Political Punch
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper

« Previous | Main | Next »

The Bill Factor

January 10, 2008 11:26 AM

On CNN's Inside Edition Tuesday, former Bill Clinton/Al Gore senior strategist Donna Brazile expressed some disappointment at the comments the former President made about Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, at Dartmouth College the other day.

Read more about those comments HERE and read the whole CNN interview with Brazile HERE.

Back on Tuesday -- when everyone thought Clinton was about to lose New Hampshire (including, obviously, the Clintons) -- Brazile said that Bill Clinton "shouldn't take out all his pain on Barack Obama... It sounds like sour grapes coming from the former commander in chief, someone that many Democrats hold in high esteem. For him to go after Obama, using 'fairy tale', calling him a 'kid,' as he did last week, it's an insult. And I tell you, as an African- American, I find his words and his tone to be very depressing."

Appearing on CNN alongside conservative commentator Bill Bennett, Brazile said "If Bill Bennett had said some of the things Bill Clinton is saying about Barack Obama, I would have called Bill Bennett out of his name and said that Bill Bennett should shut his mouth, because he is -- is -- is not speaking in the right tone. I think his tone. I think calling Barack Obama a kid. He is a United States senator. He's experienced. The people of Illinois elected him. And, regardless of what kind of items are on his resume, this is a man who has worked all his life. He's proven -- he's been a college professor."

"I don't have to give Barack Obama's resume. I'm not for anyone at this point. But I think, for Bill Clinton to go out of his way to become a distraction to Hillary Clinton and to launch the kind of attacks on Obama, it's just out of character for Bill Clinton. I think it's time that he helps Hillary talk about her message and not go down this road."

Writes a reader to AndrewSullivan.com:

"I won't soon forget the sight of Bill Clinton - after all, still the titular head of the party - savagely attacking Obama's integrity at Dartmouth. Can anyone imagine, say, Harry Truman in 1960 traveling to West Virginia to deliver such a blast against John Kennedy? Or Lyndon Johnson in 1972 visiting New Hampshire to issue such a deeply personal, highly public condemnation of George McGovern? And yet virtually no one in the party suggested that he might have behaved inappropriately.

"I'm a lifelong Democrat who has never voted Republican for any office in my life. But in a McCain-Clinton contest, I'd vote for McCain. Though I disagree with him on many issues, at least he has integrity."

What do you think? Did you see racial overtones in what Clinton said? (For the record, I did not. But I am as white as the day is long.) Do you think the former president has damaged his credibility or behaved in a manner unbecoming a former president?

-- jpt

January 10, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (31)

User Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

This just shows that Billary will say and do anything to win. How old was he and what experience did he have before becoming president? To call Senator Obama a kid was condescending and outright disrespectful. Who knows what other absurdities are raging in his tortured subconscious mind. Anybody but them, i beg you America.

Posted by: Frenchfroggy | Jan 12, 2008 12:10:19 AM

It was scary watching Mr. Clinton Foam at the mouth. It seems that he won New Hamsphire and not Hillary. Someone said let Obama defend himself. I say let Hillary run for president Bill. If she can't handle the heat and breaks down and cries then get out the kitchen. If she was a man and was being bashed and cried women around the world would thing she was a weak man. But since it's a women we give her New Hampshire.

Posted by: Sally | Jan 11, 2008 4:42:44 PM

It seems his speech against Obama was somewhat incoherent, but Obama and the Media have been many-times more offensive ... Just in their whole treatment of Hillary. There has been NO respect for her, in too many cases. Bill could be more careful though, as Hillary would be and is. Don't let Bill's actions cloud your view regarding Hillary. She's behaved with the perfect sense through it all! If not, she would have been consumed by all of Obama's and the media's put downs and insults. And as for the arguement that Hillary's first lady years don't give her "experience" nor "credits," she was greatly active in the presidential actions. A case in point, she came out with her own Children's Healthcare bill on behalf of the white house. And she's always been unusally active in governing, with Bill. She has alot more experience and skill than you might think.

Posted by: PeaceOnEarth | Jan 11, 2008 3:18:32 PM

Young Clinton and Bush partied like normal people to get laid and have a good time. Obama did his blow,pot, and booze to blur his mind and escape from reality. BIG Difference.

Posted by: geevill | Jan 11, 2008 10:31:34 AM

Spock: You have descibed Hillary
Clinton,no substance,no integrity,
No Experience(Zilch)1
Also no morals, and no Class!

Posted by: reaganfan | Jan 11, 2008 12:05:00 AM

Let's see, Bill Clinton can have marijuana and not inhale, right? Even GW did coke in his day, before he found Jesus.

Posted by: Huckabuzz | Jan 10, 2008 10:23:04 PM

SAB,

Former President Clinton was calling out Senator Obama for telling lies about his record and Hillary Clinton's record. Bill Clinton was not denigrating Mr. Obama's life or desires but rather the false claims (i.e. "fairy tales") being told. Let Mr. Obama answer for himself and also discuss his past extensive drug use which I find VERY disturbing.

Posted by: American | Jan 10, 2008 10:06:28 PM

"To the American of American descent"
For the record, I understand that the names you mentioned are entertainers who as others are supporting their choices! I am not opposed to you expressing yourself as you have never been President of our nation. My purpose
in attempting to answer you is that President Clinton is also a human being as is Obama and a leader and statesman
does not denigrate another human for
reaching for his/her dream.Move beyond
a mind set that wishes to return to an
era in this nation that did not fully re
cognize African-Americans as being worthy or capable of intelligent thought
or actions to represent our nation. My
grandchildren could very much enlighten
you and any others who would question the seriousness and determination of some African Americans.President Clinton does not need to apologize to me
as we are not telephone buddies. I remain committed to the struggle of equality and justice as do many other Americans. Continued peace to you and
all others who must share our Planet!

Posted by: SAB | Jan 10, 2008 8:29:16 PM

AND for all the talk of change, to hit reverse and re-elect Clinton (yes, it will be Bill coming in to clean up after her like he did with Obama).

Posted by: Huckabuzz | Jan 10, 2008 5:28:18 PM

Reality check people... Mrs. Clinton's only ever been elected to the senate, so how does she differ from Obama? Since when does sleeping with the boss equate to quantifiable experience. Go ahead, you libs, elect Clinton. We will savor thumping her in November.

Posted by: Huckabuzz | Jan 10, 2008 5:24:42 PM

If Obama cant handle being called a fairy tale kid then he need's to grow up! I'M sure he'll probaly be called worse thing's before this election is over. and actually I heard the things Bill Clinton was saying but I never thought anything about It.This Is so childish.. Why even does the news reporters focus on stupid stuff like this..sounds like they are trying to instigate something.

Posted by: Jeanette | Jan 10, 2008 4:16:45 PM

SAB,

You have no problem when Oprah, Smith, Chris Rock, and Mrs. Obama endorse your candidate. Mr. Clinton has every right to support his wife. Bill Clinton need not apologize to anyone especially you.

Posted by: American of American Decent | Jan 10, 2008 4:09:50 PM

What if the pollsters and news orgs didn't get the NH vote wrong? Odd that the paper ballots in NH have Obama ahead, but the Diebold machines end up with Hilary winning. Odd that in some towns votes were completely not reported (Sutton left out 13 votes for Ron Paul.)

Something is fishy in NH. This is the real story that needs investigating. For more details go to BlackBoxVoting.org and see what onsite observers are reporting on Tuesday the NH primary.

Posted by: Mark H | Jan 10, 2008 4:07:54 PM

What's the problem? There is none that many of the writers reveal that matter to them! Let me an American of African descent remind them that Dr. Martin Luther King's dream was not a fantasy nor was it hurled to disrespect anyone! I believe the comment to former President William Jefferson is simply this, We have no permanent enemies, no permanent friends, just permanent interests as it relates to freedom, equality and the pursiut of life,liberty and justice! Thank you Donna and all others who understand that Leadership requires leaders who are more than just dedicated to the moment.As for the President,he should telephone his many African-American friends and apologize to them, their children, grandchildren and the many Americans of all cultures that being educated does not excuse anyone from slandering anyones' dream!For the record Mr. President,You are "too heavy to carry" anyway. Peace to all and do not allow the great racial divide make you lose your way. This American will continue to stand tall and proud with dignity in her heart and freedom on her mind! God Bless America!

Posted by: SAB | Jan 10, 2008 3:41:19 PM

American's have every right to scrutinize Obama's thin resume. Further, they should be allowed to exercise this right without being called racist.

Posted by: JoeCHI | Jan 10, 2008 3:00:32 PM

why do people back up obama with him as our president we will be ina bigger mess than we are in now.He has no resolutions for anything,at least Hilary has ideas and the experience and she speaks for all the people not just for the rich.As far a Bill goes why are people questioning him he is not running for president.

Posted by: marvin | Jan 10, 2008 2:50:15 PM

Spock, I concur! We conservatives are always there to defend Freedom of Speech, even if we disagree with the speech. Which, as you correctly point out, is not the case with Liberals.

Posted by: James Danley | Jan 10, 2008 2:21:19 PM

So what is it anytime some one criticizes a Candidate it is wrong - Funny Libs think that way since they insult our President all the time! The Freedom of Speech but only if you speak what the libs say to.

We need to question Obama more, no more free rides from the media especially NBC!!

Posted by: spock | Jan 10, 2008 1:28:13 PM

Hey For once Bill told the truth. Obama is a Fairy tail - there is no substance, no integrity and no Experience on Obama's side.

He was not racist in what he said nor was it wrong.

Obama is sour grapes, how many times has his wife talked.

this is a first in history that a former Presidents wife is running, so you got to look at it as her husband speaking up not a Previous President.

But now I have to go get sick because I am defending Bill and a Democrat!!

Posted by: spock | Jan 10, 2008 1:25:27 PM

Jake, you wrote: "Do you think the former president has damaged his credibility or behaved in a manner unbecoming a former president?" I think the real question is should Sen. Clinton become President of the United States, will Bill be making these kind of statements every time the press or world leaders criticize his wife???

Posted by: James Danley | Jan 10, 2008 1:04:40 PM

Post a comment





 

POLITICAL VIDEOS