Watch Clinton's comments in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former President Bill Clinton blasted Republicans Wednesday for their recent uproar over a MoveOn.org newspaper ad questioning Gen. David Petraeus' credibility, telling CNN's Anderson Cooper their "feigned outrage" was completely "disingenuous."
"This was classic bait and switch - focus on that as opposed to focusing on what's happened," the former president said.
Clinton also highlighted a string of past questionable campaign commercials targeting Democrats, and suggested Republicans are acting hypocritically.
"These are the people that ran a television ad in Georgia with [former Sen.] Max Cleland - who lost half his body in Vietnam - in the same ad with Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. That's what the Republicans did," he continued. "And the person that rode to the senate on that ad was there voting to condemn the democrats over the Petraeus ad.
"I mean, these are the people that funded the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. And the president appointed one of the principal founders of the Swift Boat ads to be an ambassador," Clinton added. "But they're really upset about Petraeus. But it was okay to question [Massachusetts Sen.] John Kerry's patriotism on a blatantly dishonest play that had dishonest claims by people that didn't know what they were talking about."
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Well, he's right.
YES, I heard him loud and clear! He is absolutely right. He is a scholar. He gives great speeches (not like someone else we all know). He hit the nail right on the head.
why does anyone care anymore what clinton says? you couldn't believe him when he was in office, why take what he says as 'legit' now? He is a liar; plain and simple. Get real
Go Team!
I too think the Republicans are beyond hypocritical. They are guilty of all the acts highlighted by former President Clinton, and more; to be so upset about the MoveOn.org ad is beyond reason.
General Petraeus was acting as a spokesman for the adminstration and their policies, and as such was fair game. He was not testifying as a disinterested military expert, and was very unclear about whether the current policies were making us safer.
It is too bad that Anderson Cooper, whom I respect as a journalist, and other members of the media haven't called the Republicans on this attempt to hide the real bad news of the General's testimony in a pile of crap. The story about this ad has always been an asterisk compared to the importance of the content of the testimony of the General and the Ambassador. I am glad that former President Clinton is still around to keep them honest.
Perhaps a new Clinton Administration will bring back a Press that feels free and protected from intimidation, justice back the Justice Department, civility back to Civil Rights, and some measure of truth back to government.
I am voting for change in the next election.
That because the GOP knows there about to geat smashed in the next election. The best they can dream of is a long shot at best is to lose the white house and hold on to its seats in congress.
As allways clinton knows how to stick it too em! lol
Clinton is brilliant, why can't the Dems in Congress or the candidates follow his lead and take a stand? Too bad he can't be President again.
Go get 'em President Clinton! Great points. Republicans are always so bitter. Bush is just hiding behind Patraeus. Bush is really such a coward behind that insecure, macho image.
"DO AS "WE" SAY, & IT's NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS WHAT "WE" DO. Seems to be a Republican Party "TRAIT" Doesn't It???
GO BILL !!!!
If ANYBODY has the RIGHT to "HOLD THE REPUBLICANS FEET TO THE FIRE" over their Continuous HYPOCRACY, It's BILL.
Wow, now I know never to copy a prewritten one-note to the ticker....Sorry about that.
Isn't this guy the man or what!!? I mean he's the only one who shows what the bush administration really is...a bunch of corrupted, dishonest and unable people who's ethics revolve around green paper with presidents' faces on them. Good job Bill, too bad you can't run again.
I agree with him completely. The Republicans are the masters of sleaze. Funny how so many of them avoided military service. Cowards...
Exactly right. the Republican party should be named the "dirty tricks" party. They'll do and say anything regardless of the truth, in order to win. The smear job they did on Kerry was unconscionable. Didn't matter that he was a war hero and Bush avoided serving in a combat role. They did just enough to throw doubt in peoples minds and enough of them actually believed it, amazingly enough. The republican party's primary currency is fear and while I don't much care for the democrats either at least they don't sully themselves with these types of smear campaigns.
Mr. President, you couldn't be more right.
And this comes from the GENUOUS President that NEVER HAD SEX WITH THAT WOMAN! No wonder the Democratic party is selling out to FORIEGN FUNDING (SOROS). Maybe you should change your occupation title(s) to FORIEGN AGENT! You have no character.
Thank you Mr. President. And, hopefully we will have more of the same from you and Mrs. Clinton. It seems so simple, really, to point out the Republican smear tactics, hypocrisy, lying propaganda, failed policies, etc. But too many Democrats have lacked the courage and clarity of speech to do so!
If Bill Clinton wants to talk about politics and the military, why doesn't he talk about his own military record? Oh, that's right. He was a draft-dodger. Add that to womanizing and lying to a grand jury and he is in about the same league as Ted Kennedy.
Bill Clinton has it right. He unerringly points out specifics of the Republican spin and smear machine and details the hypocricy of their words and actions.
Tell it like it is, Bill! You're the smartest, and best president in the last 30 years. The republicans have always been hypocrites and we expect them to come out of the woodwork during this election cycle to regurgitate their tactics. But this time, surely the American people won't get fooled yet again. Or will they?
I am scared to death of yet another Clinton White House.......These people have no values. They are only in it for themselves.
Why don't any of the Presidential hopefuls talk like this? We need a President with a back bone.
OK OK...great response...sure wish you where the President insteaad of this idiot we've had for nearly 7 years of hypocrasy........
so... Bill Clinton is now the arbiter of Truth? That would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.
It is so sad, that we are in a place and time where we choose party of country. No one sees the truth they only see red or blue.
Close your eyes and listen and do the right thing, not for sake of party, but for sake of the common man.
as usual, president clinton is speaking the truth here.
as usual, the hypocritical republicans will discredit his remarks because he lied about an extramarital affair that he didn't have the guts to tell americans it was none of their business.
well, his lies were bush league (pun intended) compared to the whoppers that have been coming out of the republican party over the last 6 years, whether during an election (swift boat) or after the election (take your pick).
recently, i saw a bumper sticker that said, "no one died when clinton lied." i wish the same could be said for all the lies we've endured since the supreme court handed the keys to the white house to president bush.
Mr. President, You know you are lying (again!) The examples you use are political campaigns. General Petraeus is not running for office! He is risking his life every day to defend this country and has served our nation with honor. This is a smear campaign accusing a decorated war veteran of betraying his country while he is leading our troops! There can be NO COMPARISON between Moveon's add and political ads in the heat of a campaign! By the way, where was your outrage when Rather made up a story, with fake documents against a sitting president in a campaign? Or do you just defend left wing fund raisers! Why should I expect you to start telling the whole truth now?
Bill Clinton told it like it is. George W. Bush has never found one person in the world who can verify that he actually served in the National Guard in Alabama, but it doesn't stop him from letting his supporters trash actual war heroes like John McCain, Max Cleland, John Kerry, and John Murtha. Even after it was shown that the not-so-Swift Boat Veterans had not told the truth, Bush refused to condemn their false charges. Bush found it "disgusting", but of course ignored that the name "Betrayus" was actually popularized by the professed right-wing "water-carrier" Rush Limbaugh.
Haha....Thats MY president! Keep speaking the truth Bill!
Sory bill, but the Senate ad in Georgia was not a Presidential campaign ad and has nothing to do with the disparaging moveon.org ad. How dare Clinton doubt the reaction that dissing General Petraeus received.
p.s. Bill, what is your wife's plan for tax revenue anyway? sSHould I take out a loan to pay for tax increases?
THERE HE GOES AGAIN LETTING HIS MOUTH OVERLOAD HIS BEHIND.MR. CLINTON I AM SORRY BUT 8 YEARS OF YOU IS ENOUGH AND I HOPE LIKE H- YOUR WIFE DON'T GET ELECTED. ANYBODY FOR PRESIDENT EXCEPT A LIBERAL.
Amen President Clinton. Stand up to the hypocrite Republican'ts. ENOUGH OF THEIR JUNK IS ENOUGH!!!!!!!
"Disingenuous," you say? I suppose Mr. Clinton knows all about disingenuousness.
While I agree with Mr. Clinton, I find it a bit ironic for him to be casting stones in the hypocrisy pond. He's not unknown for being disingenuous on occasion himself.
you sat on your hands while 800,000 Rwandas were being slaughtered, Mr. Clinton. I don't respect what you say because you already showed your face back then and it was cowardly and weak.
Finally, someone with enough guts to stand up to the Republicans smear tactics. If Petraeus delivers bad or questionable information to the public in and effort to justify continuing the surge or the war, then he is betraying us. Just because he has medals or a title doesn't make him exempt from criticism.
You are the greatest Bill. We need you and Hillary.
I love Bill Clinton. He is a genuine, no nonsense politician, who is ready at all times with a comeback against ignorance. That's the strategy he used to earn 2 terms, and thats the strategy that's going to earn Sen. Clinton a term or two. I was waiting for someone to check the Republicans for challenging Sen. Kerry's Bronze Medal, as if the military gives those things away. Keep leading Clinton!
hmmm.... It seems like this is not even a story worthy of reporting, but it does add to republicans are mean theme supported by the left. I am tired of both democrats and republicans. In case anyone forgets, attack adds run on both sides and I think most americans are tired of far left and far right. I just want things done.
Thats why America still loves you Bill!
Loud whining accompanied by a persistent denial of the reality of politics while assuming an innocence that borders on angelic. Hmmm. Since Clinton left the White House I've tried to think charitable thoughts about him. And, then, he speaks.
President Clinton should know how the Republicans operate - he was a target for eight years. The republican party's behavior is typically low-handed and no one should be surprised by their operatives. Republicans have demonstrated that they are willing to do anything, and I mean anything, to have their way. While the democrats have their own problems, it is far past the time that the Republicans get their just desserts. The party is descpicable – it continues to amaze me that the rank and file allow their leaders to behave like low life criminals and behave in ways that are indeed more unamerican than what they claim about democrats. Clinton, love him or hate him, is still the most intelligent voice in politics today. Too bad he can't run for president again.
Republican hypocrisy is becoming an art form.
Sums it up pretty good, IMO. That Max Cleland smear had always struck me as completely disgusting and outrageous.
Nothing is too low for the elite Repubs. Nothing.
Come on right wingers–come and defend your nasty little FAKE conservative brood from Clinton's accurate assessment.
Well said Mr. President.
HILLARY CLINTON 2008!
Thank you Mr. President!!! I miss this guy. More Democrats need to speak out like that. I'm tired of Democrats letting Republicans play PUNK POLITICS. Any criticism and they run and hide behind our military men and women. They mistreat them, don't give enough leave time, don't give them proper equipment, lie as to how they die and then use them as political shields. Please Mr President now see if you can help some of the other Dems to get a backbone and deal with the Repugs.
When will this guy SHUT UP? What other President has carried on and on after his term was over. Take a hike Mr. President.
Why don't you talk about what your wife just pulled with GQ? Telling them if they ran an article they planed to you wouldn't allow them to use your photo on the December issue?
How about running your mouth on the fact that a person trying to run for President is STOPPING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS?
2B||!2B
Clinton still doesn't get it. It's certainly fair game to question a polititician's credibility during a campain (on both sides). They are running for public office. It comes with the turf.
It is certainly a completely DIFFERENT thing to blantantly smear a currently serving member of the United States military, especially one who has the respect of members on BOTH sides of the aile.
Who's really pulling the "bait and switch"?
Clinton is the one "acting hypocritically" here.
The Republicans might not be good at most things, but you have to admire the Republican spin machine. If only the Democrats were as capable as the Republicans at standing together, then something good might actually get accomplished. It’s now just as much the Democrat’s fault that we are still in this war as the Republican’s. If the Democrat’s wanted to do something, then they have every opportunity. They would rather stay in the war, blame it on the Republicans, and capture more power in the next election than do what the American people voted them in to do.
I agree with the former president, and I think the mainstream media should call the Republicans out on their hipocrisy, but I guess their still too scared to do that.
Bill Clinton never could stop his personal feelings from interfering with his intellectual judgement. Hand on heart, Bill – do you really believe John Kerry would have been good for the country?
What a joke this guy is. Seven years later and he's still complaining about the "vast right wing conspiracy". I've got a brilliant idea, quit whining about the other side and do something productive
Yeah! Someone finally publically called the Republicans on some of their lies and hypocracy.
The Republicans should be the last ones to fling stones about attack ads.
At least MoveOn's ad had some facts to back it up.
It's about time one of us stood up and said it out loud. Republicans are a bunch of hypocrites. I don't understand why the democrats let Republicans tie our party to Moveon while they denied all affiliation with Swiftboaters. I won't vote for any Democrat that wont stand up to the republicans lies and hypocrisy.
President Clinton is absolutely right!! The Republican Party, the party of HYPOCRISY!!!!
Isn't it time the media stopped advertising the "two wrongs make a right" arguments from both the Democrats and the Republicans?
Any journalist with an ounce of integrity should immediately call any politician out on the carpet for making this kind of false argument.
What we really want to know is what these politicians have to say when confronted with the obviousness of their false arguments.
While Billy may be correct in that the same Republicans complaining are hypocrites, let's be sure not to get things twisted. The Democrats made the same kind of fuss, even more so than the Repubs, about their ads. Silly Billy.
Since Bill Clinton also launched negative campaigns against republicans, doesn't him doing this story make him a hypocrite?
Very well said. The opening line of the newspaper ad was not the main issue. The main issue was what was written below the opening line! I noticed that no one in the administration or military refuted the charges. These charges are very serious. To mislead our nation (cooking to books) as we serve and die fighting for a warped ideology should be considered treason.
Thank God for Bill Clinton. Republican hypocrits and Neocon liars have had a free ride for far too long. From talking the conservative line in support of fiscal restraint while spending the country into near bankruptcy, to screaming about the threats gays pose to the American family while attempting to seduce little boys, Republicans are master deceivers.
Are you kidding me Mr. "depends on what your definiton of what the word is, is" granted we all are not proud of what we do sometimes, but own your own issues and I will believe your sincerity for being offended.
It is about time someone calls the Republican party out on their past actions. I think the Democrats are playing it too safe, so lets stand up and start fighting for the causes that mean something to the American people -bring our troops home, better education, better health care, jobs keep in the US, and fair trade policies. Let's "swift boat" them this time. We must win this coming presidential election. The American people deserve better.
Right on, President Clinton! Keep telling it like it is!
Thanks tou former president Clinton for saying what all Americans want to say. We need more meaningful work done in government not voting on the moveon.org add. It is a distraction made by the Republican party as usual. Do the think the people cannot see through this.
clinton is not only a draft dodger but actually a criminal. in his own letter dated 12/3/69 he stated that his conduct (that word again) was "likely to be illegal". that is when he got COL holmes to classify him 1-D to enter ROTC at the same time clinton committed to attend the U. of arkansas law school. he did neither.
perhaps if he would have performed his duty people like max cleland could have left vietnam earlier.
but once again clinton is speaking in half truths, while it was extremely bad timing for cleland he was not injured in a combat situation, hence no purple heart. cleland had one of the worst cases of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
as for john kerry-kohn when his reserve unit was called up he brought a typewriter to vietnam. who ever heard of such thing. well he knew nobody likes to do after action reports but with his typewriter he could write the first draft of history, drop it in the outbound and as an officer sign it. no one read his reports until they got to the next level.
i was there and saw this type of activities up front. believe me kerry was not alone. the other guys in his unit all accepted their hardware, but kerry did get a job as a general's aide in NY and an early out.
clinton as a military evader has no idea what he is talking about.
if he think "bookworm" petraeus is a traitor, let the coward clinton stand up and say it.
Couldn't have said it better myself Mr. Clinton. Hypocrisy, the lifeblood of the right.
When can we get a president like this one again?
Slick Willy should be the last person criticizing anyone. When will these democrats shut up.
Compare Kerry to General Petraeus? It would be laughable if it wasn't so appalling.
Thank You Bill. I am so tired of the Republicans being able to say whatever they want (bending the truth for their own political gains). They get so outraged if you confront them that they will even go so far as to leak being a gov't CIA agent. This is just plain hostile and wrong. They can't even take an ounce of their own medicine and then try to make any critisms sound as unpatriotic which is just completely upsurd!!
I understand what he is saying, but he still did not condemn the ad. Typical political BS, and I'm sick of it.
Yup, the same republicans who voted to condemn the move on ad but blocked a vote on condemning the swift boating and, even more appaulingingly, the treatment of Max Cleland. Funny how they support 2 guys who spent not 1 second fighting for their country and then question the integrity of a guy who left body parts on the battlefield. What a bunch of sickos!!!
Thanks to President Bill Clinton for having the guts to tell the truth on this issue! Twenty-two Senate Democrats: please take notice.
Mr. Clinton's use of any referals to
Vietnam in any manner are hypocritical
in themselves.For the record, both he
and Hillary supported North Vietnam
in their various activities in that
period of our country.How much true
respect have either shown for the
58,826 countrymen killed in the
conflict?Clinton's have life,hope,
security,power,position and material
wealth.What do the deceased of that
conflict have? They gave their all
by serving irreguardless of questions
of war validity.Bill Clinton needs to
avoid any referals to Viet Nam
because "HE DOSEN"T KNOW"!
What's worse is they don't think there is anything wrong with it............
What a load of Bull!
1) Why should Bill bill be hightlingting a string of past questionable campaign commercials....when his wife is accepting questionable campaign contributions!
2) Questioingin John Kerry's patriotism? Hmmm, isn't this the same one who threw his medals away showing contept to them and the rest of the military?
3) Just another chapter from his "vast Right-Wing Conspiracy" novel of fiction!
4) And he's never been in volved in any type of "smear" campaign... at least not one involving a blue dress!
Bill Clinton is the epitomy of what is foul in our society. Billiry talks about being hypocritic? This is the same man who was critical of the Bush administration's intelligence capabilities leading to 9/11. What people fail to realize is that the intelligence infrastructure was one inherited from Billiry.
I'm critical of both the current and previous administrations in how a variety of policies were inacted and carried out. I believe that Bush is just as terrible of a president as Clinton. The difference, regardless of motive, is that Bush acted righteously and faced off with threats to our national security. Just think: if Gore was President and 9/11 happened during his administration, he would have penalized Iraq and Afghanistan by imposing heavy carbon credit requirements!
It is digusting to think that our political system has become so transparent that everyone, no matter of political affiliation have personal motives of greater importance than the security and stability of the nation.
Mr. Clinton, you are lower than the most disgusting scum on the earth. As far as I am concerned, you and your disgusting wife destroyed the sanctity of the White House.
As for those who fight abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a former Army officer, I suggest you watch your backs while out there. Hillary is out for herself and has no regard for your safety and purpose.
Best wishes to the troops...
and lets start up Survivor Afghanistan and drop Bill and Hillary out there. Lets see who gets voted off first or who ends up losing their way through the tunnels of Tora Bora first!
It is nice to see the Democrats become less gutless against Republican pressures, for a change.
Additionally, why don´t we ask the republican candidates where are the missing 8 billion dollars in hard currency that we are told cannot be found?
Lots of people are making money out of this iraq conflict (NOT A WAR) from the white house to corporate contributors to the rnc.
A couple of huge differences Slick Willy needs to think about...
The Moveon ad attacked a man in uniform during a war, not a politician. Politicians have always been fair game. Attacking soldiers during wartime is a BS move by cowards.
The second difference is that not a single democrat senator voted against the general during his confirmation hearings...no Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Obama...none of them voted against him.
They have also said they support him and admire his abilities and professionalism.
The issue is that NONE of them had the courage to take on their Moveon Uncle and take issue with the ad. They all stood silent. Is this what you want in a leader??? I don't.
Facts are facts...the Dems will always be for higher taxes and are soft on defense. Its in their DNA.
I beg to differ, Mr. President. The "Swifties" knew exactly what they were talking about (lies about a war hero) and said them with premeditation. Conversely, you are correct about the authenticity of Republican outrage. Their crocodile tears are nauseating.
Amen! It is about time someone stands up to the Republican's. I am sick and tired hearing the Republican's slamming the Democrats. The Republican's are using Moveon.Org as a smoke screen to try to divert attention from the Iraq war. Thank you President Bill Clinton!
While being sworn under oath to uphold the office of the Presidency of the United States of America, this man defiled our nation by cheating on his wife and daughter IN THE OVAL OFFICE!! If you can lie to your wife and child, how can you be honest about anything else?
This man has no credibility. He should never be allowed to give his opinion on anything. Bear in mind, he also lied under oath. Who cares what he has to say.
BILL Clinton for President!
feigned outrage, disingenuous.lets hear it for the arkansas school system.
I can't wait to have Bill Clinton in the White House again, even if he is an "ambassador to the world" or whatever. He knows how to tell it like it is.
What? The purple glittered hearts on band-aids on Republican faces wasn't proof enough that politics has steered what dignity it had out? The outrage now? Everyone can be hypocritical at times in their life. But it seems that Carl Rove has paved a way for Republicans to use it without loss of one's credentials. How many more great military minds need to be "resigned" by the Republican party before people notice what is going on?
Do your research and look up what legislation failed on the same day the ads were censored. There lies our ultimate demise.
President Clinton is correct telling about what the Republicans do and are capable of doing. However, they will continue to do this because it has worked for them many times in the past. The American people are smarter than this and we need to start paying attention to these Republicans and how low they will stoop to keep control of this country. I think their reign is up! What does main stream America think?
Oh, come on Billy. No one is more "disingenuous" than you and your wife. Biting lips ("I feel your pain"), campaign ads promoting YOUR family values (yeah, right), kneeling head-in-hand on the Normandy beach (totally convincing), the wagging finger (we know the truth)...we've seen it all from you two. I'm afraid a vote for a Clinton in '08, is a vote for more of the same...more of the political hatred we've experienced the past decade or so. Enough already with Clintons, and the Bushes!! Time to "MOVE ON" with some NEW blood in the WH.
Is good to here bits of truths from the past. I consider Mr Clinton a wise man. I agree with him.
Is this the same Bill Clinton that lied to our country about not having oral sex in the White house?
I am proud of Bill Clinton for speaking up and telling the truth about Republican hypocrisy. MoveOn.org spoke truthfully and with conviction about this Administration's shameful conduct of the war in Iraq. But this administration is opposed to people telling the truth to the extent that even our president doesn't want to know what it is.
Bill Clinton lecturing on morality? Give me a break.
Amen to President Clinton for telling it like it is. George Bush should be ashamed – although a man like that has no shame.
President Clinton, you have their number. I am sick of this administration's constant whining and fake threats whenever someone questions their scurrilous motives and illegal actions. My prediction is that after your comments, we hear a slew of righteous, Christian Republicans bringing up Monica again...all these holier than thou closets gays, wife cheaters and tax evaders.
Who cares what he thinks, we are all so bore with the Clinton name anyway.
He had his time now tell him to let go please, tell Carter the same you notice you never see GOP Ex Pres running their mouth off like these guys.
CNN Show us something new, this stuff is boring.
Trying to take the heat off Hillary...
Finally – someone pointing out the obvious hypocrisy of the Republicans. The attack of John Kerry's service in Vietnam was outrageous and a complete distortion (read lie), yet these same people are condemming an ad questioning the statistics used by General Petraus. Let's bring the focus back to the real problem – the war in Iraq and its continuation.
Bill Clinton seems confused on what hypocrisy means. The ads criticizing Cleland were not malicious ... they merely questioned his voting record. The swiftboat campaign against Kerry came FROM veterans who said his account of events didn't square with their recollections of his 'heroism.'
Clinton seems to think veterans and war heroes (especially liberal ones) should be above any criticism, even though John Kerry's own scathing public attack on fellow soldiers seemed to open the door for criticism of those who serve. Soldiers, especially when they become politicians, are all fair game for having their records, words and actions scrutinized. (Look at war hero John McCain, who gets polite criticism from conservatives all the time.)
The offensive thing about the Petraeus ads was the general was accused of BETRAYAL ... a very very serious charge ... merely because Move On didn't like what his report said. It was a vicious, ugly ad that was based not on truth or any genuine knowledge of traitorous actions, but a weak attempt at being cute by taking advantage of an obvious pun opportunity.
Grow up, President Clinton. Be a man, not a baby.
Republicans are infamous for this hypocrisy. Like when they gave Bill Clinton such a hard time for smoking pot as a youth, but completely later ignored the fact that George W Bush was arrested for cocaine possession in 1972.
Thanks Bill Clinton, but who thinks that Republicans care about honesty–after all, hypocrasy is not hypocrisy when a Republican does it.
What willie doesn't seem to understand is Cleland and Kerry were politicans. Petraeus is an active military man, more highly ranked and accomplished than either of the two he mentioned. Also, Kerry was using his service for his political gain, and that service has been questioned by many people. That is not the same as Petraeus.
Mr. President, I was saying the same thing. The same Republicans that brought you the Swift Boat Veterans for truth are the ones upset over Moveon.org's comments. Give me a break.
Bill Clinton talking about hypocrisy is like Ahmadinejad talking about freedom in Iran.
Preach on, President Clinton. This false "OMG, they are questioning a military figure we are using for political gain and we demand an apology" is laughable at best. Can you tell it's getting close to an election?? Our political leaders are starting to act like children so it must be. "he hurted my feewings!!!"
Right on. Go Bill!!!! It's the old addage, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
For once, Bill Clinton is right. When it comes to dirty political ads, the Republicans are tops. These hypocrites really know how to pitch the slime.
Thank you, President Clinton, for saying something. I just wish that the candidates themselves could say things without fearing a drop in the polls.
President Clinton's description of the Republican spin machine "bait and switch" is right on. Instead of working with the Democrats to establish a time line when the troops will come home, they ignore the fact that the war was a mistake based on lies and refuse to address the people responsible.
He's right, of course, but when has that made any difference?
Right on Mr. Clinton. I just don't understand what these politicians are trying to do. All of whom seem as self serving, and not the slight bit interestd in where our country is heading. How long do we have to wait before we get a GREAT leader, instead of what we have been getting? Why can't these potential leaders hold a real debate, without attacking each other? It's really sad, that a country with over 200 million people can't find a leader.....
I'm glad that someone finally said this. Even as a Republican I am opposed to either party being hypocritical. I was against the Swift Boat ads, the ads against Cleland and am against the MoveOn.org ad. But for my own party and our talking heads, like O'Reilly, to attack the Dems without looking at themselves and what they have done makes me question what values anyone has. I, for one, will teach my kids that you judge not, that ye be not judged.
I may not support his wife's bid, but goshdarnit, Bill sure got it right.
I'm frankly sickened that people actually voted against Max Cleland because of those ads. What sheep. Anyone who voted for Saxby Chambliss should be ashamed of themselves.
I don't know why the rest of the Dems haven't been saying this incessantly. I know I would be.
President Clinton made some very poor lifestyle decisions but God it's good to see a Democrat who fights back.
The Republicans dominated pre-2006 elections by the dirtiest, slimiest campaigns imaginable. Say what you will about Hillary Clinton, she won't let them get away with it either.
Fight the dirty Republican slimeballs with their own tactics.
Methinks he doth protest too much. So is he defending the MoveOn ad?
Right on, Bill.
Far worse was what the Republicans did to former Senator Max Cleland, a man who lost two legs and and an arm in Vietnam. Because Senator Cleland was opposed to certain parts of the Patriot Act the Republicans ran ads with Osama Bin Ladin as a backdrop inferring that Cleland was soft on terrorists. It was a digusting ad that cost the Senator his job and Bill Clinton is 100% right about the Republican smear campaign. These same Republicans ran an ugly smear campaign against their own, John McCain in 2000 in the South Carolina primary. I hope whomever the Democrats nominate in 2008 wins in a landslide.
Wow, coming from someone whose own wife constantly smears other Dems, good job Clinton! Who is he to talk about being dishonest anyway?
What else is new, good for him. Happy to hear another predictable echo of what we all already know. It cuts both ways too, Bill.
Keep your opinion to yourself, why do we have to vote on non-binding resolutions so we know the opinion of Congress. Who cares?
I'm not impressed.
he said .... she said .... they said .... we said .... end the war ... maybe more ...
Politics today.
Bill Clinton smears people just as much, if not more..
I am glad Clinton comes out and says what needs to be said on this. You can always count on him to take the Republicans to task. When Rudy Giuliani starts apologizing for what Ann Coulter says, then maybe the Dems can start apologizing for MoveOn.org.
This is why Bill Clinton could win the 2008 election right now-he is courageous. He is bold. He is not afraid to step out and tell it like it is. This 2007 version of the Democratic Congress has been really disappointing, mainly because they all seem to lack the courage to challenge the GOP on their actions. Instead, they run like cowards behind everything the GOP says, and when it's time to take a stand, they make a half-hearted effort and say, "well, at least we tried!" Spineless!
Bill & the DNC are the smearmasters. Why would he be shock seeing his own tricks played on them, his MoveOn alums.
Where are all the people tellling him to keep his mouth shut? Anytime Mrs. Obama or Edwards say a word, people freak.
First of all slick willy, Max Cleland was running for office as was Kerry. There is a difference between a lifelong military man and a person running for office. Second of all, the "you did it to us first argument" is that of a 2nd grader. Come on! People we will have 4 more years of the angry Bill Clinton running around if Hill wins. For me, no thank you. Biden is becoming more interesting everyday.
Clinton you are nuts !
Mr. Clinton: Why don't you go hide back into your slimey, gooey shell? The country has had enough of you, your sneaky, lying ways as well as your lying so-called wife-in-name only! Seeing the two of you on TV and the way you try to fool the public is an outrage! Shame on some of the ignorant democrats for believing in you.
I agreed whole heartedly, President Clinton.
Thank you, and good luck to you and Mrs. Clinton in 2008.
Uhhh...you might want to take a second look at your written transcript of what Clinton said. Do you guys have editors there?
I really can't argue against his point.
The "moral outrage" card was cynically played WAY to much by people who have no right to do so. A vote in Congress condemning the ad – instead of doing – I don't know – REAL work. Like passing any number of useful bills...
Was the ad wrong? I'm not sure. Point 1) Freedom of speech. 2) The actual points raised in the "Move On" ad were ignored by the mass media in their scramble to cover the "outrage" of the conservatives. I do find it interesting that Petraeus's testimony really only focused on gains "since June 2006" – which is less than a third of the war to date. Might it be that going back any farther made the evidence of "the surge" working terribly weak? I suspect so...
I find it terribly saddening that we have spent $500 BILLION dollars on this war – and the military needs another $190 Billion to fight the rest of the year and "Buy desperately needed equipment" – yet the President is promising to veto a bill that costs 1/5 that that would continue Health Care for disadvantaged Children "because it is too expensive".
Politics – bah! I feel we are going to have a long and very ugly election cycle ahead of us.
Sincerity, honesty, legitimacy; 3 words, among others, that will never be associated with Bill Clinton. Therefore, his verbal argument against the republicans who were outraged at the moveon.org ad about General Petraeus, with the same feigned emotionalism he used with a pointed finger years ago in testimony when he swore his didn't have relations with Monica, simply doesn't wash. He was a bad person (and husband and father) when he was the President, and he's a bad person now. A leopard cannot change his spots. His attempt at being a 'good guy' with credibility remains a facade. Regardless of what angle at which he's viewed, Bill Clinton's legacy will always remain nothing more than a misused cigar and a stained blue dress.
But the Emperor has no clothes...
I used to think that President Reagan was the master "sound-byte" President, but no longer. The hard right kool-aide drinkers still defend without question the policies that lost them the Senate and the House last election. So be it, I love watching them eat their own dead. In turn groups like Move on just could loose the race for the Democrats if they don't tone it down.
Move On is acting no different than the Swift Boat group, and the voters are tired of such antics. Regardless of the group, extremists on both sides are disingenuous and are alienating the general public that they need to win in 2008.
The answer may just be public financing to clear out all the static caused by these extremists groups on both sides, and elevate politics to the high ideals that the founding fathers envisioned.
Both Cleland and Kerry opened themselves up to criticism for their positions after their military service was over. Petraeus was called a liar before he even had a chance to speak. Also in Kerry's case we may never know how accurate the Swift Boat accusations are since he will not release his military records.
FINALLY someone is brave enough to speak the outrage that needed to be spoken!
CLINTON IS THE GREATEST. THE MAN SPEAKS GOSPEL. OH WHAT I (AND EVERYONE I KNOW) WOULD GIVE TO RETURN TO THE CLINTON YEARS!
amen, bill clinton.
Slick Willy needs to take a couple steps back look into the mirror and by all means shut up. This man lied under oath and treated us all like we are complete idiot's. He is the last person in the world to be commenting on this type of behavior.
finally . . . someone is speaking up about this. thank you, mr. president, for taking the high road.
As I have stated before, the attack on the General was uncalled for, however he is a part of the current administration, which means open game, and the opening shoots were fired a long time ago by groups like Swift Boats.
So what advice can I give, don't throw stones if you live in a glass house. Stay out of the kitchen if you can not stand the heat. What goes around comes around. And it looks like its coming back around.
So I have to agree with Clinton on this one. Based upon the past track record of Republican action Groups and the attacks that they have made against individuals in the past, they have no call to be outraged and yes the response by Republican Party Officials has been hypocritical.
Bill Clinton was 100% right. Of course this administration will do anything (spin) to distract from there bogus war. Where is the WMD?? and should we be proud of killing over 500,000 Iraq citizens. Need I say more as the areas of incompetence and disfunction in the administration seem endless as every day another issue surfaces....lead in imports, no illegal immigration arrests etc etc etc etc etc
Someone has to say it. The Republicans are the biggest bunch of hypocrites, ever. Thankyou, President Clinton.
Hey Wild Bill – no one cares what you think...I guess it's okay though for your "wife" to spout off lunatic ideas...all kinds of nonsense is said and happens gearing up to an election year...sad but true. And I am not the least bit surprised you would come to (I can hardly say his name without laughing!) John Kerry's defense....that would be YOU again showing your lack of morals and decency!
Clinton is right. Look what the Repugs did to Cleland and Kerry. Both Cleland and Kerry were war vets and the Repubs trashed them far worse than the Move-On add did Petraeus! What Hypocrates the Republicans are!!
I'm not surprised that someone has finally said it out loud about how the Republicans have used these tactics and lies to hold this country in their power. For the past 6 years, we have been controlled by secrets and lies the Republicans and this president have forced on the nation. The voices of people no longer have the power to stop this administration until the 2008 elections and then maybe "We the People" will become the reality again. Personally, I'm sick of the school yard bullies and their tricks. I remember when both parties were honest and worked for the people and not themselves.
Things like this could be why Clinton is still loved by Democrats. Where is the rest of the outrage from the party? Hey, if the Dems are going to take it without a fight from the Republicans, why should the Republicans change tactics?
Thanks for pointing that out Bill. Republicans may try to wear a halo, but it tarnishes before they get it in place. What a bunch of hypocrites. They claim they would die for their country and then they don't want to pay their fair share of taxes. Hopefully a cure for such conservative schizophrenia will be found soon.
GO BILL!!! I am so GLAD he spoke as eloquently as he did. The republicans ALWAYS bait and switch and feign uproar over the very same things they do – but worse!!! It's about time the American People woke up and smelled the coffee!
GO BILL! It's about time the republicans get their noses rubbed in the very same stuff that they accuse the Democrats of doing – they are so hypocritical!! Bait and switch – doesn't work anymore! Wake up America!
Oh..., I missed that one.
Did he wag his finger at us again? I just loved those "Republican Conspiracy" theories Billary feeds to the unbias media. Ha Ha!
YOU GO BOY. Tell they like it is.
It really surprising to see and hear and American's don't get it.
GOP thinks they own this country and everyone else is an immigrant. By God. Max Cleland lost half his body and they ran ads against hi. There is no difference. Gen. David Petraeus was a political trip. Why can't any American question on him? I don't get it.
Hope this is the same party that think being gay is a disease; come to find out their Pastor is gay, their senator is gay.
Jesus said; " He who is without sin should cast the first stone." GOP should not be throwing stones.
Christians wake up you are backing the wrong party and doing the devils work.
Sorry Bill,
People have a way of not believing bold face liars. Its time for a real change. Not another Clinton betrayal.
This is exactly what more democrats should have done. Instead of letting the republicans make this issue about supporting our troops, they should have stood up and called the outrage what it was, a political ploy. Not only does this take away from the more important issue of what are our plans in Iraq, but as Clinton pointed out, its extremly hypocritical. However, too many democrats are afraid of the image that comes from fighting back on this stupid attack and so have let it become an issue, an issue that takes away from more important priorities. Way to go Bill!
Just a quick tongue-in-cheek question. I understand the "swift boat veterans" had war experience. Hence the name "veterans". Have any of the Move-On group served in the military at all? Where do they get their information on whether progress is being made or not?
It is always good to see individuals speaking out against such foul play in the political realm. Words are powerful, and the hypocrisy is ill-suited to a dignified nation. We live in an era in which the PATRIOT Act was passed, simply by virtue of its' name. Attack advertising runs rampant, deceiving the public once again with even the names of bills that a politician did or did not vote for. Who voted against the No Child Left Behind or PATRIOT Acts? Far fewer than if these names were not disguised and designed to fool the public into forcing their representatives to vote for the name and not the content. When individuals say you do not "support the troops" if you agree that our soldiers need more time home before redeployment, that is an egregious twist of the truth. I hope in due time our nation takes a turn toward a more transparent and honest political environment, so the only issues at hand will not be voting on whether or not they like Petraeus, but attempting to resolve issues our society desperately needs solving.
When a person is running for a political office he opens himself up to partisan ads from the opposing political party. Patreus does not fall into this catagory. I think the real bait and switch are the examples Clinton is using.
Wow, I just lost respect for Bill Clinton. As much as I was not a fan of his politics, I have always had an enormous respect for his intelligence.
But excuse me, Bill, if I may. First of all, your example of "bait and switch" is nothing of the sort. From your context, I might infer that you must be trying to point out a "Red Herring". I might, except for the fact that it's not that either.
But while we're on the subject, that's exactly what these comments from Clinton are...Red Herrings. He's not addressing whether or not Petraeus has been treated unfairly. He's not even defending the folks who have tried to assassinate his character since his report on Iraq (see: Clinton, Hillary).
No, he's just bringing up every Red Herring he can find from the past where he feels Republicans have unfairly treated Democrats. Some of them may actually have merit. But that doesn't mean anything about whether or not Petraeus has been treated fairly.
C'mon Bill, I'm sure your mom taught you from a young age "two wrongs don't make a right". Then again, judging from your history of moral decisions, maybe not.
If ever there was a two-faced politician, its this ex-president. He represents everything wrong with the Democrats today... they pander to whatever audience they are in front of, and never hesitate to look the other way when their campaigns take illegal money...and make BIG donors the recipiants of favoritism. We need to clean house of all these professional politicians (especially the Clintons)next election.
GIVE US A BREAK BILL!
Well said Bill...and I can't wait for November 2008 to roll around.
So many Americans are tired, depressed, sick, in poverty, have lost their jobs, lost their hard-earned pension funds and benefits after years of toil. And that's just the middle class!
We the American people are frustrated at being ignored by the current administration and jeered at by the likes of "we beat you three times" McCain.
Politics 101. This is OUR government. You are OUR paid elected officials. If we as a nation say we do not want to pour another 12 billion a month into Iraq then you listen to us. This is supposed to be democracy but what we've got is an autocracy, ruled by a cruel, uncaring despot. Or a bunch of them.
We the American people demand from you support of our infrastructure: health care, roads, hospitals, jobs, schools.
We the people of America demand that you spend the 12 billion on our own people and our own needs. Our starving children, uneducated minorities, poverty ridden cities.
We demand that you spend that 7 billion dollars on healthcare for children. One month of the cost of the Iraq war, and we get some change!
We demand that you spend 12 billion on New Orleans and another 12 billion on the other Gulf Coast areas that are still in ruin. We demand you build schools and hospitals there. We the people of America demand that you get the police headquarters in those areas out of their temporary trailers and into stable permanent facilities.
And for all the billions of dollars supposedly spent in Iraq not one, not one armored Humvee has ever made its way over to our troops.
This administration should be ashamed of itself. Of course it won't, it'll just keep on thinking it can ignore us and sandbag us some more; put our troops on trial for murder; deny them health benefits. 40% of our troops do not get the medical treatment they require when they return from Iraq because of a staff shortages. Well how soon would 12 billion fix that problem?
I have never seen such anger in Bill Clinton's face! He was seething. So are the majority of we, the American people. And we pray (yes democrats do pray) that soon this nightmare will be over and our country can unite and heal.
lets be honest Bill! If you were doing your job as President during the time of your escapades with Monica L., then most likely we wouldn't have even dealt with a September 11th issue. The deaths of thousands of Americans rest on your shoulders!
I think Bill needs to learn that he is the unimformed one. The Cleland ad – It showed how he voted against the troop's funding with images of two terrorists we were fighting. What is dishonest about that? Swift Boat – Those men were there on the boats with Kerry I would believe their accounts than Bill the liar. Bill lied under oath and that is why he was disbarred. Have any of the swift boaters lied under oath? I don't think so. Bill Clinton has and he has lied to the faces of the American public when he denied doing anything with Monica. He is a liar so I don't believe anything he has to say.
This is typical politics. Democrats slam the Republicans and then slam them for retaliating, and vice-versa. It just goes back and forth, on and on between the parties. The fact of the matter is that both parties are feigning offense and innocence. But for the middle 60% of voters who are essentially independent, it's nauseating. Then they wonder why we don't show up on Election Day.
Right on Bill, your 100% accurate. I don't know how people in the Republican Party can sleep at night with the stuff they pull. I guess their ignorance is truly bliss.
Amazing that Bill Clinton KNOWS the Swift Boat Vets didn't know what they were talking about. Did he secretly decide to go to Vietnam, even though he worked so hard to avoid the draft?
I completely agree on the GOP as hypocrites and to listen to Saxby Chambliss on this issue is just too much. That so many Dems fell in line is inconceivable too. I thought they were supposed to support the First Amendment and not condemn those who practice it.
This is classic. The all time king of sleaze pointing the finger at someone else! Mr. Kettle, meet Mr. Pot.
Go get 'em, Mr Clinton, sir...
they deserve to swim in their Swift Boat crap...
I am not running for any political office, and I found the MoveOn ad outrageous, disgusting, and treasonous.
My outrage and disgust in this left wing extremist organization is not "feigned".
I believe the response from both Republicans and Democrats to the ad was serious and sincere.
It all goes back to Gingrich declaring war on the democratic process and Rove pushing for a permanent one-party system. Once you define opposition as treason and difference of opinion as insanity, it's a short step to telling yourself you must defeat your godless infidel opponents by any means necessary. And that's how jihads, I mean SwiftBoats, are made.
Too bad the 22 Democrats that fell for this bait and switch didn't catch on, and that is why people think the Democrats are SPINELESS!!
Didn't buba give North Korea nuke plant when he was Pres?
Dint Buba Sign the Iraqi Liberation bill and send missles into Iraq on the suspision of weapons of mass destruction in 1998.
Who is Ron Brown?
Who lied under oath?
Who didnt care to go after Bin Laden 6 or 10 times?
Who is Sandy Berger and what did he do for you.
Oh yeah, anytime that man Bill Clinton Talks it is a Lie.
Oh wait I forgot, He is a good speaker..but so was hitler and the devil..
Dont think we know of your crimes.
First off Billyboy, I agree the Cleland ad was a disgrace.
Many people from BOTH sides including this President called for and have reiterated for an end to these 527 ads and I for one would welcome that.
But the Swift boat folks unlike you, did honorably serve their country, were in Vietnam, and have every right to hammer and DISAGREE with Kerry for his words and his actions in regards to his service and THEIR service (that he impugned upon).
If he was going to run on his war service, the whole package is included such as his disgracing his FELLOW VETS by saying they cut off limbs, burned villages etc, etc reminiscent of Genghis Khan(????).
This wasn't a beef that started 4 years ago as this has been going on for over 30 years and these fellow groups of VETERANS were heroes just as much if not MORE than Kerry.
So you and others, who have never donned a military uniform, are basically impugning them for speaking their minds.
The real truth is only known to them and certainly not by you.
I don't expect you to understand how much comradery means to the sailors, airmen, army and marines and how it is ingrained in them just as much as the honor of wearing the uniform. Kerry broke that bond.
If everything they said was false, wouldn't you expect someone running for President pretty much on that one platform (kind of like Rudy); wouldn't they fight back RIGHT AWAY and not ask your "handlers" what you should I do?
I know I would.
Lastly, the General is not running for any office, but is in charge of our men and women right now, in combat.
So I am sorry that you can't grasp how wrong it is that a left-wing 527 group that doesn't have the guts to put their names and faces behind the words is basically calling him a liar BEFORE he even has a chance to speak.
The whole sham with "one of our leading newspapers" involved, amounted to an illegal campaign contribution.
Any thoughts on that Mr. Clinton or are you to busy sending threatening letters to restaurant owners on behalf of your 27 year old daughter or maybe squashing negative stories by GQ that would put your "wife" in a bad light?
The problem with Mr. Clinton's criticism is that democrats expressed extreme outrage at the Swifboat ads. Arguably, his position is that only Democrats can get upset by such ads. Two wrongs don't make a right.
WAY TO GO, BILL!
The difference, of course, is the ad Clinton is talking about was for a politician running for office. This ad against General Petraeus is against a soilder not running for any office. A man who has given his life in service of his country.
My husband is a die hard, life long democrat. Even he thought the "betray us" ad was bad.
Mr. Former President Clinton, have you ever lied for political gain? The answer to that question would be YES.
Has President Bush lied for political gain, YES.
Has Hillary, Barack, John or Fred lied for political gain, YES.
Please Mr. Former President, really, you all do it and if you think the American people don't know you do it your dumber then you look.
Both parties are corrupt, period. They need to quit crying like little children and just do their jobs.
But what do I know, I'm just a Conservitive Indepenant.
Way to go, Bill! Keep speaking up and speaking out to those who have short memories.
This is the same Karl Rove group that eat their own – when McCain was winning the primary, there was plenty of money to say that McCain voted against breast cancer funding in NY and that he had fathered a black baby in SC ... and those foolish, fearful, people who vote as they are told, all believed "The Party." Remember the "call me?" ad?
Based on a lie.
The smear tactics will continue. Now it they raise the "straw man" of voter fraud... attempting to disinfranchise likely Democratic Voters.
The only documented case of "vote fraud" was the GOP blocking the Democratic phone lines in NH on election day – and a record 22 calls to the White House that same day.
It's going to get slimy but maybe, just maybe, it will backfire this time. Maybe Republican voters are a little more thoughtful and a little less impressed with what the GOP has done to the country these past years – never for the country.
You go, Bill!!!
I agree this attack by the republicans on moveon.org was a classic bait and switch just like the "weapons of mass destruction" to "bringing the Iraq people freedom". I thought this country was built on democracy but it seems to be running on a dictatorship! The ad was base on what David Petraeus was going to say and not on his outstanding service to this country. It doesn't take a genious to figure out that his report would be in favor of the President Bush agenda since President Bush will not admit that he made a mistake and this war in Iraq is not working costing billions of dollars and American live's.
This is the former President, with an expected higher standard of behavior that lied, repeatedly, to the American people on TV and in hearings about his affairs with a young woman. How can we trust this man on anything? His newsworthiness is only sensational not informational. Clinton also fired ICBMs at Osama, missing him and perhaps instigating 911. Clinton stripped the US Military of the necessary funds to keep it ready for which the military now is paying the price.
I long for the days when the most repellant thing we got from the the oval office was a little lie about the Presidents PRIVATE life. The Republicans set the bar at the bottom every time, and I'll take anyone who has a sense of where this country need to go to become the America I was proud of in my youth.
...telling CNN's Anderson Cooper their "feigned outrage" was completely "disingenuous."
Um, Bill, isn't this calling the kettle black here? When your wife is one of the people actually saying the same thing, even VOTING to condemn it! Thanks Bill for highlighting just how hypocritical you both are!
Stop the regime! Obama '08!
Former President Clinton is right about Republican strategy in general and it's nice to see at least one Democrat isolating the issue of contradiction and attempting to educate the public about it.
Amen, Mr. President! It's past time for this nation to repudiate the GOP's shameful "Jerry Springer Show" political tactics. The Republicans have duped too many of the electorate with their outrageous lies and hypocracy. These tactics put them in control and all they've done is abuse their power, drain the treasury, and leave a trail of destruction that will require decades of hard work to repair.
It is about time someone has the courage to question these antics. Bravo Mr. President.
I agree with Clinton. He is the best President we ever had so far since..
There is no headline that neither Clinton, Obama, nor Edwards would commit to immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq.
What is the Dem Platform this week?
Bush is an idiot but at least we know where he stands.
CNN should change its name to the MoveOn News Network (MNN).....what a pathetic news organization.
About God-damn time someone some Democrat grows a backbone and speaks against the hypocrisy behind the republican "uproar" against Petraeus’ commercial. Democrats shouldn’t condemn the ad, they all should stick together and defend, not moveon.org, but the content of the ad and its veracity.
What is he worrying about? Could it be the ads against Hillary that will come. To use the 3 purple heart rule (who knew about this rule before Swift Boats) to get out of combat in four months is outrageous to any Vietnam vet. Why doesn't he get his buddy Senator Kerry to release his military records that he promised years ago. Maybe it would clairfy how he got the medals.
Way to go, Bill! I'm a MoveOn.org member and was outraged when I started hearing Republicans smearing the ad in the NY Times recently. We should be questioning individuals who have the apt to be told by the current Administration (who has on numerous occasions lied to the American people). Furthermore, we should not let these dirty Republicans play their dirty tricks of politics any more. The Republicans are simply trying to cover the fact that this war is a mistake, and their denouncing of MoveOn goes against one of the greatest facets of this country – free speech.
Shut UP BILL,,your a crook, ,incomptent,liar,cheater,and most of all a hypocrit. Your words mean nothing to people that actually have any class(exception Liberals and blind democrats). We would not be dealing with all these terriost today if you would have done your job instead of your interns.
I didn't particularly care for the Petraeus ad (it was sophomoric and tactically stupid, for lack of a better word). However, Clinton's right. The Republicans are using the ad as an excuse to divert attention away from the war and their own failed policies. They're also using it as yet another tool to paint those who aren't outright opposed to the ad as unpatriotic. The fact that they can pass a bill condemning it but can't do anything about, you know, the actual war is pathetic and insulting to the millions of people serving in uniform. Not to mention that by continuing to give the ad attention, they just give more attention to it. Finally, Clinton hit it right on the nose in bringing up the Republicans' hypocrisy over the ad. They are outraged over this yet had no problem with the disgusting smear campaigns against Kerry and Cleland? Not only is that BLATANTLY hypocritical, it's despicable and pathetic. Note to Republicans in Congress: focus on the issues that matter, not some group's poor attempt at name-calling.
Gee, Bill, could it be that America's entire political system has become a hypocrisy? Just a thought.
Yet again Clinton demonstrates his superlative ability to lie and dissemble when it comes to incendiary rhetoric. In fact, all of the democrat-controlled 501 C3 political action committees are run by former Clinton cabinet players. Harold Ickes, the slimiest of the band, Paul Begala, Sid Blumenthal and others, have at their disposal 10s of millions that they use to impugn GOP candidates. So, you know when the top yellow dog himself starts to moan and complain, you can pretty much count on the fact that they'll be launching their salvos of attacks very shortly.
This has been going on for years. Republicans are largely condescending, self-absorbed, beligerent, and unapologetic in their treatment and perception of others that disagree, in some fashion, with their ideas and beliefs (e.g., Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly and the rest of Fox, Rush Limbaugh, etc.)
I am happy that so many of us cannot or will not mold ourselves to their narrow view of the world. I wish more in our country would wake up and view the world through a different, less myopic lens.
Speak it, Uncle Bill! Somebody's got to!
God bless!
Clinton is the one being hypocritical. It seems he has an acute way of always blaming others for his own deceptions. Losers! Both of them.
Isn’t this another “classic bait and switch”? Justifying bad behavior with other bad behavior.
GO BILL! once again Mr. Clinton tells it like it is. The Republicans are pathetic and desperate.
I might feel some respect for the 'Christian' Republicans if they would condemn falsehoods and pride the way they condemn sexual expression. When did mudslinging and name-calling become one of America's core values?
They don't call him slick willy for nothing. Just like the 8 years he was in office, his former life and his post white house 'speaking' gigs... this guy is just a play on words. If you read this very closely, it says nothing. What about his recent attack on some poor guy running an eatery where he says he is going to attack the guy if he doesn't take his daughters picture down. ALL of these people make me absolutely sick to my stomach.
The republicans exhibit hypocrisy in holding people to higher standards than they do themselves. Although the total polarization of American politics by both parties is showing the world a democracy run amok. Until the parties can discuss and exchanges views without unilaterally blasting each other, our country will suffer the personal whims of the President and total paralisis to do anything about it in Congress. All this while our country's greatest strategic advantage is sold out by corporations, special interests, and the Chinese.
I see that Clinton doesn't mind his wife smearing VP Cheney with her Darth Vadar comment-another case of both of them trying to come off as the poor victim. And he is certainly the poster boy for bait and switch.
Seems to me that Bill Clinton is the only democrat with a back bone!
U tell them like it is Bill Clinton we love U.
I'm disgusted with both political parties. For the most part they lack decency, kindness, and the courage to speak the truth if it doesn't promote their selfish interests.
GOD BLESS YOU BILL CLINTON. HOW I WISH THERE WAS ANOTHER YOU. I PROBABLY WILL VOTE FOR HILLARY ONLY BECAUSE SHE'S YOUR RIGHT SHOE. I ABSOLUTELY DISAGREE WITH HER STAND ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. I AM AN AMERICAN OF BLACK HERITAGE (75 YEARS YOUNG) AND REFUSE TO GIVE UP, WILLING, THE "AMERICAN CULTURE" FOR A "HISPANIC CULTURE." THAT IS WHAT I SEE AS A FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. TO REPEAT, YOU WOULD BE THE ONLY REASON TO VOTE FOR HILLARY.
He is the last one who should call anyone disingenuous! He and his wife are the sleaziest and most corrupt politicians around. Has anyone else noticed that whenever she is asked a pointed question, she immediately cackles, as if to insinuate that the questioner is an idiot, and to give herself a little more time to create a non-answer? She must have been the "laugh over" for the the evil witch in the Wizard of Oz.
Way To Go Mr. Clinton! Three cheers!
Republican Hypocrisy at it's best!
If Republicans keep shooting themselves in the leg they are soon not going to have one to stand on! Not that I'll be disappointed or anything.
Run for the hills here comes Dick! It's a bird, it's a plane, ohhhhhh no, it's a Republican. Shoot!
I confess that I have no use whatsoever for Bill Clinton or his wife. However, the point that he makes here is 100% right on. It was a disgrace that the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces (Bush) would not defend the honors that one of our armed force's members had earned (Kerry), honors that subsequent review had confirmed.
Regardless of what one thinks of Kerry and his post-war actions, the failure of Bush to condemn attacks on Kerry called into question what Kerry's decorations signified for every soldier & sailor & marine & airman who has ever won them. Considering Bush's own military record, I suppose it is understandable that he would not respect these awards, like the Purple Heart, as a private citizen, but as the Commander-in-Chief, his behavior in failing to condemn obscene.
Likewise, the treatment of Max Cleland was also a sordid affair.
So, Clinton is right: where were all of these pious gasbags when other travesties were being perpetrated?
(& BTW, I also condemn MoveOn's treatment of Petraeus. I may a liberal, I still won't wink when the behavior of a bunch of foul-mouth miscreants behave like the goons Clinton alludes to. MoveOn can never expect one copper-plated zinc cent from me!)
President Clinton has it exactly right about the hypocritical GOP reaction to the MoveOn.org ad. Unfortunately, this sort of thing works. as evidenced by the examples provided by Mr. Clinton, and will only stop working when the public lets the GOP know that their use of vicious attack politics is unacceptable. It is a sad fact that we get the kind of politics we deserve the way we respond. Let's deserve better.
That headline is rather misleading. It makes it sound like Clinton is criticizing those who would criticize Republicans. A more honest headline would be "Clinton slams 'hypocritical' Republicans."
The whole political system..and the politicians have gone to hell in an hand basket. Statesmanship is dead...
the country is divided over lies and if we don't change we will be headed for another civil war.
oh please... they are genuine about where they stand on issues. You just dont like where they stand. And yes some questions are stupid and need to be laughed at. "Why do you (Mrs Clinton) seem to be so partisan againsnt Bush?" <- stupid freaking question
Besides the point of this article is to point out the hipocrasy of making the creator of the swift boat veterans an ambassador but slamming dems for not condeming something they HAD nothing to do with.
They were the creators of vicious vile, untrue attacks on Two people that served this country. And they throw a hissy fit bc MoveOn does a play on words. BS
It is about time that someone calls a spade a spade.
President Clinton has nothing to worry about regarding the hypocritical republicans. At this point in time most americans, if not all of us, are aware of the corruption and lies of the republican party. It just amazes me that the republicans still think we are going to swallow more of the same. I, for one, have had enough of the republican party and their corruption. America is hurting today due to republican leadership..or lack of I should say!
Like there is no hypocracy on the left? When will we be able to see that both sides play the same games? Why not stick to issues instead of name calling and taking shots at the other person?
By the way, Democrats yesterday at the debate stated they would not be able to get out of Iraq until 2013. Didn't they win majorities in Congress by telling people that they would get us out immediately? I see this as telling people what they want to hear in order to win elections. The state of our political system is AWFUL!!!!!! I think we should all protest by electing Gumby to office
The horse guy could be VP.
...not to mention all the perverts and hypocrites are emerging from the party of "Family Values." Turns out, more like "Adams Family Values."
"Classic bait and switch"?? Followed by a "Clinton also highlighted a string of past questionable campaign commercials targeting Democrats, and suggested Republicans are acting hypocritically." Liberals...alittle common sense here...please?? What proof did Soros organization offer that the General was lying?? How irresponsible for a former president to participate in this rhetoric....there is no proof....yet left wing organizations present everything as "fact" – as if they have inside information....common sense liberals....perhaps the party symbol is more than appropriate.
What do you expect from a Clinton? Anybody with a half of a brain would have condemned this ad! This is not about swift boat or anything else, this is about moveon.org, come on Billy, stay on the issue!
IN RESPONSE TO PATTI, OBVIOUSLY YOU DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT POLITICAL VIEWS FROM BOTH SIDES FROM THE STATEMENT YOU MADE ABOUT HILARY CLINTON. I SUPPORT HER IN EVERY WAY, AND ABOUT HER CACKLES HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THAT MAYBE JUST MAYBE THE QUESTION ASKED WAS INAPPROPIATE AND HER LAUGHTER IS TO SAVE THE EMBARRASMENT OF WHOEVER ASKED THE QUESTION. WITH THE WAY THIS WORLD IS ITS HARD TO PICK OUT THE GOOD ONES AND THE BAD ONES BUT LETS NOT LOOK OVER THE FACT THAT HER HUSBAND WAS THE BEST AND MOST PRODUCTIVE PRESIDENT THIS COUNTRY HAS HAD IN MODERN DAY. SO FOR PATTI COME WITH SOME REAL ISSUES INSTEAD OF JUST SLAMMING HILARY BECAUSE YOU CAN'T FIND A REAL REASON TO COMPLAIN
You go BILL!! Tell em like it is! Those republicans think no one can see through their thinly disguised ruse. Please! They are full of it.
Way to go, Mr President. It is about time someone went back at the Swift Boat ads, etc. I am tired of being made to feel I am "unpatriotic" by being against this war. And by being "unchristian" by being a liberal Democrat. It is time to fight back! Hillary has MY vote!
Bill Clinton used James Carville to smear Clinton's alleged enemies.
Mrs. Clinton used smear tactics to fire the White House travel office staff.
Mr. Clinton used smear tactics against the women he apparently used sexually. With no limits to their use of smear tactics the Clinton's should be ashamed enough to keep quiet.
Its ironic when Republicans feign shock over the Petraeus ad. Please! Republicans are the most outrageous commmercial makers that come up with just about anything to get the votes. They tapped into 9/11 fears to get Bush into office in 2004 so he could continue with his Iraq Charade. So good for you Mr. Clinton! Call it like most of us see it!
I RATHER HAVE CLINTON IN THE WHITEHOUSE WITH EXCELLENT ECONOMIC GROWTH THAN A LIAR, A CHEAT, A PUPPET AS A PRESIDENT. THE REPUBLICANS ACT LIKE THEY ARE SAINTS. I AM SURE THAT THIER FAITH IS WHATS TELLING THEM TO GO TO WAR AND HAVE OVER 3000 SOLDIERS KILLED INCLUDING MY WIFE'S BEST FRIENDS SON AND OVER 1,000,000 IRAQIS KILLED, WHO WAS WORST, SADDAM OR BUSH??? HOW MANY PEOPLE DIED UNDER CLINTON? THE CONSERVATIVES FOCUS ON WHAT THE DEMOCRATS DO WRONG TO DIVERT ATTENTION TO THE REAL ISSUE, IRAQ, THE ECONOMY, HEALTH INSURANCE FOR KIDS, ETC.... IT IS SO SAD TO SEE HOW THE COUNTRY IS SO HURT BY THE ACTIONS OF A FEW IN WASHINGTON, I AM SURE THAT THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT AND THE CONSERVATIVES ARE REALLY PROUD OF THEIR ACTIONS, I AM SURE JESUS IS REALLY PROUD OF THEM.... I DO NOT THINK SO... THE JESUS I KNOW DID NOT ACT LIKE A CONSERVATIVE, HE CARED FOR THE POOR, HE WAS INCLUSIVE, HE LOVED EVERYONE.. MONEY AND POWER DRIVES CONSERVATIVES NOT JESUS
hillary has "mother-in-law" voice. doyou want to listen to your mother-in-law for four years straight? hee hee
YES! Bill Clinton clearly highlighted the tactics that made Karl Rove so successful for years. A grand distraction from failures has been Karl Rove's model of success, the reason the war in Iraq is such a foreign policy failure. Congrats to the former President for helping to informing the constituency.
Right On, Bill!
Bill Clinton for President!
Wow, easy on the caps there James...we get it...you're in love with the Clintons. And I find it hard to believe that questions about the war, her voting record, and health care would be "inappropriate"
Well said, Bill!! But given who the country elected in 2004, I'm not surprised so many are willing to buy the Republican's bad acting job.
Bill Clinton is the last person to point fingers for smearing. Hey Bill – those who live in Glass Houses should not throw stones.
So True. Finally someone says out loud what has been so obvious since the beginning.
I love this man!
Who cares about the outrage coming from Republican politicians over the move back.org ad? How about my outrage, Bill? It reminds me of "Mommy, Mommy but he hit me first!" It's obvious he's still nothing but a professional, out of work politician.
Let me get this straight. . . because the Republicans are being "hypocritical" it makes it right to accuse a General of lying before he even says something? Remember, the ad came out before he spoke? This is another example of the TEAM mentality in politics. G-U-M-B-Y. Hill may not get us out of Iraq til 2013, but GUMBY can : )
Hey, we have only ourselves to blame. Most bought the Swifty's claims and turned a blind eye to Bush's lack of military service. Now we're indignant. The sad thing is, we won't have learned a thing and smear campaigns will continue to be effective. Always have. Always will.
Why does Bill Clinton get any credibility in this race? Of course he is going to defend his wife and try to boost her chances of getting elected, as he should. Therefore, it is going to be nearly impossible for him to have an objective opinion about anything.
This comes from a proven "LIAR!"
Clinton should do what respectable ex-prez' do, observe from afar and keep your mouth shut.
"Move On", Rush Limbaugh, Ann Colter and their ilk on both left and right should be condemned.
While having a lot of respect for Bill Clinton, he's off base here. There are more Republicans, Independents and moderate Democrats than those who support "Move On".
Further dispicable adds such as the Petraeus one from "Move On' will make a lot of us wonder if the Democratic Party is fit to govern. We need change and further action from "Move On" may make that a pipedream.
The right was so outraged by the Moveon.org ad because they were the target of the attack and not the ones orchestrating it for once. How dare you do what we do on a regular basis! For shame! I'm still waiting on all those senate resolutions condemning the statements of Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, and the numerous others who slandered military personell who were not cheerleaders for this administration.
President Clinton is right on. Granted the Democrats have done thier fair share smear campaigns, but Democrats are the lesser of two evils. Republicans are so hypocritical "Do as I say, not as I do" and people are tired of it! Hillary for President!! And this is coming from an old Republican who finally saw through the bull fed to masses over the past 8 years.
Republicans are UNAMERICAN – They fight wars for personal gain, they fight to deny civil rights to fellow Americans based on “Religious Beliefs” they fight to deny basic healthcare to poor Americans, yet they say they want to spread democracy and civil rights around the world but fight to deny those very rights in America. Maybe Republicans including President Bush and General Pace should read the Declaration of Independence every now and then and take to heart what our founding fathers fought a revolutionary war for, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” Republicans have forgotten that message. No wonder the world see’s America as a terrorist state.
James of St.Louis, MO, Patti has a right to her opinion, and that opinion is shared by many people. If you love her, fine. Just remember that many people DON'T! By the way, your use of caps is very irritating. It's hard to read and gives the impression that you are making pronouncements from on high like God delivering the 10 Commandments. Cool it, you're no smarter than the next guy.
James from St.Louis:
Hillary Clinton's fake laughter is her condescending way of showing that it is beneath her to answer legitimate questions. Dick Cheney Lite.
THE CLINTONS NEED TO SHUT UP!
not only did they give our top secrets to china but didn't even repair the health care!! so much for thier promises.AND now they even backing out of withdrawing troops!!! changing their position every 5 min what a joke!! AND as for clintons they are the most corrupt people i ever seen!!
NOT Only does hillary say THAT ENGLISH SHOULD NOT BE OFFICAL LANGAUGE SHE VOTED FOR AMNESTY BILL!!!! OR DID YOU PEOPLE FORGET ALREADY???????
Shut UP BILL,,your a crook, ,incomptent,liar,cheater,and most of all a hypocrit. Your words mean nothing to people that actually have any class(exception Liberals and blind democrats). We would not be dealing with all these terriost today if you would have done your job instead of your interns.
Posted By Ryan Indianapolis : September 27, 2007 10:01 am
Clinton can be judged by the quality of the people who insult and hate him.
Thank you for proving that point.
Thanks Bill Clinton from the wife of a Vietman Vet.
Bill Clinton is a has-been, and is reluctant to admit it. He is hanging onto his wife's pants legs, and she is dragging him along. Who really pays attention to him? Remember this is the same guy that lied, but doesn't think it was a lie.
At least one Democrat has the guts to speak up, while the other tuck their tails and tow the GOP party line.
I am a returning soldier from Iraq. I no longer have a right arm, and no hearing in my right ear. I was hit with an IED just outside Basra while chasing a convoy that turned out to be political figures rather than Al Qaeda. I know that this war in unpopular and having been on both sides of it, seeing the Iraqi's, the insurgants, and our soldiers fighting on the front lines, I believe that I am in a pretty good position to make a judgement call. If we stay in this war in Iraq, it will only be a matter of months before we are in war with Iran. A few months down the road, Syria will get involved. I know this from talking to other soldiers and talking to the local Iraqi's. Americans that have not been there have NO sense about what these men are fighting for. It goes beyond anything that we know. It is equivalent to the Japanese and Nazi's in WWII. We were equally shocked then with the desparation and depravity that they faught with, and these religious factions in the Middle East are not any different. Bush wants to stay in Iraq and provoke this because he wants to put an end to it. I respect him for wanting to do that because I have seen what they are willing to do. But he has to level with the American public. If this war is to truly be faught and won, it will take at least a decade longer, and require at least 100,000 troops. This is not a half-assed war. It is a military conflict with all the makings of becoming a full blown world war. Be prepared. This "attack" on Patraeus is irrelevant. I was under the impression that I and those beside me were fighting for your right to say things like this. I fear that I have returned from battle to a different country than I was fighting to protect.
Didn't you hear Howard? Cheney was seduced by the dark side of the force. He's more machine than man, twisted than evil. Where's Luke Skywalker when you need him?
If all you say free speach then tell me why is cnn deleting my comments?
can't handel the truth about clintons.
Thank you President Bill Clinton! Wish you were back in the White House!
The Republicans are just sick! The American people see this and will vote more of them out in the next election.
There is no doubt that Petraeus is a voice box for Bush- and we have EVBERY right to question his testimony as so much of our real security organizations give direct opposite asessments of this illegal and immoral war.
Go Hillary!
Its totally incredible of him to make this kind of statements, given his record on truth, but I guess it's the Clinton way of politics.
"""…telling CNN's Anderson Cooper their "feigned outrage" was completely "disingenuous."
Um, Bill, isn't this calling the kettle black here? When your wife is one of the people actually saying the same thing, even VOTING to condemn it! Thanks Bill for highlighting just how hypocritical you both are!
Stop the regime! Obama '08!
Posted By Jon G. Paris, TX : September 27, 2007 9:48 am"""
You sir are an idiot. Hillary did not vote to condemn it. So thanks for being the first responder, and being absolutely wrong.
It is about time that someone expose the evil actions performed by the republican party. I am tired of the double standards used by the Republican Party too.
Bill Clinton should be banned from using the term dishonest! It's as bad as Carter questioning someone's leadership.
It is always good to see individuals speaking out against such foul play in the political realm. Words are powerful, and the hypocrisy is ill-suited to a dignified nation. We live in an era in which the PATRIOT Act was passed, simply by virtue of its' name. Attack advertising runs rampant, deceiving the public once again with even the names of bills that a politician did or did not vote for. Who voted against the No Child Left Behind or PATRIOT Acts? Far fewer than if these names were not disguised and designed to fool the public into forcing their representatives to vote for the name and not the content. When individuals say you do not "support the troops" if you agree that our soldiers need more time home before redeployment, that is an egregious twist of the truth. I hope in due time our nation takes a turn toward a more transparent and honest political environment, so the only issues at hand will not be voting on whether or not they like Petraeus, but attempting to resolve issues our society desperately needs solving. These are issues of concern that need to be spoken about.
How true it is. The Republicans mock outrage is outrageous in itself. I hope voters see through their pathetic tactics and remember what has gotten us in this mess in the first place – and what we need to do in order to get out.
Hey Ryan in Indianapolis,
Maybe you should be the one shutting up. If Ronald Reagan would have done his job when we lost almost 300 marines when Hezbollah attacked our barracks in the 80's, maybe we would not be fighting them in the middle east right now. Instead like a coward, he withdrew our troops after the attack.
Clinton calling the Republicans hypocrites is like the pot calling the kettle black. Talk about "disingenuous", he needs to look in the mirror. If his act was not so pathetic, this would actually be funny. I can't remember the last time I heard anything from either the democrats or republicans that was well considered and presented without a lot of vitriolic mean-spirited sound bites. Flush them both and start over. No one with any personal ethics will run for office because of the pandering they have to do to win support of the party hierarchy.
I loved the part about complaining about the Swift Boat Vets, like it was all their fault. John Kerry as a nominee was the biggest mistake made by the party, and no amount of deflections to the Swift Boat Vets could have corrected that.
He was a flawed nominee, and continues to be a flawed senator.
What a jerk.
Being of Irish descent, I have to agree with Jane in Yonkers. I also refuse to willfully give up the "American Culture" for a "Hispanic Culture".
Jon G:
Sen. Clinton voted NOT to condemn MoveOn specifically, but did vote to condemn anyone who reviled those in uniform. Sen. Obama also voted to condemn those who insulted the troops, but ran like a from the MoveOn vote. Watch Obama go!!!
Schratboy:
Whom did Harold Ickes et al smear? How?
Art?
HOW about them? How did the Clintons smear Juanita Broaddrick et al?
Howard:
Calling someone a name, especially one he has called himself is not, by itself, a "smear."
Patti:
Please give some instances of "corruption" of which the Clintons were NOT cleared by interminable and expensive investigations?
Let's not forget what this crowd did to Senator Edmund Muskie with the "Canuck Letter" back in 1972.
Muskie was ahead in the polls and starting to pull away when clever Kenny Claussen, Nixon's Deputy Communications Director, stole Muskie letterhead and published the letter insulting the Canadians. Not only did Muskie have to forego the presidency, he had to leave politics permanently!
By the way, to our "enlightened" friends on the Right, when Clinton lied, nobody died or got hurt. When the Republicans do it, it is designed to destroy people and hurt the ability of the country to draw a fair, unbiased comparison in candidates – and it works!
What a crock! This has been going on for years. Democrats are largely condescending, self-absorbed, beligerent, and unapologetic in their treatment and perception of others that disagree, in some fashion, with their ideas and beliefs. Bill is now getting into full attack mode, so he can get Hillary elected and once again turn the White House into a frat house whenever she's away.
I think CNN needs to consult the word "slam" in a thesaurus. They're going to wear it out.
Personal to Saxby Chambliss:
You served where?!
For once, Bill Clinton is right. Republicans are the masters of slime.
Clinton's right. These tactics are used to distract, to switch one topic for another. Politicians and the media can turn anything into a story – even the word "is". But the main game is distracting us with the Republican versus Democrat farce which Clinton has just done once again masterfully. Wake up! There is no difference between any of the "top tier" of either party. And when and how did "top tier" even make our lexicon? STOP LISTENING TO THEM AND START RESEARCHING VOTING RECORDS. Start supporting them based not on whether or not you like them, or even believe in them. Start supporting them (or not) strictly on what they DO!
President Bill Clinton is right. So what the big deal, Gen Petraeus is telling us what mr bush want us to hear (is call job security). If Gen Petraeus say anything elsa he be removed that how the game is played everybody know this.
The MoveOn ad was poorly done, no question. Clinton is right on regarding the typical obfuscation tactics used by the Republican candidates – this is a classic Rove maneuver to deflect debate on very important issues. The feigned outrage is totally consistent with the Republican media machine of the past several years. Bush (W) was drunk, snorting cocaine and being arrested for theft and vandalism while Kerry was serving active duty in Vietnam, yet here he is commander in-chief. Dare I mention this out without considering the outrage that will ensue? Sure.
Right Wing pseudo-pundits and their political sponsors demonstrate their love of America by bashing anyone that dares express differing opinion, "if you're not with us, you're against us." Accusing liberals of hating their country is a tactic taken from the behavior of small children attempting to get mommies attention! “Mommy, Billy hates you because he won’t do what you asked.” Can expect more of the same childish, selfish, divisive, behavior from the latest crop of Republican contenders?
Democrats and liberals demonstrate their love for America by actually serving in the military, helping others less fortunate, dedicating their lives as teachers, doctors, bakers, iron workers, policeman and every other essential profession required to sustain a free society. They also care enough about their environment and limited resources to learn, do the hard research and take action to protect our precious planet. Democrats love their neighbors. Democrats love America!
I anticipate the hackneyed comment that will inevitably appear, “you’re just a sore loser because Bush was elected,” or, “it’s all Bill Clinton’s fault, blaa, blaa, blaa,” or some other ridiculous comment. To be clear, my attitude is a reflection of profound disappointment in the horrible, destructive, divisive, corrupt, incompetent leadership that has put our country on a very destructive path. Anyone that can’t see that is as blind as a bat headed for a collision with the front end of a large, speeding train.
The one person whose comments on ANY subject, much less MoveOn, could be less relevent than Jimmy Carter's is Bill Clinton. He needs to go find some sweet young thing to occupy himself while Hil is on the campaign trail
I think its hilarious that President Clinton so accurately points out the bait and switch maneuvers of the Republican Right Wingers, who choose to focus on anything but the failures in Iraq and then we get two comments from the right which only add proof to his point. Sam Richards actually pulls out the Monica L. scandle to fuel his argument while Chris from Orlando states "Bush is an idiot but at least we know where he stands." Great arguments guys (no not really), but for a different topic. So glad I'm a Democrat.
To Ronnie in Knoxville, TN:
Listen to your mother-in-law?
For you that would be listening to your mother, right?! I mean y'all are close down in the valley, eh?!
Bubba may be sleazy, But I challenge any Republican, conservative, neocon nutjob or any other Bush supporter to deny the facts behind Clinton's statements.
The Republicans in the good old U.S. of A have set new standards for sleaze, dishonesty and corruption.
Ahhh, this coming from the master himself. ok, whatever.
AMEN to President Clintons comments!
Get em Bill
apparently he's the only one in the democratic party who still has a pair.
Some other dems better grow some quick if they want to win in november...
To Dean in Boston:
You have heard that the Swift Boat vets were "outed" two years ago by ONI, right?!
They admitted under grilling from Admiral Crowe that they, dare I say it, LIED!!!
They cut up $330,000 to produce a commercial. All funded by the friends of the program in Texas, headed up by none other than T. Boone Pickens, who funded McCain's assassination in South Caroline in 2000.
nice crowd you support!
Clinton is right. While I think the moveon ad was counterproductive, (you don't attack the messenger Petraeus. Bad tactics for moveon and for Democratic senators), the Republicans simply used such attacks on a 4-star
to question patriotism of the war opponents and deflect attention away from a botched war that keeps getting worse.
Bill Clinton retires and starts the Global Initiative raising money for povery alleviation, health, and the environment.
http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=1665&srcid=1399
While President Bush, aided by the Republicans, has spent 700 billion on a fruitless and destructive war.
The US has enjoyed a post-WWII period where it had every economic advantage over other countries. That period is ending quickly, and our country can ill-afford another 8 years under misguided Republican rule that empties the US Treasury for pointless and counterproductive wars and further enriches the rich while slamming the middle class and the poor.
When I think of Clinton and Bush, I think of the 21st century and 13th century, respectively.
Yeah, Bill is pretty slick, its true.
But I'll take slick over undereducated and stupid any day.
Yes Clinton did lie but who from the ones pointing fingers on this report have not lie in their entire life, at least Clinton lies did not damage our country like Bush's lies and we don't knows how much it will in the next 10 years.
Mr. Bill brought up some very good points. However, I didn't know the vote in the Senate was to condemn the Democrats for the ad, as Mr. Bill stated, but was to condemn the ad from MoveOn.org. I also didn't know the Republicans supported or had anything to do (legally) with the Swift Boat guys. Sure wish Anderson would have challenged him on that. Oh well, guess we know why Mr. Bill won't appear on the No Spin Zone. If Anderson is going to give a "softball" interview, please stick to asking Mr. Bill about relevant stuff – like if he still eats at McDonald's, etc.
Imagine that, a president that uses logic and historical facts to back his arguments. Instead, I guess the republicans that support Bush would rather have their decisions based on a corrupt ideology. I am not a democrat or a republican, I refuse to blindly stand by either side. What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong.
It's wrong for MoveOn to criticize our general in the way that they did.
It's wrong that the republicans did not speak out against the Swift Boat ads against Kerry, a decorated war vet.
It's very wrong, and a display of the level of corruption in the current administration, that one of the founders of the swift boat ads is now an ambassador for our country.
It's right that Bill Clinton spoke out against these actions. Just stating 'Losers! Both of them', or 'he is the poster boy for bait and switch' is not an effective argument against Bill's statements.
It's time for Americans to make decisions based on what's right and wrong, and not just blindly stand by your political party.
Bill Clinton would NOT know the truth if it actually bit him the ASS! My gosh he is so pathetic and is his wife but for completely different reasons! AND, I can say there is not a room BIG enough to lock up all the MISLED people who aren't informed enough with the TRUTH to see him for what he is.
Just have to laugh at the sheep that are praising this goofball, traitor, globalist. Not that Bush is any better because he's not. These guys (or these parties) are not much different. It's a Punch & Judy show folks. They're all bought and paid for by the international bankers and corporations and do their bidding towards a global economy and government. We are being led like sheep.
It's about time somebody who can get the media to actually broadcast what they say called the d*@n republicans for their lies and hypocrisy.
Go back to Little Rock.. Oh, that's right they don't want you..
Here is the difference, which Billy knows quite well.
Politician (Republican or Democrat) = fair game
Combat Commander currently involved in fighting a war = not fair game
The fact that those on the left and their media allies can not understand this is angering, as a soldier who spent over a year in Iraq. The General is loved by the troops and has done a great job in turning things around, as I have witnessed first hand. To attack him as a traitor for doing his job is disguisting. Attacking a politician for being a politician is part of the game. By the way, the media scrutinized every aspect of the Swift Boat Vets, where is the same scrutiny for MoveOn.org and where their funding is coming from? Also, why is there no serious analysis about the truthfulness, or lack thereof, of their ad?
Ernie,
You wrote, "Bubba may be sleazy, But I challenge any Republican, conservative, neocon nutjob or any other Bush supporter to deny the facts behind Clinton's statements."
Ernie – your challenge is a rather easy:
1. Ads against John Kerry and Max Cleland were against politicians running for office. General Petreaus is NOT a politician running for office. He is the Commanding General of our Iraq Forces that was in Washington to provide an update and directly answer the questions of Congress.
2. Swift Boat Veterans for Truth was an organization of over 250 Vietnam Vets that disputed the accusations of John Kerry. They were in Vietnam – faced the same enemy – protected their brothers' backs and didn't appreciate John Kerry's exaggerated testimony to Congress from his soldier days. THESE guys (Vets) have the right to challenge another Vet.
But I predict none of this will resonate with you ... because your challenge wasn't an exercise in intellectual honesty – rather just a partisan boast you thought couldnt be challenged.
"This is the former President, with an expected higher standard of behavior that lied, repeatedly, to the American people on TV and in hearings about his affairs with a young woman. How can we trust this man on anything? His newsworthiness is only sensational not informational. Clinton also fired ICBMs at Osama, missing him and perhaps instigating 911. Clinton stripped the US Military of the necessary funds to keep it ready for which the military now is paying the price."
Well, well, well Sam from NC (home of the nooses in the trees. Once again it's all Clinton fault. If you guys didn't have him to blame for everything from ring around the collar to Bin Laden not being caught what would your party have to stand on. Your talking points are old and tired.I can't believe you took time away from FauxNoise to "read" something on the "internets". Sure Bill lied, no one died and his approval ratings were @ 67% during the impeachment lead by folks like the bathroom stall tapper, Larry "I'm not gay" Craig. Your party is so full of lies there no longer room for obese "people" like Denny Hasert. By the way as your party conveniently over looks all the "sins" within your party obesity is a big one. Those pesky little Seven Deadly Sins. Hypocrites and liars all of the right wingers. Please for the love of God shut up already!
There is a big difference between criticizing a presidential hopeful and a 4 Star General in the US Military.
This was a total dishonor to the General and the Military in general.
Demos are quite the finger pointers these days. Wake up ignorant people...we are fighting radicals over there...Why try so hard to make US fail in Iraq? Why would you want our country to be defeated by these extreme people? Don't you love your freedom and our american way? It is one thing to be a Democrat, but to turn on your own countrymen...at a time of war, I'd say that is in the lines with treason.
Piss on your silly little agendas...the thing you need to ask yourself is "Do you want to live in an Islamic state?" If your answer is Yes, then I now understand why the attacks towards our military from your side are happening.
If you answered No, then stop the stupid attacks and aim them towards OUR ENEMY!!!
I swear the comments to this article are more interesting than the article itself. Bill Clinton is extremely accurate in his statements here. The mud slinging by republican hacks has reached a whole new low.
Now what makes the comments so hilarious are the outlandish views some people still have about this president even after he has been out of office for years now. You have those that claim he "lied" to the people about his affair(s). My answer to that is.. who wouldn't? I mean, sheesh, this is a completely private matter between him and his wife. Why do we even care? Least of all the Congress. For those that are still wanting to rant about that one, first take out an advertisement in your hometown newspaper and write to them all about the little secrets you have that you would never want your wife, girlfriend or parents to know about. And then you will understand the level of stupidity it took for Congress to ask the questions they did.
Next, someone mentioned that Hillary voted to condemn the Moveon ad. Sorry, your facts are wrong. She voted against that ammendment.
Someone even goes as far as trying to say that MoveOn is run by former Clinton cabinet members. Talk about "reaching". Are you trying to tell me that MoveOn is a Large, Powerful and Connected Liberal PAC run by large, powerful and connected liberals? Sure, thats obvious. But, Clinton doesn't run it. Conspiracy Myth.
Most of the rest of the comments that are negative appear to be the usual republican operatives that love to spread anything nasty they can about anyone liberal. Give me a break and go back to talking to yourselves on RedState!
Telling it like I see it,
Wynter
Good for Pres. Clinton. It's about time that the public is reminded of the hypocrisy of the Republicans. Attacking Max Cleland, John Kerry and their own John McCain while their three top leaders in 2004 (Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld)avoided service in Viet Nam is disgusting. It's also disgusting that none of the current Republican leadership's children are in uniform. Why are they so pro war for other people's children? Instead of planning a wedding, the Bush daughters should enlist in the armed forces. They campaigned for their father and then disappeared. If they're so pro his policies, each should put their money where their mouth is.
Give them hell Bill,, all Democrats should at least have the backbone of Clinton in demonstrating their viewpoints ....I am tired of this old bait and switch manuever......
The Republicans use fear and hatred in order to gain votes in the elections. They thrive upon it. When someone stands up against them, they are labeled "terrorists". Hmmmmmm.....didn't they do this back in the days when communism was around? They would call people who fought the government's view "communists"? It's time to look through the fog and see the real demons here.
I am SO glad Bill Clinton pointed out what happened to former Senator Max Cleland in my home state of Georgia. Senator Cleland served in Vietnam where a grenade took BOTH legs and one arm. Cleland went on to proudly serve the State of Georgia for six years as a U.S. Senator. In 2002, Saxby Chambliss ran against Cleland. Chambliss never served a day in Vietnam, having taken one student deferment to attend law school and, following law school, another deferment because of a bad knee. And yet during the 2002 campaign for U.S. Senate, Chambliss questioned Cleland's commitment to homeland security and painted Cleland as being in bed with Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Disgusting!
I cannot understand why anyone supports the Republican party.
Politics is such a dirty game i think for one politican to say other is dirty when we know of thier own actions, is just ridiculous
The political machine of the GOP/RNC, financed and driven by people like billionaire Bob Perry of Houston (SwiftBoatVeterans and StopHillaryNow) have not only attacked Democrats (going back to the Clintons in Arkansas, Ann Richards when she ran for her second term as governor of Texas, congressional candidates in 1994 when lies and smear tactics were used to win the GOP majority and install Tom DeLay as House speaker.) but were also used against fellow Republicans (McCain in the 2000 SC primary) and continue today. Much of Hillary Clinton's "unfavorability ratings" today are left over from the venom unleashed against her and her husband in this time period. Fortunately, due to the revelations about Republican corruption and shady campaign dealings by these operatives being exposed, most Americans now understand just how underhanded and libelous the attacks were then. Voters are less likely to fall for these tactics now. Tragically, the fear these people generated led to the cave-in by the media, who allowed what Karl Rove called "The Big Lie" ("if you're going to lie, you might as well go all the way") to go unanswered. The media helped spread fear to the public, generating widespread support for the Iraq invasion, which had actually been planned long before George W. Bush was ever "elected" in 2000. (Those protestors beating on the doors in Florida as the recount was being negotiated were all Republican paid operatives working for the Bush campaign. Google it to see exactly who they were, photos labeled with names.) Conveniently for the NeoCons who were itching to go after Saddam, the September 11 attacks provided an excuse to go to war with Iraq while giving only cursory attention to the terrorists in Afghanistan. In the 2004 election, the SwiftBoaters had free rein to attack Democrats in general and specific candidates like Kerry and Cleland because the so-called "liberal media" allowed the smears to go unanswered. The GOP-held Congress gleefully called Democrats "surrender monkeys" and railroaded the president's agenda through Congress. Even with the current Democratic majority, the Republicans in Congress and the White House are still using bully tactics to get their way. Bill Clinton is right. It's time for Democrats to grow a pair!
To Sam Richards of Cary, N.C. So admittedly President Clinton lied about his PRIVATE life after the Republican lead witch-hunt looked for anything they could find to tarnish his popularity as an effective President. Unfortunately he did not just say this is a private family matter about a private matter that the Federal government has no business being involved in. Now in contrast, president Bush and his administration has repeatedly LIED...even as much as admitted so (i.e. weapons of mass distruction, ignoring FISA law, secret "rendition" camps, et al) and OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS HAVE DIED FOR THIS. In my humble opinion MoveOn.org's advertisement did go too far, however, this is debatable and should not dismiss the good fight they are fighting for us...yes for you and me. So please WAKE UP or you may find the federal government in your bedroom!
Former President Clinton's analysis of the Moveon.org ad about General Petraeus is wrong. Petraeus IS NOT a Republican General, he is an Army General who serves the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The former president would be better served to conduct civil discourse than to engage in the attacks that he made
Pres Clinton is absolutely correct! It is REPREHENSIBLE that the Republicans are trying to make political points over the MoveOn.Org advertisement. But, if it benefits the Republican party during an election campaign (as in the last election with the "swift boat"ads against Sen Kerry), then it is "patriotic", "Ok with me" etc. Republicans should be highly ashamed and chagrined at their party's reaction ~~ especially since they are the party that "wrote the book" on smear campaigns.
The republicans are such cry babies... they can give but they can't take.
Just wait when all those Liberty University grads start filling positions of inflluence–we'll all be in trouble.
I expect no less from "Slick Willy". he can hardly argue that he hasn't done the same in the past.
I think the saddest part of this blog is how the liberals openly call names, bash, and are intolerant. Yet as they do that they say Republicans are the ones doing it. Clearly the Petraeus ad was very wrong. Before he even testified they called him a liar. What did he lie about? They have nothing to prove on that. Secondly, how they got a sweetheart deal from the paper is remarkable. It just shows you why more people are turning away from the papers today. It also shows why people are turning away from CNN and the big networks. They no longer are objective journalists that provide facts and news but rather their opinion masked as news. You may hate Fox news personalities but they are upfront and say that it is their opinion and not news. When they do the news it is straight news.
I also noticed that no one has disputed the FACTS regarding the two ads that Clinton has brought up. The Cleland ad showed two terrorists and the fact that Cleland voted to cut our troops funding. So they point out that this is who we are fighting and this is who wants to cut funding? What is wrong with that? As far as Kerry, all he had to do was release his medical records and military records like Bush did. CBS even tried to make up fake documents to prove a lie by them.
This all proves that the vast majority of Democrats and liberals are the very ones who are hypocritical. The Clinton's have smeared many innocent people but of course for them it was deserved right?
Why are they so pro war for other people's children?
I hope you, and everybody else that has ever said something along these ridiculous lines, called for Chelsea to enlist when Clinton sent troops to Kosovo.
Paladin
Your statement: “I also didn't know the Republicans supported or had anything to do (legally) with the Swift Boat guys.”
Ever heard of Sam Fox? He was one of the main supporters of the Swift Boat group (SBVT), he is now an ambassador who was appointed by GWB during a recess appointment. How about T. Boone Pickens? He was yet another wealthy GOP donor who financially supported SBVT.
Your ignorance on what group of people financed SBVT is astounding, to say the least.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swift_Boat_Veterans_for_Truth
To Wynter -
You are the perfect example of what I choose NOT to be. You defend poor Wild Bill's affairs....please.... the President of the U.S.A. should have some moral fibers in him...and I can hear you saying right now...Oh everyone has affairs...even past Presidents...to that I say.... See YOU are getting exactly what you expected...bottom feeders.... I am expecting more and have received it from our current President. And as for Hillary...she appears to not have one thought that is her own...the Health Plan she proposed is a perfect example...I guess she tried to pass that off in between her bouts of CONSTANT GIGGLES!!! God help us all if SHE get's in...Wynter....get your head out of your fantasy land!
re: The White House referring to the Move On – Petraeus as as "disgusting". After seven years of nothing but lies and whoring for Haliburton, who are they to be calling anything disgusting?
How funny that the most pathological human being in the history of the universe thinks that others are "feigning" anything.
This guy has not had a sincere moment since the day he was born and now HE is attacking others for what HE staked his entire political career on. Just look at this nickname, "Slick" says it all.
And he is not alone, just look at all the late night TV shows and how they are ripping Hillary for being 100% contrived. SNL did the same thing a year ago, making fun of that painted on smile and completely disingenuous demeanor.
Bottom line: these are the LAST people on the face of the earth who should be accusing others of being anything less than genuine. THESE ARE BAD PEOPLE.
Well it's about time someone say something over the way congress is being stupid to waste time to condemn moveon.org It's a meaningless vote and only another way for Republicans to avoid the real issues such as coming up with a plan to end the Iraq war, protect Social Security, fix our bridges and so on, they wonder why their approval rating is so low. Also, where was the outrage from Republicans when John Kerry's military record was under attack? How about when Bush/Cheney lied about WMD in Iraq? Talk about double standards! Don't Republicans have anything better to do then to condemn a newspaper ad? It's so nice to know they use this and do nothing about real issues such having our borders secured. That's ok, let them continue to go on and on about a newspaper ad and avoid all the real issues that really matter, they will see what happens when elections come, when the American people vote!
We are truly a nation divided!!! I used to feel that most of us sat somewhere on the fence between Democrats and Republicans. Not anymore! This loser administration and their ways have pushed most of us with any intelligence to the left!
You have to have your head up your a– or be just plain stupid to side with the GOP. They have lost vision, direction and what republicanism stands for.
You go Bill!!!! You've made mistakes as we all do, but it certainly wasn't at the expense of thousands of lives, our economy or our used-to-be-admired standing in the world.
To: Sandy Gnippe
come one... how about we ALL enlist right after YOU!!! I know that the CURRENT President's girls have been quite involved with humanatarian projects....but then I guess YOU would say that is worthless...unless of course we would be talking about YOUR WILD BILL... THEN IT'S OKAY...RIGHT!?
Clinton hit the nail on the head. Bush and his supporters are the party of fake "outrage". They get upset about Terry Schiavo, gay marriage, political ads that tell the truth about Iraq, Bush supporters get upset about Clinton lying about a BJ that basically had zero consequences.
Bush lies about WMDs to start a war that's cost the lives of nearly a million Americans and Iraqis at a cost of $500 billion with no end in sight. Commits treason by outing a CIA agent to stifle dissent about the war and pardons the person CONVICTED of doing it. No big deal
To call Bush supporters idiots would be the understatement of the century.
Hooray! Finally someone telling the truth!!
It is amazing that there are STILL people that blindly defend the Bush regime – by attacking Clinton's affair... SO WHAT? Uh hello ... have you looked at our DEFICIT since your leader took office? Lies? There is nothing good to be said about Bush. The republicans are in the news daily with their affairs, and they're not even affairs with people of the opposite sex! These are the people that condemned Clinton.. right? Blind fools – you should be ashamed you voted for Bush – not once, but TWO times? You couldn't see where we were headed after the first term? Take off your blinders and wake up – this country can NOT keep going in the direction you'd have us follow – blindly following a party (and a TERRIBLE president) is nuts!
I am very glad that Mr. Clinton has spoken out against the outragous behavior of the Republican elected officials concerning the ad by Move-On.org. Congress deserves their record low rating from the American people. Republicans are trying to diver the attention of the people away from the military and economic disaster in Iraq. Iraq is not just a failed policy, it is a failed Bush administration.
I completely agree with former president Bill Clinton. Bill was without a doubt the greatest president this country has ever had! Then came along the worst president (G W Bush)this country has ever had along with a corrupt republican congress.
The good general was only taking orders from his boss who went over to Iraq a few weeks prior to his appearance in Congress. So if the people of this country question General Petraeus's honesty – remember he was "only taking orders" from the most dishonest president in history George Bush.
When Bush supporters compared 9 federal prosecutor firings to 93 for Clinton they carefully skipped mentioning that Bush had earlier fired 93 prosecutors, too. This avoidance of giving the whole picture is obvious in the issue of pardons also. Clinton's pardoning of Mark Rich was not his idea alone but came at the request of several people internationally including the prime minister of Israel, Ehud Barak. Rich had to pay a $100 million fine and could not use his pardon as a defense against any further civil charges in the same case. Who was the person who personally went to Hillary Clinton to ask her husband to pardon this horrible criminal? None other than Scooter Libby.
Here's a history of pardons at the highest level. Republican president Gerald Ford pardoned Republican president Richard Nixon, who resigned in disgrace, so that he would not have to face charges that were likely to send him to prison. How did the unelected Ford become vice president? He replaced Republican Spiro Agnew who earlier had resigned in disgrace when charged with criminal activities.
Republican George H. W. Bush, who had participated as a vice president in a meeting as part of the Iran contra affair, became president and pardoned all the people involved. Lawrence Walsh, the Independent Counsel assigned to the case, was irate and said "the Iran-contra cover-up, which has continued for more than six years, has now been completed." Republican president Ronald Reagan had gone on national tv at one time to say "We did not–repeat, did not–trade weapons or anything else for hostages, nor will we," and then had to take it back.
When Bush's pardon of Scooter Libby is brought up, Republicans immediately say "but Clinton pardoned Susan MacDougall and Roger Clinton and Congressman Dan Rostenkowski". Again, the rest of the story is carefully avoided. Those Clinton pardons were for people who had already completed ALL of their jail sentences. The 4-time felon Libby did not serve one minute of jail time.
I realize that the phrase has been descrated lately, but let's try to be "fair and balanced".
Two wrongs don't make a right Bill.
Please – he's done. Let spouse do it. And this man questions anyone's sincerity. If if meant if ? Where's monica anyway?
Clinton is right. But you don't have to ask him ... look at how Giuliani and the other GOP losers (and I mean "losers." This is the worst bunch of GOP candidates I've ever seen, and I'M A REPUBLICAN) have tumbled in the polls since the Patreaus ad (Conservative Rasmussen has Hillary expanding her leads over Rudeness and Freddy), so the big backfire they were hoping for seems to be against the GOP.
BILL SHOULD RUN AGAIN AND I WILL BE BEHIND HIM 100000000000000%
Go President Bill Clinton! The only Democrat that has the guts to call the Repblicans what they REALLY are! I think we need to have President Clinton running the DNC. He's the only person that knows how to beat the Republicans at their game.
Bill, Bill, Bill. Always playing the game.
Still not too big on truth, is he?
Everybody is missing the point – Clinton is lying again. The ad never did what the liar says it did. Listen to the advertisement, not this proven liar, and then decide for yourself. Talk about a bunch of sheep. The only people that still believe the Clintons are the partisan left wing nuts!
Democrats have attacked our military, religion, and others’ patriotism for years; they just hate when you call them on it!
We have now had 7 yrs with Geo. Bush and we had 12 yrs with a Republican congress. What was done in the first 6 yrs of this presidency except a war that is now costing us $710 MILLION dollars a day. Both parties are full of crooks and thieves but WE are not very good housekeepers, we keep re=electing the same fools, shame on us!!!! I am and have been an independent for many years and will not give a dime to either party. I have always felt you get what you pay for and I will not pay for this. The President is now asking for $190 BILLION dollars for the defense budget. Do we realize haw many lives could be saved with that instead of taken. I am not a "let's talk about it" liberal but I don't think that if Bin Laden smacks you, you smack Iraq. Pres. Clinton is correct, Republicans are showing their true colors, me, me,me.......I truly don't care if the President screws sheep as long as the country is properous, respected and AT PEACE!!!! That WAS the Clinton years!!
It's about time s;omeone speaks out about the hypocritical REPUBLICANS. It seems anything is OK when they do it but do not be critical of them or we are anti-american, aiding and abeting the enemy, etc. etc. and GOD FORBID we ask about W's military record, drinking, drugs etc.
It's about time someone from the Dem. check the Rep. hypocrisy. Yes ALL Politician are hypocritical to a point.
But I must hand the award to the Rep. & there mind less, do as I say not as I do, can't think pass there nose – Sheep's...
I live in Georgia and remember the ads run by the national republican party in regards to Max Cleland. President Clinton is absolutely correct in his assessment of this situation. Those ads upset many Ga. republicans, as well as democrats. And yes, the Senator from GA who voted to condemn moveon.com is disingenuous and hypocritical. Neither party has a lock on patriotism. The freedom to voice our opinion while respecting the right of others to voice their opinions even when they are 180 degrees from where we personally may stand is one of those very important inalienable rights that are the basis of a democracy.
OH, REALLY? Billy Boy? Well, GET THIS: Patreaus is the Commander of our Military, and we are presently engaged in an horrific battle against TERRORISTS. THIS AD ATTACKS A PRESENT LEADER DURING A WAR! YOU, who allowed Bin Ladin to ESCAPE and chose to IGNORE the THREATS of al Qaeda, because YOU were too 'BUSY WITH MONICA' to take care of The White House business Protecting this Nation!
This is the former President, with an expected higher standard of behavior that lied, repeatedly, to the American people on TV and in hearings about his affairs with a young woman. How can we trust this man on anything? His newsworthiness is only sensational not informational. Clinton also fired ICBMs at Osama, missing him and perhaps instigating 911. Clinton stripped the US Military of the necessary funds to keep it ready for which the military now is paying the price.
^^^Is your brain that warped that you feel that is more important then our current president lying and in turn being responsible for the killings of over a million Iraqi's and thousands of US soldiers??? Get off of that conservative high horse of yours. And face the facts of your own party. yeah right is right and wrong is wrong. But just like that bumper sticker says "NO ONE DIED WHEN CLINTON LIED"!
Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton....BOTH AMORAL, POWERMAD, GREEDY, SELF-SERVING INDIVIDUALS. BOTH LIE REPEATEDLY TO GAIN POLITICAL INFLUENCE. Should anyone really CARE what Billy Boy has to say about anything? Don't think so!
Posted By Tracy McClain, Indianapolis, IN : September 27, 2007 12:01 pm
Dear Tracy:
Your comments are incredible...no one has try harder to fail in Iraq than your president and his administration. If we are defeated is because of his fail policy. Will you please read and get educated please… perhaps try history of the world...
Mr. Bush lost his war a long time ago and he is the one that should be charged with treason for lying and starting this war on false pretenses. OUR ENEMY is ignorance the arrogance of you repubs. Again WAO
Wynter,
Whats in the water up there in NH?
Tell me again please that our Commander & chief, breaching security, bringing an intern into the OVAL OFFICE for oral fun is the same as lay families marital disourse. You think murder & running a red light are same no doubt!
Bongo Bill! I could not have worded it better myself.
As to the idiots who keep claiming that Clinton should have done his job and gotten rid of Osama Bin Laudin while he was in office. He tried and the republicans in congress all started screaming that he was trying to deflect attention from his impeachment hearing (it was going on at the same time). To the republicans the sex scandel was more important. And in case you have not paid attention, Bush has not found Bin Laudin either, in fact, he decided he wanted to invade Iraq instead.
I AM AN AMERICAN OF BLACK HERITAGE (75 YEARS YOUNG) AND REFUSE TO GIVE UP, WILLING, THE "AMERICAN CULTURE" FOR A "HISPANIC CULTURE."
Posted By Jane, Yonkers, New York : September 27, 2007 10:21 am
Being of Irish descent, I have to agree with Jane in Yonkers. I also refuse to willfully give up the "American Culture" for a "Hispanic Culture".
Posted By laurinda,ny : September 27, 2007 11:33 am
Well, it's nice to see a black and a white person come together and agree on something, Hispanic Culture is a threat. Here I thought the immigration issue was about keeping illegals out and securing our borders, but maybe this is what it is really about, the supposed threat posed by Hispanic Culture. Notice they didn't say taking our jobs or draining on our economic resources, they said trading American Culture for Hispanic Culture.
I don't see what these comments or Hillary Clinton's stance on immigration have to do with the article but I'm going to respond anyways. This may surprise some of you folks out there but there are a few Hispanics in a America who are here legally. Puerto Ricans, for example, are free to come to the mainland of the U.S. and while coming here bring all sorts of Hispanic culture. Also, and this may be even more shocking, some Mexicans, Cubans, and those from Latin countries in South America are here legally. And guess what, they are bringing Hispanic culture here to America. So stopping illegal immigrants will not stop Hispanic Culture in America.
I will ask this question again because I have yet to receive an answer: How is American Culture, which is supposedly made of the mixture of many different cultures, the Melting Pot if you will, threatened by the introduction of another culture, one that has already been here for years? Let me ask another question, if Hispanic Culture is such a threat, then what will happen to those of us here legally if America was able to deport all illegal immigrants?
Do not take this as me excusing those who are in this country illegally. Anyone here illegally should be deported or seek legal citizenship according to the laws. What I take issue with is rhetoric such that used by the ladies above that makes it seem less like an attack on illegal immigrants and more of a xenophobic attack on those whose culture is different than the excepted "American Culture". I ask all Latinos, whether you're here legally or illegally to recognize what is really behind this anger fueled by the immigration issue, they don't want us here. They don't want us celebrating our heritage, they don't want us speaking our language, and most of all they don't want us gaining any power.
If you don't feel like the above mentioned posters, then this was not directed at you. It's just that seeing comments such as those just reminds me how some in America really feel about me and my people.
As for the actual subject of the article, it's shame the one of the few Democrats with backbone to point out the hypocrisy of the Republicans is not in office.
How about that horrible email that made the rounds over and over again depicting with a huge picture of the World Trade Center being struck by the plane?There was a long talk about Al Gore supposedly dismissing Bin Laden and about how Ollie North repeatedly warned Gore and the rest of the Iran/Contra hearings about a terrorist named Bin Laden who also caused North to spend &60,000 on a security system!
THE ENTIRE EMAIL WAS A LIE FROM START TO FINISH!
This was posted and reposted on the internet by Republicans just before the election to help Bush and slander Gore.North never even once mentioned Bin Laden.He was talking about a Libyan terrorist.Bin Laden was even considered a friend at that time.
Giuliani is not the only Republican to use and abuse 9/11 for their own agenda.The Republican party will stop at absolutely NOTHING!It has become the party of thugs,goons and criminals!
Would that we'd be so lucky that Bush only lied about an affair.He has done nothing but lie about Iraq since day one and there are almost a million people dead as a result!
He completely lied about his knowledge beforehand of the likelyhood of catostrophic damage and loss of life from Hurricane Katrina and he has screwed all but the most visible and important of its victims ever since!
He and his party are the lowest form of life on the planet and if you support them then you are either an idiot,a criminal or both!
I just wish these hypocritical politicos would go away. The Clintons have ammassed an incredible (in both senses of the word) machine that will stop at nothing to run the White House again, did we forget the Lincoln Bedroom 'hotel' in addition to their numerous scandals. Here is a man who squandered his purported considerable talents and now thinks he has the moral authority to criticise any other administration? I long for the days of integrity that perhaps only a third party would engender. I am fed up with slanderous American politics!
In the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" they talked about the candiates credibility. Here Gen. David Petraeus is not a candidate of any party.
You can not comapre the two. Kerry was running as veteran his records at that time needed scrutiny.
All your politicians are liars and crooks. They work for big business and global dominance not for the people. I feel bad for you Americans. Your whole world is getting worse all the time and no one is doing a God damn thing about it. All you do is blame it Muslims or terrorists or gay people, when in actual fact it's your own fault. Forget the Democrats and forget the Republicans, the people need an independent President. One that is actually elected by the people as opposed to big business and the rich. I don't remember the last time the actual citizens of America actually elected their own President.
In response to Bill Clinton as the best President ever, how about FDR? He led us through World War II? How about Reagan? You may not like his Conservative beliefs, but he brought down the Soviet Union and started Treaties to dismantle Nuclear Weopons.
Let's look at what Bill Clinton did. He led us to an Economic Growth period, but how much of that was driven by the Internet/Tech Spree in the late 90s. What happened to that?
People say that no one died during the Clinton regime. Well he did nothing to help the troops in Somalia, he did Nothing to go after Bin Laden when he bombed our Embassies, blew up our Naval Ship, or destroy the barracks in Saudi Arabia.
He pushed NAFTA through Congress. This was the beginning of Outsourcing of American Jobs.
So you tell me why Clinton was a Great President, and please tell me what makes his wife a good President too?
"1. Ads against John Kerry and Max Cleland were against politicians running for office. General Petreaus is NOT a politician running for office. He is the Commanding General of our Iraq Forces that was in Washington to provide an update and directly answer the questions of Congress. "
Ummm.... so what! Are you saying it is not OK to question our leaders? I don't care if he is Emperor of the Universe.... a lacky of the administration is still a lacky.
Clinton is right about one thing – this kind of dirty politics has to end. If it doesn't, we will be weakening ourselves internally. We can have a reasonable dialog about the issues without sending out the attack dogs, be they Republican, or Democrat.
It's a shame to see that some Democrat-leaning organizations have now mastered Karl Rove's obnoxious and ugly techniques of avoiding the issues while debasing the worth and character of an opponent. Shame on the Republicans shame on the Democrats, but mostly, shame on us.
Whether you like Clinton as a person or his performance as president or not, what he said about those Republican attack ads is completely true. Changing the subject by attacking Clinton's character is something I teach my high school students NOT to do when writing persuasively. Stick to the topic at hand, don't bait and switch by attacking your opponent's character.
Facts: Rove's number one tactic to get Republicans elected has been to lie and smear as hard and as often as possible. He started a movement that Republicans are trying to continue. When Democrats try to hit back hard, they get attacked for being unpatriotic (or basically attacked for disagreeing with a Republican- that's not allowed, you know). Saying that to disagree with a Republican or any official in power (in this case a general) is tantamount to wanting the enemy to win is ridiculously unfair and I would hope that the voters would get tired of hearing that attack. It is attempting to make people shut up if they disagree with major policies, even ones that were a bad idea to start with and have caused huge numbers of casualties with no end in sight. Oops, I just said something negative about a policy. I guess I hate America and want terrorists to win! That's the argument we are hearing from Republicans.
The Republicans have won too many elections based on lies and myths smeared all over TV and in print. It's time the Democrats start hitting back just as hard. All I ask is that they don't start stooping to the low levels of Republicans by making up lies about their opponents. But then again, I ask myself: would it be worth it to have people I trust more in office, even if they used dirty methods to win an election? I have a hard time answering that. I don't want it to have to come to that, but the Republicans play so dirty, that it might be the only way to beat them.
There were reasons to believe that Patraeus was towing the party line, performing as a Bush lackey. Their numbers were doctored by being carefully selected. Who hasn't already heard about the number of insurgent deaths being underestimated in his report because they didn't count gunshots to the front of a person's head as an insurgent attack?? They counted it as a simple crime of murder to skew the numbers. That alone is reason to say that the general's facts were false and selected to provide a more positive view of the war's recent progress. Therefore, the ad had merit.
None of us need to look hard if we are determined to find hypocrisy in our politicians or ourselves so for some readers that have already made up their mind, it’ll always be easier to attack the messenger and ignore the message. At a time when the majority of Americans have serious doubts about Bush and his plans in Iraq, the patriotic thing to do is to listen and consider opposing views and try to ignore sound bites from biased mouth pieces. Double-checking Petraeus’ testimony for sugar-coating at a time of war is the right thing to because it is our duty as Americans to demand and get the truth. Unlike the Swift Boat campaign, this is not an attempted character assassination. This is a group of Americans attempting to keep those in charge honest when it matters most.
It takes one to know one. Bill Clinton is the master of these kind of politics. Bill and Hillary are masters of deception. They try to appeal to the masses but don't really care for them. So many people are dumb enough to believe them. Power and position is their only concern. They are definitely a politician.
But I challenge any Republican, conservative, neocon nutjob or any other Bush supporter to deny the facts behind Clinton's statements.
I'll give it shot, Ernie.
"This was classic bait and switch — focus on that as opposed to focusing on what's happened," the former president said."
The point of the supposed "bait and switch" that Clinton's talking about would be to divert attention off of a damaging report from Gen. Patraeus' ("the surge has failed") and focus instead on the MoveOn ad.
The only problem is that the report wasn't damaging...quite the opposite. Why would the Republicans want to avert attention from something that positively supports their interests? So Clinton's rhetoric is completely meaningless. Got it?
"These are the people that ran a television ad in Georgia with [former Sen.] Max Cleland — who lost half his body in Vietnam..."
Talk about "disingenous" and a "bait and switch"!!!
The only reason anyone's ever heard of Max Cleland is because of the Dems "disingenous" attempts to fool the American people into thinking that they actually support the military. They would roll him out at every Dem event, saying "look at what this Democrat sacrificed in Vietnam and how horribly the evil Republicans have impugned his sacrifice with that ad!", implying that the horrible wounds he'd suffered were the result of combat and that the ad was questioning his patriotism.
The part they conveniently left out was that Cleland wasn't injured in combat, but by picking up a hand grenade that was lying on the ground while he was on his way to drink beers with his buddies. And the purpose of the ad in question was to make the very sound – and true – point that, in the wake of 9/11, Cleland voted 11 time against Homeland Security measures because his union supporters were unhappy with some of the provisions. IOW, Cleland was all for increased homeland security...as long as it didn't interfere with the donation checks.
"But it was okay to question [Massachusetts Sen.] John Kerry's patriotism on a blatantly dishonest play that had dishonest claims by people that didn't know what they were talking about."
Poor, innocent, denigrated, John "Lerch" Kerry! Those mean "Swift Boat" ad people were lying about him! Then you'd think that this noble warrior would want to clear his name, right?
Wrong. All he had to do was file suit for libel and defamation of character, but he didn't – in fact, he let the statue of limitations on defamation run out in all the jurisdictions that he could filed suit, including the long, 3-year statute of limitations for doing so in Massachusetts.
Why? Because he knew he'd get hammered in a court room where lying is illegal and you can't count on the leftist media to carry water for you. Witnesses would actually be deposed under threat of perjury...makes them a little less certain in their selective "recollections".
Bottom line, Ernie, you're the typical leftist...long on indignation, short on facts.
I miss Bubba. So what if he wanted a little love on the side? When he lied, nobody died.
Clinton is dead on, the Republicans just want to keep distracting the public from the real facts. The truth is that the ad was fine. It's not libelous. It's not wrong. Thank God for the First Amendment.
It's great that the best President of my lifetime (34 years) have spoken out against these Republicans. I can hardly wait to watch O'Reily, Hannity and the others cry tonight. I'm looking for good ole Newt to even make an appearance. Bill is Public Enemy No. 1 to the Republicans.
Can you say distration tatic? Would all the republicans just be honest with themselves and admit that the condemnation of Moveon is just an attempt to divert everyones attention from the failed policy in Iraq while they sceme on a way to attack Iran. I have come to grips that we are in Iraq for the long haul, it doesn't matter what the next two presidents does. I just hope that 15 passes by quickly before this maniac madman and his Republican cronies decides to attack Iran. Republicans like Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity are already playing it up and pushing for the attack.
To James in Phoenix and the other Republican nutjobs:
So Clinton lies, eh? Well, I'd rather have a Democratic president that lies than Republican ones that kill innocent people in the name of their "foreign policy":
Nixon: Cambodia
Reagan: Iran/Iraq War, Iran/Contra, arming the Taliban
Dubya: Iraq
Ouch, History hurts, doesn't it?
So what I'm taking from this article is that Mr. Clinton is saying the democrats are no better than the republicans. In other words Bill says the republicans ran these smear advertisements so the republicans shouldn't complain when the democrats do the same thing.
Just because the republicans ran these type of ads doesn't make it right for the democrats to run them. Instead of taking the higher ground the democrats wallow in the same muck with the republicans and Bill is saying it's okay. So Bill, if the republicans jump off a cliff will you please jump off with them...and take your wife?
At no time does Clinton say the Petraeus ad was wrong. Instead he says the republicans do the same thing so they shouldn't complain. Way to lower yourself to the lowest denominator Bill.
Here are the questions nobody's asking: Were the facts in the ad accurate? What are our leaders doing to address the issues raised in it? Why is MoveOn.org being demonized for demanding accountability?
No, Republicans don't want to talk about that. Instead they play the "righteous indignation" card. Kill the messenger. Distract from the real issues. Anything to avoid answering tough questions and having to admit they were wrong.
Nice to hear someone call the Republicans out. And by the way, compared to the present, what did we, as a nation, have to worry about while Clinton was President? Was his private life that important? If so, shouldn't we worry about a conviction for DUI and very average grades in college? Tell me what is so exemplary about our present President's private life. Perhaps it's the record he has for taking vacation days. How high do you want to set the bar? Someday we'll look upon the 90's with wistful fondness.
Kudos to Bill Clinton for blasting the Republicans.
Move on.org was right to question Patraeus, he's just another Bush "yes" man.
I for one can't wait for the much beloved Hillary Clinton to ascend to her rightful throne and here is why:
She has more experience than everyone else on every subject (Biden and Richardson were never first lady).
She would never pardon criminals.
She would never hire a felon for Chief of White house security that would end up getting his hands on FBI files on those mean Republicans.
She would stop any politician from investing $1000 and making $100,000 overnight as that would be insider trading.
She will stop the Shrub from stealing gifts from the WH on his last day.
She will not stand for all of the US attorneys being fired for political reasons.
There will not be a list of people that will say she raped or had affairs with her.
She would not stand for the secret serviceman being told to "Shut the bleep up and don't even look at me".
She loves GQ magazine and restaurants that have her daughters picture hanging.
She respects women that stay home and bake cookies.
She detests women that stand by their man even if they cheat.
She would not fill her travel office with corrupt friends by firing good, hard working people.
She has always been against the war.
She reads all reports that are important.
She checks into major donors, unlike other campaigns.
She TOTALLY believes in gay rights.
Her love for illegal immigrants, as ALL of them are just here for work.
She will not stand for our embassies being bombed, our ships or our World trade centers; she will treat them as terrorist acts and not criminal ones.
She will defend us even if her decision is not popular.
If she ever goes in front of a grand jury, she would never say "I don't recall" 100 times.
She will be the best duster in the history of the WH, and no billing records will show up years later as the place will be spotless.
She will explain how she was named after famed beekeepers Sir Edmund Hillary and why.
I love this woman, and there is no reason why any sane person would not vote for her and that wholesome, truthful husband who would make a great ambassador that would bring more women into the political theatre.
Bush sucks.
January 2009 can't get here fast enough.
I am 68 years old and I can truely say Bill Clinton has been the greatest President in my lifetime. I grew up on a farm and Republcans are like horses wearing blinders, they can't see the entire picture.
Bait and switch... That calls to mind a little story about a man, an intern and a few missiles aimed Osama.
The Clintons wrote the book on smear... even the Hollywood communists contend with that!
Right on, Bill. I do admire your courage to taking a stand, where few people dare to do.
On the other hand, few people can say it so well, with a convincing historial perspective. This tells you that experience does count in politics.
Yeah, yeah, blah blah. More of the "he said, she said, they said, we said" Dr. Seuss politics.
Take an event that you find displeasure with, construct a conspiracy theory that the Tom Clancy or John Grisham readers will believe as plausible to back it up. Say these are the FACTS and point to the manufactured paper trail.
Half of the populace will believe you, the other half will call you on it, then, they'll sit and argue for years about who is more corrupt.
Meanwhile back on the ranch.
I like hearing what comes from the candidate's mouths. The frontrunner ducked and dodged every hard question thrown her way in last night's debate. That's far more telling to me than any attack ad or vote 'yes' to condemn anyone with a bad ad, vote 'no' to condemn a "subset of anyone" for one of those ads.
Why the divergence in her vote? So the HillPraisers can say she stood by her friends and didn't duck out on them?
It's really sad when we arrive at a place where semantics trump principle at every turn and every level of government.
As a taxoayer, I'm not satisfied.
Have a good day,
To Ryan in Indianapolis..
<<>>
Actually, wasn't the republican Reagan the one who dealt with the terrorist by giving them weapons to fight the USSR? These are the same Reagan "allies" who brought down the WTC. Why did a republican give Bin Ladin weapons?
Pathetic Clinton haters.
That man had more relevance as a President than this train wreck of a human being you pathetically support today.
Proud of George Bush? Proud of how he has ruined our reputation worldwide? Proud of how he has set us back strategically against the real terrorists with his selfish, self-absorbed detour into Iraq? Proud of how he has not been able to cobble even the slightest economic advantage from any foreign country EVER (mangos for jobs and nukes in India).
Go ahead. Support this idiot and show the rest of us just how ignorant and unpatriotic all of you are. Actually, we've known that for a while.
James
Here we go again:
“… But I challenge any Republican, conservative, neocon nutjob or any other Bush supporter to deny the facts behind Clinton's statements."
The SVBT do have the right to challenge another vet, but not to lie about it to sway the electorate. You still haven’t denied the facts behind Clinton’s statements.
Tracy McClain
People who are against the war aren’t trying to make the USA fail, because in their eyes we already have failed. Our presence over there has helped to foster a sectarian civil war. We were misled on the reasons to invade Iraq and deposed a dictator who had nothing to do with 9/11. We need to take a step back and fix the problems here in this country before we can tell others how to run theirs; we are not the world police.
Your statement: “Don't you love your freedom and our American way? It is one thing to be a Democrat, but to turn on your own countrymen…at a time of war, I'd say that is in the lines with treason. Piss on your silly little agendas…the thing you need to ask yourself is "Do you want to live in an Islamic state?”
More of the same old GWB line, “if you’re not with us, you’re against us”
You see, believe it or not Tracy, the world is not black or white, right or wrong at all times; there are in fact many gray areas. It is my constitutional, God given, and patriotic right to question the actions of my government when I see something that is either wrong or an injustice. I will not be blindly led down a path to war without finding out what the reasons are. You see some of us actually feel that Petraeus is a lap dog for this war mongering administration and that is not treason. I’d rather see us spend more money going after OBL as opposed to being in the middle of a civil war. I’ve gone on record in these blogs condemning the Moveon.org ad saying that it was poorly phrased. You can view some more of my comments here.
Sam Richards, a fellow North Carolinian: This is the type of ignorance that I expect from a citizen of a state that is continually fooled by the Republican party. Clinton's statements make complete sense and are supported by the facts. Like the saying goes, "I think, therefore I am Democrat (or anything other than Republican)."
One last thing about lying, at least you'll know that Bush and his people will never lie because he refuses to let any of them testify/talk in the first place.
Hurry 08 !!!!!!
Steve,
I lost it on your comment where you say "mangos for jobs and nukes in India."
Are you asserting that India acquired nuclear weapons under W's watch?
Have a good day,
We have gone from having a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford for president to a man who frequently cannot create simple sentences at an elementary school level. We have actually reached the point where the official White House transcript of Bush's speech yesterday is no longer accurate and had to be grammatical altered to avoid making him look like a moron.
To James from Phoenix:
Let's look at history a bit, shall we?
So, you say Clinton lies?
I would take a lying Democratic president over Republican ones that kill innocent people and destroy a countries infrastructure in the name of their "foreign policy."
Nixon: Cambodia
Reagan: Grenada, arming Saddam Hussein (killing innocent Iranians with US weapons, Iran/Contra, arming the Taliban (some of those weapons were used against US troops)
King George I: Panama
King George II: Iraq
History hurts, doesn't it?
Typical 'Clintonese'.
James, Phoenix AZ :
Just like most republicans you speak from both sides of your mouth. You say the moveon ad was wrong for questioning the general , and from the other side of your mouth you say they swiftboat ads questioning a war heros record are fine.
Typical republican thinking.
I wouldn't claim either party. People who do are pretty much saying that other people do their thinking for them. Drink the Kool-aid and babble. This country is slipping into the sewer and politically myopic morons are helping the slide.
If we don't get some changes, starting with term limits, this county won't exist in 50 years. Personally I am hoping for a helluva good plague. I am an optomist but it is going to take a catastrophe of major proportions to wake this country up.
I can give a perfect example. 30 years ago we had a gas crisis. Temporary measures that were implemented were dropped as soon as the crisis passed.
Today we have a 100 million vehicles that get less than 20 miles a gallon.
We hear about alternative power sources, bio fuel, ethanol, electric cars et al. How about people selling their behemoths and buying cars that get decent mileage? We have been trying to pass a gas tax in Minnesota for the last 15 years and our current governor, in the fine tradition of the
eunuchs who have a stranglehold on the governship of this state, chooses not to risk alienating the auto unions and auto manufacturers by supporting a gas tax. Longon bridges falling down. Oops. That should be Minneapolis bridges falling down. The soap opera continues.
Further, why did the republican Reagan give Iran weapons, while at the same time give Saddam weapons to fight Iran? I guess there's something about republicans giving weapons to our enemies, then having another republican spend a trillion dollars, (just wait) to fight the same enemies. Duh!
Tell it like it is Bill! Finally a democrat who is calling them on their BS. Too bad he can't run again.
You uneducated sheep of the right attack President Clinton with rhetoric, lies, and ridiculous accusations straight from the mouths of Coulter, Limbaugh, and Hannity. Its disgusting. Reading the books of those people don't give you a perspective to stand on, they just make you sound completely stupid and bitter. Please, please get a life. As for the MoveOn.org ad, they have a right to free speech and can exercise it how they feel. Read the ad. What they said wasn't untrue. I am an independent and I see exactly where they are coming from.
My god, he is good and says so well with courage.
He has been the best president in my 40 yrs in america.
Wow, I can't wait to see the posts on here when Hillary finally does become president. Conservatives will be crying themselves to sleep.
Notice how Republicans and people on here who attack Clinton, repeatedly attack the person instead of the issue at hand. As a non-party affliated voter, I am still appreciative of the democrats ability to address the issues. Grow up people, what Clinton said here, love it or hate him as person, is right and factual. And it has nothing to do with his term in office, whatsoever.
Petraeus is a General in the US Armed Forces. Not a politician running for office.
President Clinton's comparisions to political campaigns make no sense at all.
Boy, he sure is aging better than Dubya. With every year, he gets more articulate, and W gets less so.
Steve H – Arizona,
Posting the same erroneous statements TWICE won't make it any more correct.
You wrote,
Nixon: Cambodia
Reagan: Iran/Iraq War, Iran/Contra, arming the Taliban
Dubya: Iraq
If you really want to delve into history, Stevie:
Vietnam: 60,000 Americans died – started by JFK (dem), escalated by Johnson (dem), ended by Nixon (rep)
Korean War: 53,000 Americans died – Harry Truman (Dem)
World War II: 400,000 Americans died – FDR (Dem)
World War I: 100,00 Americans died – Woodrow Wilson (Dem)
Gulf War (Kuwait/Iraq): 500 Americans died – Bush #41 (Rep)
Afghanistan/Iraq: 4000 Americans died – Bush #43 (Rep)
From where I stand, Stevie, Democratic Presidents have started more wars and gotten more Americans killed. History does hurt – democrats.
The whole political system..and the politicians have gone to hell in an hand basket. Statesmanship is dead…
the country is divided over lies and if we don't change we will be headed for another civil war.
This is why George Washington warned us about political parties.
Paul from NY,
You wrote, "Just like most republicans you speak from both sides of your mouth. You say the moveon ad was wrong for questioning the general , and from the other side of your mouth you say they swiftboat ads questioning a war heros record are fine.
Typical republican thinking."
Typical democrat tap-dancing on your part. Ignore the facts (Gen Petreaus not a politician, Swift Boat were comprised of mainly Vets challenging Kerry) to support your view.
And it was a "vast right wing conspiracy" that made up the rumor about Bill and Monica, right Paul??
Quoted for truth:
Notice how Republicans and people on here who attack Clinton, repeatedly attack the person instead of the issue at hand. As a non-party affliated voter, I am still appreciative of the democrats ability to address the issues. Grow up people, what Clinton said here, love it or hate him as person, is right and factual. And it has nothing to do with his term in office, whatsoever.
End Quote:
It's quite comical that the people that attack the former President in such a manner, it reminds me of a debate that Mr. Clinton addressed the issues and questions posed to him, while Dole would dance around and turn his answer in to a mud slinging comment rather than answer the question posed to him. It's still the same old song and dance with the Republicans.
I'm with Bill 100% but watch the republicans turn his statements around and try to use them against Hillary's campaign.
Give 'em hell Bill!
Clinton's statements make complete sense and are supported by the facts.
Chris Haynes, I refuted this above at 1:11p. Prove me wrong.
...and from the other side of your mouth you say they swiftboat ads questioning a war heros record are fine.
Paul NY, I refuted this above at 1:11p. Prove me wrong.
Notice how Republicans and people on here who attack Clinton, repeatedly attack the person instead of the issue at hand...what Clinton said here, love it or hate him as person, is right and factual.
Peter, I spoke to each of Clinton's points and refuted them at 1:11p. Prove me wrong.
Wild Bill! Where you been hiding, you old sly dog, you!
Everyone! Sing with me! This the old Wild Billy Clinton song! Razzle Dazzle!
"Give 'em the old razzle dazzle,
Razzle Dazzle 'em.
Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it,
And the reaction will be passionate.
Give 'em the old hocus pocus,
Bead and feather 'em.
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?
What if your hinges all are rusting?
What if, in fact, you're just disgusting?
Razzle dazzle 'em,
And they;ll never catch wise!
Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle,
Razzle dazzle 'em.
Give 'em a show that's so splendiferous,
Row after row will crow vociferous.
Give 'em the old flim flam flummox,
Fool and fracture 'em.
How can they hear the truth above the roar?
Throw 'em a fake and a finagle,
They'll never know you're just a bagel.
Razzle dazzle 'em,
And they'll beg you for more!
Give 'em the old double whammy,
Daze and dizzy 'em.
Back since the days of old Methuselah,
Everyone loves the big bambooz-a-ler.
Give 'em the old three ring circus,
Stun and stagger 'em.
When you're in trouble, go into your dance!
Though you are stiffer than a girder,
They'll let you get away with murder.
Razzle dazzle 'em.
And you've got a romance!
Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle.
Razzle dazzle 'em,
Show 'em the first rate sorcerer you are.
Long as you keep 'em way off balance,
How can they spot you've got no talent?
Razzle Dazzle 'em,
Razzle Dazzle 'em.
And they'll make you a star!
Yee Haw!!! Ain't nobody like Wild Bill.
He's the guy you wish you'd have had leading your bachelor party, you just don't want to leave him alone with any of your female relatives (wife, daughter, grandmother, etc.).
The fact that Bill has a tarnished reputation for honesty doesn't diminish the validity of this comment. Frankly, Hillary's greatest asset in terms of electability is her ability (coupled with Bill's) to stand up to negative attacks from the Republicans. Let's face it– there's nothing new that the Republicans can throw at her. Neither of the Clintons is a saint, but say what you will– they are both incredibly intelligent, rational, and shrewd. The Clintons' deceptions in the past pale in comparison to the outrageious lies that undergird the current administration and broader Republican agenda. Keep it coming Bill.
Bottom line - the republicans are in big trouble, and will lose. The blank empty comments from the republicans in this forum underlines that. They have been so brain washed with silly slogans from their silly leaders they really have nothing constructive to say. If the republican presidential "hopefuls" reply to issues like the republicans in this forum, it will be a true blow out!! Ha Ha Ha – losers!
In our society where the ends often justify the means and unsubstanciated accusations fly unchecked, my hope is that our citizens will take the time needed to help provide the information needed to distinguish between lies and truth and take such actions as are necessary to elect honest and upright people who will then regain trust and thus help us discern the best course of action for our country on any given issue.
Lacking this, I fear our democracy's future and the future of our world.
Looks like someone did not like my opinion. Right on Clinton, the Democrates did not fire the first volley, and few Republicans raised concern over attack ads going their way. As for the Swift Boat organization, excuse me, it was a pure smear campiagn against a real war hero, don't like his politics fine, but don't attack his military war record, at least he has one. As to someone having a right to voice an opinion, that's right and it goes two ways, in the days of Vietnam there was no man that had more of a right than John Kerry, now that said, if this nation can not start having a political discussion without nonfactual smear campaigns, that are controlled by the two major parties, and denied at the same time by the two major parties we are going to implode.
For rvastar or anyone who might care about the truth:. The not so Swift Boat Veterans were most vocally fronted by Larry Thurlow who repeatedly denounced Kerry for getting an award when there was no enemy fire. Investigation showed that Thurlow had been awarded a Bronze Star for his actions during the same incident. Thurlow's citation includes several phrases indicating hostile fire such as "despite enemy bullets flying about him" and "enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire", and speaks of fire directed at "all units" of the five-boat fleet.
Bush supporters can continue to support Thurlow who was willing himself to accept a medal for what he says were lies and the president who refuses to condemn lies against true military heroes. Hopefully, they will continue Bush's search for one person in the world who can verify that he actually served in Alabama. Can anyone send an example where Bush actually says he served in Alabama? All he ever says is a repeated canned line that "I completed my obligations" which could include the real possibility that Daddy pulled strings to get him out. I have yet to see him say he served in Alabama. Please look. I want to know the truth.
Sorry, to James, Phoenix AZ –
World War II: 400,000 Americans died – FDR (Dem)
I guess we should have let Hitler win? Is that how you feel?
Nice.
Posted By John: "If the republican presidential "hopefuls" reply to issues like the republicans in this forum, it will be a true blow out!! Ha Ha Ha – losers!"
Be careful what you wish for. I hope you were paying attention to the democratic debate. Your income taxes are going to increase, your hopefully elected president is not going to pull out of Iraq until 2013, and you won't be able to draw on social security until you're 67.
If you get your way and a democratic president is elected it won't be just the republicans that are losers. We will all be losers.
Thank you Bill Clinton – you were one of the Greatest Presidents of all time and I thank you for speaking your mind about the slime-ball Republicans and what they are worth. Most will be jumping off bridges when Hillary wins next year!
HE ONLY "SMEARS" OFFICE INTERNS
Hey Ryan in Indianapolis,
Maybe you should be the one shutting up. If Ronald Reagan would have done his job when we lost almost 300 marines when Hezbollah attacked our barracks in the 80's, maybe we would not be fighting them in the middle east right now. Instead like a coward, he withdrew our troops after the attack.
Posted By sanderson : September 27, 2007 11:26 am
No moron that was caused by another incomptent democratic president Jimmy Carter, remember the guy that got pushed around by IRAN his whole presidency. I am sorry your memory of history is so bad and you run away from the truth like a typical liberal. Is there any liberals out there that have any common sense???? I am 34 and still never found one, Bill Clinton is PATHETIC
David,
My taxes, never were decreased, because GWB let my IT job go to India, now I make pennies, but I can at least buy safe toys from China for pennies ???
Do you think a republican is going to bring troops home sooner? How about we try now. Who brought us there in the first place??
Lastly, social security ?!?!?!??? That calls for a triple - Ha Ha Ha - so sad
To Dean in Boston:
You have heard that the Swift Boat vets were "outed" two years ago by ONI, right?!
They admitted under grilling from Admiral Crowe that they, dare I say it, LIED!!!
They cut up $330,000 to produce a commercial. All funded by the friends of the program in Texas, headed up by none other than T. Boone Pickens, who funded McCain's assassination in South Caroline in 2000.
nice crowd you support!
Posted By Hooligan, Everywhere, America : September 27, 2007 11:47 am
Total LIE LIE LIE LIE,,,,Swift Boat for Truth was exactly that the TRUTH,,,John KERRY was and is A BIG TIME Fraud,,,I have never understood why the liberals get their panties in a bundle about this,,,I know the truth hurts but deal with it.
Joe Biden was right last night. Every "Christian" Republican should read Matthew 23 & see what Jesus had to say about hypocrites.
Ryan in Indianapolis,
again I ask ... why did Reagan give weapons to Bin Ladin??
I for one can't wait for the much beloved Hillary Clinton to ascend to her rightful throne and here is why:
She has more experience than everyone else on every subject (Biden and Richardson were never first lady).
She would never pardon criminals.
She would never hire a felon for Chief of White house security that would end up getting his hands on FBI files on those mean Republicans.
She would stop any politician from investing $1000 and making $100,000 overnight as that would be insider trading.
She will stop the Shrub from stealing gifts from the WH on his last day.
She will not stand for all of the US attorneys being fired for political reasons.
There will not be a list of people that will say she raped or had affairs with her.
She would not stand for the secret serviceman being told to "Shut the bleep up and don't even look at me".
She loves GQ magazine and restaurants that have her daughters picture hanging.
She respects women that stay home and bake cookies.
She detests women that stand by their man even if they cheat.
She would not fill her travel office with corrupt friends by firing good, hard working people.
She has always been against the war.
She reads all reports that are important.
She checks into major donors, unlike other campaigns.
She TOTALLY believes in gay rights.
Her love for illegal immigrants, as ALL of them are just here for work.
She will not stand for our embassies being bombed, our ships or our World trade centers; she will treat them as terrorist acts and not criminal ones.
She will defend us even if her decision is not popular.
If she ever goes in front of a grand jury, she would never say "I don't recall" 100 times.
She will be the best duster in the history of the WH, and no billing records will show up years later as the place will be spotless.
She will explain how she was named after famed beekeepers Sir Edmund Hillary and why.
I love this woman, and there is no reason why any sane person would not vote for her and that wholesome, truthful husband who would make a great ambassador that would bring more women into the political theatre.
Bush sucks.
January 2009 can't get here fast enough.
Posted By Tom Dedham, Mass : September 27, 2007 1:21 pm
Tom,,
You are completed nuts dude,,,everything you wrote was a complete lie,,I thought it was a joke when I read it,,,Go do your homework or go play some video games , this blog is for adults. The CLINTONS are pure evil
Rvastar; your OPINIONS prove nothing. Way to go rvastar, the rvaster, the rav! Cool name you rvastar! You deserve a cookie for creativity (for the name and your "facts".
Here is a Response to rvastar from Wynter... enjoy.
1). "This was classic bait and switch — focus on that as opposed to focusing on what's happened," the former president said."
rvastar states:
The point of the supposed "bait and switch" that Clinton's talking about would be to divert attention off of a damaging report from Gen. Patraeus' ("the surge has failed") and focus instead on the MoveOn ad.
The only problem is that the report wasn't damaging…quite the opposite. Why would the Republicans want to avert attention from something that positively supports their interests? So Clinton's rhetoric is completely meaningless. Got it?
Response:
– The report "was" damaging. The comments by the senators demonstrated that. MoveOn's ad simply pointed out that the messenger, albeit an honored military general, still is voicing Bush's talking points. See Katie Couric video to see what I mean. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9XXUyWTA1g). The issue of whining about the ad is a diversion to take the focus off of the message that we are still bogged down in Iraq.
2)."These are the people that ran a television ad in Georgia with [former Sen.] Max Cleland — who lost half his body in Vietnam…"
rvastar states:
Talk about "disingenous" and a "bait and switch"!!!
The only reason anyone's ever heard of Max Cleland is because of the Dems "disingenous" attempts to fool the American people into thinking that they actually support the military. They would roll him out at every Dem event, saying "look at what this Democrat sacrificed in Vietnam and how horribly >the evil Republicans have impugned his sacrifice with that ad!", implying that the horrible wounds he'd suffered were the result of combat and that the ad was questioning his patriotism.
The part they conveniently left out was that Cleland wasn't injured in combat, but by picking up a hand grenade that was lying on the ground while he was on his way to drink beers with his buddies. And the purpose of the ad in question was to make the very sound – and true – point that, in the wake of 9/11, Cleland voted 11 time against Homeland Security measures because his union supporters were unhappy with some of the provisions. IOW, Cleland was all for increased homeland security…as long as it didn't interfere with the donation checks.
Response:
- Now look who is attacking a distinguished veteran? The man served and didn't lose his legs by using a can opener wrong. Here is how he lost them...
On April 8, with a month left in his tour, Cleland was ordered to set up a radio relay station on a nearby hill. A helicopter flew him and two soldiers to the treeless top of Hill 471, east of Khe Sanh. Cleland knew some of the soldiers camped there from Operation Pegasus. He told the pilot he was going to stay a while. Maybe have a few beers with friends.
When the helicopter landed, Cleland jumped out, followed by the two soldiers. They ducked beneath the rotors and turned to watch the liftoff. Cleland reached down to pick up the grenade he believed had popped off his flak jacket. The blast slammed him backward, shredding both his legs and one arm. He was 25 years old...
3). "But it was okay to question [Massachusetts Sen.] John Kerry's patriotism on a blatantly dishonest play that had dishonest claims by people that didn't know what they were talking about."
rvastar states:
Poor, innocent, denigrated, John "Lerch" Kerry! Those mean "Swift Boat" ad people were lying about him! Then you'd think that this noble warrior would want to clear his name, right?
Wrong. All he had to do was file suit for libel and defamation of character, but he didn't – in fact, he let the statue of limitations on defamation run out in all the jurisdictions that he could filed suit, including the long, 3-year statute of limitations for doing so in Massachusetts.
Why? Because he knew he'd get hammered in a court room where lying is illegal and you can't count on the leftist media to carry water for you. Witnesses would actually be deposed under threat of perjury…makes them a little less certain in their selective "recollections".
Response:
rvastar you are so gone at this point I don't think there is anything to respond to. Anyways, it was stated in another comment that your so full of it. Read this comment by Hooligan.
You have heard that the Swift Boat vets were "outed" two years ago by ONI, right?!
They admitted under grilling from Admiral Crowe that they, dare I say it, LIED!!!
They cut up $330,000 to produce a commercial. All funded by the friends of the program in Texas, headed up by none other than T. Boone Pickens, who funded McCain's assassination in South Caroline in 2000.
Pay attention to Bill Clinton's arguments – as in points in a debate, not as in shouting match.
Then watch how Wolf Blitzer spins it (as shown crooks and liars dot com).
Blitzer does his own distracting by treating Clinton's words like a tirade, then turning the conversation toward the grudge match of Hillary vs. the neo-cons!
SHAME ON WOLF BLITZER.
SHAME ON CNN.
Shame on anyone who makes ad hominem attacks on Bill Clinton because his logic can't be refuted.
Ryan
Perhaps you need to go back and reveiw your history at the young age of 34 I doubt if you have lived mucj of it. I was sitting on the tarmac at Fort Campbell when the Iranian Embassy was seized, I was deployed to a forward base in Germany when Charlie Beckworth made his attemp at rescue of the hostages. Swift Boats attacked John Kerry's military record, by claiming it was falisied, the same record that they proclaimed showed that President Bush had completed his military obligations proclaiming it as proof. Kerry had individuals taht served with him standing by his side, have they found anyone that ever servived with our President. And Reagan and Bush gave weapons to bin Laden, he was fighting the Russians in Afganistan, after all the enemy of of my enemy is my friend right, the same reason that our government backed Saddam right up to the day he made the error of invading Kuwait. Son one of us needs a sever leason in American history.
Ryan Indianapolis ...
The CLINTONS are pure evil
So is Bin Ladin; last time please answer since you know what you are talking about ....
Why did a republican give weapons to an evil man like Bin Ladin?
Please log off..
these pubichairlans or too busy playing footsies in toilets to be taken serious!! my god!! please vote democrat!!
Republicans do have double standards. Sen. John McCain-R, a prisoner of the Vietnam war, has been slandered and even Pres. Bush never stood up for him. Unfortunately, our brave military personnel are being used as political pawns. Until we Americans develop unity and respect for our own, we can't expect the same from other countries.
Ryan in IN -
Maybe if you weren't so busy writing your hateful comments, you would see the sarcasm in Tom from MA's comments because regulars here know he's a conservative. As much as I usually disagree with his comments, I'll give him an 'A' for effort for even fooling a like-minded buddy with sarcastic humor.
Also, you say in 34 years you've never met a liberal who makes sense. Wow, what kind of places are you hanging out in? With your one way rhetoric, what reasonable person would even want to have a conversation with you?
I'm an independent who would mostly be defined as "liberal" (because I care about more than just myself), but I still listen to other points of view and will sometimes concede a point from a conservative. You might want to try opening up your mind a little bit. Open discourse is better than repeating the same crap over and over again.
That goes for everyone!
Bill Clinton is one of the best presidents in our history...a breath of fresh air to hear him speak, especially compared to the blundering idiot that is our current president. Every time George Bush speaks, it makes me ashamed to be an American.
Rvastar
First of all you are a very combative poster to this forum. Frankly, I feel that if we want our politicians acting with more decorum, respect and bipartisanship, we posters need to do the same.
On the Max Cleland issue, He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valorous action in combat, including during the Battle of Khe Sanh on April 4th, 1968. Though he may have been disabled by his own errant grenade that fell off while he was getting off a helicopter, he is still a war hero for the medals that he earned. So what if he might have been going to get some beer 4 days after the Battle of Khe Sanh (I’d be doing the same thing), when he was injured. That doesn’t make him less of a hero for his honorable service in ‘Nam.
As for the Kerry issue, sorry but that isn’t fair to make an assumption about the supposed outcome of a case that was never waged in court. Defamation of character is notoriously difficult to prove in court. The main problem with proving defamation of character is the protection of free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment. Of course, if he had brought a libel suit against SBVT, I imagine the conservatives would howl about how he was being a sore loser. In the end, the facts haven’t changed; SBVT still told lies about Kerry to impugn his military record.
Ryan, if SBVT aren't lies, site some examples please.
Yes, Bill, those darned rascally Republicans "smeared" you.
You didn't really lob cruise missles at Muslim nations to distract an investigation of the fact that you were doing the Hokey Pokey with the hired help, did you?
Because you really DIDN'T perjur yourself, did you? Those eeeeeeevil Republicans MADE you lie under oath, right?
Those villainous Republicans (cue "Snidely Whiplash" music here), why, they MADE you tell other people to lie under oath for you, didn't they.
I know they're sneaky, those eeeeeevil Republicans.... tricking you into committing perjury and tricking you into suborning perjury.
I'm a little confused, though... how can eeeeeevil, dastardly Republicans, pullers-of-the-strings in all sorts of sinister kook conspiracy theories, simultaneously be window-licking, crayon-chewing, knuckle-dragging imbiciles?
I mean, make up your minds... either Bush is Hitler or he's a rider of the proverbial short bus. But he can't be both.
Very good Bill! Where are the guts of the other Democrats?
I agree 100% with the former president and I'm glad that someone is speaking out on this issue. It's sad that people will allow themselves to be blinded by the Republican tactics. Clinton was the best. The great economy, budget surplus, job market and low gas prices was paramount over his private life. I'll take that anytime.
This is Grade A comedy, thanks CNN.
Mm Hm. Get 'em Bill. Them self-righteous indignant, hypocrite Republicans just can't stop hating. Well, when Hillary becomes president, they will cry in their beers.
Sam, what is like to go about you day-to-day life with 5% of the facts from FOX News?
James, Phoenix AZ :
Just because a someone is a general in the army means everyone should listen to them blindly without questioning them? But at the same time you think it is ok to attack someones war record becaue they are running for office? You do not make any sence. A mouthpiece for the whitehouse who is testifying before congress about a war we were lied to about , shouldnt be blindly followed either.
You cant treat one differently from the other because of political alliances.
About Clinton:
He cheated on his wife , he didnt invade a country on false information , illegally wiretap his own citizens , or put his unqualified buddy in charge of fema causing a natural disaster to turn into a national crisis.
Chris Haynes:
Rvastar; your OPINIONS prove nothing. Way to go rvastar, the rvaster, the rav! Cool name you rvastar! You deserve a cookie for creativity (for the name and your "facts".
Wow! So many words to say absolutely nothing! Well done, chris Haynes!
As I said before...long on indignation, short on facts.
To Wynter:
The report "was" damaging.
Really, Wynter? In what universe?
Is the "damaging" report responsible for the upswing in polling numbers that's occurred over the last few weeks for General Patraeus? President Bush? The Surge? The Iraq War? The War on Terror?
Is the "damaging" report responsible for the utter collapse of Democrat anti-war efforts and resolutions?
You mean that "damaging" report?
Now look who is attacking a distinguished veteran? The man served and didn't lose his legs by using a can opener wrong.
How – exactly – does telling the truth about a) the manner in which Cleland sustained his injuries (as opposed to Democrat obfuscation on the matter in order to score political points) and b) his voting record on national security matters (abysmal) equate to "attacking" him?
"rvastar, you are so gone at this point I don't think there is anything to respond to."
well, you didn't logically respond to anything in the first place, so why should your inability to frame an argument here be a surprise?
"Anyways, it was stated in another comment that your so full of it. Read this comment by Hooligan"
They admitted under grilling from Admiral Crowe that they, dare I say it, LIED!!!
Really? They did?
Prove it.
And while you're looking that non-existent "fact", why don't you take a stab at answering my question from earlier? A question non of this threads lil' leftists want to touch?
Why would an "honorable" war veteran like Kerry – who, thanks to his marriage to Mrs. Ketchup, has unlimited funds at his disposal – allow people like Thurlow [and McNeill and Hoffman] to publicly slander and defame him in the worst possible way and do absolutely nothing about it?
Hmmm, Wynter?
John, your job went to India because of foreign policy Bill Clinton signed into law, namely NAFTA.
Corporate America saw manufacturing firms taking advantage of the global market place. It wasn't long before the tech industry started following suit. Some financial research groups predict that 3.3 million high tech jobs will be outsourced to an overseas country.
Ross Perot, whom everyone loved to laugh at, prophetically predicted the mass exodus of jobs from the United States when he said NAFTA would create a "giant sucking sound."
You can't blame Bush for sending your job overseas. It started long before he got into office.
I don't think the republicans are going to bring the troops home sooner, but then I don't subscribe to the cut and run mentality.
Social security would not be an issue at all if the past presidents, including Bill Clinton, had not raided the fund to pay for pet projects. I'm not defending what Bush has done but all you people who keep saying Clinton was the best president in history should actually do a bit of research.
He has no place calling other politicians names. He's just as bad as the rest of the lot.
People here are slamming everyone for being a Liberal or a Conservative. This is the genious of the Rove strategy- divide and conquer. If everyone is fighting among themselves, they have less power to change anything. Forget that the president is Republican, forget that he's a Christian. Look at his actions. He has lead the country to a war after failing to finish a more important war (Afghanistan), he has massively overspent our budget, and has pulled the people of the country apart. When voting for the next candidate, do us all a favor and cover the parts that show their party affilition with masking tape, now make your vote based on their merits, as it should be.
Finally, Bill Clinton as attack dog. Go get 'em, Bill. They certainly deserve it.
The Republican Party
Crimminals
Pedophiles
Adulterers
Or is it the The Repugnent Party
I don't care what your party affiliation – we all must recognize when enough is enough and human decency is violated. The Patraeus ad was the worst and our expectation for editors is to ensure viceral and negative advertisements (not free speech) gets reviewed before they make it into their respective rags – it clearly wasn't. As for fmr pres Clinton – the absolute wrong guy to be talking on this topic as he tried given his past history actively and viciously discrediting anyone who stood in his way or dared tell the truth. "Have you forgotten ...?"
Former President Bill Clinton is assuming the role of the kettle calling the pot black. There is no meaner machine for personal smearing than the national leadership of the Democratic party. The Gen Petraeus smear is unforgivable, intellectually dishonest, and dishonors every present and past American serviceman in the Armed Forces (of which I am one). MoveON has been characterized by dishonest, deceptive and destructive behavior since its founding. If they succeed in bringing down America, they should be the first to suffer the consequences of their irrational march to destroy the world's premier democracy– those consequences would be no longer having those of us who put out lives on the line and purchase MoveOn's opportunity for abuse with our blood and lives to shelter them from their cowardly attacks.
David Gillis
"Be careful what you wish for. I hope you were paying attention to the democratic debate. Your income taxes are going to increase"
Thats going to have to happen anyway since there is this thing called the national debt which you republicans will never talk about. BTW you've increased it over 3 trillion dollars while Bush has been in office.
"you won't be able to draw on social security until you're 67."
This is already the case so whats your point?
"All losers"
Agreed... problems still won't be solved... but it will be fun listening to republicans whine for the next four years about Hillary... I will savor every minute of it.
This is the same Bill Clinton of "Welfare Reform", Nafta, the same Clinton, who 1n 1993 called unemployment insurance "an unfair tax on business" who oversaw the slaughter of 5000 Iraq children every month through Sanctions. It amazes me that Liberals have a positive opinion and that conservatives have a negative opinion of him.
Way to go President Bill Clinton! Once again proving that leadership goes beyond politic kindergarten games and hits the already week Republicans between the eyes. The truth hurts. I do beleive Donald Trump is correct in saying that Bush is a liability to this country and to his party. The smartest, wealthiest, sexiest, happiest people in the world are Democratic and as the world now watches the last dying days of the Republican party, it pierces our ears a bit from their screams and nashing of teeth as a result of their inhumanity and indecency to the least of these in and outside our country. Their downfall is providence.
"This is the same Bill Clinton who oversaw the slaughter of 5000 Iraq children every month through Sanctions."
Exactly how did he "oversee" this... the sanctions were imposed by the U.N.
Saying that... I could say... that Bush has overseen the slaughter of over 150,000 Iraqis... and 7,000 U.S. citizens (9/11, military losses).
So that makes Bush the larger mass murderer... and he was more directly responsible.
Republicans... so easy to defeat in any logic battle.
Patrick, the national debt has increased because of spending more than taxpayers pay in. When a democrat takes office the war in Iraq won't suddenly just go away. Those tax dollars are still going to be spent. The difference is that your presidential candidate also wants to implement expansive social programs like universal health care. They talked about increasing taxes on gasoline to pay for global warming. They want to put restrictions on energy production to cut back on emmissions and require renewable engery, which is VERY expensive so expect your electric bill to go up.
Tax and spend. That's the democratic moto. Who cares who gets hurt in the process.
As it is now you start drawing SSI at 65. The democrats, based on what they said during the debate, want to up the age to 67. That's $14,952 a retired person will not have because of the democrats if they get their way.
If Hillary gets into office it won't be just the republicans whining and you won't be savoring any of it.
Paul NY,
You wrote, "Just because a someone is a general in the army means everyone should listen to them blindly without questioning them? But at the same time you think it is ok to attack someones war record becaue they are running for office? You do not make any sence."
Paul, no – just because a General is testifying is not cause to accept every word or recommendation. THAT is why he is called before Congress – so our elected leaders can hear his testimony, question him, and come to a determination of how things are going.
However – for Moveon.Org to create the ad – calling the General a traitor, buy the space with the NY Times – all before the General gave one word of testimony is just plain wrong.
John Kerry, on the other hand, GAVE his testimony to congress 35 years ago – telling of attrocities commited by other US Vets and embellished his statements. John Kerry was running for the office of President and suggesting he was the BEST candidate and used his military record for political purposes. Those (Vets) opposed to Kerry had every right to challenge him, his statements, and to share THEIR opinions.
Honestly... if you can't see the difference – if you think non-military rich liberals personally attacking the patriotism of a 4-star General is the same as Vets crticizing John Kerry... then we can simply agree to disagree.
First of all you are a very combative poster to this forum.
It's called "debating the issues". Look back at the posts I've responded to and explain how I'm the one who's combative.
Sigh...I can see that no one here is capable of honestly addressing the issues at hand, so this will be my last post about it.
1) Bill Clinton's claim that Republican outrage over the MoveOn ad stating that Gen. Patraeus was disingenous.
His "proof"? He offers none. NONE. Instead of directly addressing why Republican outrage was disingenuous, he changes the subject – a classic case of throwing out red herring arguments. It's absolutely no different than the old "he didn't rape her...look at how she dresses!" argument.
But what should we expect from the guy who's married to Hillary "There was no affair, it's a Right-Wing Conspiracy" Clinton?
2) A political ad about Max Cleland that was supposedly dishonest.
I have directly challenged his assertion with facts about both Cleland's military service and voting record. The political ad that ran about Cleland was attacking his voting record, not his patriotism. If you can prove otherwise, please do so.
And while you're at, please explain how it's relevant to the MoveOn ad controversy in the first place.
3) The claims of the SBVT that John Kerry is no war hero.
You claim it's not fair to make assumptions about how a defamation case against the SBVT would have played out. I don't have to make assumptions. Kerry was too scared to take the case to court. That tells me everything.
You claim that defamation is "difficult" to prove in court. I say, why don't you tell that to the Hollywood celebrities who are constantly suing magazines for libel and defamation...and winning.
If the SBVT were lying, Kerry could very easily have sued them for defamation of character. And in court, SBVT would have had to prove the their claims were accurate. But in their efforts to do so, they would have been able to get access to ALL of Kerry's military records and they would have been able to call Kerry supporters to the stand to testify under penalty of perjury about Kerry's actions in Vietnam. And that is what Kerry was terrified of happening.
And, oh by the way...please explain how it's relevant to the MoveOn ad controversy in the first place.
Bottom line: another dishonest, "pay no attention to them because their Republicans" Democrat regurgitation from St. Clinton. But hey, why shouldn't they keep using the same playbook? It's not like the leftist media are ever going to actually challenge leftist politicians on anything.
I think the president is missing a crucial difference. The attack ads he was using as examples were attacking politicians. If you're a politician you know you are going to be a target by one side or another. Gen. Patraeus is a serving member of the military and though no one is totally apolitical at his level he is not deserving of being treated as one of the professional politicians.
The pathetic slams on Clinton from the Bush worshipers display how ignorant they are. They chant about lying to the country about a private affair, while their pitiful little ex-drunk president commits treasonous crimes and acts that are tantamount to murder and embezzlement of billions of dollars funneling into the pockets of his political hacks. The only reason Bush isn’t in prison is because his crimes are covered up by the republican’s loyal unwillingness to serve the people, but instead choose to serve their overwhelming allegiance of self enrichment. The mindless followers of Bush are just as responsible as ‘Junior’ is for having started an unnecessary war that put us in danger and caused the genocide of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. All this to feed his egotistical self image and uncontrollable love of power. Here’s a scenario of justice; put a democrat in a foxhole under fire with Kerry and a repug in a fox hole with Bush then see how much smearing of war heroes comes out of that one. You might want to include a box of diapers so Bush doesn't skank up the foxhole while his loyal repug is changing his pants.
If Colin Powell can be taken advantage of by this administration, General Petraeus certainly can be.
Lastly, as a military wife, trust me when I tell you there are LOTS OF POLICTICS that TAKE PLACE AS AN OFFICER.
republicans are not bitter the dems are bill was a good prez but he is the reason we are in the mess we are in he could have killed bin laden and the twin towers would still be standing. republicans and democrats suck
I have to disagree with Roger in Charlotte. If Petraeus is cheerleading for the Administration, rather than offering objective information, he deserves to be called out for his political grandstanding, uniform or not. I have the greatest respect for our men and women in service, but I don't expect them to be superhuman. They are prone to the same failings as everyone else.
It appears – and the jury is still out on this, unless you're a big fan of Gen. Fallon – that he may be slightly partisan. That would call his judgement into question.
I believe Democrats have become totally desensitized to CRIME (Clinton screwing around with lover in Oval Office.) Clinton telling LIES to America, "I did not blah blah blah. DEMOCRATS HAVE NO MORAL COMPASS.
"The difference is that your presidential candidate also wants to implement expansive social programs like universal health careThe difference is that your presidential candidate also wants to implement expansive social programs like universal health care"
David.... the age is actually 67 already for those in my age group (late 30's). Lets see... health care for all Americans $ 110 billion.... Iraq war $ 500+ billion right now.
I think I would rather support Americans and make a healthy American workforce that save Iraq thank you very much.
The story of Swift Boat mouthpiece Larry Thurlow that I mentioned at 3:03 p.m. today settles claims that the Swifties were always truthful in their statements. It is possible that Kerry has something to hide. It is also possible that after the election he wasn't interested in pursuing a long lawsuit that wouldn't change the election.
Let's take a different approach and think things through. Let's assume that Kerry is the totally useless, bumbling incompetent who claims medals he didn't deserve just like the Swifties claim. Then why should we care about Kerry when there are far, far more important elements that Bush supporters intentionally ignor? Think about it – if Swifties charges are true, this is one of the most condemning charges ever against the United States Navy. What Navy morons promoted him? What Navy morons gave him a ship to command? What Navy morons made him responsible for the lives of the crew? What Navy morons rated him better than half the other swift boat commanders? What Navy morons awarded him medals without any investigations? What Navy morons served with him and then, with one exception, stood by him during the Swifties charges? What Navy morons let him and those rated lower than him remain on duty? What Navy morons would want to appear with other Swifties who weren't rated as good as him?
Those who trash war hero Kerry should worry about the implications of their charges instead. Was the U.S. Navy full of morons at all levels as their charges indicate?
Jon in Seattle who claims Democrats are happier sexier wealthier, etc.
Have you seen the Code Pink people ?
If I had time I'd check spelling of Dem posters vs. Republican posters on this blog to disprove your point, but I've got to go have sex.
I just love Bill Clinton-such an intellectual. He has hit the nail right on the head. I would take a million Bill Clintons and Hillary Rodham Clintons over anyone running for President today. With all the crap, lies and bull$#@% that Bush has put this country through, he should have been impeached long ago. Bill Clinton had one manly indiscretion in the White House and lied about it, and many people in the USA think he is the worst thing created by mankind-what an ignorant country--forgive and truly see what is good and just for this country.
Clinton and the democrats that are now in the forfront of the party are the reason I have elected to look more closely at other candidates. It is the steady run of double standards and flip flopping on issues as well as refusing to take a stand solidly and openly that causes my disdain. I have checked the recordes that are publicly open and researched the criminal,political, and personal histories of almost all of them. I now know why they want to controll the media and the judicial systems. Their just as guilty of destroying this country as are their counterparts. They take money from criminals, and some have commited crimes themselves, and with a controlled justice system sweep theirs under the rug and raise a nuclear explosion over their opponents discretions. Knowing CNN to be one sided and unbalanced in the media I doubt that this will be given a review or posted
I lost it on your comment where you say "mangos for jobs and nukes in India."
Are you asserting that India acquired nuclear weapons under W's watch?
No, Chip. Maybe if you were a little well versed in current events, you'd have some clue as to what I'm talking about. Your great leader gave India the motherload, and what did we get? Imported mangos.
Here's a link:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-03-02-nuclear-pact_x.htm
...and how about his wonderful trip to China to negotiate against the trade deficit. What did he come back with? Nothing. In fact, Bush has NEVER been able to negotiate a deal beneficial to us on any level. So, in addition to being the worst President we've ever had, he's a lousy salesman, a terrible negotiator.
Still support him? Of course you do. The ignorant is always easily manipulated.
Oh yes, the politics of political destruction is okay when it's MoveOn or another Soros-cide shill for the DNC. But if the Republicans retaliate, it's SO HURTFUL!!!!
Time for Bill to go on Oprah & whine to his constitency-the brain-dead females who love John-boy Edwards.