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Bill Clinton Promises No Matter the Outcome, His Family Will Stand Behind the Nominee

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May 11, 2008 10:54 AM

ABC News' Sarah Amos reports: Speaking on behalf of his wife at the annual Truman Dinner in Billings, Mont., Saturday, former President Bill Clinton assured the crowd that no matter the outcome of the Democratic nomination, his family and Hillary's supporters would firmly stand behind the party's nominee. 

"I also wanna say, on instructions, I've been a Democrat all my life," he said. "And I've been working in these campaigns since I was a young man. I remember what it was like in 1980, when the people who didn't win tore our party up. And I'm here to tell ya that however these last states come out, my candidates, our family and our supporters will be here to get a victory in November for the Democrats. It is too important. We've got to turn this country around. And we will do it."

The crowd rose in a standing ovation at the sentiment.

It was a different and much more party-focused tone than Clinton has been using on the trail since last Tuesday's primaries in Indiana and North Carolina.  Clinton seemed very happy to be in Montana, meeting with local tribal leaders before his remarks, and sharing stories with the crowd about the last time he rode a horse in  Billings. 

Clinton, who was the final speaker at Montana Democratic Party's dinner tonight, spent just under an hour talking to the crowd about the usual array of issues he addresses while campaigning for Hillary.  At the beginning of his speech, Clinton also joked with the crowd that this was the "darndest election I was ever in in my life."

Since the room was full of Democrats -- what few there are in Montana -- Clinton went on to use the moment to poke a little fun at the Republicans, saying, "We have gotten more votes, gotten more money raised, gotten more people involved of all ages in this primary than anything I have ever seen. And I think that part of the reason, really, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the president and his allies in Congress for that. Because, you know, these guys were saying all these crazy things for decades, but the Democrats were always there to backstop them and keep 'em for just putting 'em off the edge until 2001 -- when for the first time after listening to this for decades they actually got to see what it would be like if the Republicans were in control of both the White House and both houses of the Congress. And low and behold, they actually meant what they were saying all those years. And they just drove the truck off the cliff."

While Clinton may have been the biggest name on the bill, Sen. Barack Obama had an equally passionate surrogate speak on his behalf. Gov. David Freudenthal of Wyoming urged the crowd to vote for Obama in their upcoming primary because he was the candidate who was there before anyone thought that part of the country would matter.

"He and his people were in this region before it mattered because it mattered to them and it mattered to his campaign, Freudenthal said. "If it mattered to him to be here before our votes counted, then we should make sure that when you have your primary that your votes are there to be counted for Barack Obama."

Many in the risers cheered, stomped their feet and waved Obama signs. 

Freudenthal also gave credit to Sen. Hillary Clinton, saying nothing should be taken away from her in this campaign.  Yet he also took a subtle dig at the way some people have courted superdelegates, like himself, during the course of this campaign season.

"I also believe that the tone of the campaign makes a difference. As a superdelegate, I am approached by one campaign saying, 'You owe this to the past. You have an obligation. You have an obligation.' What I really have is not an obligation to the past, but the right to invest my vote in the future of America. This country cannot define what happens in 2009 by a romanticized version of what happened in the 1990's. This country has to wrestle with an incredibly difficult challenges. We have to end the gridlock in Washington. We have to look forward, and we have to make the difference."

May 11, 2008 in Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (54)

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If Obama does win the nominee, I hope he does the right thing and invites Hillary to be the VP. It was so sad and humiliating to hear Dodd say on Meet the Press that this is not going to happen. If Obama is a uniter why is he not embracing Clinton? Bernstein of CNN says it's because of Obama and Michelle. I don't understand this choice when it's the will of so many democrats to see Hillary as the nominee. To unite the party, create a united ticket!

Posted by: rafraf | May 11, 2008 11:06:34 AM

Obama cant win the general election. I love Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Posted by: LA in Indiana | May 11, 2008 11:14:08 AM

James Carville was right. Richardson is a Judas.

Posted by: LA in Indiana | May 11, 2008 11:21:09 AM

Short and simple: we can win if people put there differences and prejudices aside.

Posted by: campbell | May 11, 2008 11:34:38 AM

What do you all do if Obama picks Rendell?

Do you still say Rendell is a traitor and you vote out of bitterness.

Rendell the biggest Hillary supporter outside Bill... do you say he has no value... do you switch on everything out of anger and inability to see you have been voting on the person and her cult of personality and not the issues and what we need for the country.

Posted by: dl | May 11, 2008 11:38:03 AM

I hope for the sake of our country that Bill and Hillary keep their promise to help elect Obama. We have a war the has kill 500,000 innocent people and over 4.000 of our military, the war is killing our country.

The subprime housing loans that are causing serious damage to our economy resulted from Republicans reducing regulations on big businesses. We are all paying for the bailout of Bear Stearns. The CEO of Bear Stearns sold his stock right before the crash and walked away will millions.

Do a Google on McCain's finance advisor Phil Gramm and his wife Wendy Gramm. They are directly responsible for the crash of Enron and the current housing loan problems.

There are 6 supreme court judges that could retire.

Democrats need to put aside our differences unless you want Wall Street to be the continued winner of the Republicans.

Posted by: Linda | May 11, 2008 11:39:51 AM

Rendell promised while he was campaigning for Hillary before the PA primary that he would campaign just as hard for Obama if he won the nomination.

Politicians like Rendell do not let emotions for a candidate keep them from doing what is best for the Democratic Party.

Posted by: Jim | May 11, 2008 11:48:49 AM

WOW! Hillary says that she would support McCain if she looses and Bill says he will stand behind the party nominee. Bill Clinton has done good for our country and its time that Hillary do the same thing. SUPPORT OBAMA, NOT McCAIN. If McCain is any good, he would win republican nomonation 8 years ago. On top of all other things, he is standing with Bush on TAXES, GAS, HEALTH CARE AND RICH PEOPLE TAX. Same crap. VOTE OBAMA AMERICA, WE NEED PEACE IN THE WORLD AND HERE AND HE CAN BRING IT FOR US. WITH PEACE WE WILL HAVE WEALTH.

Posted by: BOBSTER | May 11, 2008 11:51:38 AM

I agree Sen. Claire McCaskill would be a great choice. She is a moderate Democrat that votes on issues rather than always by party line. Claire is also tough from her years as a prosecuter and Missouri state auditor. She has been called Harry Truman in a skirt.

Claire is also "folksy" and will help Obama win more of the working class and senior vote in MO.

Posted by: Kate | May 11, 2008 11:57:47 AM

Whoever just posted posing as me is a fake. I'm an Obama supporter and always have been. Funny how these guerilla style blogging tactics are all that Clinton supporters have left.

You guys just don't get it do you? Hillary lost to Senator Barack Obama. Keep saying it to yourself until it sinks in.

And for all of you fortune tellers who predict Obama will lose to McCain, I remember you guys were the same ones who "predicted" that Obama would lose to Hillary. You might want to look into a new line of work, since predicting the future doesn't seem to be your cup of tea.

Posted by: The Commander Guy | May 11, 2008 12:06:45 PM

Hmm...that sounds kind of hot. Let's you and me check out an Obama rally and them come back and (Ba)rock each other's votes.

Yummy.

Posted by: The Commander Gal | May 11, 2008 12:10:10 PM

Hillary supporters, please work together to help Hillary out!!!

Please don't vote for Obama if he's the nominee. Let him lose this year, then in 2012, Hillary will be the inevitable nominee!!!

Please don't buy the democratic party when all of them say that Hillary won't be VP. Actually, Hillary is more than qualified to Obama's VP. This is already humiliating for Hillary to have to become Obama's VP. She will have to do all the dirty work, yet Obama takes all the credit!!! It's more than humiliating to force Hillary out of the race without even giving her the VP spot.

Guess what, we can punish the democratic party for all their selfishness and stupidity. I've seen the real color of many of them. As long as they beat Hillary because of old grudges or ulterior motives they hold against her, they don't care about you and that's why they want to disenfranchise voters in Florida and Michigan.

This party is a joke. They use undemocratic caucuses to virtually kill Hillary's chances and don't count the votes in Florida and Michigan by using excuses (Remember, Obama campaigned in FL). If it's winner-take-all, Hillary's the nominee. It's also a joke to elect a nominee who doesn't want universal health care!!! It's a joke that a person who has no substance and also wants to avoid debate on issues and has virtually no experience at all to run a nation can be elected. Obama runs his campaign based on lies, empty promises and false hopes.

It's also sad to see over 90% blacks vote for Obama not based on issues but based on his color. These blacks don't care about the country. They don't even care that Obama has ties with radical Rev. Wright or William Ayers or Tony Renzos. They just want their black man to be elected no matter how hard Clintons have worked for them in the past. They are so disloyal just like so many party superdelegates!!!

We must not vote for Obama as protest!!! Please, don't vote for Obama even if Clintons endorse him.



Posted by: Cici | May 11, 2008 12:17:50 PM

Wow, after reading some of these scripts, I can truly understand why teachers always taught that "a mind is a terrrible thing to waste."

Posted by: Campbell | May 11, 2008 12:18:19 PM

If cult leader Obama swipes the nomination from Sen Clinton, it will be race trumping qualifications because of gender. I will vote McCain, along with other Hillary supporters, and the Democratic Party will be a train wreck in November. I may be one of those who will be beyond the range of Sen Clinton's influence because I was pushed there by the Cult Obama campaign and the pro-Obama media.

All this can be avoided by allowing the Democratic nomination process to come to an orderly conclusiion with all states voting and the superdelegates using their independent judgment to make a fair minded decision, with no regard for delegate count, in selecting the best qualified candidate as the Democratic presidential nominee. Of course, the best qualified presidential candidate is Sen Clinton who will win the general election hands down in November.

Radical left wing liberal George McGovern lost every single state except one state in the general election. This train wreck awaits the Democratic Party in November with cult leader Obama, a radical left wing liberal.

Posted by: crat3 | May 11, 2008 12:19:39 PM

I am 80 year old white lady and I am against the injustices against the black race for voting for Obama, Blacks had been loyal to white politicians all these years. My neighbors and I are donating another $1500 to OBAMA! WE LOVE AMERICANS OF EVERY COLOR! BLACKS AND WHITES WE CAN MAKE THIS COUNTRY UNITE! NO MORE RACIAL UNDERTONES! HILLARY MUST STAND DOWN IMMEDIATELY. I WAS HER SUPPORTER AND DONATED $1000 TO HER CAMPAIGN BUT NO MORE AGAIN! OUR SUPPORT GOES TO OBAMA 08!

Posted by: PAT | May 11, 2008 12:23:18 PM

This is truly silly. Black folk have been with the democrats through thick and thin. In fact, the one democratic candidate, B. Clinton, to win an election in the last twenty some odd years is often called "the first black president." Further, we have always blindly voted for the democratic candidate. For this, we have been ridiculed by Republicans as being stupid, mindless and absent of morality. Now, we are facing the same accusations from within our party. What would you have us to do? Certainly, no one gives us credit for being a thinking people. Likewise, no one wants us to think. "Lord give us a sign."

Posted by: Campbell | May 11, 2008 12:27:36 PM

I know a lot of people love the Clintons and have fond memories of them, but I don't. I lived through their time in office, which was peaceful. It was also less productive than it might have been, though, due to all the scandals. One of the biggest scandals occurred after they left office, as the former president signed 140 pardons--many of them controversial--on his last day in office. Obama isn't perfect, but I'm more than ready to turn the page on the Clinton era, and I have no intention of voting for a man who will continue the war in Iraq (which he thinks can be won) and who will continue the current failed economic policies of George W. Bush.

Posted by: mary | May 11, 2008 12:31:09 PM

Obama all the time claims to be a unifier. But I see the opposite. First of all, He has never done any work based on bipartisanship. In fact, he opposed bipartisan coalition several times in the senate. This will raised in the general election to go against him. I'm pretty sure. Hillary has done a lot of work in the senate on bipartisanship. She has shown herself as a unifier by actions.

Secondly, Obama, Michelle and his new left supporters don't want to have Hillary as VP. This is another perfect example that he doesn't want to unify the country. He's doomed to lose. I guarantee, without moderate and conservative democratic, the democratic party has never won any general election. Yet, Hillary has said more than once that she'll work her heart out for the nominee. She mentioned a dream ticket in March. This shows that Hillary is the real unifier.

Posted by: Candy | May 11, 2008 12:31:13 PM

You know what Billy boy maybe they don't want YOU......You have a big mouth and talk out of both sides of your mouth as well as your wife she torn Obama down and did a good job set the Rep up with lots to bring back up Thanks<<<<<< U are nothig any more no one owea you now so hi the road I believe NOT a word you say.

Posted by: older white person | May 11, 2008 12:33:28 PM

I am an Obama supporter, but I do support the continuation campaigning from both parties to all states. I think this will be a Republican nightmare because now you will bring many new register voters to the Democratic Party and in November our country will greatly benefit, and we will see states that are usually RED will turn BLUE (Texas), this is going to be exciting. We need a government that will invest in us, the USA.

Posted by: Mykal | May 11, 2008 12:42:51 PM

Well his family may support Obama, but I won't .. and I know millions of other Hillary supporters won't either...

Posted by: Lookup | May 11, 2008 12:44:33 PM

I am a 50yr old white voter; my wife and I usually votes for the Republican party for the last 20 years. After these 8 years of bad leadership i have no faith in the republican party, and my wife and I are voting Obama.

Posted by: Dan | May 11, 2008 12:50:00 PM

This is truly silly. Black folk have been with the democrats through thick and thin. In fact, the one democratic candidate, B. Clinton, to win an election in the last twenty some odd years is often called "the first black president." Further, we have always blindly voted for the democratic candidate. For this, we have been ridiculed by Republicans as being stupid, mindless and absent of morality. Now, we are facing the same accusations from within our party. What would you have us to do? Certainly, no one gives us credit for being a thinking people. Likewise, no one wants us to think. "Lord give us a sign."

Posted by: Campbell | May 11, 2008 12:56:45 PM

The Commander guy ... you're an idiot

Posted by: Ron | May 11, 2008 12:58:16 PM

BTW: If Cindy McCain (#2) won't trust John McCain with her money, why should we?

Posted by: Mr. Coffee | May 11, 2008 1:15:23 PM

I would vote for Obama if he was white, black, purple whatever - this man is the future of America and I am so proud of him and the people who have chosen to support him. From GW to this - thank you!!! We do FINALLY have something to be proud of.
Obama/anybody (except Clinton)'08

It would be a mistake to put Clinton on the ticket - she makes too many bad choices - her vote on Iraq, her decision to run an old-style Rovian campaign, gas tax "holiday" ... the list keeps growing.

Obama, please stand strong and pick someone else who is for the future.

Posted by: Anna B | May 11, 2008 2:21:10 PM


Also the Obama - Pelosi crowd should just rename themselves the Socialist Liberation Party.

There's nothing Democratic about it.

rd

Posted by: rd | May 11, 2008 2:22:43 PM

The worst thing that Obama could do is put Hillary on his ticket. Not only does the lady lack Integrity; but, it would be like conceeding to the lie that he cannot beat McCain without her. The American people are simply not interested in 4 more years of the Republicans. I am ready for that big mouth cowboy to go back to Texas!

Posted by: Vanessa L. Perry | May 11, 2008 2:24:40 PM

A , the only :O) IDIOT here is you ,you are one of the reasons there is so much hate in this country.,Get a life,,,,,If you are older hopefully you will learn if you have kids God bless them for you pass the hate to them .So sick of seeing all this hate it is a pity.

Posted by: older person | May 11, 2008 3:05:30 PM

IAM VERY SORRY MR CLINTON , IWAS SUPPORTING YOUR WIFE IF SHE LOST THE NOMINATION , I WILL VOTE FOR MAC.. OBAMA WILL NEVER NEVER BUT NEVER WILL HAVE MY VOTE AMEN..

Posted by: NENA | May 11, 2008 3:21:04 PM

If the Democrats were actually democratic they would deserve support but right now they are no different than the right.
Left wing nuts, right wing nuts. No difference.
America first, party second.

Posted by: pennsylvaniavoter | May 11, 2008 3:31:56 PM

I certainly hope that Hillary does not get close to the VP ticket. I think she should stay where she is or do other things. If she were near him, every bad move would be blamed on her. THe press would never stop takin shots at her and her husband.

I think Obama should stand on his own now for better or worse and show what he is made of.

Hillary and family will be attacked no matter what they do...if she make appearances to support him against Mccain, people will read negative into it...either say she is too negative for his "oh so positive image...so she is ruining it for him.." Or they will read some kind of insult to Obama in her speaches...
Hillary should stay away,,,but if she does that...she will be blamed...because that man can do no wrong....I hope we see him do well if he wins...but i won't be a part of that... I just don't like him or the people have been so obnoxious around him...the media etc..Just too obnoxious...and hateful....It is funny how they don't see themselves that way...

Posted by: voter.viewer2 | May 11, 2008 3:50:58 PM

Hmmm...Inexperienced candidate with charisma....sound familiar?

I will support Obama in November---and it's not to jump on the bandwagon...it's to show my support to the Democratic party. And THAT is the ONLY reason to vote for Obama.

Posted by: Victoria | May 11, 2008 4:42:49 PM

A,

Sorry, we are not to join you on Obama Express.
Just becareful what you wih for.
We stay away on your trip to.... and we stay home.

Posted by: blue Irish | May 11, 2008 5:11:41 PM

Rafraf,

It's because Michelle said she did not want her.
She said on one interview many months ago if Hillary is the nominee she has to think first if she would support her.
She is not a genuine person.
I'm glad they don't want Hillary becomes his VP.
It's a waste for Hillary to become his VP.
She can do the jobs better than him in everyway.

Posted by: blue Irish | May 11, 2008 5:17:42 PM

That's the good leader speech.
Love you Mr.Clinton.

Posted by: blue Irish | May 11, 2008 5:29:09 PM

No Obama Express for us since we are waiting to get onboard the Straight Talk Express! Sorry Bill, we are Americans first and truly do not believe that Obama is a good choice. Hillary-yes but Obama-no.

Posted by: Voter | May 11, 2008 5:37:43 PM

PA Voter,
As an English instructor, I notice you need some brushing up on paraphrasing.
Obama's values represent the disavowal of middle-classness?
Explain your reasoning for the rest of us.

Posted by: Gina | May 11, 2008 6:37:37 PM

I like Hillary but even if she is his VP I wouldn't vote for Obama.

Posted by: Kelly | May 11, 2008 8:01:04 PM

Gina: Just because I wont stand behind Obama doesn't mean I am just a Hillary fan. It means I beleive Hillary can do some of the things she talks about and that is why I like her. Otherwise Mccain is my choice. Why? Because I beleive he is an Okay candidate. I hate to say it, but I agree with Mitt Romney, "The white House is not an internship".

Posted by: Kelly | May 11, 2008 8:05:14 PM

to v voter - You are right: he has not done anything NASTY and Dirty as clintons did , keep doing and will always do because of their ego and nasty nature.

No one wants to be backed by clintons, who have always ready knife to your back.

Posted by: LINDA,FL | May 11, 2008 8:28:30 PM

I have never been a Clinton fan and I find the last few months affirmation of my good taste. HOWEVER...I do believe that they both enjoy power too much to do anything really distructive to the party and will eventually be great assets. NOT to the point of Hillary being VP, Ted was right, Obama should have someone who is as progressive and more in-tune with his message. I have stated before that I think Hillary would be a great Sec of State, especially to clean up after Rice. We are just a couple weeks from finally being able to get to the real business of getting Bush and his legacy tucked into the history books, so lets put away the jabs.

Posted by: MrMajek62 | May 11, 2008 9:04:17 PM

It's time for the Democrats to unite.

Posted by: MyAudacity | May 11, 2008 9:30:09 PM

This is no longer about Gender or Race, it is about moving the country forward, and who can best do it. I believe it is the Democrats turn to implement programs that can do that, and to end this ridiculous, expensive war.

Posted by: MyAudacity | May 11, 2008 9:31:58 PM

If Obama is the namonee, I will vote
for McCain. Thats the latest buzz.

Posted by: jack | May 12, 2008 12:15:52 AM

I'm here to tell ya that however these last states come out, my candidates, our family and our supporters will be here to get a victory in November for the Democrats. It is too important. We've got to turn this country around. And we will do it."
My Candidates? Our Supporters?
Who is the Candidate Bill or Hillary?
If it's Bill he has broken the law again! He cannot run for a third term!

Posted by: reaganfan | May 12, 2008 12:23:43 AM

Hillary would be a fool to take the VP offer if Obama is nominated and offers her the position. She would have to train her new boss if by some chance they actually got elected. What she should do after the election is do everything in her power to get rid of the incompetent and corrupt head of the DNC, Howard Dean, and change the nominating process so the Democrats, not handpicked superdelagates, choose the next nominee. It's a disgrace that we are in the 21st century and DNC rigs a system so that they can pick the nominee if they don't like who we choose.

Posted by: Mike | May 12, 2008 12:48:37 AM

Mrs. Clinton will not quit until she has destroyed Obama's chances this November. Watch as she now stirs the racist pot, in W. Virginia and elsewhere, repeating that it is impossible for a black man to win white Americans' votes. Instead of appealing to the country's better angels and working for the historical importance for us as a nation to turn the page toward a more perfect union, Hillary is demonizing the entire nation and smearing all of us, especially white Americans, by saying that white Americans will not vote for a black candidate. This is a blatant lie, as proven in Obama's victories in Iowa, Wisconsin, and all across the nation. It is way beyond time for the Democratic Party elders to STOP this madness before she destroys the party, the republic and all our best hopes for the future. No deluded, vicious, power-crazed politician should be given a free pass, even if her name is Clinton and she believes she is entitled to dynastic keys to the White House. Bill sweet talks Montana while Hillary slams Obama.

Posted by: shirl | May 12, 2008 3:04:40 AM

Though a Clinton VP slot is ill-advised... I can finally see a useful place for the Clintons... they really can and should be there to help Obama keep the Dems united... they have that fraction of specialty whites in their pocket... no longer as eminent now that voter registrations have burgeoned... but an important aspect in a number of states nonetheless... they are needed... and I hope we can all accept them into the fold an stop the in fighting... the real enemy looms too close, boats just off the bay to the right.

Posted by: origood | May 12, 2008 8:06:37 AM

President William J. Clinton, let me appeal to you here and now: Stay away from the general election campaign just as you were not wanted in 2000, you are not needed now. After the nasty visceral run up, I think Obama would be best served by having you and your family stay as far from his campaign as possible. The best thing you, your wife and child can do for Obama is to take a hike!

Posted by: exatlantic | May 12, 2008 9:11:05 AM

I can not and will not stand with anyone who supports the DNC and all it's stupidity...love ya Bill and Hillary wish you would run as an independent.

Posted by: HP Boston | May 12, 2008 9:27:20 AM

Yes, the clintons will have to stand behind obama but the question is, will their supporters do the same???? NO, thanks to Hillary's hateful and divisive tactics.

Posted by: sarah | May 12, 2008 11:28:44 AM

Shocking!
Hillary didn't get her way!
VOTE MCCAIN. FEED THE ARMY, FEED THE WEALTHY!
Punish those crazy fools who voted for Obama, teach 'em good!
Real Hillary Supporters LOVE McCain.

Hillary is voting for MCCAIN!

Posted by: chaOs! | May 12, 2008 12:30:57 PM

Hillary is clearly staying in to pay off her $20+ million debt, wrangle a VP slot which she may or may not accept, and therefore needs her sheeple to stay stupid long enough for her to get the cash and the offer. They believe in her, and it's sad to see them get worked over and used by Hillary...again.

Posted by: Rita | May 12, 2008 2:52:08 PM

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