Coincidence? Did Bill Clinton Respond to Obama’s Swipe?
EmailABC News’ Tahman Bradley Reports: The campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama seemed to trade jabs over that big campaign question of who is best prepared to lead the country from the moment they’re sworn into office.
When asked about Clinton supporters questioning Obama’s experience at a Monday night fundraiser, the Illinois senator reportedly said "The only person who would probably be prepared to be our president on Day 1 would be Bill Clinton — not Hillary Clinton," in what may be seen as Obama’s first direct swipe at Hillary Clinton.
In a Tuesday e-mail message to supporters asking for financial contributions, Hillary Clinton’s husband — someone who knows a thing or two about being president — Bill Clinton offered his opinion about who is best prepared to lead the nation.
"America is ready for change, and we need a president ready to lead on day one," Clinton said.
Team Clinton (of course) denies that the former president choose the "Day One" line after learning about Obama’s shot at his wife.
Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee told ABC News Bill Clinton was not saying anything new by talking about his wife’s preparedness to be president, the campaign has been making the argument for a while.
"This is a case the president has been making for a long time, a case that our campaign has been making for a long time, and this is not in response to anything," Elleithee said.
Indeed the Clinton campaign has been trying to prove that the New York senator is best prepared to be president from the start. A campaign press release sent around hours before Obama’s remarks on Monday has Rep. Corrine Brown D-Fl., saying that Clinton "has the best combination of strength, experience and intellect to be President and lead from her first day in the White House."
Maybe the "Day One" rhetoric is simply a favorite of Clinton media adviser Jimmy Siegel — who also advised Clinton supporter Gov. Eliot Spitzer. Click HERE to see.
Or perhaps that, too, is simply a coincidence.
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Frankly neither Clinton or Obama have the experience needed to be president. Someone like Bill Richardson is really the only democrat with the right experience to do the job.
Posted by: Britton Unkefer | June 26, 2007, 6:16 pm 6:16 pm
if Hillary is so ready to hit the ground then why does she run to Bill all the time instead of standing on her own.
And, why doesn’t Hillary have any policy proposals out like Obama and Edwards do?
Where is the beef? or is it just hype.
Posted by: dlake | June 26, 2007, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
Remember Alabama when George Wallace could not run. He ran his wife, then he ran Alabama. Seems like a good old boy southern strategy is in play again.
Posted by: murl41 | June 26, 2007, 10:52 pm 10:52 pm
If being ready on day 1 means being packaged and programmed by handlers for many years including hyphenating RODHAM when trying to look feminist and dropping it and sticking with CLINTON when it is convenient then yeah. This lady is transparently disingenuous and thinks we are all stupid and can’t see through. I will sit out rather than voting for her.
Posted by: meg | June 27, 2007, 12:20 am 12:20 am
Clinton’s strategy — much like Obama’s — is to avoid making policy proposals during the primary season. That way they won’t be laden with heavy baggage to run away from when the general election season begins. If you want leadership, those two individuals are trying their damndest to avoid exercising it.
Posted by: Fabio Escobar | June 27, 2007, 12:31 am 12:31 am
I think according to what i see and hear,Mr obama is leading ms clinton only that obama because of racial antagonism,he can’t lead clinton only because of the colour of his skin.How can people in the whole world and usa hear that ablack man obama is leading awhite person clinton? Won’t it be ashame on America?so they are doing what they caon so that a blackman is weakened,don’t you see that?all what i know is that obama is opted to win in all means when these elections are free and fare but the setback of race is amanece.What iam suggesting is that obama is leading even in these polls but the above can’t let him prosper,if all the Americans were thinking the way i think,obama would have been the president of the USA even by now because he is such aforcused man.So iam calling all the Americans to be forcused and think twicw let’s vote for the ‘New black wise man’to change our lives from the wounds caused by the Bush administration,vote for obama,vote for obama.
Posted by: lLwanga Fred Eliazali Junior | June 27, 2007, 3:52 am 3:52 am
So much to keep us laughing.
Posted by: ant | June 27, 2007, 8:47 am 8:47 am
Hillary is more prepared. She’s been a part of politics for a very long time and she was the First Lady for 8 years. I think its common knowledge that she did have input during that time. But even without all of this her husband was the president for 8 years. This would be a huge asset to someone who becomes president. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t already been president is ready on “day one” to do the job…just like any other job. But having someone so close to you that actually did the job would have to be a great help. But honestly, the only reason Hillary has a shot at being president is the fact that Bush is such a bad president…so bad as to drive away not only swing voters but a lot of rank and file Republicans as well. In the next election people will be looking for a change and the Democratic candidate, whoever that ends up being, is very likely going to win.
Posted by: Brad | June 28, 2007, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
The American people are ready for a change, but not for Clinton or Barack. The leaders of this Country is a joke and those two would be even a bigger joke. We need a President that have a backbone, one that believes in “By the people and for the people (American Citizen). Not “by the government for the vote”.
Posted by: Joanne Witchett | June 30, 2007, 1:46 am 1:46 am
The American people are ready for a change, but not for Clinton or Barack. The leaders of this Country is a joke and those two would be even a bigger joke. We need a President that have a backbone, one that believes in “By the people and for the people (American Citizens). Not “by the government for the vote”.
Posted by: Joanne Witchett | June 30, 2007, 1:49 am 1:49 am
I had people talk about experience on foreign policy, let be real what foreign policy experience does Hillary has, what we need in this country is new ideas and new faces in politics.if Hillary wins, who is going to be the next Presidents,her daughter, this is the united state we preach about democracy not monarchy,
Posted by: jugor | July 1, 2007, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
It is democracy when there is a vote and the President is elected…… unlike a monarchy where succession is a birth-right…
Being born a Bush or raised as a Clinton, or married to a Clinton does not guarantee the Presidency; the American people over 18 who took time to register and vote did it all 3 times so far… are we up for a 4th?
Forget Bill’s prior transgressions and the fact she honored her “until death do us part” vow, and “W’s” disregard for the constitution and civil liberties… think about foreign relations… Hillary is liked throughout the world, she is on a first name basis with many of the world’s leaders and will not spend the first year or two learning to be President.
Regardless of who is elected…. the stuation in Iraq will be dealth with.. health care will be discussed, immigration will come up again, the deficit and a balanced budget amendment will resurface…
Our credibility and standing on the world stage is as, if not, the most important issue that needs attention. All things being equal…. if the election were today, Hillary would win if only to raise our standing in the world and mend a few fences in the process.
Posted by: llaroche | July 1, 2007, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm
If Obama does not win, it simply means the elections were tampered with AGAIN. The reason he has raised the money he has is because of the huge numbers of Americans that support him. It’s time for new blood in the White House, new ideas, a ‘people’s President’, and Obama IS that candidate. It’s time for a NEW AMERICA supported by REAL AMERICANS of all political backgrounds. And the one candidate that fits is Obama.
Posted by: ByTheSeaMe | July 1, 2007, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
People like me will give $100 for the primary to hear what someone has to say, but when it comes to election day my vote might atually go to another candidate.
we’ll see what happens. Let’s hope there is a BIG turnout for the primaries
Posted by: llaroche | July 1, 2007, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm
I don’t like the remark Obama’s wife made about for the first time being proud to be an american. She can kiss my ### I am proud of this country and Obama is a young wipper snapper who should respect and appreciate what millions of american’s have done for this country. I don’t want Obama to be president for one reason, I believe he has hidden agenda’s and with Oprah by his side I fear this candidate and what he could do to our country. He is not specific in his ideas and gives no real solutions to issues. I think he is a good talker but talk is cheap and I want someone who is wise and tempered in his positions. I will never vote for him because I believe he plays mind games with weak minded people who are desperate for his kind of messages. Obama needs to mature more before he takes on the most important job in the world.
Posted by: Ronald C. Lewis | February 24, 2008, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
Hello, I believe the majority of the people want to see real quality leadership in this country. I believe we need someone who will bring America back to responsibility’s and pride. We have to many dead beats receiving money from hard working tax payers, we are tired of supporting those who are not legal American’s or those who are to lazy to work!!!!!
Posted by: Ronald C. Lewis | February 24, 2008, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
Comment by a concerned American 24Feb08:
I don’t like the remark Obama’s wife made about for the first time being proud to be an american. She can kiss my A_ _ I am proud of this country and Obama is a young wipper snapper who should respect and appreciate what millions of american’s have done for this country. I don’t want Obama to be president for one reason, I believe he has hidden agenda’s and with Oprah by his side I fear this candidate and what he could do to our country. He is not specific in his ideas and gives no real solutions to issues. I think he is a good talker but talk is cheap and I want someone who is wise and tempered in his positions. I will never vote for him because I believe he plays mind games with weak minded people who are desperate for his kind of messages. Obama needs to mature more before he takes on the most important job in the world.
Posted by: Ronald C. Lewis | February 24, 2008, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
Well i must say i’m not really impressed
with obama firstly he trys to come off
as the new JFK which really gets on my nerves secondly i do believe he has some hidden agendas Thirdly hes so against the war you know war is hell and people die in war that is to be expected the alternative is to bring everyone back have a big party and then wake up one morning to find out terroists have nuked a couple of US citys!!! so because i care about being safe in this country i would have to say not obama not now not ever i’m not fooled by his BS and i do not trust him
at all GOD HELP US if he gets elected
i fear we will all be in grave danger and paying higher taxes .
Posted by: Lucky | March 20, 2008, 4:10 am 4:10 am