All you people needs to get a life!!! Bush is a killer, but thats ok right!!! We all have a cheating times so get over it and let Hilary try to give us a better life..

After much self debate,which, I might add,is reflective of most people that entertain deep thought,which may come as a surprise to those who are the "Would be Hero's" of our time,,,,,you're all losin it man!!!,you're just plain losin it. Talk is very cheap,just like our Dollar which was driven down by those who feed on the weary and downtrodden. Be forewarned, I stand not alone,we can all see that the Red carpet is unfurled but for a few. I

It's such double standard. Would it even make it to news if spouse of any of the candidates (Dem or GOP) come out in defense of their partner's position? Do any of you say anything when Elizabeth Edwards came out in support of her husband?

While I'm not a huge fan of Hilary Clinton, I do believe in the policy and directions that both the Clintons have headed off, both domestically and internationally.

You people can say what you want, but this country will be much better off with a Clinton in the White House again. And, you know it. Two Presidents for the price of one!

You mean two embarressment for the price of one!

Gee Whiz, Is Mr Clinton feeling a little offended because someone ask Hillary to give an answer to a question. If you have to be selective to what and how you respond, is that how she would run the country. Or she cant stand for her self she has to have the grand master of dirty tricks defender, What can we do to make the Clintons go away. Please

Bill said, "When you have complicated issues, you don't want to turn them into two-dimensional cartoons."

Yeah, I suppose.

However, you also don't want to turn every issue into a greyscale picture with a thousand shades of grey… in other words Bill, dwelling in the grey areas for too long leads to "Analysis Paralysis" (translation: the perpetual state of affairs for the entire eight years of the Clinton administration).

When the going got tough, Bill put on his thinkin' cap and thought, and thought, and thought, and talked and talked and talked… until the point of action had long since passed him: i.e. Analysis Paralysis

My comment is awaiting moderation for twelve hours? I see all the "swiftboating" comments on here.What happened? Time-Warner stock not low enough yet?

it would be nice if Hillary stopped "coat tail" politics. she wouldn't be ANYWHERE without Bill!

"Bill Clinton is the best president this country had in a long time, and as an American he has any right to comment on any subject…"

Well, Leo, I can't argue with the last part of your statement, but as for the first part…well, you have the "…right to comment on any subject."

I think you are confusing "best politican" for "best President"….and "best politician is NOT a compliment.

Frankly, I would characterize Clinton as a poll reader, not a leader. No doubt his wife WOULD be the same.

You people can say what you want, but this country will be much better off with a Clinton in the White House again. And, you know it. Two Presidents for the price of one!

Go Hillary!

Listen to what Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano was saying about immigration and next compare to what Hillary and Bill Clinton support. As long as a comprehensive immigration reform is not in place (and Hillary said very clearly in the debate she would push to happen), every state should adopt own strategy to deal with the problem after assessing their risks. Why is not that clear?

Bill Clinton is the best president this country had in a long time, and as an American he has any right to comment on any subject…

The Democrats must stop the bickering and start supporting the candidate who will take it to the end zone. Put all egos aside for one moment and help the American people win.

Posted By Monte Brown, New York, NY : November 8, 2007 10:55 am Please, correct me if I'm wrong - but I believe there's something called a nomination process that includes things like, say, actually voting for a candidate. And, gosh, doesn't having more than one candidate to choose from mean that those people are going to compete for our vote, and they're going to point out when their rivals stumble? Imagine that!

Whining about how unfair it all is when Obama and Edwards won't let her sit on the fence just makes her look weak. If she and Bill had just shrugged this off, instead of trying to play the victim card, the story would have been over days ago. But they thought they could court the women's vote by claiming she was getting unfairly beaten up by "the boys" - and, BTW, that says something unpleasant about her campaign's opinion of the women they think will be swayed by that tactic - so they threw down, and now are stuck trying to keep Hillary's "victimhood" meme alive.

Anyway - Hillary isn't the nominee, and she hasn't won a single delegate yet. I'll line up behind her if she wins the nomination - but first she has to prove she can win. In the face of multiple polls that ALL of the Dems can wipe the floor with ANY of the GOOPers, assertions that she's the only one who can win it are just laughable.

Daniel - The only time you felt safe was when Clinton was President? Are you kidding me? Weren't we attacked in 1993 by Muslim Extremeists? Weren't the Kobal Towers bombed in 1996? Weren't two of our Embassies destroyed? Wasn't the USS Cole attacked? We have been at war with Muslim Extremists for a long time, we just didn't know it. The only reason you felt safe was because you did not know someone declared war on us.

I voted for Bill Clinton twice and will even for vote for Hillary Clinton in a general election due to my policy views. But this vote would be despite deep and well known character flaws in both of the Clintons. I would vote without passion.

We have learned since 2000 that character flaws really effect the world when they are embodied in the person of the president. George Bush, faced with tremednous opportunities, could not shake his personal flaws and led the country into a dark hole.

I fear that we do get two-for-one with Bill/Hillary (as advertised) but that this is not a good thing at all. In fact, this is double trouble, since both are so ethically challenged.

What we need is a deliberative, progressive individual who can lead the country and inspire the world again. Someone who can draw on the strengths and hopes of all Americans. We don't need more of the 1990's-style political warfare incited by the Clintons.

Clinton is a very smart man, I can't wait until he's back in the White House. The only time I felt safe is with Clinton as President.

I think he is absolutely right… It is completely shameless that the right has turned to illegal immigration as a way of making the middle-class forget about its legitimate problems… the economy, the Iraq-quagmire, healthcare… I do not mind some hesitation on answering a difficult question… We have a President now that stands by his beliefs no matter what reality tells him otherwise and has a knee-jerk answer to everything except what mistakes he has made as President, and look where that has gotten us.

Hillary has a really bad debate performance and her hubby NOW says debates are bad?????

How pathetic. If Hillary can't hold her own against her democrat rivals, how is she supposed to hold her own on the world stage?

Hillary proved during the last debate that she's not qualified to be the president. She constantly claims that it time for a woman to be president and that women are equal to men, but when the other candidates vigorously challenged her on her views she and her camp and husband retreated in an almost "don't challenge her she's a girl" kind of fashion.
Well Hillary, I guess we see that that all girls school didn't prepare you for this, it's created a mentality for you to use you gender like a crutch.
It will be a cold day in H-E-double hockey sticks before I'd even consider voting for Mrs. Bill Clinton.

I agree 100% with Bill Clinton. The republican candidates will dig us whatever dirt they can find on the dems and what they can't find they will fabricate. After all, that is the only way they can win elections - mud sling and cheat at the polls. They have not been able to win an election honestly since, I think, the Reagan administration. They were a little nasty back then, but they are pure demons now.

All Bill Clinton's doing here is trying to cover his butt for 'coming out swinging' for Hillary and being attacked for it. So now he's including the entire dem presidential gang in his 'the dems can all be swift-boated'. Gimme a break. Why is it the media is giving this spouse so much press time when none of the other spouses are given time like this or articles clarifying their spouses's comments? Just because he is 'former president'? So. He is not running, Hillary is. If she can't stand on her own then she sure as heck should not be president. I think Bill Clinton should shut up when his wife speaks as she speaks or doesn't speak as she speaks. Sure, campaign, but don't try to correct her gaffes the next day all the time. Is this what he's gonna do if she's president, come out and make an announcement to America that Hillary can't be held responsible for what she said because blah blah blah…or she really didn't mean to bomb that country because blah blah blah. Oh brother, these Clintons do not need to be returning to the white house, period!

As always, President Bill Clinton provides reasonable, well thought answers. I agree totally, every answer is not always a yes or no. As a democrat, it makes me so mad that Edwards, Dodd and Obama are so out to win that they risk loosing the WhiteHouse in 08. I believe eventually the negative tone, will eventually hurt them rather than help. The ganging up on the front runner went to far. Go Hillary Go.

Bubba's first attempt at smoothing over Hilliary's blunder on the driver's license issue didn't seem to quite carry the weight it normally does so he is coming back to toss some more syrup over the hotcakes. If Hilliary were ever elected, we would see more of Bill and less of Hilliary than ever. What a circus act.

Bill - YOU make it easier for the Republicans, RNC, Karl & Co to "swift boat" democrats.

You and Hillary offer a plethora of opportunities between your flip-flops, fundraising scandals, and Peccadillos.

By the way… I can't wait to hear more about Kathleen Willey's new book. It should be GREAT reading!

Bill…keep the pressure on!! Hillary doesn't really need it, but the catalyst-effect is helpful. I predict she will leave a greater legacy than any President in the history of our nation. As a woman, a peace maker, and as the creator of a new vision–similar to FDR's. It is definitely time to begin turning the nation in a new direction. Yep…we sorely need the positive changes, and I believe the American people are sorely in need of a President who can inspire them again.

Nice try, Bill. whatever. you should have reminded her to take her time to answer in a manner that will appease everyone. we just don't need to continue the Bush/Clinton rule/regime in this country. 20 years of these two families is enough already.

It's sad that a serious presidential candidate is hiding behing her spouse.

I always find theses kinda statements interesting…so do you have a problem with Michelle Obama, or Elizabeth Edwards stumping for their husbands and speaking outright about Hillary Clinton, which by the way Bill Clinton has yet to attack another candidate by name…or is it because he's a former president he shouldn't be allowed to speak for his wife…help me with the distinction here so that I can understand

Mark, Shreveport, La, you are absolutely right. C'mon Hillary. Be a big girl and take your well-deserved knocks like a man.

Yeah, don't swiftboat Obama by calling him naive and inexperienced for saying he'd meet with our enemies - and then later agree to the same position yourself — and then switch back to disagreeing, sort of — even though most policy experts have agreed with Obama's position from the beginning.

Swiftboat? The Clintons are trying to use fear tactics - rather like Bush/Cheney - to scare people to stick with a weak legacy candidate.

To those who wish to criticize the maestro of American politics you need to be reminded that Bill Clinton was elected twice and he knows how the game is played. Sure he is coming to the defense of his wife, who wouldn't. However It would be prudent for Democrats to remember Willie Horton and Michael Dukakus. It was during the Democratic primary when a contender raised that banner and the Republicans to their advantage used it masterfully.

This whole "flip flopping" slur is so overused by the right wingers. Changing, or clarifying, a stance on a position is not necessarily bad. Maybe it means you have given more thought to the issues, or listened to another point a view that is persuasive. If you think the same thing on Wednesday that you did on Monday, no matter what ocurred on Tuesday, you are not a strong leader, your a block head.

So now Bill backs up and says all the democratic candidates will be swift boated, not just Hillary. Were all of us born yesterday? We do remember what you initally said. Still poor Hillary by Bill's account, that Hillary was the only one needing to explain and the others just had to raise their hand.
I know I hear that Bill is the best thing for Hillary, but I tend to disagree.

I always wonder why when people use the term illegal aliens, which they in fact are, why these people don't also call their employers illegal! Illegals are here for the jobs and it is illegal to hire them. Let's call a spade a spade: illegal alieans are hired by illegal employers!

We have only ourselves to blame. Most of the nation doesn't even vote, so they pander to special interest groups and minorities that actually appreciate the right to do so.

Wake up America! Start voting!

It takes one to know one… how about Clinton campaign distributing nasty emails and faxes about other candidates? Of course Hillary personnally does not have to comment. She has the entire Clinton political machine to discredit her opponents.

It's sad that a serious presidential candidate is hiding behing her spouse.

Just re-read the statement made by the great showman, former President Slick Willy: "open to a swift boat kind of ad if they try to give quick responses to complicated issues like driver's licenses for illegal immigrants". He wants us all to beleive that this is a COMPLICATED issue! Where is the complexity? The laws are very clear with regard to illegals aliens. Ol' Billy boy actually used the term "ILLEGAL" to identify these invaders. The only reason this is complicated is because those who have been elected to serve the people of this great nation show only contempt for the will of the legal citizens by refusing to enforce the laws put in place by these ELECTED legislators. And as far as Hillary "waffling", come on, she's had full access to the master waffler, has proven to be an excellent student, and has graduated with honors with a double major in waffling and pandering. And look at how she showed up on New Yorks door step just om time to run for Senator. She displays absolutely no shame. And shame on the great people of New York for allowing themselves to be hoodwinked by this phoney.

The truth of the matter is that the Democrats are counting on the Latino vote. They do not want to be seen as anti-illegal immigrant. They have basically sold their souls.

The problem with using the word "swift boat" is that it represents truth. Afterall, Kerry never proved them to be false. Cute Clinton but it just reminds us what is wrong and not right with the democratic party.

It is the "left wing conspiracy" attacking Hillary, LOL

Meanwhile:
"Nearly two dozen illegal immigrants were arrested Wednesday, accused of using fake security badges to work in critical areas of O'Hare International Airport, including the tarmac"

Just image what they could do if they had a valid US driver's licenses.. No, no swift-boating from here Bill, just common sense..

"Bill Clinton said he didn't think it was a good idea to tackle complicated issue with hand-raising…candidates should have enough time to give full answers."

You think! That's what Obama's been trying to do in all of the past debates, while HRC has been giving bumper sticker one-liners, that make good headlines, but don't answer the questions. The voters deserve complete answers, it's about time HRC is getting this message the hard way. Now let's see if she follows through. So far Obama and a few others do this naturally and don't need to be forced into it. We need a president who is a natural not manufactured.

The point is: contrary to the simple black & white world that Ronald Reagan & George W. think that we live(d) in, there are issues that can't be addressed as yes or no. If the American electorate can't get over sound bite politics then we'll continue to get Madison Avenue campaigns & politics & policy like we've had since 1968 Nixon.

Swift boated or called out because you just don't have a position or want to back pedal from the stand you took?

Its ridiculous to compare this to swift boating. And its actually a bit disappointing that it was even brought up.

Last time I checked Bill Clinton wasn't a candidate. His wife was. Stay out of it. If she wants to run for President, she needs to show she can handle other candidates in a debate.

While everyone's jumping on both Clintons, for Hilary's initial answers that sounded like having it both ways, and for Bill to come out and defend his wife, I see it differently. To look at complex issues (3-dimensional) from a 2-dimensional angle is indeed naive. Hey, isn't that how our "leader" of Bush see his world, of only right-or-wrong, you're-with-me-or-you're-not. That's how he got us into trouble in Iraq because he sees complex issues in a 2-dimensional way. While no issues in the real world is ever simple, and we certainly hope that our (supposed) leaders and candidates have all the answers, I don't see it as a weakness if someone comes out and say, I don't have all the answers, but I'll consider all corners and opinions before making a decision. That's what Bush fails to do (since he enjoys his world view to include only the things that he likes to hear). I expect more from the Dem, and I don't see it as a failure on Hilary's part to not having a definitive answer. I don't. Do you?

How can anyone question the essence of what Mr. Clinton is saying?? In the GOP world where everything is soundbites, you do set yourself up for being "Swiftboated" for spot on, spur of the moment answers to complex issues.

Go back and read the Oct. 2002 speech to the Senate from Kerry that was used to create the flip flop label. Read the entire speech and it is very clear he states "if this is not fabricated intel, I back the invasion, if it is fabricated I do not."

The GOP took out the qulifying statements and Subjectively attacked. Unfortunately, we are not smart enough to read the whole story, we just want sound bites that fit our agenda.

do flip flops come in plaid

Bill is exactly right. It is a shame Hillary is being attacked because she is the only one with intelligence enough to know you can't answer these complicated questions with a yes or a no. Edwards and Obama actually know this, too, but since they apparently have no program of their own, all they can do is try to twist up what Hillary says (as she actually works on the issues and understands them, many of them extremely complicated) instead of giving their own ideas for the country.
I can't believe the stupidity of the democrat camdidates (except Hillary) to keep attacking and running down each other. This just makes all the candidates look stupid and weak when they (whichever one gets the vote) run against the republican candidate in the main election.
We need Hillary, and I hope and pray we get her. It will be incredibly hard, if not impossible, to straighten out this mess, but I think she is the one most able to try.

Honestly, the other democratic wannabes are looking for anything, whether it be of miniscule importance or not to bring down the frontrunner…classic politics. Bill Clinton is 100% right in saying that no issue should be decided in little soundbites. I'm still waiting for Obama and the others to even give anything resembling a view on the important issues that isn't a waffled one. Speeches that attack Hillary and nothing else…sigh…

Mr. Clinton might be onto something here. As both Clintons well know thru personal experience, proxies can be used to attack and destroy an opponent. Its kinda of funny to hear the howls of protest when their own tactics are used on them.

Welcome to the Democratic Breakfast Special at the WAFFLE HOUSE.

What is wrong with a President leaving the decision up to the State. This is good governing. I think each state should have the decision to make its own laws. HELLO CHECKS AND BALANCES. She simply said She feels that they should not be licensed. She thinks however that the state should decide…. WHY does everyone have a problem with that. DO YOU WANT ANOTHER BUSH. Seriously if you don't want a say in what happens in OUR country then don't vote for Her. She is giving us the right to choose. FINALLY A PRESIDENT THAT CARES WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT.

Thanks for clarifying Bill. The Clinton answer to any issue is don't answer.
Posted By Anonymous : November 7, 2007 9:00 pm

Perhaps you're just too jaded to get it, or perhaps you just prefer mindless attack politics. He's promoting having more time to elaborate an answer for issues that don't have a simple "Yes" or "No".

If you can get over your "I MUST HATE ANYTHING ENDING IN CLINTON" mentality long enough to get that, you'll be a wiser person.

All I know and the American people know, as well, is that every time the former President use his finger to make a point-people start wonder what he meant?

flip floppin means u changed your original view of an issue….she has not changed her view, we need immigration reform. She was asked about someone elses plan…is the plan a good idea…"dont know"….could it work? "dont know". Immigration is very complicated she would have been a fool to give a definate one way or the other. I still remember READ MY LIPS!

Swiftboating" is a new term the left is using for EXPOSING THE TRUTH about them.
The reference to "swift boater's" is hilarious. First, the irony is no omne can prove any of the swift boater's claims were falshoods. Second, the Clinton gang has yet to seriously respond to the "Chinese" fundraising scandals. By the way who did the champaign actually return money to, an empty building? Third, Hillary Clinton lacks character, courage and self respect. She simply cannot forthrightly state positions because she has none. She is poll driven and will change depending on the audience.What in the world do you find admirable about her?

all of the same people who criticize hillary now will support her if she wins the dem. nomination… it interesting how we all can be flip floppy when it comes to what we consider our best interest… i'll change my mind in a minute on a situation if i see it is better or good for me.

Ron, is everybody from Texas NUTS. The Repubilcan party has a history of making personal attacks by hiding behind a faux issue. Rather than deal with Kerry & Cleland on the issues they raised, they attacked two Purple Heart recipients on of all things their patriotism.
It's what Repugs do. Clinton is right, they will take one issue, do a 3 second sound bite and beat whoever is running(not just Hillary) with it. One of the reasons they can do it is because the MSM are all either idiots or Repugs themselves (Russert & Matthews).
The reason Dems get beat everytime is because you guys are not based in reality. Wake up & listen to a man who has beat the Repugs over & over again, he must know something. Stop this stupid Clinton hating long enough to win an election.

Boo hoo, they're picking on my wife.
I really liked clinton as a president, but I wish he would stop campaning for hillary. He shouldnt be sticking up for her, she should.

Hillary Clinton did not hedge on the answer about driver licenses. I understood exactly what she meant, which was the Governor did what he thought was best at the time. It was reactionary and probably not the best thing to do in retrospect. If it is not the best thing to do, it can be undone. Concerning "swift-boating" Bill Clinton's warning should be taken seriously. I would put nothing past the neo-cons who believe that the end justifies the means. They are not particular about the means they use such as outright lies, character assassination, euphemisms, linking,fear-mongering,and ridicule-all of which comes with God Bless America and a big smile.

Let's make darn sure we all understand this–NY is not Ms Clinton's home state. She is a carpetbagger thru and thru.

A perfect picture of a Hillary Clinton administration. She doesn't make a decision, plays Victim in Chief. Bill goes around saying that the attacks are unfair.

The Clintons have NO CHARACTER and no moral basis. How far America has fallen when these people are considered legitimate political leaders.

Whats so complicated about the concept of giving drivers licenses to illigal immigrants? Am I missing something here - doesn't illegal immigrant mean there in the country illegally? I guess it depends on what your definition of is is.

A two-dimensional cartoon not able to give an answer to a simple question. You either are for breaking the law and giving drivers' licenses to ILLEGAL ALIENS or you're not. That is not a complicated issue.

Where is the story about Cheney's impeachment?
Dennis Kucinich won the DFA online poll - where is that story?

If we have learned anything in the last 7 years, it is that Republicans will "Swiftboat" anybody for anything. It doesn't matter if you give short answers to a complicated question or not.

Uh…he's right.

Bush and his neo-con cronies are the worst bunch of baddies we've had in the White House. They've managed to bungle every single thing they've done while in office. However, they are good at one single, solitary thing: Spin-doctoring, or what we citizens would call, lying. I'm expecting the next year to be filled with fake ads, fabrications, lies, out-of-context quotes and a plethora of other nauseating campaigning by both the Republicans and the Democrats.

No surprise that Bill would jump in at any opportunity. You know, I'm tired of this Bush/Clinton hegemony that's been in power for about 20 years and would like to make it 28 years. I want a real change — not just a change of faces.

Contrary to popular politician opinion, we Americans are not the idiots they wish we were. If candidates expressed views which reflected the will of the people, and had the voting history to back it up,,,we would notice and getting "swiftboated" would be an impossibility.
The trouble with both Clintons is that they took the money, now they're caught between loyalty to the contributors and service to the voters.
Where immigration is concerned, the voters have made their views very very clear. Sadly for the governing class, the desires of a comparative handful of special interests who have bought themselves some politicians, the truth cannot be vocalized. I enjoy watching them squirm when faced with easy questions which they cannot answer without scaring the hell out of their benefactors.

God deliver us from our broken system!

Freeze Bill! Slowly now.., point that finger down. You're going to have to be more careful with that thing..

"Swift-boating" - (verb), the coming together of a large group of past co-workers to publicly disagree with what you put forth as fact about said past time together.

100 % corect - the democrats need to watch very carefully what republicans are doing - they are totally immoral and ruthless while hiding behind their christianity - Mrs Clinton is also at the mercy of the weasels in her own party - I think she is doing a terrific job of staying above the frey.

Of course they'll be swift-boated, because it worked once. America is full of suggestible people who believe anything they hear. The plain fact is that the GOP fears the coming investigation into WMDs and Plame, knowing that if they lose they may face actual jail time. They are desperate to win and will do or say anything.

Here is an easy solution to being "swift-boated". When asked about giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants, you say NO! Wake up Clinton! America doesn't want you anymore!

Seems like all the Dems except Dodd agree with the N.Y. Governor's driver's licence plan for illegal immigrants. Hillary just got 'caught' better. Not a complicated issue at all, Bill. What part of the word illegal don't you get?

Rewarding illegal immigrants with any government progams is insane. They are breaking our laws being here.

Period!

So what is it with this guy and 'swift-boating'? Get over it already!

Or, is this meant to be a threat to the other candidates to leave his wife alone?

The Clinton's are taking this election process exactly where we thought they would. "Us against the world!"

Another double reverse, pitchout, pass play response from the Clintons. What if the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth got the story about Kerry right? It wasn't just one person, it was the entire unit, less one or two, and all the FACTS imply they were right. Clinton is just another Swengali, Rasputin type preying on weak minds, who all they can do is follow-their-leader.

swiftboating: v. "ruining a dishonest candidate's campaign by exposing voters to the truth"

now, if he could only learn the definition of "is"….

There seems to be a whole lot o' clarifying goin on these them days!

I guess he can always say "it depends on the definition of swift boating".

These two need to go away.

the average voters are exactly where the ruling class of wall street / mainstream media / washington want them to be: dumb and voiceless. evidence is in the white house and capitol hill. it will take a long and hard grassroot movement to turn this country around. or go down the historical toilet slower or faster.

I'm a democrat, but find both of the clintons abhorrent. they consider themselves royalty, and don't have a stand on anything… really, what do they stand for..? they are just a bunch of fence sitters, waiting for poll results before jumping either way. RS from Los Angeles said it best: they are "flip-floppers." thank goodness there are much better dem candidates running for office, versus the hillary c. as president, and billary c. as vice president. What arrogant phonies!

Hillary waffles all the time which really doesn't surprize me because in the back of her mind She is very mad at Bill for carrying on those affairs. We only knew about one, how many more were there? Makes you wonder if it could still be happening behind closed doors.

"Swift Boating" John Kerry was a beautiful political move. Stop crying about it. The Clinton's are legendary for personal attacks against any opponent. Remember they tried to paint Monica as a whack job intern before she produced that little blue dress. Bill and Hill are godparents of the politics of personal destruction.

Whatever Bill - your wife messed up and she got called out for it, as would any candidate in a Presidential debate.

Do the immigrants in question vote or do they just contribute campaign cash to the Clintons' campaign? Hillary Clinton really wouldn't want to appear accountable to anyone because that would really mess up her campaign strategy.

Long time Clinton supporter but this time they are throwing away the nomination. We dont want a triangulation administration we want a "Bobby Kennedy" status quo is not good enough administration. That means you are going to have to stake out clear positions and rally the country to tackle poverty and and health coverage. Parsing is not going to work.

John Edwards for President

we NEEDanother boston type tea party or for the PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY TO WAKE!, in order to relcaim THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!'

Oh Bill, you are such a looser !!! She has no idea what the answer should be, because she is not sure who is going to hear it. She seems to be of kin to "flip-flop Kerry", and she will get just about as far, if she makes it past the convention !!!

I don't know about the rest of the readers here but when it comes to giving illegal immigrants privaleges reserved for American citizens, it is a yes or no question. It doesn't take an hour to answer if you as an elected official are going to start enforcing our borders and stop the exploitation of illegal immigrants. Both Hillary's and Bill's behavior after this debacle is evidence enough for me she does not have what it takes to be President.

I find Bill Clintons excuse right in line with others he's had such as "I didn't have sexual relations with that woman". The biggest problem the Clintons have is that they WILL NOT accept responsibility for anything.

After reading a few of these "politcal ticker" comments, I have found many people, really have a good feel for political knowledge and just tell the way it is. They are not easly fooled as this Clintons think. Now Ronnie, just has no clue. I wish CNN would have better reporters who did thier homework and looked into the facts. Most of them are lead around by thier noses by Clintons. Please be fair to the rest of the candidates.

Swift Boat, that was the true colors of the Republican party, home of "Tricky Dick" Nixon. This is ONE of the biggest (of many) things they have done to make me ashamed to be in the same country. From Limbaugh to Starr to Rove to President Bush, I'm sick of this disgusting political Neocon mentality. The Clintons have more integrity in their toenails then all of the republicans since Lincoln. I'm surprised they don’t all wear brown shirts at their convention.

Oh, of course, so that's why Hillary shouldn't have to answer any of the questions! (Can you see me rolling my eyes?) Give me a break. And by the way, this wasn't a "raising of the hand" question, and she had two opportunities to state her position.

Sure, do what slick Willie did when he faced some tough decisions………….
Get an eager young intern and forget what your problem was to start with.

I believe Bill Clinton was right in his opinion. There hasn't been an honest run to the house without smearing other candidates in a long time. Besides, Swiftboating (which should be added to the dictionary with a reference):the act of making false accusations against another indirectly which aren't credible by using pawns.

It is a shame that this blog will soon be filled with comments agreeing with Bill's statement. The reality is that he is advocating triangulation on every issue/statement, including answers given during debates. To him, it is never safe for a candidate to truthfully and succintly answer a question. I hope those current Hillary supporters reject this strategy and their candidate.

To be fair,there are MANY times when a complicated issue cannot be answered off the top of your head.
Or within a 60 second time frame on TV.
This whole political campaign thing begins WAY TOO EARLY. People should not make up their mind based without
careful deliberation . The word deliberation implies some THOUGHT is behind your decision.
My mind is not made up on whom I will vote for.

The leading Republican candidates have already swift boated themselves by skipping critical debates dealing with concerns of the Hispanic and black communities. They foolishly put fundraising ahead of the interests of these Americans, and it will not be forgotten if one of them gets the nomination.

Hillary DID NOT HEDGE on her answer! You people are just being picky. Luckily when she's elected president her husband will be there and he will explain what she meant and why your wrong. So There!!

Hopefully everyones eyes were opened on Hilary's flip-flopping… she was expecting such a HARDBALL question..and then as always…wanted to play both sides…..she does NOT have the experience to make hard decisions and HOLD on to them….I can see that it would be 4 years of WILD BILL in the White House…God help us all!!! … there are however 2 things Hilary can do….forgive and always keeping to HER PLAN!!!NOT White House material!!!

What Bill is saying is that this is a complicated issue. The media and the public have both given Guiliani some leeway on his abortion position, even though they don't seem to understand it because - it's complicated. Yet we attack Hillary for saying the same thing about giving driver's licenses (a public safety issue, not an immigration issue) to illegal aliens.

Ron in Tx:

No doubt you believe that Bush has shown great leadership. Making a decision on things and refusing to listen to others and being willing to alter a position when good arguments have been made, is not leadership, it's hubris. You seem to have all the answers about what our nation needs, why dont you run for president? Oops, I forgot, what our nation really dosent need is another Hitler style president like Bush. That should eliminate all of the Republican contenders. Then who would you vote for Ronnie?

This story itself is a travesty. This is not what Clinton said. He never accused anybody of "swiftboating." He merely mentioned that Democratic candidates, like Gore in 2000, had a number of false stories circulated about them, and that Kerry was swiftboated. The attack on Hillary by other candidates is par for the course. The fact that Russert and Matthews were actively intervening ON THEIR SIDE, and Russert in particular was going after the frontrunner relentlessly and unfairly, that's the point of the remarks that Clinton made. Read the transcripts of what he said on the TPM website, and see that the AP and MSNBC reports are not being fair. http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/horsesmouth/2007/11/did_bill_accuse.php

If you're happy because this is taking down Hillary, don't react so stupidly. If they succeed in crippling Hillary's numbers, you'll be next. You'll be able to tell because they'll start saying things like "Obama says he invented the Internet."

It's sad, but a good part of our press establishment are corrupt, and not doing their jobs. I'd enter Russert and Matthews right at the top.

I would rather wait and get a well thought out response as opposed to something off the cuff. That may be to much for some of you however who live for sound bites. After reading your posts it's obvious some of you Republican followers have gotten so used to the blunders of President Bush you expect everyone to be unable to speak in complete sentences. Just remember how well off we were with Clinton in office–much better than now. I'll take his opinion over yours.

Bill is correct again, and looking at the previous blog comments

Dems - listen to Bill! The republicrites do not have a corner on the charactr market, but the party operatives will try and try to paint it that way. They point to your supposed flaws to draw attention to them and away from their own candidates SAME flaws. Do NOT be drawn in again, Kerry was, and all he would have had to do was come out swinging a fewtimes and point out to GWB that "AT LEAST I HAD THE BACKBONE TO VOLUNTEER TO GO TO VIETNAM AND NOT HIDE OUT AT AN ANG BASE THAT DADDY SWUNG FOR ME" Unfortunately he did not, and the smear campaign did damage. Learn from this, sometimes it is fine not to answer on a complex issue with a soundbite and it is also fine to fight fire with fire if a smear like swiftboat starts.

The republican hypocrites deserve all the criticism they get this time around, I say swift boat them, there is certainly enough ammunition with spending, taxing, child molesting, unethical, corrupt republicrites antics over the past few years, including our village idiot Bush and his handler Cheney.

Hopefully we can rebuild our place in the world that these clowns have lost for us in the last 8 years.

There's that picture of Bill pointing that "I did not have sex with that woman" finger again. The pictures of him always resurrect the past indescretions, womaninzing, lying, groping, etc. that he did in the past.

How can anyone take this guy seriously (or his phony standing up for his wife)?

Hillary will need to answer more important questions and IF SHE CAN'T, SHE DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE PRESIDENT.

She can't keep hiding behind her "world's most intelligent woman" and "most experienced for the job" lines that the handler's come up with.

She absolutely is NOT QUALIFIED to be President.

I wouldn't worry too much about whether someone's answer to a question "opens"them to swift-boating. Considering that the Republicans have lackluster candidates, that their policies and programs are so out of touch with the rest of America, and that they're desperate to stay in the White House, you can be the farm that the GOP will be using "swiftboating" and other dishonest, unethical, and sleazy tactics to smear their opponents. Given the conduct of the GOP in the last two presidential elections, I expect them to play unfairly once again.

Bill Clinton is right. It's stupid to expect a complicated issue like immigration to be answered by a single 'yes' or 'no' question. He didn't mean that Hillary's Democratic opponents are "swift-boating" her; he meant that it's dangerous to set up questions in that manner because it will provide material for Democrats to be "swift-boated" by Republicans. God, it's called reading comprehension, people.

Bill Clinton is the best strategist in recent american political history and a loyal and fair democrat, not just to his wife's campaign. His wise advice should be taken seriously by all the dems candidates.

Dodd and Obama are succumbing to their desperation, which is now manifesting itself in hyperbolic comments like "stunned" and "way over the top," when all Bill Clinton was trying to do was to emphasize how they could all be the victim of the sight- and sound-bite attack ads at which Republicans are so adept.

Clinton definition of "swift-boating": Being asked to answer a question by a political opponent.

YOU GO BILL!!!!

SEEMS LIKE THE DEMS ARE GOING TO SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT YET AGAIN…!!!! I'M LIKING JOHN EDWARDS AND BARACK OBAMA LESS AND LESS - THEY ARE GIVING EASY ANSWERS TO COMPLEX ISSUES.

Ronnie in TN says: why don't these people quit with the politics and do something productive such as kick out a few illegals or kill a few terrorists

O.K. Ron…as we walk about the streets of the nation–how do you propose selecting individuals for expulsion or killing. Or should we allow creation of a kind of Grand Inquisitor? I say our nation will figure how to manage these issues without insane,drastic measures–that reflect poorly on our nation and our founding principles. Don't be so frightened Ron–we won't let any of those bad mexicans or terrorists hurt you.

He's absolutely right! Not only will the GOP use every sound bite–to further their causes during the general election, but Americans are yearning for a thoughtful, practical–independent minded President–for the first time in many decades. Better to focus rather than one word answers–onthe process they will use and the attitude/philosophy they will bring into the Presidential decision making process. I am more interested in the next Presidents core beliefs. I want to know what their moral/belief system, and understanding of democracy/freedom will not allow them to do when they're in the oval office. After the current administration we need someone who is principled and committed to the concept/workings of a democracy and our constitution–and displays wisdom in exercising power as commander-in-chief by exhausting all reasonable efforts before risking precious American blood on the battlefield.

When a candidate is called on one of their stands, it is not swift boating. If a candidate says "I am in favor of giving driver's licences to illegal aliens." and the people are opposed to that and want an explanation, that is not swift boating.

Both Clintons try as much as possible to avoid giving a straight answer to any question they're asked, so they don't have to explain anything. Hillary was given 15 minutes on Lou Dobbs to explain why she wants to give driver's licenses to illegal aliens, and couldn't give a straight answer. In fact, she sounded like she was coached by Bill, because she quoted his answer almost word for word, and it was no kind of answer.

If the CLiintons would just tell the truth, give honest answers, and be willing to represent the people, not the corporations, they would not have these problems. But Hillary has aready proven she is no different from Bush.

The more this drags on, the more pathetic it becomes. Trying to say that this is a "complicated", issue depends highly on what the definition of complicated is.

This is the tip of the iceberg. She says she has laid out a very specific plan to fix Social Security with specific details on several points, but won't deal with specifics until they achieve fiscal responsibility. What!?

Remember, this is the guy that couldn't answer if he'd ever smoked pot with a yes,no, raise your hand response. That was a complicated question and the answer had to have an asterisk by it, "Well, I did, but I didn't inhale", give me a break!

To Ron in Texas, Your statement is correct, but it also applies to all of the other candidates. I have not really seen alot of "definitive answers" from Obama nor all of the other candidates!! So I think that your statement could apply to all of them at the same time! By the way, Swiftboating worked once, but it won't work twice - I truly believe that the average American voter is smarter than to believe any form of that type of political mudslinging! You can fool us maybe once, but not twice! Any look what we got from believing it the first time, "an incompetent lunatic" in the White House! CM, Virginia

When did Bill declare his candicacy ? He is in the middle of everthing, can;t Hillary fight her own battles or do we have a "team" running ?

If Hillary gets "swift boated" it will happen because she and Bill have been hiding the truth. The truth about subjects like campaign contributions from Peter Paul, China, Pakistan… Who is the president suppose to serve? The American People or foreign countries and special interest groups?

For someone as allegedly politically savvy as Bill Clinton, his remarks are incredibly naive.

It doesn't matter who the Democratic nominee turns out to be - the "swift-boating" will commence the moment it's clear who the winner is. Heck, WingNutsDaily is already trying to push smears against Hillary, and she hasn't won a single convention delegate.

The GOP nominee won't be able to run successfully as an agent of "change", because they've all been trying to cast themselves as simply smarter, more aggressive versions of GWB. The economy will be seriously in the toilet for the foreseeable future thanks to GWB's miserable "borrow and spend" economic policy disaster, yet all the GOP candidates are promising more tax cuts. The only campaign ploy they'll have is character assassination of the Democratic nominee.

Next year's "swift-boating" will make what happened to John Kerry look like patty-cake.

This is what happens when you start the election process six months too early,, the partisons start to eat there own. By the time election day comes around the dems will not have a viable candidate left to run, We will all know this,, and not because of a rightwing consperacy but at the hands of the demacrats themselves. Keep up the good work libs,,, Your finally makeing a difference

President Bill Clinton is right on-target with his comments; the Republicans are loathe to address the issues in an intelligent and straight-forward way. They prefer, instead, to hide behind cretins such as the SwiftBoat crowd and take words out of context. A thirty-second response to a complex, multi-phased question should never be a part of a debate in the first place.

As for SwiftBoating candidates, we're ready this year with a little payback of our own; if you think Giuliani, McCain, Romney, et al, don't have copious amounts of material ready for being shoved back down their collective throats, you just haven't been paying attention.

Republicans, remember: you get what you give. This time, in spades, baby…in spades!

I agree with President Clinton completely; you can't adequately answer a complicated question with a yes or no and/or a 30 second sound bite. The debates do not give time for follow up and thoughful discussions. I would like to see and hear all the candidates have time to answer and have the candidates question each other and dialogue with each other more.

You know, folks, all of you commentators are so susceptible to the echo-chamber sound bites that the news trumps up (whether the bite is correct or not), that swift-boating is indeed a possibility. Rumors are more likely to circulate now that the internet and news play such a huge role in perpetuating non-truths. And the audience is absolutely primed to take it hook, line and sinker because there's not interested in reading beyond headlines (that are distorted). For example, did Bill Clinton really say his wife was swifted-boated? No. Read this article and the transcripts - http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/horsesmouth/2007/11/did_bill_accuse.php

Well Bill, If you want your wife in the White House you'd better help her clarify her answers. She had plenty time to give an answer and got caught trying to out wit everyone simply put.

People DO NOT like politicians caving into special interests, especially when it involves the citizens and legal residents paying for support of programs aimmed at illegals in this country. When are the elected officials going to understand the middle and lower income class in this country are in trouble.

In part your to blame for NAFTA and the start of the exodus of jobs that continues today.What manufacturing is left in this country is being taken over by temp agencies that supply cheap illegal laborers. These folks are replacing permanent American citizens jobs.

Everyone knows Hillary will push for another amnesty to legalize the corruption of big business and cheap labor in this country. She will do it for the votes. Well, If she is going to be President, people want more out of her than wishy washy answers.

for one who believe in god are creator former president bill clinton is byfar smarter than sen.chris dodd & sen.barkack obama put togather os listen to bill & throw that mud at the party who started the illegal immigrants ronnie reagan with amnesty for law brakers from central america just like ronnie reagan was the founder of NAFTA but old bill got credit for it just for sign it that george walker bush laid on old bill desk waiting the presidents signature.so lets fire the american revolutionary get the rpublicans out.

Bill Clinton said Wednesday… candidates should have enough time to give full answers.

How about giving as much time as it took Hillary to evade answering 15 different questions from 15 different questioners? Would that be enough time Billy?

Sadly, Hillary is unelectable because people do not trust someone who appears to be an adultry-apologist… one who stays married solely because it helps serve her political needs. I know I don't trust the Clinton's. I trust the GOP even less, however. So I will vote for someone I do trust, and can believe.

JOE BIDEN 2008!

Sadly, the mindless-masses in this country will just vote for whomever they see on TV the most.

Bill Clinton said Wednesday… candidates should have enough time to give full answers.

The mindless masses won't likely vote for him, but VOTE JOE BIDEN 2008! The guy knows which end is up.

Yes killing a few terrorists has worked well for Bush. Why not more? We have 80000 dead Iraqis. Terrorists all of them.

It is terribly unfortunate that the Democratic party has reduced itself to attacking its own.

Although I understand that each person wishes to win in the primaries, I fear that the result of such actions may actually fuel the Republican party…
and the end result may be catastrophic to Democrats, and Independents, like myself, who plan to vote Democrat.

I long for the days when candidates were measured by their own virtues, rather than their defense of smear campaigns by their own parties.

I credit both Hilary and Obama for not reducing themselves to such actions. I would be happy with either candidate. They are both top-notch. But I have to say, only Hilary has been attacked by her own party, as well as the opposing party, and it's apparent that the desire to win is superceding the best intersts of our country. Hilary seems to be a whipping post…and I don't get that at all. She's an amazing woman with incredible intelligence, class and fortitude. She would be a tremendous asset as President.

My heartfelt wish is that Democrats would get behind the Democratic party at this point, and worry about the who later on. We have great candidates, but if smear campaigns are allowed to run riot, we may be left with another Big Brother Repubican President due to our own inability to get together.

It is ironic that the man who did more to "swiftboat" his wife is now her champion against swiftboating.

This from a man who is currently being sued for (allegedly) the single largest FEC campaign donation fraud in US history.

Correction–this from the husband and wife being sued–the suit names both Bill and Hillary.

I suggest you all do your homework–start with Peter Paul or Stan Lee Media.

In a nutshell, they accepted $2 million from Paul, hid it, disavowed it, didn't report it to the FEC, and are now being sued accordingly.

Don't take my word for it–go listen to the tapes of Hillary thanking Paul in person over the phone.

The Clintons are professional liars–it makes my head spin to see so many honest Dems STILL supporting these two.

I think all these debates are foolish for the same reason. There is not enough time to compose an intelligent response. I think debates are more like music awards–whoever looks good or says catchy words "wins." At least for that debate. I don't watch 'em.

pile-on politics, swift boatings, smoke, mirrors. Thanks Bill most of us dumb americans can't figure it out for ourselves. Like trying to trying to shift focus onto something else will make us forget.

clinton is wrong. what's complicated about drivers license.

only that you don't want to tell the truth.

john kerry still has not released his military records. that's on him. but clinton sure likes to use his name.i guess that's a good step for a draft dodger and someone who signed up for the military and is still technically AWOL. case will never be resolved.

"Sen. Barack Obama said he was stunned to hear the former president make such a comparison."

Stunned… that Clinton doesn't make sense? If he is stunned so easily, I think he might want to put a resume in for some other job.

We can only hope that Billary will be swiftboated! With such contrary positions, what they expect? When you are in position to be the most important, influential leader in the world, don't you need to have clear direction without nuance?

the people above me are complete idiots.

Democrats need to stand together to win this election, not bicker and attack each other like children to pull ahead in the polls. Doing that's only going to open the door for the Republicans to take power ONCE AGAIN.

Also, if you want a "Yes or No" answer on illegal immigration you were never that smart to begin with, and the politicians that tell you to expect answers like that are sleazeballs who think you're stupid.

Does Hillary still get credit for running a positive campaign if her husband does the attacking?

I think Hillary should answer the question about drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. That would be another nail in her political coffin. The majority of american tax payers dont want to see illegals with drivers licenses. So answer up Hillary.BTW Bill Clinton shouldnt make any referances to anything about Swift boats. At least John Kerry was in Vietnam. Unlike Bill who was in Moscow protesting the war with a bunch of other draft dodgers. Shame on you Bill

By it's very definition, you cannot "swiftboat" somebody on a policy issue. "Swiftboating" is a character attack. What you REALLY mean is that if you say something stupid, you can be held accountable, which is 100% LEGITIMATE form of attack.

We don't need a President who can't make a decision, and we don't need a President who is afraid to take a stand for an issue they believe it. So far, Hillary has shown herself to be great at waffling, great at avoid tough questions, great at playing Washington politics. That's NOT what our nation needs right now. We need direction and focus, and we need someone who can make the CORRECT decision and STAND BY IT. Hillary Clinton has not proven she can do that, plain and simple.

Does she -really- want to end the Iraq war? Is she going to do it -quickly- or is she going to end it in 4 years? Does she -really- want to fix social security? Does she even know -how-? Does she know -how- to stop the Iraq war? Does she know -how- to handle Iran? Will she make the CORRECT decision? She won't say!

That's not being a leader…

Posted By Ron, TX : November 7, 2007 9:05 pm

Hey you are piling on her! She should just be given that position without your asking those many questions because you know she is the former first lady…….Too bad politics as usual is not among the game coming elections….You see bill has started telling us politics as usual. I am sure Monica is getting ready to go back to the white house for some internship…….