Opinion: Oh, geez, them again

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Here’s a good question and you’ll never guess who asked it: After all these years of the Clintons and all their fights, their scandals and disputes, are American voters now just plain sick of them?

Bill Clinton actually broached the issue today during another campaign appearance with his wife Hillary in Iowa.

This isn’t just an idle issue in today’s politics. A certain Democratic senator from Illinois--the one with barely two years experience in Washington--has positioned himself as the fresh face in the race for his party’s presidential nomination. Of course, fresh is another way of saying inexperienced. But it presents a helpful political contrast for Barack Obama against, say, the all-too-familiar controversial couple from Arkansas. Freshness has helped fuel Obama’s rock-star-like appearances and party-leading fundraising.

‘I know,’ Bill Clinton said today at the University of Iowa campus, ‘some people say, ‘Look at them. They’re old. They’re sort of yesterday’s news.’ ‘’

But according to The Times’ Peter Nicholas traveling with the campaign, B. Clinton had a rebuttal handy. ‘Well,’ he said slyly, ‘yesterday’s news was pretty good.’’ He talked about the jobs created during the Clinton presidency, suggesting Hillary was a partner in his administration’s success.

Then, he added, ‘We’ve sort of changed roles now.’’

On the second-day of their three-day joint swing through the Hawkeye state, the couple is being dubbed ‘Billary.’ The ex-president thankfully shucked that glaring yellow shirt that dominated Monday night’s opening event in Des Moines in favor of a simple black shirt, black belt and navy blue pants. Then B. Clinton, the 42nd president, introduced H. Clinton as ‘the next president of the United States.’’ Which would be No. 44.

Taking the microphone, Sen. Clinton said: ‘What can I say about the 42nd president of the United States?’’ She didn’t answer the question.

But you can. Go here to Nicholas’ latest story and vote on whether the Traveling Clintons will get your support.

--Andrew Malcolm