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

[SLBushway]

Phillip - they may call Clinton a pig but that will be nothing compared to what they call Bush. Though he may not have been the greatest leader (neighter was Reagan who had more indicted members of his administration than any in history before or since) in the world but he certainly got more respect and adoration around the world than the clown we currently have.
To you, others like you and this author - these kinds of articles have nothing to do with the issues. Apparently like you this author can't add anything to the debate other than recycled rhetoric to distract people AWAY from the issues. Bill is not running for office anymore than Reagan is and so lets focus on the those that are.

[Stewart]

The truth is, the Republicans were closer to reality on Bill Clinton than many of us Democrats. He's low life. I am so happy Hillary lost. Not only are these two low lifes, they are dangerous.

[feudi]

The further Obama stays away from the Clintons, the better off he will be. His slight lead will grow as the real truth behind this economy becomes evident. The Republicans allowed the financial sector to devolve into an unregulated pyramid scheme. They must be held accountable.

[soupyet]

Obama ran a race baiting and sexist campaign. It really would not matter if Micky Mouse were running against him, Obama would still lose. The polls, yes even by phone are slanted because people fear telling the polls that they will vote against Obama....they fear being labeled racist. Once behind the voting curtain they will by over whelming majority vote McCain. The debates should open things up soon because without a telepromter and knowledge of the questions beforehand, Obama will stumble and show his serious lack of experience. If he had run this race without the race baiting and sexist ploys Obama would have been out of the race last March.

History will be made on two fronts with the election of McCain....first female VP and first black child (adopted daughter of McCain) will live in the White House.

Sarah Palin has less experience in foreign affairs than McCain but not less than Obama. Sarah's real advantage is her knowledge of US owned oil and natural gas and our ability to get them up for use. Remember that our dollar rises and falls with the oil prices. Once we handle the energy crisis our dollar will be stronger. Bet on the experience of McCain and energy experience of Sarah as they are fighting for our country while Obama is fighting for himself.

[RaidanChalant]

Bill Clinton did no real harm; he still mentioned Obama'a name. John McCain and Sarah Palin will keep shooting themselves in the foot. Yesterday, Sarah Palin called the Republican ticket the 'Palin / McCain' ticket. From the Batman comics, Sarah Palin is the Riddler (her life is full of riddles) and John McCain is the Joker (he thinks almost everything is a joke). Barack Obama will win.

[rural americans]

The Clintons took us (hubby and I) on a roller coaster ride that we didn't ask for in a presidential couple. Still, we like Bill because he's a brilliantly crafty, and disarmingly personable character. With all his faults, we'd probably give him another run at the White House.

With the exception of Sarah Palin, our current finalists are just too embedded in historical partisan feuds.

We feel that US Sentators per se, bring too much baggage (wrapped in hubris) to be able to trust them.

It's a testimony to the vitality of democracy that our government can survive the mind numbing ether vented by 100 of the most narcissistic pompous asses on the planet...US Senators.

Institutional knowledge has been over rated. We say blow 'em all out! Regardless of political preference, Americans would be wise to simply vote for the challenger to any incumbent US Senator.

Talk about change...talk about sending a message...

We get the politicians we deserve.

[David]

"And that folks is no accident"

Yeah, the only accident here is this article. Because I cannot believe that you honestly think this and if you do, I urge you to read what you write before you post it. It'll help prevent you from sounding like a bitter, biased moron.

I'll never cease to be amazed at "pundits" and others criticizing politicians for shameless campaigning when that is EXACTLY WHAT THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO DO.

[beevee]

I am sure Bill Clinton is magnanimous enough to put the pain of his wife's loss in the primaries aside and come out to wholeheartedlysupport Obama. Obama definitely needs the political genius of Clinton to get into the Whitehouse.

[Todd]

Andrew Malcolm has written a wonderful piece for the McCain campaign. This is the best piece of cynical writing I have read in the presidential campaign thus far. The economy is in the tank, McCain's campaign has been telling stunning lies and flip-flopping on numerous issues almost every other day, and Malcolm tries to rekindle the story about the supposed rift between Bill Clinton and Obama. Why is it assumed that political leaders in the same party who have similar ideologies have to have a love relationship? Find something worthwhile to write about, Mr. Malcolm.

[Eric Michelson]

You over analyze this. Bill is correct in his rambling answer.
Simply put the election is so tight that no one wants to make The Mistake that tips it over to the other side. Thats why the Clintons are hanging back & BOTH candidates are now using teleprompters for their remarks on the stump.
True however, BHO passing over HRC did leave a huge opening, and the crazy ol' gambler shot the moon & came up aces! But it ain't over yet folks, so stay tuned!
- realpolitik 08

[kate]

As a female voter, I would have loved to vote for Hillary for President. Alas, she did not get the Dem nomination. Let's move on. Obama and Hillary are both great examples of Democratic principals. The both stood up for the issues I care about and I have NO problem voting for Obama now.
Now, regarding the VP position. If Obama wanted to choose a running mate solely to grab votes, without thinking about the future task of governing (like McCain has done), I would not have respected choosing VP Hillary Clinton. Not because she couldn't do the job, but because I dont think she could do the subordinate job with Obama as a boss.
I'm sorry but Obama has to think about the future and who would be the best teamate to lead the country, not who got a lot of votes during the primary. The fact that he chose Joe Biden makes me respect him MORE. McCain chose a woman as VP because he thinks that will get more women to vote for him. Not only is that completely insulting to me as a thinking voter (Palin is not even in the same ballpark as Hillary!), it is irresponsible. He clearly has no regard for how this will affect the country in the even they are elected. He only cares about getting votes now. Short sighten and impulsive... sounds like George W Bush... and that is what we DON'T need now.
Good for Obama for NOT making important decisions based on popularity polls, but on sound judgment.

[new_york_loner]

Bill and Hillary secured her NY Senate Seat by way of the AIPAC-engineered, Marc Rich pardon quid pro quo.

Bill's coolnes towards Obama may be a reflection of dimnishing Jewish support, in NYC, for the Obama ticket.

Polls show a rapidly declining Obama lead in the Empire State.

Upstate is already "red" and the Republican Jewish Committee and Mayor Bloomberg are trying to turn the big apple red.

If NY state goes red, Caribou Barbie goes to Washington.

[Raininthedesert]

Trying to discourage the Obama troops are you. Bad blogger. Hey troops don't fall for it. Same techniques used by the corporate media to color all the news in the service of the owners of this country. Fabricated motives. Do you think this blogger dude knows the motives and what is in the minds of the Clintons? He makes it up. All opinion. Unsubstantiated. AKA lies.

[Tim McGreevy]

This is some of the worst journalism I've ever read.

"with his Windy City crowd beat the ex-president's wife out of her rightfully inherited White House." -----Rightfully inherited? Rightfully rejected!!!

"which is exactly four years from when they intend to win the White House themselves for good." ----For good? Of course!!! All American, right and left, will bow down to the deity herself and overwhelmingly vote for the 28th admendment crowning her Queen of America.

Folks, Obama and the left's idea to fix the economy and put more money in your pockets is to raise taxes and take more money out of your pockets. Make sense?

[MasterYodaFreak]

“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.” (Philip)
And that –PN- is why Obama did not pick Hilary as his running mate. It had nothing to do with Sexism, his wife, or stupidity. Hilary Clinton as Obama’s running mate would have given the Republican party more fuel for the slander fire than the media gets on Pallin every day. Stop being so blinded by your own selfish egotistical views and do a little research, open your mind to the truth, and accept the facts. Hilary as Obama’s VP would have lost him more republican and independent voters than all the Hilary so called 18 million. If you would have listened to the media instead of shunning them after the primaries you may have heard them tell you the polls indicated he would have lost more voters with her as VP than without here. That is not Narcissistic, self centered or disrespect that is intellectual understanding of the situation. I know that Hillary had more uneducated voters than Obama but please inform yourselves of the facts before you start pointing ill founded allegations toward someone. Hillary Clinton carries more baggage with her than a 747 to Europe. That alone failed her from the vetting process.

By the way I have been reading these discussion boards for months now and the one thing that I find extremely interesting is that everyone who opposes Hilary and Pallin state that they have no problem with a women President just those women. But no one opposing Obama has stated they have no problem with a black person just that black person. The media this past week have been shedding light on the race issue. Too bad most American people are too shallow and superficial to just judge a person by who they are rather then how they appear.

[Dan]

Yeah, lets elect Obama, I want bigger government, I want forced less effective Health Care managed by the goverment (uggg), I want to pay more for goods and services when corporations and small busnesses have to pay higher taxes, I want to see jobs lost because of this same tax on those who provide the jobs... I want more and more innocent life killed because they have the "choice"... Wait, I want to wake up from this nightmare, I will never vote for the nightmare Obama will create! WAKE UP PEOPLE!

[Ruth]

Mr. Malcom who writes this article is almost in tears because Bill is not doing enough to get his guy in!! Poor Malcom. Never fear but remember if Obama becomes POTUS you will remember the years of the Clinton administration as the "good old days". Hussein wants to run the US like he did Chicago when he was a "community organizer (agitator)" You can see how well Chicago is doing. Highest murder rate during the summer in years?

McCain/Palin 2008

[k]

What the heck is Bill Clinton talking about, anyway? His comments sounded like he was endorsing John McCain all the way up until the last sentence when he said he "I think Obama will win this election."
Is he campaigning for the Dems or leading a history lecture? Talk about a luke warm endorsement. Come on Bill, go back to your convention speech! That stuff was great! We know you can rev up support when you need to. Now stop being such a drip and start campaigning for your party!

[Don Pickle]

"HIS SPEECHES ARE MEXICAN ENCHILADA...
HIS AGENDA (HIDEN) IS PRO BLACK...
THE PRIMARYDEMOCRATIC CAMPAING IS HAUNTING...
birds of the same feather fluck togetrher..."

Quoted for truth. You sir have put things so succinctly, eloquently, and used such superb capitalization that my vote has been swayed.

God bless America.

[Ken]

The Clintons, now as always, are for the Clintons and only the Clintons. I can't believe we ever believed a word either of them said. Their devisiveness and Sarah Palin's smile are going to cost the Democratic Party this election.

[REX]

A kiss from typhoid Mary. Save us!

[Delaware Vol]

It's so friggin hilarious to see once proud Clinton supporters throw Billy under the bus!!! Bill knows that #1 a Barack Obama administration would be an abject disaster... #2 he realizes how polarizing Obama is and how polarizing an Obama administration will be(if the American people go brain dead and elect this clown)... #3 He's rightfully angry that Obama played the race care against him(and against anyone else who dares get in the way of his coronation, errr I mean election)... I never voted for Bill Clinton and I would never vote for his wife---but he's right to try and derail this train before it leaves the station... Barack Obama is a bad guy and has bad intentions for America as we know it today.... We should all be scared of the possibility that this radical ascends to the top.... Let's hope the American people do the right thing and vote for real change in '08 and vote for McCain/Palin!!!!

[Eric]

Attention Hillary Voters:
Vote for Obama and you will have DESTROYED Hillary's chance at becoming President!!

Obama has already destroyed Hillary's chances for this time around. He couldn't even do her the honor of making her VP. Don't let him destroy her second chance too!

Consider this:
If you elect Obama for 2008 , Hillary CAN'T RUN IN 2012!! The incumbent always runs for their party in reelection.

Hillary will then be 69 when she gets a chance to run as democrat. Then people will call her old(like they do McCain who is 72) and she will NEVER become President.

Reagan was 69 when he got elected but he wasn't trying to break the glass ceiling at the same time.

So if you care at all about Hillary, you will VOTE AGAINST Obama this time around. Plus, you will break the glass ceiling and Hillary WILL BE THERE in 2012!!

Think about it!! It makes sense!!

If you support Hillary, YOU MUST VOTE AGAINST OBAMA!!!

[sallie]

Wow, Bill. Your party supported you through two elections and a very messy personal situation. This is your way of returning the loyalty?

Both dems and repubs kind of assumed that you would be able to rise above the in-fighting to show unity in this election. Your reputation as a leader is diminished by this kind of petty rivalry. This is sad to read your rather unusual comments today, but Obama seems to have come very far in the process without you....or even without Hillary. If you aren't more thoughtful in your comments, your rambling and obtuse opinion will become irrelevant.

And people will certainly remember this in future elections.

[AMIE cORSDIEMON]

I WOULD LIKE TO HELP EDUCATE AMERICANS THAT ARE UNDECIDED BECAUSE IF YOU ARE ALREADY BRAINWASHED IT IS PROBABLY TOO LATE.

VOTING RECORDS- (PAST PERFORMANCE NOT FUTURE PROMISES)-

ONE CANDIDATE VOTED AGAINST ALL IMPROVEMENTS FOR EDUCATION: PELL GRANTS, SECONDARY EDUCATION, UNINTENDED PREGNANCY PROGRAMS, &AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS. SAME CANDIDATE VOTED AGAINST INCREASING MINIMUM WAGE. SAME CANDIDATE VOTED AGAINST NEW ENERGY SOURCES AND INPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. KICKER- SAME PRESIDENT VOTED AGAINST IMPROVING VETERANS BENEFITS AND ACTIVE MILITARY. SAME PRESIDENT VOTED AGAINST IMPROVING MEDICARE PROGRAMS. VOTED NO FOR LIMITING LOBBYIST AND SPECIAL INTEREST INVOLEMENT. KICKER- DIDN'T VOTE FOR "WOMEN'S RIGHT FOR EQUAL PAY"- SAME ADMENDMENT INCLUDED EQUAL PAY FOR MINORITIES AND PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL DISABILITIES- CLAIMING THAT WOMEN NEED TO BE MORE EDUCATED. I GUESS THAT IS WHY HE CHOOSE HIS RUNNING MATE- HE THINKS WE ARE UNEDUCATED AND WILL VOTE FOR HIM BECAUSE OF THE GENDER OF HIS RUNNING MATE. IF HE DOESN'T VOTE FOR ME A WOMEN TO HAVE EQUAL VOTES- HE DOESN'T GET MY VOTE. OBAMA VOTED THE OPPOSITE ON ALL THESE ISSUES.

OBAMA SOUGHT OUT A RUNNING MATE TO IMPROVE HIS CANDACY. MCCAIN PICKED A RUNNING MATE TO TRY AND WIN AN ELECTION- EVEN THOUGH SHE DOEN'T MAKE UP FOR WHAT HE LACKS "FINANCIAL EXPERTISE" PALIN RECEIVED A 'D" IN ECONOMICS IN COLLEGE. THE MORAL HIGHGROUND THAT REPUBLICAN'S STAND ON IS LUDICROUS- MCCAIN IS A DIVORCED MAN- PALIN WAS PREGNANT BEFORE SHE MARRIED AND SO IS HER DAUGHTER- THIS IS NOT MAKING JUDGEMENT IT IS SIMPLY SAYING- GET OFF YOUR MORAL HIGHGROUND NO ONE IS PERFECT.