Bill Clinton speaks out for Barack Obama. Well, sort of

When we last saw the last Democratic ex-president of the United States, he was really, really getting ready to go out and campaign for this very ambitious young fellow from Illinois who with his Windy City crowd beat the ex-president's wife out of her rightfully inherited White House.

No hard feelings though, not among fellow Democrats. Not even when the winner didn't pick the near-winner as his female running mate, leaving an opening the size of Alaska for the Republican presidential nominee to pick a female running mate and shake the whole race up real good.

The Democratic ex-president made the wannabe Democratic president come up to his Harlem office last week to have lunch, all friendly like.

The ex-president made a prediction about Nov. 4 on-camera: "I predict that Sen. Obama will win and win handily."

That sound bite got wide play, as it was meant to because it was short and to the point. Also, the ex-president and the ex-president's wife don't want anyone to be able to say they caused the wannabe president's defeat come November, which is exactly four years from when they intend to win the White House themselves for good.

And although no one actually saw the two men shake hands at that friendly luncheon last week, their aides assured the media that everything went really well. So it must be true.

Now, it's one week later. And the ex-president tore himself away from still preparing to go out and campaign for the kid long enough to go on CNBC because ...

... several hundred people a day watch that channel and it's a good opportunity to not yet be out on the road campaigning.

Maria Bartiromo, who's one of the best broadcast financial reporters going, asked the ex-president about the neck-and-neck presidential race. We're going to do something a little unusual now. We're going to print the ex-president's entire reply for a reason.

These guys are professional talkers. They know precisely what they are doing and saying with every word. Last week the ex-president was clear and concise on purpose. This week not so, on purpose. See if you can find an endorsement in here from the ex-president, a sound bite or relevant point that would actually help Obama, or is it merely a verbal wandering and pro forma party prediction that no one can criticize:

"Well, the latest polls had Senator Obama up a little bit. And I think every -- I -- I think partly that's a function of the current distress, economic distress because I think the more people worry about the current set of circumstances, the more likely they are to change parties. I have always said that I thought Senator Obama would win this election because two thirds of the American people are having trouble paying their bills.

"And because of Democratic registration is up and Republican registration is flat. And because he has  offered some very specific and sensible economic reforms and health care reforms. And as I said, I've never concealed my admiration and affection for Senator McCain. I think he's a great man. But, I think on the issues that matter to our future, the Obama/Biden team is, is more right. That's what I believe. And I believe they're gonna win.

"But, I think that -- it will be competitive until the end. And our side has to work hard. But, I think what -- what typically happens in these elections if you look throughout American history when the country's in a fix and you know where we're going is not sustainable, then there is typically a breakthrough. The biggest example of that was in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was elected. The Republican party had only been in existence for four [sic] years.

"But, both the old-Whig party and the Democratic party had proved unable to resolve the dilemma of how to hold the Union together and stop the spread of slavery. So, they both had different approaches. Neither one were workin'.  So, the public said, 'OK, if we can't sustain this, we'll make a change.' That's what I think. Now, I think that the -- the people said, 'Well, they had the Congress and the White House for six of the last eight years. We're in trouble. We liked Senator McCain. We recognize he's a little bit of a different kind of Republican. But, we're gonna make a change.' And I think that's where they'll be and I think that you'll see a victory for Obama and Biden.

"But, I don't think you'll see it clearly. Barring some unforeseen development like in -- something happens in the debates we don't know about. I -- I -- I -- it may not be apparent in the polls until last week or two of the election. But, I believe that it will be apparent on election day. I think that -- I think Senator Obama will win this election."

This week no "win handily." This week no crisp sound bite. This week the election is seven days closer. This week still no ex-president on the trail for the wannabe.

And that, folks, is no accident.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo credits: Associated Press (top); CNN (bottom).

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Comments

[Aaron Johnson]

Clinton is trying to motivate his party to not be complacent. Obama is up in the polls again and now he will start to pull away. He's clearly out there fighting for every vote and regular people can see that. The American people will elect Obama because he is earning our vote, plain and simple.

[B. Wise]

Mr. Malcolm was Laura Bush's Press Secy.? Hmm-mm, wonder why I'm not surprised at the poisonous tone of his article.

[Richard Donaldson-Alves]

THe LA Times Vendetta against B Obama is poor journalism

[PN]

YOU ONLY ARE DEFEATED BY YOUR OWN MISTAKES ..AND YOU WIN BY YOUR ADVERSARY MISTAKES" (SUN TZU)
SO MR OBAMA NOT NEED TO BLAME NO ONE BUT HIMSELF
NARCICISTIC
SELF CENTERED, LACK OF RESPECT TO SENIORITY (Mrs HILLARY CLINTON ,IS THE RIGHTFUL CANDIDATE OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY
HIS SPEECHES ARE MEXICAN ENCHILADA OF JFK AND MLK and for me DONT IMPRESS HIS STYLE apart of being good SALEMAN...
THE NEXT ELECTION WILL BE DECIDED ON RACIAL BASIS BECAUSE THIS IS THE CARD HE PALYED so...dont cry ..
LATINOS DON'T TRUST HIM, HIS AGENDA (HIDEN) IS PRO BLACK at least this is the perception.
SO MR MACAIN O BY THIS MATTER ANY ONE WILL BEAT MR OBAMA i should point out this isnot a RACIAL POSITION, RATHER AN VERY LIKELY OUTCOME ..4 MORE YEARS OR REPUBLICAN RULING...
IT IS CRISTAL CLEAR VOTERS ALLREADY DECIDED WHITE OR BLACK, THE PRIMARYDEMOCRATIC CAMPAING IS HAUNTING MR OBAMA PERHAPS HIS WIFE (MRS OBAMA )CAN ADVISE HIM WHAT TO DO NEXT?.....
SINCE SHE WAS LIKELY THE ONE THAT OPPOSE MRS HILLARY VICEPRESIDENCY POSITION "birds of the same feather fluck togetrher"
SO LONG MR OBAMA SEE YOU ...

[Philip]

I hope I'm still alive years from now to read how the historians record all of this. What an total pig that man is.

And what idiots some of us are to so quickly forget that the Clintons were not exactly the world's greatest leaders when they were in the White House. Too many people prop up Bill by looking back on his administration with rose-colored glasses.

I hope, once Obama is safely in the White House, he gives Bill Clinton a nice, PUBLIC earful.

[tiredofit]

Hey people, if Obama can not get himself over the finish line it is his own fault. If he needs the Clinton's to do it for him them the Dems should not have made him their nominee. Dems picked the weakest as their nominee and now theiy want the candidate they threw under the bus to help their choice win. What is next? You want the Clinton's to wipe his nose for him in November when he crys because he lost? Obama is a big boy and if he can not win without help he does not deserve to win and it is nobodys fault but his own.

[plankbob]

Bill Clinton seems like a child emotionally. OK, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's a like teenager.
The challenge for Malcolm is to write something positive or at least neutral about Obama.
I doubt he's up to the challenge.

[jimbo]

Obamas commericals are filled with lies. He quotes people and then cuts off the rest of their quotes when it doesnt favor him. He definately has some big honchos at the networks working for him thou because MSNBC/NBC and a few others are constantly throwing rose pedals at Bam Bam and trashing everyone else !! General Electrics Poster BOY !!! The LA Times also cannot ever question or criticize Barry- they write sugary sweet columns about this Pied Piper every day. Middle America isnt listening thou and they will vote AGAINST obama this November, especially after the Republicans produce their October surprise. He didnt do ANYTHING for Illinois and he wont do anything for America except give it away to his Middle East firends and backers. Wake up America !!!

[silly]

LOL if Clinton is a pig then bush must be a retarded paramecium. This country was so much better off in the 90s it isn't even funny. Thanks to Bush we are a total mess now, and that has to change.

[alex]

Bill Clinton is a bitter loser. I'm glad nobody was honest about his convention speech, to me he was being as sarcastic as be could be when he'd say, "barack is going to solve those problems," it was plain to see.

Not to mention he always likes to say mccain is great or this and that, praising his credentials. Its a good thing barack "the rock" obama is no overconfident zealot. He is cynical and a realist about the ambitions of a fading legacy, and Id like to see bill and his ego out of my face

[Zac]

I cann just see it now... bill clinton is going to snap and back MCcain! lol, oh what fun that will be! He'll be all 'DIS MY BABIES MOMA WILL YA?'

[TJ]

I do not think what Pres Clinton said is so questionable or offensive. I think it was a thoughtful answer and has a lot of merit. It will take some people some more time to reconcile the two choices they have with the reality of the issues, particularly since people have been driven, thus far, by "personality" and hype.

It's time for us to get serious and to use our heads and our minds instead of our emotion. It is no longer about choosing a president and vice president based on "history making candidates", oratory, celebrity, or whether or not he/she "is just like me". In fact, I suggest we need someone more extraordinary; someone who will be able to provide intelligent, thoughtful, tempered, measured, leadership. To begin, that someone has to identify the issues and make public specifics as to what the plan(s) are to address them. Since a president assembles a team of people and advisors and operatives to implement those plans, one of the things we need to look at are indicators of what kind of team would be assembled. In the selection of vice presidential candidates, these two presidential candidates could not have made two more different selections and, make no mistake about it, the Vice President plays an increasingly important role in government in addition to being "one heartbeat away from the Presidency", which is critical in and of itself.

Reaction to Clinton's statement is just another indicator that people want "fast food" sound bites or hyperbole instead of sober thought and reality-based opinion.

[audi r12]

Read Obama's bio.....tell me how he is for change...He studied to be a in politics....he is no more than a talking text book......every move he made was to lead him to the white house....even learning how to use Campaign finance reform to his advantage.....funny he help right the rules and now has collected more than any other has...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama

[juan]

The comments I have been reading here and elsewhere are truly appalling. I see people referring to perfect strangers as idiots and morons. I see gross errors in basic use of the English language. I see logical non sequiturs everywhere, unsubstantiated by anything other than innuendo and slander. It is a wonder that anyone wants to lead these people anywhere. Of course there is always graft and corruption as an incentive to run for public office. For those who elect these crooks, maybe they deserve it. For those who voted against Bush, they should not think about killing Bush or other corrupt officials. Nor should they think about novel ways of destroying government property. It is much more effective to channel efforts into legal remedies such as prosecution accompanied by a speedy trial and execution of punishment. However, a politicized and corrupt justice system would certainly be a valid reason for extra-legal actions. Those guilty of corrupting the justice system, at every level, should suffer the uncertainty of extra-legal retaliation as a possibility.

[Douglas]

Are Democrats finally learning to distrust Bill Clinton? If so, will they realize that Hillary is just the female version of Bill? And then will they start taking a closer look at the leaders of their party?

[Bill]

Check out the angry, hot tempered John McCain , search You Tube videos

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

"to so quickly forget that the Clintons were not exactly the world's greatest leaders when they were in the White House. "

Odd to see that quoted as a good reason to vote for his doppleganger.

And give Bill credit where credit is due: At least he can speak in complete sentences when unchained from his teleprompter.

[cvs]

It is a good thing that Obama/Biden will win California in landslide and will be be hurt by the LA Times ( at least this particular columnist) obvious bias.

I read your column occasionally and nearly every article in negative about Obama not necessarily pro McCain...very telling in itself

[Jeff]

It all depends on how much money that shamless Clitons could get from Obama's campaign. Pay us well, We do the
job otherwise we mess you up.

[Wisdom]

It is clear that Clinton doesn't want Obama to win the white house because he's afraid that Obama may be better than he was.

[Mary j]

Hey Andrew, Check Bill's schedule did you notice he has world leaders on tap for CGI next week. Wow and that would maybe his priority. Look both Clintons have been trying since the convention, the party has short memory, Ted Kennedy wouldn't even shake Jimmy Carter's hand when he beat Kennedy out of his "rightfully inherited White House" and then he went home and NEVER HIT THE TRAIL FOR THE PARTY or said 1 word to Dems to encourage voting for Carter. So give the Clintons a break at least are out there.

(Wow. World leaders. That is impressive. That'll be a huge help for the Democratic ticket. This November election thing must have caught him by surprise.)

[sean o]

It seems his narcissistic ego can not quite come to terms with the reality that its someone else's turn now. You'd think that ever present need for mass love from the people would trump his personal resentment and motivate him to come out and play the hero rallying the masses. Perhaps he's saving that up...but for what? a future run by his wife?

[John]

Hilary lost primarily for her hubris, she acted like she had a right to be the nominee and that did not play well with the voters. I was for her at first and was turned off by her act of entitlement to the white House. As much as I like Bill Clinton, the truth is he's always been a scumbag as a person and Hilary chose to stay with him,I think it cost her.

[Danny]

When we look at Bill Clinton and his behavior in regards this election, Repub (shick I am mostly) or Demo we can look at what he does and respond to that. Bill is a very astute observer and has a very uncanny way with people. The Hillary campaign was very hampered by the fact that Hillary has little of the natural social magnetism that marked Bill's rise in power. JFK's lack of personal morals did not catch up with him in office partly because of his martyrdom and partly because of a complicit press. Bill had no elitist machine to do the same for him. But Bill is probably right that if Obama wins, it is likely the economy that will win it for Obama. Having said that, it could not happen without very hard work by Obama and the money of Hollywood, financiers, and other wealthy backers. Despite anything a candidate does, the populace is so closely divided on social issues, a candidate needs a little help to push him/her over.

[Douglas Dunn]

Bill Clinton reached out to the black community to save his political ass in a time of crisis. This kowtowing to the black community after he got caught with his pants down (literally) was a despicable form of prejudice. It did nothing for the country or the African-American community. At some psychological level, he was screaming from the Capital Dome, "Look, I'm in serious trouble for sexual misconduct, but the blacks understand and will save me." Thus he projected his immorality on an entire people, and he did so in front of the entire world. I live in Arkansas. Prejudice is alive and well here. I do not have a television and so went down to a local restaurant to here Senator Obama's acceptance speech. I had to ask management to turn up the TV so that I could here it. My friend and I were the only ones watching this historical moment. While there, the waitress assured me the night before the place was packed to here former President Bill Clinton. He obviously didn't do such a good job of promoting Obama, because no one came back to hear the acceptance speech. A pig with Obama's name was found shot to death in a field near me. Twice in the local Wal-Mart I have been threatened for blogging for Obama. Want to know why he has never come here, even though he has Arky blood in him? The answer is simple. SENATOR BARACK OBAMA DOES NOT STAND A CHANCE IN HELL OF GETTING ELECTED IN ARKANSAS, NOT A CHANCE, EVEN THOUGH THE STATE IS *OVERWHELMINGLY* DEMOCRATIC. I've heard radio broadcast after radio broadcast so prejudice that hey would face FCC complaints if aired in other states. I've read stuff that reads to me like "Don't vote for that ...." in local papers printed and distributed all over town. Senator Obama doesn't visit Arkansas because doing so would be a total waste of his time AND an unnecessary security risk. Senator McCain (or "the little traitor" as I like to call him, came here months ago and left millions behind in educational loan promises. That was the '08 election in Arkansas. Listen, you can pretend that prejudice is a thing of the past, but I live in Arkansas. Let me assure you, open, flagrant prejudice in the United States of America is ALIVE AND WELL. Don't blame the Arky men, either. I find it is the woman who are the most openly prejudice, almost proud of it, I would say. And I see it on a daily basis.