Hillary 2012 Watch
EmailWherein former President Bill Clinton calls Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a "great man" and refuses to say the same about the man who defeated his wife in the Democratic primaries, from Meet the Press yesterday:
MR. BROKAW: You know, we like to keep track of records here on MEET THE PRESS, as you’re well aware of. We looked at this interview that Tim did with you a year ago at the Clinton Initiative–Global Initiative, and at that time you predicted that John McCain would be the Republican nominee, at a time when a lot of people thought he was…
PRES. CLINTON: He was dead.
MR. BROKAW: …toast, in political terms. But you said as well, at that time, "I’ve disagreed with him, but I have admired him." And then to Maria Bartiromo last week you said, "I have never concealed my admiration and affection for Senator McCain. I think he’s a great man. But I think on the issues, that matter to our future, the Obama-Biden team is more right."
PRES. CLINTON: I do believe that. I think Senator Obama has shown a remarkable ability to learn and grow in this campaign. He always was highly intelligent and always a very good politician. He, he got the change–the fundamental change in, in the calendar of this Democratic primary process of which we were engaged, his energy program kept getting better through the campaign, his healthcare program kept getting better. I, I, I think what you want in a president at a time like this is somebody with good instincts who generally starts in a right position and then just keeps getting better and that’s what he’s done.
MR. BROKAW: Would you use the same words for him that you have used for Senator McCain, that you admire him and that you think he’s a good…
PRES. CLINTON: I certainly…
MR. BROKAW: …and that he’s a great man?
PRES. CLINTON: Well, I don’t, look, I had my first conversation with him in my entire life in Harlem.
MR. BROKAW: You had never talked to him before that meeting.
PRES. CLINTON: No, I’d talked to him, but always in passing. I did a fundraiser for him when he ran for the Senate in 2004. I saw him briefly at Senator Kennedy’s 75th birthday party. I had always, you know, I always–Hillary’s the one who told me to go help him. She said, "This guy’s got real skills. He’s got almost unlimited potential." And I–she–so I did and I’ve always thought he was a really commanding presence. What I mean by saying that about McCain is, you know, most people would’ve been broken by what he went through. Oh, we would’ve been happy just to give him an "atta boy" and a medal and let him wander through life. I, I think his greatness is that he keeps trying to come back to service without ever asking people to cut him any slack or feel sorry for him or any of that stuff because he was a POW. But I, I genuinely, you know, I am developing a really good relationship with Senator Obama and I certainly admire him. And I know he saw and imagined the way this thing could develop, this political year and this, and this economic situation in a way that is left him in a position of leadership that he’s in now. And I think that the rest of us should admire that. That’s a big part of leadership, being able to sense, as well as see the future.
MR. BROKAW: But I get the sense that you think that he has the potential for greatness, but he’s not yet arrived at that station.
PRES. CLINTON: Well, he would probably agree with that. I mean, he was, you know, until he was in the State Senate until 2005 and then he began a campaign for president, which is, in all probability, will be successful, and those are very great accomplishments. But those are personal accomplishments. When he becomes president, he’ll be doing things for the American people and for the world and he is–and the greatness will then become apparent because of the good he’ll do. And I, I think that’s what I very much believe is going to happen.
- jpt
Santorum: Money Will Not Defeat Obama, Ideas Will 
Rick Santorum's Full Speech at CPAC 2012
I would not trust Billy if he stood on a stack of bibles.He did alot of harm on the Larry King show ..They both are still mad and they are saying under their breath I hope he loose this race…I would not vote for Hilly ..she is better then Palin give fact bur she is not for this country either,NEW BLOOD that has a brain>>>>>>>
Posted by: me | September 29, 2008, 7:34 am 7:34 am
Bill Clinton using honesty to whittle away at Obama. Shrewd.
Posted by: Judasmac | September 29, 2008, 7:44 am 7:44 am
This is very presidential stuff! Obviously not as tired as he was on ‘the stump’!
Posted by: Gerry Rodgers | September 29, 2008, 7:46 am 7:46 am
I worked both times for President Clinton,but this time I feel I am truly watching someone who will go down in the annals of history as one of our most important presidents in Barack Obama. I just with I had the physical capabilities that I did when Clinton was running. Had the opportunity of meeting both Clintons,while personality can get you through it is the steady hand that will put us there. Barack has that steady hand we so sorely need
Posted by: clo sheridan | September 29, 2008, 7:47 am 7:47 am
This is exactly the cry-baby attitute that cost Hillary both the presidential and vice-presidential nominations.
I think that Hilary would have made a great president, but between her and Bill taking a selfish approach to the election, I think they deserve to be shut out of the white house this time around.
Posted by: clifton | September 29, 2008, 7:48 am 7:48 am
I used to think of Bill Clinton as a great man. But during this election cycle he has shown how petty and self-absorbed he really is. Very disappointing.
Posted by: Raul Alvarez | September 29, 2008, 7:50 am 7:50 am
I figure it this way, Bill Clinton doesn’t have a lot of personal integrity, not meant as an insult, but fact with his womanizing, his strength was being the “first black president”. When the Obama team went after Clinton as being a racist or playing the race card or however you want to say it, they tried to take away a big part of what is left of Bill. It was I am sure deeply personal and a hurt and anger that don’t go away, simply because Obama is the party candidate. I don’t think it has as much to do with Hillary as it does with his own anger. Totally understandable to me, I think the Obama camp ought to be happy that they would get ANY kind of cooperation from Bill Clinton. (me I’d have probably just punched Obama in the face and left it at that)
Posted by: samhiguchi | September 29, 2008, 7:55 am 7:55 am
she is better then Palin give fact bur she is not for this country either,NEW BLOOD that has a brain>>>>>>>Posted by: me | Sep 29, 2008 7:34:35 AM
How do we know Palin has a brain. They keep shielding her from the media. The interviews I have seen are not impressive. Hillary has it all over her.
Posted by: J | September 29, 2008, 7:55 am 7:55 am
just stop jake just stop. Just because Bill doesnt press his lips firmly to Obama’s butt doesnt mean he doesnt want him to win. Hillary has gone above the call of duty for Obama. She helped raise 5million for his campaign, while he barely lifted a finger to help out her debt. She has been to new mexico, nevada, California, Ohio, and Michigan campaigning for him. On the daytime news shows she has made it clear. So hey maybe Bill cant stand Obama but don’t put that on Hillary.
Posted by: rachel | September 29, 2008, 7:55 am 7:55 am
Could the media please not ignore half of the interview just to get a good sounding headline?
Posted by: Chris | September 29, 2008, 7:56 am 7:56 am
People don’t like Obama. I don’t blame Clinton.
Dem for McCain/Palin
Posted by: Mark | September 29, 2008, 8:01 am 8:01 am
I am a republican that voted for Bill Clinton – Take out the Hillary factor and I think he realizes that Obama is not the right guy.
Posted by: jamescbuilder | September 29, 2008, 8:02 am 8:02 am
Mark,
I’m people and I like Obama.
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 29, 2008, 8:05 am 8:05 am
Hilarious how the Republicans use Bill as an anchor point for reality checks now.
LOL
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 29, 2008, 8:06 am 8:06 am
People don’t like Obama. I don’t blame Clinton.
Dem for McCain/Palin
Posted by: Mark | Sep 29, 2008 8:01:10 AM
Let’s put it this way, Obama is the lesser of two evils.
Posted by: J | September 29, 2008, 8:07 am 8:07 am
I miss President Clinton, he run my country anytime. Barack Obama may when , but that does not make him great or even good, can you say “Jimmy Carter”.
Posted by: Jim | September 29, 2008, 8:10 am 8:10 am
Bill Clinton is very much jaleuos that he is yeasterday and Obama is tomorrow. He has not given up for his wife’s unsuccessful bid for the WH, he is pendering, hanging, etc. In Obama he is seeing the potential rival who will help people forget Bill Clinton, they have the same skills but Obama is an organizer, a successful organizer. McSame has achieved nothing really but marrying Cindy and getting rich and into the US Senate, what kind of admiration one can have for such a person. Bill wake-up and do what Hillary is telling you.
Posted by: BKMC | September 29, 2008, 8:16 am 8:16 am
Why is President Clinton doing the media runs at this time. As a leader in the Democratic party he should be out there speaking about the party’s agenda to lead the country not cunningly trying to build up the Republican candidate for president. He is shameful. If you look at that interview you can see the cunning in him. He does have a Hillary 2012 agenda. I for one is will to tell him shutup anf go clean up his dirty laundry for if Hillary ever gets to run again we all know the country would be swimming in the Clintons mess 24/7.
He is a sore loser and Barack didnt even have to resort to the dirty nasty games he and his wife plays. Obama beat them fair and square and with dignity.
Posted by: mal | September 29, 2008, 8:18 am 8:18 am
I saw Bill on the dail show he is for Obama but still thinks his wife would be beter as a husband should JPT get over the Hillary watch! The election is between barack and mccain and bill is backing Obama what more do you want blood ?
Posted by: Alex Independent. | September 29, 2008, 8:21 am 8:21 am
mal: He is a sore loser and Barack didnt even have to resort to the dirty nasty games he and his wife plays. Obama beat them fair and square and with dignity.
—————————
Thank you mal, I am sure that will be the best laugh I have today…fair and square and with dignity…LOL good one…
Posted by: samhiguchi | September 29, 2008, 8:22 am 8:22 am
I dont get his love affair though with mccain given what mccain said about chelsea and what he called hillary!
Posted by: Alex Independent. | September 29, 2008, 8:23 am 8:23 am
He is a sore loser and Barack didnt even have to resort to the dirty nasty games he and his wife plays. Obama beat them fair and square and with dignity.
Posted by: mal | Sep 29, 2008 8:18:12 AM
I don’t know about that, but I will vote for Obama over McCain. McCain is too out there for my liking.
Posted by: J | September 29, 2008, 8:24 am 8:24 am
Well, hello, drama queens. You know, if you watch the interview (the whole interview)instead of reading it (only part of it) you get a different feel.
Bill’s honesty- and first of all, you have no right to tell this man he has to lie- but secindly, his honesty will give him credibility ewith the voters Obama will send him to win over. His support for Obama is genuiune but it is cerebral, not emotional. He isn’t going to gush about the guy. That’s a good thing because it is the first thing that would turn off independent voters. Bill will make a case that no one else can make for Obama just as he did in Denver- and what he says about Obama will be the honest truth- not some blown up, gushy, worship the man I worship crap that too many of Obama’s supporters think should win people over when it won’t.
Posted by: stephanie | September 29, 2008, 8:49 am 8:49 am
Willie doesn’t owe OBama anything!
Posted by: John | September 29, 2008, 9:00 am 9:00 am
“Let’s put it this way, Obama is the lesser of two evils.”
Don’t be so sure. The evidence suggests otherwise. Obama is the one with the mob associates, he sent thugs to the caucuses, told his supporters to get in faces, used ACORN for illegal voter registration, and loses it when anyone confronts him.
I think you aren’t looking at the mounting evidence that Obama is and has been one shady character with enormous ambition and little in the way of ethics.
Posted by: len | September 29, 2008, 9:10 am 9:10 am
I have been interested in President Clinton’s words not only during the primaries, but since. I don’t share your cynical view that his words are about 2012. What I do think is that the former president, sitting from the perch of “retired” politician, and seeing a lot of his work as President going down the tubes, is taking the position of elder statesman. I think what he believes is that the last thing this country needs at this point in its history is a self-serving politician. Rather, a hero like McCain, a man of strength, dignity and honor, a leader and a tried-and-true maverick may be the medicine needed to heal the country and the diseases that are killing it.
In his well-reported talk with ABC News when Clinton talked (I paraphrase) about voting for a seasoned candidate vs an unseasoned candidate even if you don’t share all the seasoned candidate’s ideas serves to punctuate the meaning of his discussion yesterday on Meet the Press.
Is there anybody who wouldn’t agree that this country truly is standing on the precipice to defeat?
Voting for Obama, who nobody really knows, would truly be at this juncture in our history, a leap of faith.
Halli Casser-Jayne
Posted by: Halli Casser-Jayne | September 29, 2008, 9:19 am 9:19 am
If people were really behind Obama they wouldn’t need Bill. But having been for Hillary I am now for McCain / Palin and hope in 2012 for Clinton.
Posted by: Bishop | September 29, 2008, 9:22 am 9:22 am
It use to be ok in this country to say good things about other statesmen.No matter witch party you were in when Obama does something great people will then judge it until then there is really very little record to go on.
Posted by: Bishop | September 29, 2008, 9:28 am 9:28 am
I think Bill is very honest in his answer. if he just praises Obama while he doesn’t know him very well personally, it will look like he is just campaigning for him.
However, It is evident that Bill admires Obama’s vision and talent for leadership.
That is enough.
Posted by: zen | September 29, 2008, 9:53 am 9:53 am
People don’t like Obama. I don’t blame Clinton.
Dem for McCain/Palin
Posted by: Mark | Sep 29, 2008 8:01:10 AM
==========
So, those polls that show Obama up 50-43 are all lying? And the fact that most electoral vote projections now have Obama safely over 300 are wrong, too? And the fact that everytime McCain uttered the words “Sen. Obama doesn’t understand” during the debate, live trackers among independents too a nose dive are irrelevant?
It’s McCain that’s turning people off.
Posted by: Bill | September 29, 2008, 9:54 am 9:54 am
Thank God we won’t have another Clinton in office. I’m tired of hearing how great of a President Clinton was. Did people forget already how he flat out lied to us, and how his “balanced budget” came about by robbing from social security?
Posted by: TJ | September 29, 2008, 10:09 am 10:09 am
What ####### Bill Clinton off, and pundits alike…is the fact that Obama in reality doesnt need die hard support from him or his wife’s supporters. He only needs about 70 percent. Which he clearly has. However, if Hillary wants to run for anything, ever, in the future; she’ll need about 90% of Obama supporters, which of course wont be there if he loses. Even if she tries to run in 2012, she can’t win unless he is VP, which he wont do. So, pretty much, as much as Bill is trying to be on the fence, he has to vouch for Barack. Wishful thinking that Bill will slip and say something crucial to hurt Obama…
Obama/Biden 08 and Beyond
Posted by: PoliticsAsUsual | September 29, 2008, 10:12 am 10:12 am
It really comes off as if Bill is jealous of Obama. There hasn’t been a democrat with as much charisma since Bill and I think it’s ####### him off.
Posted by: BNA | September 29, 2008, 10:19 am 10:19 am
Voting for Obama, who nobody really knows, would truly be at this juncture in our history, a leap of faith.
Halli Casser-Jayne
==========
Voting for McCain and his continuation of Bush’s economic and foreign policies would be like leaping off a cliff.
Obama’s been in the national spotlight for several years now and on the campaign trail for the last two. His major policy positions and leadership style have been on public display. You may not agree with him, and certainly there are legitimate policy debates, but if you don’t “know” him you simply aren’t paying attention.
Posted by: Bruce | September 29, 2008, 10:31 am 10:31 am
I can agree with what Bill Clinton says about Obama. Are he and Hillary hoping he will lose so she can try again in 2012? Without a doubt! Unfortunately what they don’t seem to understand is they will never be forgiven for undermining Obama and underming our chances this year. Hillary will not even be able to win the primarys in 2012. She will not be the Democratic Nominee.
Posted by: Truth Matters | September 29, 2008, 10:38 am 10:38 am
“You may not agree with him, and certainly there are legitimate policy debates, but if you don’t “know” him you simply aren’t paying attention.”
Amen.
The persons who continue to say they don’t “know enough” about Obama are the same ones who embraced Sarah Palin as the GOP savior.
I find it comical to watch many people extol Palin, whom they never heard of until recently, while continuing to say they simply don’t know enough about Obama to trust him.
This line of argumentation is meant to obscure the real reason why they don’t support Obama, whatever that reason may be.
Posted by: ChrisNBama | September 29, 2008, 10:47 am 10:47 am
Since I learned that John and Cindy McCain are big contributors to the Clinton Global Financial Initiative, I no longer expect anything different than faint praise for Senator Obama. Bill sure knows how to suck up.
Posted by: Pamela Picard | September 29, 2008, 11:31 am 11:31 am
Obama a great man? Why?
Get out your hip boots.
Posted by: sam | September 29, 2008, 11:46 am 11:46 am
I wish someone would ask Bill if he has read Obama’s books. If he has, it would be interesting to know what he thinks of them. If he has not, that would be interesting in another way.
Posted by: tkd | September 29, 2008, 11:48 am 11:48 am
I am sure we all know the truth about the feelings of Hilly and Billy. They are very bitter and bitter they are but at the same time, they both cannot be seen, heard, thought of or smell fighting against the Democratic party. One thing for sure is that we all saw the anxiety in Hilly and the desire to continue to fight. I perceived personally the desire in Hilly and Billy to continue to fight even after the superdelegates decided.
It was that decision that finally sent her to her rest. Rest in peace and let the next president (Obama) take us to the promise land for now. 2012 will be decided in 2012. But I don’t think it will be Hilly and Billy on the stage in 2012. I really don’t think so. It is over for Hilly and her aspiration for the white house.Ha!Ha!Ha.Monica lewisky..should assist Hilly and Billy’s bid for 2012. I would vote Hilly if Billy permits Monica to share the politic bedstage. Ha!Ha
Posted by: Fred | September 29, 2008, 1:03 pm 1:03 pm
Just remember one thing Hillary Clinton supporters:
If Obama/Biden manage to win this election, there will be no 2012 Presidential bid for Hillary Clinton.
If McCain/Palin manage to win this election, there will most likely be a 2012 Presidential bid for Hillary Clinton.
By the time 2016 rolls around, Hillary Clinton’s chances to run again for President will be slim or none.
The choice is yours…
Anybody But Obama…
Posted by: Jayhawk | September 29, 2008, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
those who truly wanted the best person to lead and protect their children and our troops actually voted for Senator Clinton
Posted by: chris | September 29, 2008, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm
People, people, people!!! The nitty-gritty is that Obama has very dangerous views on foreign policy, and his economic platform is weak. We CANNOT negotiate with terrorists. We CANNOT leave Iraq until it is stable, or it will become a hotbed for terrorists. (Parts of it already are, which is why we’re still there.) And has anybody noticed that the Democrat-controlled House AND Senate can’t devise a bail-out plan that is good for America? That’s because they got us into this mess! Oh, and by the way, in his short tenure as a United States Senator, Obama has voted 94 times to raise taxes, and not just on the wealthy. If you can afford to give Uncle Sam more of your hard-earned money than you already do, then vote for Obama.
Posted by: John | September 29, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
I don’t understand why Obama is future? just because he is young?
The concepts of ‘bail out’,'socialism’, ‘regulation’ are nothing new. We’ve already known and seen those.
He will increase income tax, capital gain tax, corporate tax. Is that the change we want?
In my view, if corporate tax is increased, the result is: the business owner will increase merchandise price, deduct employee salary, reduce employee benefit, result in more out-sourcing in order to save cost, and cause losing more jobs.
Oh NO!
Posted by: golfgirlusa | September 30, 2008, 12:49 am 12:49 am
Bill Clinton seemingly does not know Barak Hussein Obama and there are many questions we as a nation also have-
Who paid for his Harvard education?
Why did he sit under a racist pastor?
Why a friendship with Ayers,a terrorist?
Why involved in Kenyan elections?
Why does he support infanticide?
Posted by: Carol | September 30, 2008, 8:28 am 8:28 am
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY WOULD YOU WANT A MAN TO RUN OUR COUNTRY THAT DOSENT
RESPECT OUR FLAG OR THE BIBLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW OBAMA IF HE WINS IS GOING TO BE SWORN IN IF WANT PUT HIS HAND ON THE AMERICAN BIBLE NOW IS THIS THE KIND OF MAN YOU WANT TO RUN OUR COUNTRY NO REPECT THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA
Posted by: sally | September 30, 2008, 9:27 am 9:27 am
They say people don’t know Obama! Well,get to know him by looking up The Obama File. There are at least 18 different titles to research about him.Then you’ll know what he is Really Like & what He stands for. I won’t have someone that corrupt as My President!
Posted by: Ann | September 30, 2008, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
President Clinton believes, as do MANY, that Hillary is BY FAR the best candidate for President, that she should at least be considering seriously another run in 2012. I don’t see anything wrong with that in the least. Even after Barack Obama secured the nomination in Denver, President Clinton has still said (on Larry King very recently, I believe) that he thinks Hillary IS the best candidate, not “was” the best candidate in the primaries. And again, what is so wrong with him saying what he believes to be true? Why should he care more about helping Barack Obama if he knows in his heart that Hillary would be the far superior President?
Anyhow, Hillary and Jim Webb in 2012 would make a very fine ticket, I do believe!!
Posted by: Scott | September 30, 2008, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm
Obama is not the country’s future. He does not represent what this country stands for. He does not deserve to walk in the shadows of our great leaders. He does not stand for democracy or equality. Obama is about himself. He wants his place in history books — let’s please bury him there in defeat. Vote McCain-Palin in 2008.
Think, people, think. Do some research. Even Bill Clinton is stepping up to the plate to give voters some advice — though it may be through gritted teeth. Listen. Obama is a socialist. He’s a radical. He’s a Marxist. He wants to take away our American dream. He wants to douse everything that America is.
More taxes. Less dreams. No future.
NO OBAMA!
Posted by: Heather | September 30, 2008, 11:06 pm 11:06 pm