Bill Clinton unsurprised by Obama?: The Swamp
 
The Swamp
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Posted April 6, 2008 9:15 AM
The Swamp

Andrew Zajac

Last week's discussion about Secret Service protection which culminated in the 'Is-he-crazy?' realization that Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain didn't have it (He now says he'll get it.) was actually part of a House budget hearing on the financial needs of the protective agency which is grappling with its longest presidential campaign. For which it has Barack Obama to thank.

The Secret Service's visible involvement in the 2008 campaign began in May 2007 when it began guarding the Illinois Democrat. It was the Service's earliest involvement in a White House contest.

The early protection for Obama is a reminder of how quickly he evolved (exploded?) from a much talked about phenom to established contender. Yes, a good deal of the reason for the quick turn to the Secret Service involved concern that Obama might face particular peril because he is black. But Obama also darted to center stage in a way that few expected.

One careful observer who might not have been surprised at Obama's ascent is Bill Clinton, himself a brilliant practioner of the political game.

Clinton mentioned Obama only in passing in David Remnick's long and insightful September 2006 profile of the ex-president, but what he said seemed to suggest he'd already looked the Illinoisan over carefully.

Clinton, according to Remnick, 'thinks (Obama) has the intelligence and the toughness necessary to be President...'

But, said Clinton, Obama has to be careful about running too soon—“like John Edwards.”

The implied counsel to wait doesn't seem like it comes from personal experience.

Clinton had been governor of Arkansas for 12 years and thus somewhat more seasoned than Obama, when he first ran, in 1992. But he was only 46, a year younger than Obama will be on election day.

Of course, you couldn't blame Clinton for thinking that maybe Obama should bide his time since Hillary Clinton was lining up her own presidential bid at the time of the interview.

Later in the profile, Bill Clinton seems to want to neutralize one of the bigger advantages Obama would have against Hillary Clinton, at least among Democratic voters, his opposition to and vote against the Iraq war.

Clinton, Remnick writes, was infuriated at "the way the Democrats were beating each other up about the past (in other words: Hillary’s 2002 Senate vote authorizing the President to use force in Iraq) rather than forming a coherent alternative to the White House’s stay-the-course rhetoric. “This deal with Iraq makes me want to throw up,” he said. “I’m sick and tired of being told that if you voted for authorization you voted for the war. It was a mistake, and I would have made it, too. And Congress made it once before, at the Gulf of Tonkin resolution.” The blame was with the White House: “The Administration did not shoot straight on the nuclear issue or on Saddam’s supposed ties to Al Qaeda prior to 9/11.”

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Comments

Being Gov of Arkansas is like being a Manager at Walmart - what great experience did Bill really have? The Billary machine is all about the power grab and they've sold it to a very gullible middle America. $109 million!!? - yeah they really relate to Joe Average.

See through it, Think it through - if not, Chelsea in 2016 and Jenna Bush in 2024 -

No to 2 families running this country


Bill makes me seek. All Bilary does is appeal to stupid people.


Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton, till when - wake up America!


After the Lies that Bill told us while even still in office, if I was him I would be too embarrassed to promote his wife?

Hillary as far as lies is so similar, the real being is they are not in it for The People and Service, it is for pure selfish financial and vanity reasons.


Yeah Lori
On the other hand you have a very intelligent comment. Are you saying that you, being a genius, are not fooled and support Obama?


Bill Clinton is a brilliant poltician. I think he probbly had a real understanding of Barack Obama's ambition, but like people who did not take Lenin and Hitler seriously, Clinton ;"overestimated the intelligence" of the American people.

He did not forsee how important the race factor would become in the 2008 election. I don't think MCCain does either, and it is almost too late to reveal the truth about Barack Obama.

If Hillary doesn't stop Obama, nobody will.


I like how Bill cited Tonkin Gulf as precedent to be followed, not a lesson to be learned.


There is only one thing for sure..... When you think that the Clintons have exhausted every possible reason for returning to the White House, they find another one. Hillary is now using nostalgia to try and get votes. When was the last episode of Happy Days ? Most of Obama's voter's nostalgia is what was happening last week. If you really think that this election will be decided by nostalgic little old folks, Think again. Obama who was not even known less than a year ago was able to use the internet to connect with millions of young people who do not even have a TV set. We have not even scratched the surface of where this new political landscape is heading.


Bill would be singing a different tune about the analysis and judgment displayed by those who opposed the authorization of the Iraq War had his wife had the political courage to do so.

He is right about the fact that Obama has the intelligence and toughness to be president.


Bill would be singing a different tune about the analysis and judgment displayed by those who opposed the authorization of the Iraq War had his wife had the political courage to do so.

He is right about the fact that Obama has the intelligence and toughness to be president.


Obama's wife has made it clear that she works for the black community. The hate spewed bu the Rev Wright for 20 years that Obama "never" heard makesObama a poor candidate


Since this is about the Clintons, it's about time to note that the apple doesn't fall from the tree in Chelsea's case. Stanford can't seem to find her 150-page thesis on Northern Ireland. I bet it shows up on the corner of someone's desk two days after the statute of limitations expires.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/130612


I am seriously frightened of the prospect of Chelsea Clinton running for President and the wealthy clinton machine attacks everyone to "Stay Back! Wait yer TURN! Move along to the back of the bus ya'll because a Clinton deserves it more than anyone!"
Seriously I am tired of their King and Queen and Princess act.


Hillary knows that the media is infested by lobbyists but Obama is naive and doesn't know that the only reason McCain get a free ride on CNN is because half of CNN staff are lobbyist including Wolf Blitzer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xatMfqa_C0 ,only Hillary can face these powerful and very influential people!


“This deal with Iraq makes me want to throw up. I’m sick and tired of being told that if you voted for authorization you voted for the war. It was a mistake, and I would have made it, too."
We knew you'll, but how come Obama didn't make that mistake Bill?
I don't know why people surprised when Hillary lied? Are we should be used to it by now? From Bill wagging finger to Hillary misspoke I think we see it all.


Clintons are lier. They will lie and mock when get cought . Shameless pair of power monger. And greedy too. $109 million does not make them happy. They want more. America please wake up. When they talk about poor people, working people, they just mock . That is not their tone. Inside their mine they have their own selfish agenda. It's a game plan to Rule America by Bush Sr.->Bill->Bill->Bush Jr.->Bush Jr.->Hillary->Hillary->Jenna Bush->Jenna Bush->Chelse->Chelse->on...on...on...and on. That's why Bush endorsed Clinton.


As a Marine Corps Veteran that served for 10 years, I have a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for John McCain's service to our country. It is with disappointment that I would cast a vote against a fellow veteran that I personally consider to be an American hero. However, I am convinced that electing him would further divide a country that very much needs to coalesce. I have no doubt that many Americans will view his vote against the MLK holiday as unforgivable. Additionally, he has made off-beat comments about “Guatemalans” during his bid for the GOP nomination. It’s unfortunate that regardless of whether or not McCain has any underlying biases, there will be a wide perception that he does. To be sure, both candidates would have capable, intelligent people around them as President. It is undeniable that no one man is capable of running this country alone. Given these facts, ideally, and perhaps more than anything else, we need a President that will represent all Americans, both in reality and in perception. Notwithstanding my military ties, I honestly believe Obama comes closer to that ideal.


Hillary condemns Obama for his words--"Just words." But Bill's speeches have given the Clinton Dynasty over 50 million dollars, many of those millions from fat cat corporations whose lobbyists give Hillary's campaign megabucks in exchange for her ear. Hillary's books make her multimillions--just words? Bill is paid multimillions for "advice" to companies with shady business practices that the Feds are investigating. The Clintons' millions for "charity" go to the Clinton Family Foundation, an obvious tax-dodge that also allows them to use some of that to influence superdelegates. Their tax returns show us a model of one hand greasing the other. Hillary can lie about identifying with blue-collar women, but she pays her housecleaners over $40,000 each year, more than blue-collar women earn a year. The Clintons made 109 million dollars in seven years. And she has the audacity to ask blue-collar women to send their few hard-earned dollars to her campaign. The audacity of being shame-less!


RPhillips,
You are just so fascinated by the "race factor" and you want to peddle it like some illicit pornography. Could it be that you do not believe that Obama is 50% black, 37% English and about 13% Irish? Every 10-year old primary school age boy or girl can tell with clarity that Obama has a mixed racial or ethnic background. But, you tell us, is it profound psychosis on your part or is it just deep stupidity that prevents you from understanding simple things? Tell us again, what has race to do with the fact that a rookie senator (who has check-mated a more senior one who claims to be qualified and more experienced) with a very clear message, who knows how to communicate his message, campaigns extraordinarily well, projects to the people that they too can start a neighborhood, take charge grassroots efforts and has an open invitation to all to participate? The fact is your candidate, Clinton, ran and continues to run on a fraudulent and hyped experience using throw-the-mud-and-kitchen-sink strategy while Obama ran even as he acknowledged his limited experience (the urgency of now and don't boil and stew all the hope out of me ...) on change. The people have responded accordingly and Clinton will be defeated. See you at the nomination ceremonies.


Family Obama made 1 million dollars last year. And that relates to your average Joe How???? Because as far as I know a $960,000 difference in average salaries is BIG. Try feeding four on a $40,000 salary and then try feeding 4 on a 1 million dollar salary. Wake up! Obama is rich, Clinton is richer. So what? Isn't that what the American dream is about? Rags to riches. Both did it. Good for them both.


If Bill and Hilary care so deeply about the country, why did she not run in 2004? If she felt betrayed by Bush administration the way the war was going into the wrong direction, then, she should have run. Regardless of the outcome, we all would have believed your sincerity and appreciated your courage. But you didn't.


Everytime I get on one of these blogs, I see a comment about Rev. Wright. I wish before people listened to the media hype they would figure out the media is not providing the truth. If you want to know what Wright really said, go listen to the complete sermons. The 9/11 sermon "The Day Jerusalem Fell" wherein Rev. Wright QUOTED former Amb. to Iraq Richard Peck's statement on Fox News the day before who said America's "chickens have come home to roost" was just that a QUOTE. He went on to say in the sermon that after the tragedy of 9/11 that people were on the precipace of hate begetting hate, violence begetting violence and revenge begetting revenge and innocent people would die. Sound pretty prophectic to me. The other sermon "Governments Are Not God" referenced that sometimes government are good and sometimes they are bad, but none of them are God, who is always good and that, like Rome, when governments are bad, God damns them, and at this time our government is not good and God would damn it, but in the past as in the future our government will be good and when it is then God would not damn it. Read, listen, think, learn. Don't rely on the media to tell "the rest of the story." Remember, they are owned by "rich white men" and all they care about is keeping their money and taking yours.


The hate from Obama supporters continues to puzzle me. Is that what the Obama campaign has, at the end of the day? This blog post is about Bill Clinton's generally decent political instincts recognizing early on that Obama would be a phenom. So he wants his wife to take the Presidency first - big deal! Why shouldn't he want to support his spouse? The more hate I see from Obama supporters, the more I really have to question the candidate himself who can generate such vitriol.


Bemused,
I know what you mean but I don't think we should judge the candidate himself on what his supporters are saying. They have their own minds and he sticks to and stands clear with his message.


YOU MIGHT BE AN IDIOT:-)

If you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience can fix an economy on the verge of collapse better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) led the greatest economic expansion, and prosperity in American history.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience fighting for universal health care can get it for you better than Hillary Clinton. Who anticipated this current health care crisis back in 1993, and fought a pitched battle against overwhelming odds to get universal health care for all the American people.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience can manage, and get us out of two wars better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) went to war only when he was convinced that he absolutely had to. Then completed the mission in record time against a nuclear power. AND DID NOT LOSE THE LIFE OF A SINGLE AMERICAN SOLDIER. NOT ONE!

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience saving the environment is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) left office with the greatest amount of environmental cleanup, and protections in American history.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with little or no education experience is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) made higher education affordable for every American. And created higher job demand and starting salary’s than they had ever been before or since.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that Obama with no experience will be better than Hillary Clinton who spent 8 years at the right hand of President Bill Clinton. Who is already on record as one of the greatest Presidents in American history.

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think that you can change the way Washington works with pretty speeches from Obama, rather than with the experience, and political expertise of two master politicians ON YOUR SIDE like Hillary and Bill Clinton..

You Might Be An Idiot!

If you think all those Republicans voting for Obama in the Democratic primaries, and caucuses are doing so because they think he is a stronger Democratic candidate than Hillary Clinton. :-)

Best regards

jacksmith...

p.s. You Might Be An Idiot!

If you don't know that the huge amounts of money funding the Obama campaign to defeat Hillary Clinton is coming in from the insurance, and medical industry, that has been ripping you off, and killing you and your children. And denying you, and your loved ones the life saving medical care you needed. All just so they can make more huge immoral profits for them-selves off of your suffering...


DON'T BE DUPED !!!

Large numbers of Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses from early on. Because they feel he would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. And because they feel that a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket would be unbeatable. And also because with a Clinton and Obama ticket you are almost 100% certain to get quality, affordable universal health care very soon.

But first, all of you have to make certain that Hillary Clinton takes the democratic nomination and then the Whitehouse. NOW! is the time. THIS! is the moment you have all been working, and waiting for. You can do this America. “Carpe diem” (harvest the day).

I think Hillary Clinton see’s a beautiful world of plenty for all. She is a woman, and a mother. And it’s time America. Do this for your-selves, and your children’s future. You will have to work together on this and be aggressive, relentless, and creative. Americans face an even worse catastrophe ahead than the one you are living through now.

You see, the medical and insurance industry mostly support the republicans with the money they ripped off from you. And they don’t want you to have quality, affordable universal health care. They want to be able to continue to rip you off, and kill you and your children by continuing to deny you life saving medical care that you have already paid for. So they can continue to make more immoral profits for them-selves.

Hillary Clinton has actually won by much larger margins than the vote totals showed. And lost by much smaller vote margins than the vote totals showed. Her delegate count is actually much higher than it shows. And higher than Obama’s. She also leads in the electoral college numbers that you must win to become President in the November national election. HILLARY CLINTON IS ALREADY THE TRUE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE!

As much as 30% of Obama's primary, and caucus votes are Republicans trying to choose the weakest democratic candidate for McCain to run against. These Republicans have been gaming the caucuses where it is easier to vote cheat. This is why Obama has not been able to win the BIG! states primaries. Even with Republican vote cheating help.

Hillary Clinton has been OUT MANNED! OUT GUNNED! and OUT SPENT! 4 and 5 to 1. Yet Obama has only been able to manage a very tenuous, and questionable tie with Hillary Clinton.

If Obama is the democratic nominee for the national election in November he will be slaughtered. Because the Republican vote cheating help will suddenly evaporate. All of this vote fraud and republican manipulation has made Obama falsely look like a much stronger candidate than he really is. YOUNG PEOPLE. DON’T BE DUPED! Think about it. You have the most to lose.

The democratic party needs to fix this outrage. I suggest a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket. Everyone needs to throw all your support to Hillary Clinton NOW! So you can end this outrage against YOU the voter, and against democracy.

I think Barack Obama has a once in a life time chance to make the ultimate historic gesture for unity, and change in America by accepting Hillary Clinton’s offer as running mate. Such an act now would for ever seal Barack Obama’s place at the top of the list of Americas all time great leaders, and unifiers for all of history.

The democratic party, and the super-delegates have a decision to make. Are the democrats, and the democratic party going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee to fight for the American people. Or are the republicans going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee through vote fraud, and gaming the DEMOCRATIC party primaries, and caucuses.

Fortunately the Clinton’s have been able to hold on against this fraudulent outrage with those repeated dramatic comebacks of Hillary Clinton’s. Only the Clinton’s are that resourceful, and strong. Hillary Clinton is your NOMINEE. They are the best I have ever seen.

“This is not a game” (Hillary Clinton)

Sincerely

jacksmith...


there is a simple answer to this:
See how Obama run his campaign and compare it with Hillary.

Who do you trust? Of course Obama.


JACKSMITH, Hillary is the President of the liars club. Are you a member? You are really good a stretching the truth.


If only the media were more objective in their reporting- without the hype and the slants- voters would have focused more on the important issues that help shape America’s economy and future. HILLARY CLINTON would have undoubtedly clinched the Democratic nomination by now.

Despite the unfriendly press and being outspent by her opponent, HILLARY CLINTON has managed to stay close in the race. That goes to prove that nobody can put a good (wo)man down

Choose wisely, America. Vote for HILLARY CLINTON!


GO AWAY JACKSMITH. Show some smarts and get some new material. You've been pasting that comment for weeks everywhere.


Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton, till when - wake up America!

Posted by: DeltaJuliet | April 6, 2008 10:26 AM

You left out Jeb.

Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton-JEB

p.s Jacksmith your cr%p is getting old. Try ideas.


Wow!!! 109 million dollars in six years. 80 million for speeches? No wonder Billy is having meltdowns. If Hillary loses, the value of his Cash Cow tanks worse than the DOW.

We all know that ex presidents get big bucks for speeches, but William Jefferson Clinton has taken it to new heights. How did he do it? Very simply:

“”Hey mister widget maker. Would you like your applications to sell super gizmos in Bizzerkostan to go to the head of the pile? Or maybe you need a trade exemption for shady labor practices in East Put-women-in-bagsistan ? No problem. You see I have this Cash Cow that is going to be president in 2009. I can fix you right up. What do I want you ask? Oh, well, not much. However, I do looooove giving speeches, and if you would pay me for a little speech to your friends, that’s all I ask. How much? Oh, a pittance of the value of my Cash Cow to your cause. Let’s say a hundred grand (gagging sounds). Oh would you please excuse me? I have to prepare for a call from the other Gizmo maker, “I Try Harder, Inc”. Oh really, the hundred grand is no problem, and you would love to throw in a guest round of golf at your club? Oh by the way, did you hear that the Lincoln bedroom is open for bookings in 2009? Can I put you down for a weekend? Great!!! What’s that? Oh don’t worry about the cost. A pittance, TRUST me. As Rick once said, Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. ””

No wonder Billy and his friend Jimmy Carvel are upset. Their gravy train is about to be derailed. This is the kind of backroom deal making that Barack is trying to change. Clearly the Clintons have been not just participating, but honing the art.

It’s time the average citizen, like you and I, had someone looking after our interests. Well we do. We just need to get him into the Oval Office.


The mistake was in believing
GW's judgment.

Didn't the Clintons say just a couple of years earlier that GW was inexperienced? And yet they give him the authority to go to war?

Yes, it was post-9/11, but you can't just vote on emotion. You have to go with instinct. And HIllary's instinct has been poor from DAY ONE.


Bill Clinton balanced the budget and left a surplus in trillions. With Obama it is hope and Judgement or change what ever that might mean, and with Mccain it is eight more years of Bush. Young people have blinders on their corneas. They don't read about history. They believe what is promoted in the media (lies). You people haven't tasted the greatest time in our history when people didn't have to worry about money or foreclosures or education (it was a time when Bill Clinton was in the White House). There was a sense of security that will nnever happen, if Obama is the nominee. It will be Mccain in that White House. Nobody is against Obama. He can run in the next few years when the democrates are already in the white house and control the media. It would be hard for the republicans to play divide and conquer.


No big deal. Nobody's going to change anyone's mind until the convention. Had Hillary been a strong candidate, Barack Obama would be an "also ran." The primary is over, except, of course, for us hillbillies.... Nothing left but to complete the arrow by Obama's name on the scantron sheet. Can only hope that the machines report faithfully. At least, there is a piece of paper for an audit.


No big deal. Nobody's going to change anyone's mind until the convention. Had Hillary been a strong candidate, Barack Obama would be an "also ran." The primary is over, except, of course, for us hillbillies.... Nothing left but to complete the arrow by Obama's name on the scantron sheet. Can only hope that the machines report faithfully. At least, there is a piece of paper for an audit.


...And the number of the day is "109 Million!"

"109 Million!"......Wow!

All this time you thought the Clintons were serving America but all along it was America who was serving the Clintons!

Greedy boomers!


Jacksmith try posting an actual thought. p.s. I guess your the last one to figure out that Obama is going to be the democratic candidate and very likely the person who will clean up Bush and Cheney's mess.


Bill Clinton is correct on this: Senator Obama indeed has the intelligence and toughness to be President of the United States of America. And with that intelligence & toughness, he brings good character, integrity, honesty, wisdom, vision, superb leadership and managerial skills, superb financial acumen, inspiration, and motivation, and the unique ability to bring people together working toward a common cause. He will make a great President, a President we can and will be proud very proud of.


Young people have blinders on their corneas. They don't read about history. They believe what is promoted in the media (lies). Posted by: Mildred | April 6, 2008 11:12 PM


I love when old people have the nerve to tell young folks their stupid. Lady you seem to be a bit of a slow study yourself. Enjoy that glass house. Obama 2008


Making 109 million dollars in just 8 years and Hillary often talks about fighting for working (sic) people?

What a joke?

Phony Hillary is a nuance in the campaign. She is a scumbag, pathological liar, phony resume, unfit for the office.

All Hillary wants is: to make more money and build her own dynasty.

Princess Chelsea for president 2022, ready to vote?

Queen Monica for President 2016, ready to vote?

I am!

This is Clinton Dynasty!!


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