SPECIAL.

[Truthfairy]

Hey, I thought John MCCain was rushing to Washington to participate in the bailout negotiations (the 21/2 page proposal for which he has not yet read!!) and "putting his campaign on hold".

So, why is he grandstanding on national TV this morning giving a speech at Bill Clinton's event, missing all the work on the bailout today and just showing up in DC at 4.30pm for a cooked-up meeting with his buddy Bush. And all his aides have on TV all day "campaigning".

His fraudulent attempt to deceive American voters again is looking more and more odious. Early releases from the Katie Couric/Palin interview explain why he wants to delay that debate.

McCain MUST NOT be allowed to derail the process.

[C.C.LEE]

It is sad that Bill Clinton has gone this way. I am a 56 year old African-American who loved Bill Clinton, and credited my returning to school, receiving a Ba., to the Clinton Administration. I also deemed Bill Clinton one of, if not the most insightful politician of the 21st Century. With that being said, I say; "Come on Bill. No, I don't see you as a racist, but you know that Jesse Jackson comment was a racist move; one meant to throw a wrench in the mix, if only to minimize Obama's victory, lumping him with Jesse and Al Sharpton. Now your pissed 'cause we called you on it!" I say to Bill Clinton; if you are really the one we loved and thought so much of to call 'Our First Black President' , though Obama is set to make those feeling more 'honorary' then seen as fact, as to where they belong; you best return the love by placing the love in front of the politics,(especially with Hillary out), and best step up and embrace Obama as one of YOUR own, as we have!

[Deborah Harry]

It's obvious that Bill would like to see Sen. McCain win. That Bill and Hillary dislike Sen. Obama but are swallowing a hard pill. I can EVEN tell that they truly wish for McCain to win as this scenario is a better set up for Hillary in the coming years. So what, it makes me like the Clintons more and more. I was one of those Hillary voters who switched to McCain/Palin.

[Slick Willy and McShame]

What!!! McCain isn't holed up in a room full of smoke working on keeping the economy from "cratering". Wow, go figure.

Bill ... I have a very long memory.

[Aycee]

Obama's campaign is all about inclusion, a vast change from the past eight year reign of the Republican dictatorship.

Obama has infused the energy of change and inclusionary politics into the Democratic party. Bill Clinton has, consciously or not, been influenced by Obama's leadership style of bringing both parties together. This can be seen in his recent collaboration with former Republican President Bush (senior) on aid to hurricane victims in Texas and now in his reach across the aisle to McCain. He has met with Obama several times and worked with him on election strategy. He is also human and is still working on overcoming his disappointment that Hillary did not win the nomination. But when reason comes into play, he knows, and has expressed, that Obama is ready to lead this country forward after 8 years of regression. He knows that Obama can do this far better than McCain and I'm sure his fellow Democrat party members feel he will express this more often in the weeks to come, right up to Obama's election.

[J Conlin]

When will people remember (or learn) that the Federal Government is made up of three branches and not one? We've given way too much power to the Presidential office and taken too much from the Legislative branch. All Senators and Congress members belong in D.C. right now to get a handle on this bailout plan and the economy in general. Both candidates belong in D.C. performing the current duties they were already elected to carry out. The problem for all too long is not which President made what decision, the problem is that Congress has not carried out it's responsibilities in the triad of power. We kissed off the King long ago but seem all too eager to elect another and another, etc. Instead how about we re-balance the power and hold all branches accountable? For now though, they all must do their respective jobs for the Country's best interest.

[Lois]

Bill Clinton was on the view the other day and couldn't even say the name Barack Obama. Throughout this whole democratic party primary, I viewed his and Hillary's actions to that of power and not prejudice. I was hoping that Hillary would be the next Secretary of State in the Obama administration. However, she's not the vice presidential nominee now because things got really ugly and with Bill's attitude, things are going to get really ugly again. It's also sad because SOME women didn't seem to be voting for the issues by casting a vote for Hillary, but voting for her because she was a woman.

[clear in colorado]

I'm disappointed in Clinton. He's acting like a sore looser. I supported Hilary. But, SHE didn't close the deal. She was very gracious and did and does the right thing. But once again Billy boy can't do the right thing and show consistant support for the person who will serve this country best in these troubled time, Barac Obama!
For Clinton to talking up McCain, whose a loose canyon and would be a disaster for this country, is all wrong.

[Judity Frazier]

Bill Clinton is much, much smarter than Hussein Obama. Hussein may have graduated from Harvard, but that does not make him smart.

I'm liking Bill more and more these days. He's giving of himself to aid the victims of Mother Nature.

NOBAMA, NEVER

[audreyanne]

Does anyone care what happens to this country, we are in the middle of one of the most important elections in history and we have McCain playing games. Why is he not in Washington doing what he claims is so important that he cannot debate and let the American public hear his views.
Where is Palin the superwomen, we do not see or hear from her. What is this group hiding.

[kentuckyGuy]

If the media were to report everything you did or said, what slip-ups, bad decisions, mis-spoken words would we be able to discuss about you? A good thing to remember before giving such "expert" commentary on someone that you really don't know - with respect to President Bill Clinton or Senator John McCain.
So much disdain, anger, hatred and downright ugliness eschewing from many who hide behind anonymity...

[John]

TO; C.C. LEE

The blacks all but abandoned the Clintons just to back a man of color. After all Bill Clinton did for your race, you are traitors. The majority of blacks are voting by the color of one's skin, not on character and experience. Now who is the racist?

[RJP]

HORRAY FOR BILL CLINTON. THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE ADDRESSES EDUCATION, ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, GLOBAL HEALTH AND POVERTY. HE CONTINUES HIS GOOD WILL TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY BECOMING AN AMBASSADOR OF THE US. I VOTED FOR BILL CLINTON IN BOTH ELECTIONS BECAUSE I TRUSTED HIM. HIS WORK AS GOVENOR OF ARKANSAS AND HIS FIRST TERM AS PRESIDENT PROVED TO ME YOU CAN BRING A FELLA FROM A SMALL STATE ONTO THE BIGGER STAGE AND HE WILL STILL HAVE A GRASP ON WHAT DEFICITS MEAN TO AN ECONOMY.

WE HAVE TWO ISSUES CONCERNING AMERICAS FUTURE TODAY BOTH RELATED TO THE DEFICIT:

1. THE WAR - I DID NOT VOTE FOR BUSH JR IN EITHER ELECTION BECAUSE THE APPLE DOES NOT FALL FAR FROM THE TREE. I DIDN'T VOTE FOR HIS DAD EITHER. HIS DAD RAN UP DEFICITS AS WELL ON A SHORT WAR. BUT AT LEAST HE DIDN'T COMMIT HIMSELF TO INVADING BAGHDAD. HE BACKED OFF. BUSH JR DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THE COST OF WAR AND NOW IS RUNNING UP DEFICITS. BUT BUSH JR WANTED TO DETHROE AND HANG SADAM HUSSEIN. WHY? I BELIEVE IT WAS IN RETALIATION OF THE ATTEMPTED ASSINATION ON BUSH SR BY IRAQ IN APRIL OF 1993 WHEN HE WAS IN KUWAIT. HE CONTINUES A WAR WE CAN NOT WIN BECAUSE IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO UNITE A COUNTRY UNDER A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY IF THEY DON'T WANT IT. TAKE A LESSON FROM YUGOSLAVIA AFTER TITO DIED. THE NATIONALITIES DIVIDED THE COUNTRY UP WITH A CIVIL WAR. IF YOU VOTE FOR MCCAIN YOU ARE GETTING THE SAME BECAUSE HE CAN NOT ADMIT DEFEAT EITHER. HE WILL RUN THE DEFICIT UP FUTHER BY CONTINUING A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN STARTED IN THE FIRST PLACE AT LEAST NOT IN IRAQ. OBAMA WANTS TO CONTINUE THE WAR EFFORT IN AFGHANISTAN. I SAY LET'S DIVIDE UP IRAQ, GIVE SOME LAND AND WATER TO EACH RELIGIOUS SECT AND GET OUT.

2. THE ECONOMY - NOW BUSH IS BAILING OUT WALL STREET. HE DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THE COST OF ECONOMIC DISASTER EITHER AND KEPT LOWERING INTEREST RATES TO KEEP THE ECONOMY STRONG AND ALLOW HOMEOWNERS TO BORROW MORE AND MORE ON THEIR HOMES. BUT EVERYONE IGNORED THE PROBLEM TILL HOUSING SLOWED AND STARTED SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKS. WHY? BECAUSE I BELIEVE BUSH WANTED TO LEAVE OFFICE WITH A STRONG ECONOMIC RECORD. BUT HE RAN OUT OF TIME. NOW MCCAIN DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THE ECONOMY EITHER AND OBAMA SOMEWHAT UNDERSTANDS IT. I SAY LETS HAVE A BAIL OUT PLAN WILL INCLUDE EXTRACTING $ FROM THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THESE FAILED INSTITUITIONS AND THAT THE BANKS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THEY WILL NEED TO WRITE DOWN THESE LOSSES AND ISSUE GUARANTEES TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR PAY BACK IN SOME SORT OF COLLATERAL ASSET. AFTERALL SINCE IT'S TAXPAYER $. WHEN THE ASSETS ARE SOLD THE $ SHOULD FLOW BACK TO THE TAXPAYERS. THEN THE GOVERNMENT CAN RECOUP MORE $ BY SELLING THEIR INTEREST BACK TO THE COMPANIES THAT SURVIVE THIS MESS.

NOW THE POINT OF ALL THIS. SINCE NEITHER CANDIDATES UNDERSTAND THAT WAR AND INEFFICIENT RUN ECONOMIES RUN UP DEFICTS..... LET'S CHANGE THE 22ND AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUITION AND BRING BILL CLINTON BACK. I VOTED FOR HILLARY IN THE PRIMARIES. IF SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT, WE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN A 2 FOR 1 DEAL BECAUSE BILL CLINTON WOULD HAVE BECOME AN ADVISER TO HILLARY IF SHE WON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.