January 17, 2008
Posted: 03:10 PM ET
CNN

Watch Bill Clinton get upset with a reporter.

(CNN) — Bill Clinton became visibly combative with a reporter Wednesday after being questioned about a lawsuit in Nevada that is seeking to ban caucus meetings in nine casinos on the Las Vegas strip.

The lawsuit, filed by the state teacher's union — an organization that has backed Hillary Clinton's White House bid — came Friday, shortly after Barack Obama was officially endorsed by the Culinary Union. Culinary Union members primarily work in casinos, and could constitute the majority of participants at caucuses held at those locations.

The teacher's union is claiming the at-large caucus sites would unfairly have more weight in terms of delegate allotment than caucuses throughout the rest of the state. The lawsuit also takes issue with caucuses being held midday at those sites – which could make it easier for culinary workers to caucus than it will be for other Nevadans.

Critics of the lawsuit say it is a clear attempt to suppress Obama’s support, a notion with which the former president sharply disagreed.

"Do you really believe that all the Democrats understood that they had agreed to give everybody who voted in a casino a vote worth five times as much as people who voted in their own precinct? Did you know that?" the former president said, growing visibly upset. (Watch Clinton's back and forth with the reporter)

"What happened is nobody understood what had happened. Now everybody's saying, 'Oh, they don't want us to vote.' What they really tried to do was to set up a deal where their votes counted five times, maybe even more."

Clinton also maintained that his wife’s campaign had "nothing to do" with the lawsuit," and claimed the reporter was taking an "accusatory tone."

"Get on your television station and say, 'I don't care about the home mortgage crisis, all I care about is making sure that some voters have it easier than others should count five times, and when they do vote, when its already easier for them, their vote should count five times as much as others," Clinton said in a raised voice.

"If you want to take that your position, get on the television and take it," he added, as aides pulled him away. "Don't be accusatory with me, I had nothing to do with this lawsuit."

UPDATE: A federal judge has ruled that the Democratic Party can go ahead with the 9 at-large caucuses on the strip. The ruling could have a decisive effect on the result in the state given that recent polls show a dead heat between Clinton, Obama, and John Edwards.

Related: Clinton, Obama battle for upper hand in Nevada

– CNN's Alexander Mooney and Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Barack Obama • Bill Clinton • Hillary Clinton • Nevada


E. C., Houston, Texas   January 17th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

THERE ARE OTHER CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT! WE'RE SICK AND DISGUSTED AT THE CONSTANT MENTION OF THE CLINTONS…..SHE WILL NEVER BE PRESIDENT OF THIS COUNTRY, SO STOP SHOWING HER OR HER FILTHY, CRUDE HUSBAND ON THE TICKER. CNN IS SO BIASED. SHOW JOHN EDWARDS….HE'S THE ONLY ONE QUALIFIED TO BE A CANDIDATE! HOW MUCH DO THE CLINTONS PAY CNN TO BE CONSTANTLY FEATURED ON THE 'TICKER?'

arun   January 17th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

This is what I miss about Bill Clinton. Don't mess with slick willy - he will put you in your place.

Chris Wallace can tell you - I watch that youtube clip each and every morning how he shut him down and made him look like a 2 year old chump.

Doug   January 17th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

“COUNT ALL THE VOTES” she yells, except when it does not benefit our side in Las Vegas. In that case Hillary’s operatives file a lawsuit to disenfranchise the voters she wants to silence. More dirty tricks from the masters of sleaze. This is just the beginning for her.

“GET CORPORATE LOBBYIST MONEY OUT OF POLITICS” she yells, except when it does not benefit our side. In that case Hillary takes more of their money than all the other Democrat AND Republican candidates COMBINED.

What hypocrites. The saddest part is this corrupt bunch will win because - “WE WILL BE MAKING HISTORY BY ELECTING THE 1ST WOMAN PRESIDENT” she yells, and the uninformed and naive will flock to her like lemmings toward a cliff.

After, and because of her Presidency, it will probably be another 200 years until a woman gets a chance again.

E. C., Houston, Texas   January 17th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

CNN HAS NOT FEATURED ROMNEY EITHER………………IT'S AS IF HE DIDN'T JUST WIN A MAJOR PRIMARY! WHY NOT? IT'S MORE NEWS THAN BILL CLINTON!

jyfranca   January 17th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Clinton plays God,anything wrong by him or his wife is good but the worse thing is any thing done by Republican or their opponent.In 2000 they blamed Bush and Republican for saying voters were disenfranchized.Now he supports strong for disefranchisement.

Al in Wpg   January 17th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Oh, so they didn't know what they were voting for now? C-mon. I see a theme here. And the teacher's union is upset because voting is taking place in a casino, where those union workers work… on top of where they usually are… in schools… where teachers work.
And if bill really had a problem with everyone having a fair vote, which weighed the same, he'd be taking on the entire Caucus seeing how people in small towns have higher voting power than those in large areas…
Sorry Bill, no third term for you.

Rob   January 17th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Crazy Billy! LOL

Janet   January 17th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Put a muzzle on it Bill.

Brian   January 17th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

The Clinton campaign is obviously in tremendous disarray.

demwit   January 17th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Will the real slick willy please stand up..

Dave   January 17th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Bill, that 'legacy' you have been working so hard on since leaving office is being destroyed by your ugliness in this campaign the last couple months.

Marge Hibbing Mn   January 17th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Why not. The Clintons are dinged and danged and harrassed at every turn. Wonder what would happen if any of the other candidates were treated that way. You have never ever ever heard any of the reporters confront Obama with any of the attacks, the mess he throws at the Clintons or any of the stupid things he has done. He is treated as the fair haired boy. The Clintons are treated as people to be harrassed.

James D.   January 17th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Gee Bill….this was created entirely by the DNC (!!) in NV MANY MONTHS AGO, you supported it then. What's wrong with it now? Oh sorry, I forgot, the Culinary Union endorsed Obama instead of Hillary. Well, then of course, the original plan is awful, unjust…down right un-american! It must be stopped!

The level of Bill Clinton's hypocrisy is simply ASTOUNDING… and to think I used to be one of his biggest supporters. I was blind. I was wrong.

Rachel   January 17th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Bill, I love you and I'm voting for your wife, but please go to the Carribean and chill out for the rest of the primary season.

John G   January 17th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Awww did someone hurt wittle Billy's feewings?

Hey man you were President so you know better than anyone you take some hits on the campaign trail and if that means that some caucuses have more supporters for Candidate A than Candidate B then oh well that's life in the big leagues.

I doubt he would be this upset if the Culinary union was backing the ole ball and chain

james   January 17th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Ahhh Bill…. are you done disgracing your legacy yet?

John Q. Public   January 17th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

This was our "Greatest President" according to the Democrats…

And why does he get upset? Because for once, a reporter from the mainstream press calls him out on his attempt at defrauding voters. Goes to show that they have been giving him a free ride all along!

jp/michigan   January 17th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

The media as usual is trying to cause a riff between Clinton and Obama campaigns. They stirred up the fire about race and now their trying this. Give the voters, all voters, a chance to voice their opinion and be able to choose the candidate they want. all should be treated fairly though out Nevada.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 17th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

You'd think some reporters would have learned something after watching Clinton excoriate Chris Wallace, who was busy pimping for the RNC s regards OBL.

Attacks by the Establishment   January 17th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Media sticking it to the Dems or the Dems sticking it to the media. Who cares!

The Democratic Party (unless it wakes up and comes around to Edwards before it is too late) will offer the people of this country a great choice , a female LBJ or a Muslim Carter!

"I have never witnessed on any previous occasion such entire disregard of the usage of civilized warfare and the dictates of humanity." General Robert E. Lee in a report concerning Union destruction of civilian property in Virginia, 1863.

A fine bunch of loving Americans those yankees!

Yonas   January 17th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

What kind of democracy is this? to suppress the voter? come on People. This shows me the dirty trick of Clintons Campaign.

Wufpakmom, Illinois   January 17th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Bill is rapidly proving himself to be a distinct liability to the Clinton campaign. He'd better cool his jets or he can give up the idea of redecorating the White House.

J Williamson Buffalo, NY   January 17th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Bill is telling it just like it is, so what is all the fuss about? Polictics has never been for those who can't or won't assert themselves - who would respect a leader like that?

Scott, Madison, WI   January 17th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Bill you are becoming an embarassment to former presidents. Next step is to call Barack Obama a bozo like your friend George Sr. called you during the campaign in '92, then you'll really be at a new and desparate, all-time low.

Jim Clark   January 17th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

CNN didn't even bother to mention the name or affiliation of the reporter. What a sloppy story.

Captain America, Warren, MI   January 17th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

The reporter doesn't need to sensationalize this article by adding "Clinton became visibly combative," which is just drama. He simply made a point that he feels strongly about.

obama 08   January 17th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

It's pretty fishy that no one complained about the caucus rules until Obama got the Culinary Union's endorsement , and why is no one except the Clintons complaining? Bill needs to keep his cool…not very presidential!

Johnny Boy   January 17th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Protect your daughters Americans. Bill "the mouth" Clintonian is on the loose being himself. He's combative because he's starting to fear defeat. The thought of not being first lady is too much for the guy with the biggest inferiority complex in the northeastern states. Watch closely - he's going to really mess this up for Hillary. I'm glad he's out front here so you can see what a Hillary presidency would have looked like. Anyone but Billary.

Stephen   January 17th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Its a caucus Bill!!! 2Million people could show up to one precinct supporting Obama, but if that precinct only has six delegates then six delegates is all that they will receive. Another one where the Teachers hang out, may have 30 people with Six delegates, again its only six delegates.

Bill needs a chill pill, he does not need to give himself a heart attack.

B Wall   January 17th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

oh cmon CNN, he's hardly that upset. he looks agitated but he handles himself pretty well. not to mention the fact that he actually has a point. i'm sure people are going to spin this intothe clintons spiraling out of control, but if you watch there's really not that much going on here.

Gobama   January 17th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

WHICH OF THE CLINTONS IS RUNNING TO BE PRESIDENT?

Obviously, Hilary Clinton cannot manage a national campaing without a man leading the way.
Is that what Americans want AGAIN in a President — elect someone, and have another running the country into the ground, like Chenney is not doing.

If Bill Clinton keeps up this tantrum with his run for A THIRD TERM White House run, he's surely going to have a heart attack.

Maybe bill is hoping to get a heart attack and sympathy votes? lol

I'm sure that even then the American people will not be fooled in allowing a second undermining of the US Presidency by the Clintons.

Amused, Las Vegas   January 17th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

"Visibly combative"?

Did he throw a punch?

Or did he take a strong position in response to a "when did you stop beating your wife" type question.

The issue of the ad hoc caucuses needs to be adjudicated before the caucus, since if it is challenged after the caucus it could invalidate the caucuses altogether.

Win or lose, it's better to have it decided.

Nishant   January 17th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

CNN has to be the most technologically-challenged TV channel ever. On TV you guys have sound difficulties all the time and now the video link does not work. All you have is a picture. Don't you guys do any testing before pushing things out to the public at large?

kevin   January 17th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Let the fight begin, Obama supporters vs Clinton supporters Round - 2

Nowhere Man   January 17th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

The key phrase - "I had nothing to do with this lawsuit". How about your wife's campaign? This lawsuit would not be happening if Hillary had gotten the endorsement. The Clintonistas are lying, despicable people. WHY does anyone want them back in the WH?

AJ; Montpelier, VT   January 17th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Well all right Bill!
Even if it had been the Clinton Campign that started the lawsuit, it's not like if the shoe were on the other foot Oboohoo wouldnt be crying and carrying on. He'd be like a runaway train to the courthouse. Setting up polling places in Casinos to make voting easy on the casino workers makes no sense. If they do that and Obama wins, Hillary would be stupid not to take that to court. The state of Nevada should know better. Lots of people work long shifts, but they somehow manage to vote. This is pure union election staling and everyone knows it.

Beth   January 17th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Since Bill Clinton was impeached and left office I have said over and over that he would be the first former president to go to jail. It's always something with this guy, he's the O.J. of the democrats.

skywater   January 17th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

The Culinary Union does NOT allow Republicans to vote at these casino caucuses. So if you are a Union employee AND a Republican, they will NOT let you vote. What is that about?

This Union needs to stop blaming the Clinton campaign for this. This was never about Hillary Clinton. Just because you have employees that won't support your empty suit of buzzwords you should not be allowed to intimidate them. John Edwards supporters also know the deal here. You passed him over to support Obama. Why? Does he love your lobbyists more? Or maybe because Edwards wants to up the minimum wage and adjust it yearly for inflation? Hmmmm. Not only do you not want to fairly pay your workers and support someone who wants them to receive a fair wage, you intimidate them into voting for your empty suit. What a DISGRACE.

You do not OWN your workers! Stop the intimidating and strong arming NOW!

Greg, Shaw AFB, South Carolina   January 17th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Come on CNN….Why try to cause controversy where none is needed. That was not a heated exchange.

gina   January 17th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Ok, and Hillary wants to make Bill the ambassador who will let the world know that American is back again. Hillary doesn't have an ounce of judgment nor a teaspoon of wisdom and Bill doesn't have a grain of dignity.

greg   January 17th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

THE ONLY THING I CAN STAY ABOUT A CLINTON IS THEY OR THEIR PEOPLE NEVER DO ANYTHING WRONG OR UNDER HANDED,ALSO DID NOT BILL SAY AT ONE TIME EVER VOTE SHOULD COUNT. PLEASE BILL AND HIL GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Mike   January 17th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I don't think he was that heated.. I think he was a bit frustrated though. Look, people voted on this thing months ago. Three of the people who are part of this lawsuit literally voted to have voting at work. The casino workers have a special need. It's a busy weekend and if anyone have been to Vegas, you know that it's a non-stop town, more so on the weekend. Because of the city, this special provision was made. It was made before the Culinary Workers Union decided to endorse a candidate. After they did, the lawsuit was filed.
The Clinton Campaign did not file this suit. I think we should all just wait for the Judge's ruling today. No one is really asking for this provision in other states caucuses, but Vegas is different, and anything we can do to make it easier for people to vote should be done.

Mary E. Grant   January 17th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

The Clintons only want to play fair when that fairness gives THEM the upper edge!

Blue in Phoenix, Arizona   January 17th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

WOW - How are we supposed to take Bill and Hill seriously when he's getting so upset that his aides have to pull him away, and she is playing "flight attendant"?

This lawsuit is CLEARLY a ploy by the Clinton camp (whether they'll admit it or not), to take votes from Obama. How VERY Karl Rove of them.

skywater   January 17th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Culinary Union organizers have been working in earnest for the last week to get the word out about the union’s endorsed candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, and to lock down member support in the run-up to Saturday’s caucus.

But two Culinary members supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton say they watched today as two of those field organizers were overzealous in their efforts as they collected pledge cards for Obama in the break room of a Strip casino. The Clinton campaign quickly tried to paint the incident as part of a broader pattern, though introduced no other evidence.

After the Sun worked the story for two hours, this much is clear: What exactly happened this afternoon at Paris Las Vegas depends on whom you talk to. To hear Clinton’s campaign and her supporters tell it, the union intimidated a member into caucusing for Obama, demanding that she sign a pledge card — or face exile from the caucus.

To hear the alleged victim tell it, it was much more of a misunderstanding.

Marie Angers, a cook at Paris, and her son, Matt DeFalco, a kitchen runner at the resort, told the Sun they saw two Culinary representatives intimidate a coworker, Sylvia Antuna, by telling her that she had to support Obama if she wanted to caucus.

Both Angers and DeFalco are supporters of Clinton, whose campaign contacted the Sun about this incident separately.

On top of that, Angers and DeFalco said, the reps handed Antuna an Obama pledge card, telling her she had to sign it to participate in the caucus and that today was the deadline.

“The lady told all of us: Nobody can go to the caucus unless you’re voting for Obama,” Angers said. “They have no right to do what they did. This is America. You should be able to vote for who you feel like. It doesn’t matter who the union is endorsing. They can try to persuade us but it doesn’t mean people have to vote for them.”

But Antuna tells a different story. She said she was filling out a voter registration form when the union reps approached her about Obama. When she told them she wasn’t sure about caucusing for him, one rep took her registration form, indeed telling her that she couldn’t participate Saturday if she wasn’t supporting Obama.

At that point, Antuna said, Angers and DeFalco, who were sitting at a neighboring table, engaged the union rep in a heated discussion. Antuna said she sat silent while both sides swapped words. She doesn’t recall the bit about the pledge cards.

One key fact: The union reps spoke broken English.

“It’s possible it was a miscommunication,” Antuna said.

In fact, Antuna said the Culinary called her later to inform her the union had received her voter registration form, spoken with her supervisor and that she was clear to caucus during her shift on Saturday.

“I don’t even know what to think,” she said. “This is totally new to me. I’m just glad I can actually go and caucus.”

Antuna said she’s undecided on a candidate.

Pilar Weiss, political director of the Culinary, said she would try to find out about the incident.

“I’m not belittling it,” Weiss said. “I’m taking it seriously, and I’m going to look into It. But we’re conducting training all the time with our staff to be respectful of other opinions. We would never engage in voter intimidation.”

She said that with just a few days before the caucus, many members have become emotionally attached to Obama and other candidates, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

“We want our members to stick together and support Obama, but our organizers are being trained to know some of our members and their families are participating for other candidates. And we want them to participate,” she said.

———

Updated 8:30 p.m.:

The Culinary Union has investigated and says the source of the drama seemed to be about how one changes one’s party registration three days before the caucus.

Antuna was a registered independent, and the union reps were talking to her about how she had to be a Democrat to participate on Saturday, Weiss said.

Hardly scandalous and certainly not intimidation, she added.

Weiss said she suspects the whole incident was drummed up by the enthusiastic Clinton supporters, who got heated when the union reps started pitching Obama

Osama   January 17th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Another example of the Clinton bag of dirty tricks. It's called voter supression. It's what was done against African Americans in the south before the civil rights movement. If the Culinary Union had endorsed Clinton, the teacher union wouldn't be filing this lawsuit. And, once again, slick willie is lying through his teeth.

Amy   January 17th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Bill is seriously losing it. He has tried to bully and finger wag his way back into the White House. It is not working. He is upset and it shows. People want change they can believe in Bill. His behaviour is demeaning of his presidency.

Moses Adelante, NYC   January 17th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

GO BILLY!!!!!!!

The Obama Camp will stop at nothing to smear Hillary's name. I wish we could stick to the real issues.

The timing is a little odd I will say that.

EVEN IF….Hillary's camp has its hands in the lawsuit, the reasons are justified. I do think the timing, well is wrong.

Hillary would not be so stupid to jeapordize the latino vote……

I wonder what Obama is doing in the neighborhood, I wont say….. but I can make assumptions.

American independent   January 17th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Please put a big piece of duct tape over Bubba's mouth and lock him in the attic with Rove until the elections are over!!

They are both overdue for their afternoon naps ;)

All the changing of dates and the jockeying to be the covetted First in the Nation or the first to caucus or the first primary has turned the election process and campaigning into a three ring circus. California is busy trying to figure out how to CHANGE their voting machines! Do something about the crazy system…. it's obviously broken!!

BUT we still want to know when will Oprah be coming soon to a stadium near us??

CAL Grrl   January 17th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Was that it? Geez, I thought Clinton would start yelling or flipping out. The media - you, CNN, are pushing too hard for negative articles. On the other hand, I do wish that Bill C. wasn't out all the time speaking on behalf (supposedly) for his wife.

I hadn't heard about the site or times of the NV caucuses, but it does seem unfair to hold many of them (?) during the day, making it harder for other citizens to vote. Every person has the same rights to vote, in my opinion. Culinary workers, cops, teachers, white, black, hispanic, etc etc….

CAL

joe   January 17th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

This hasnt been a story on CNN all day but all of a sudden when Barack Obama receives an endorsement from patrick Leahy, now you want to put this atop the political ticker. Which baracks story wasnt placed above hillary playing on the plane even though it came afterward. The Clinton News Network is practicing some dirty politics.

hmmm...OKLAHOMA   January 17th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

I believe that the voting system in this country is fatally flawed. Delegates, just as the Electoral College, really serve to rob the majority of American people of what they actually want. Although, often times, the people in both of these electing parties will go with the candidate of their states' choice, they also have the option not cast a vote for their states' decision on a candidate. Yes, they may face possible penalties from the people (ie. not being re-elected), but the damage is still done if their decision translates into either a party nomination or a presidential win. Honestly, I wonder why this isn't reported on more often…the media tends to "over-hype" the importance of the average person's vote in the race, rather than pointing out that no matter the outcome of the race, the American people lose every time. I call the the voting process "rigged for the establishment." Our people don't choose the president, our government does.

Phillip Bunn , Bailey NC   January 17th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

This is the same Bill Clinton, a Rhodes Scholar, former President of the United States, who lied, under oath, a crime any common American would have been jailed for; the same Bill Clinton who tried to redefine oral sex to the American people; the same Bill Clinton who was impeached; the same Bill Clinton who approved NAFTA; the same Bill Clinton who appointed Hillary Clinton to head up a National Health Care Program, which either she forgot about, or lacked the inguenity and committment to carry through, but now in the wake of a presidental election suddenly has a plan.

I'm a democrat, and I utterly despise George Bush, but in all honesty, I think America has had enough Clintonism and Bushism to last forty lifetimes. So whatever Bill Clinton's complaint may be with any reporter, discussing any issue, I take as politically motivated for his own personal gain and political agenda.

Drew   January 17th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Alright! Hillary Cries in NH, now Bill throws a tempertrantrum in NV. Gotta love the Clintons!

Too bad the rules have been set for almost a year now, and Clinton was fine with the rules when she had a huge lead in the polls. Now she's lost her lead, lost Iowa, lost support from the Culinary Union, and now the rules have to change because she isn't getting it her way.

She knows if she loses NV and SC she's in real trouble of not getting the nod.

mrland   January 17th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Would someone please explain what Clinton means when he says their votes will count five times as much as the others?

Truth   January 17th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Disenfranchising voters is just disgusting. The Clintons can't lie their way out of this latest political ploy. People need to wake up. We don't need more of this double talk in the White House.

Ohio Dem   January 17th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Is it me, or does it seem the Clintons are turning into Rove and Cheney? Last week, Hillary warned of having a president with little experience in the White House, comparing it to the terrorist attacks in England when the new Prime Minister took over. Can we please have an election without using the fear card?

And now they are suing to supporess the vote of the Culinary Union, which, gee, just happens to be supporting Barack Obama? How about running on your own merits, then let the people decide?

Kate   January 17th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Bill … why are you so angry these days?

hosea   January 17th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

We need this guy back in power cuz he handles pressure so well.

Ant in Texas   January 17th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

The Clinton's have a pretty big deck of cards to play here. Over the past 2 week, the "Race Card", the "Gender Card" (cry on cue), the "Overzealous Supporter Card" and now the "If we can't get your endorsement we will take you to court Card", this has been in place for 10 months…wonder if it would be an issue if Hillary got their endorsement? Not!!! Somewhere, Bill has Karl Rove on speed dial getting advice on "Transforming a Loser into a Winner by any means necessary" or "I will do or say anything for a vote"

The first lady of Ar-kansas counts as experience, Photo Ops with the President counts as experience, planning Presidential Tea parties count as experience. The "Junior Senator from the State of New York" and her hubby need to hire Rush as their spin doctor and their team will be complete!!!

Will someone please make a Republican the President now, so we can lose our homes, all of our jobs can be sent overseas, build a fence and continue to turn the country over to our CEO's

Josh   January 17th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Bill Clinton is ruining his legacy for his wife's campaign.

Dolores Oakley   January 17th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

I think Bill needs to hang it up and stay out of the presidential race. He's proving that his "woman" can't do it on her own. He's getting desperate and it's ugly.

Rich In Seattle   January 17th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

So Hilary is taking a cue from the book of George W. Bush. It's Ohio all over again but this time, we are doing it. Nice. Making it easier to vote it NOT A BAD THING!! I doubt this would have happened if Hillary got that endorsement. Booooo booooo Clinton. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Kalman   January 17th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

*wag finger*

I did not have questionable relations with that union's leadership.

/end wage

At-large caucus sites have been on the books since May and the only thing that has changed is the endorsement for Obama.

Ca Native   January 17th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Bill coming unglued… again. All these two, Hill/Bill, know how to do is fight. Everyone becomes their enemy - right wing conspiracy, "the boys" picking on Hillary, the media, etc.

Enough of the Clintons. Time for CHANGE!

Tim   January 17th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

wow, Can the media be ashamed of themselves? I wonder what they will write tommorrow.
Stop this nonsense. We may be leaving out incredible people just like Bill Clinton in our math. Can I get an article about Obama?

CL Orlando   January 17th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Seems to me that the Clintons are trying to make it harder for people to vote. I thought the Dems wanted every vote to count. I guess that is only true when they feel they have nothing to lose.

Bob, Seattle   January 17th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

This is prototypical Clintonese. Play the victim. Wave the innocence flag. Proceed to tell the folks "I did not have sex with that woman'.

The Clinton surrogates know when to march, how to march, and what to say. It is a familiar game plan that has worked ever. Just like pro wrestling. Scream and shout, play innocent, be left for dead, then miraculously (according to script) rise from the dead and pin the opponent. Much to the applause of the crowd. A real Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus act. As P.T. Barnum once said 'There is a sucker born every minute'. The folks who BUY the Clinton circus act are the suckers. The ever present wannabe hangers on that are wowed by the smooth talking slickster. Poor Bill. Poor man. A higher judge will rule on where he spends eternity. In this, the American people will have no say. By the way, isn't Bill Clinton on the Dubai payroll? And didn't the Saudi's contribute $10 million to his library? And you think Hilliary isn't and won't be beholding to the middle east powers? Come on……………..

The proof that the crowd still loves the phony wrestler is measured by the roar of their approval. Very sad. Thankfully, most of America 'get's it' . Both the Democratic lead Congress and Hilliary Clinton have the highest negatives ever recorded among the folks.

END THE CLINTON CHARADE. ANYBODY BUT HILLIARY in 2008.

Rechal   January 17th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Oooh my lord help us. Billary are back here like they own our media company. Can it get better than this?

2Up2Down   January 17th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Okay, so this article makes it sound like he is howling a screetching at the "poor reporter". That isn't the impression I got at all. I read the article thinking he was going to be a jerk or yelling or something! Nope, that didn't happen. Former President Clinton remained calm and composed and answered the reporters questions with honest factual answers. Nice way to throw some sling at the Clinton Campaign. When did CNN.com turn into TMZ.com??? Beacuse most of the stories coming off this site lately are blown WAY the hell out of proportion.

Theo   January 17th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

And now the CNN tells you who is the boss. CNN choosing for you the candidate of their choice. You have no right. Just go vote this choice because you have no right to think for yourself. Bill and Hill will do anything plus their media tha loves them to get elected.

veronica   January 17th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Nothing goes on in the media except Clinton bashing.
It's ignorant, and I'm thoroughly disgusted with it.

WHY SO DEFENSIVE?   January 17th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Why so angry and defensive Mr. Clinton? This sounds SADLY familiar PLEASE NOTE HIS FIRM STANCE "NOTHING". "I have NOTHING to do with that."

You guys remember this FIRM DEFENSIVE STANCE…."I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

Sounds like he knows something that he doesnt want to talk about…i'm sure Hillary will support even if he lies again.

Letha, Sioux Falls, SD   January 17th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

If they aren't going to move the caucus in every county for the convenience of certain people or unions, they need to just leave thing alone. If the people find it important to go out to caucus, they can find the time to do it without "preference" given. The former president is right. Tell those whiny cooks to do the American thing and rearrange their schedules, take time off, or simply stop pouting.

¡Puede usted entender a amigos!

Edna Ann Lindsay   January 17th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

The reporter was more combative than Bill Clinton. He continued to ask the former President the same question over and over and over again without listening to the response. Since when did "telling it like it is become combative?"
It is always viewed as combative when the respondent's last name is Clinton.

Jen, Cedar Falls, IA   January 17th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

The Clinton's cannot stand that this is an actual competition for the citizens of the United States to decide, not the Democratic machine that they thought would hand them the White House!
Pathetic example of a hothead Bill, he's shown this side of himself several times in the last couple of months.

Jeniffer   January 17th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

And now someone to tell Obama he has no say because Clintons own this network. Great Job CNN we see your through too just like Clintons!!

michael, ny   January 17th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Hillary does not care about the democratic party. All she wants is to win.

First, she was ok with these polling places in hotels because she was expecting to get the Culinary union endorsment. Now that this union is backing Obama, she wants to change the rules.

Yes old lady, the only change you can make is the change suits your political ambition not the interest of the american people.

You claim to have spent 35 working for the people. We feign to thank you for that, now lets try someone else. Ok?

John, Tampa   January 17th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Clearly, DIRTY politics….They are trying to suppress support only recently given to their main opponent. If you believe otherwise, that theyare merly trying to "equal" things out, then why did the lawsuit only arise AFTER Obama gets the support of the union that is supposedly supposed to benefit from these cacuses….hmmm
the reason is that if Hillary would have gotten their support this lawsuit would have never been filed period.

They are a dirty cheating bunch

Vicky   January 17th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I really enjoyed Bill clinton as our president, but I'm all but sick of seeing him lately with regards to his wife's bid for the White House. If Hillary is running for president then she should run, but if she intends to have Bill do all her dirty work maybe she should get back in the kitchen and bake me a pie.

Frank   January 17th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Why would clinton get so angry if what the reporter was saying wasn't true?

Cheryl R   January 17th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I thought unions worked together and supported each other's causes? Another example of how the Great Divider(Clintons) bring people together. I also see Bill is working on a new career as an Odds Maker if Hillary is not elected- 5 to 1 odds at the casino sound like great odds.

GoodGodSaveUs   January 17th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

That's combative? This reporter must have been raised by smurfs.

Micheal   January 17th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Ya, and democracy at work! where did these morons do their journalism. This country is so imbalanced. I just tired of this crap. We have Edwards in the race who is not getting the same amount of coverage. They just want good candidates to die in the spotlight. CNN, you can never stop amazing me………

Bob, Seattle   January 17th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

By the way, isn't the $10 million that Bill Clinton received from the Saudi's for his library the same amount the Rudy Giuliani TURNED DOWN from the Saudi's after 9/11? Probably the same guy trying to BUY influence in America.

Caucus=Voter Fraud   January 17th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

The vast, vast majority of the people heading to the Strip caucuses will be the underlings of the Culinary — dishwashers, hotel room maids, cooks, etc. — who are the least paid, and most vulnerable to intimidation. And the Culinary leadership has always used them to organize other hotels and vote for their choices.

The Culinary has full time paid organizers bringing in its masses of members working the low-paying jobs, who will HAVE to raise their hands at the caucus sites for Obama, under the watchful (and threatening) eyes of the Culinary organizers.

I hope those Strip caucus sites receive a lot of media attention because the Culinary's tactics there will resemble something out of the old Soviet Union, when people casting ballots in boxes under the eyes of Communist Party operatives had to use a special-colored ballot for the Communist Party leader, and another type of ballot to vote against him, making it obvious whom that voter was for.

It seems obvious that intimidation will be a factor in the voting process at these precincts. Voters who wish to support a candidate will have to do so in front of the watchful eyes of their union reps. These people can then either dismiss or help them with, an harassment claim, a grievance, forced overtime, unpaid labor, or dangerous working conditions etc. etc.

Democratic leaders insist workers need only show an employee badge. If they don't have one, a party spokeswoman lamely says "we'll somehow accommodate them, hence many illegal immigrants will be voting.

Many of these immigrant workers are also new citizens and have come from countries where voter intimidation is the norm. So, for them, it would also be expected. If they want to support Clinton or Edwards they will just not go, if they even feel they are able to do that and not place their jobs at risk.

People should not be caucusing where they work, unless they have secret ballots, again a central tenet of democracy. It is too open to intimidation. There is too much pressure to vote the way the boss or the union wants you to vote.

I don't think anyone can pretend these polling places would be neutral or unintimidating for those who want to support Clinton or Edwards. Plus many other groups/unions don't get this preferential treatment of setting up special caucus' for a special group, thus others are disenfranchised.

They should be shut down.

Steve   January 17th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I watched the video and wonder why the authors of this article used phrase like "in a raised voice" and "led away by his aides when that isn't what happened. I also believe when you use quotes you should use the words in the same order as they were spoken.

Anonymous   January 17th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

whoever wrote this article should be fired. that's "visibly combative"???

M. Ranter Alexandria, VA   January 17th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

That's an impressive amount of bad math on his part. I wasn't aware of any law, statute or ruling that allowed or recommended casino workers 5 votes to everyone else's one. Remember when he was "Slick Willy" and could deal with reporters?

Brian Des Moines, IA   January 17th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

If that is true, that their votes count 5 times as much as other precincts because of this…then this is a valid lawsuit!!

This is the problem with CAUCUSES; you don't get a real sense of how a state is leaning only a mixed representation!!

Also I would like to point out that if the lawsuit didn't have any merit, it would have been THROWN OUT already….so obviously there is something that needs to be addressed here, or these stories wouldn't be out because the lawsuit would be over/gone!!

Chris, Middletown, CT   January 17th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

"she knew nothing about it" - yet…he knew every skewed detail….other than her cult-like followers (who btw will explain away anything when it comes to teflon Hillary) - baffling group nominate her…and every Republican will vote against her…and 70% of the unaffiliated…and maybe….just maybe the Democrats who were supporting other candidates…will realize what she is…and join us in the "anyone by Hillary" campaign

Peter   January 17th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Wake up America and smell the coffee. We went to war because everything seemed so real till we came to reglect everything we did. Now be fooled by Clintons and the media for what they are bringing here that is all gold and silver, believe it and reglect later. Just what I wont take. Obama has my vote and will never change my position on that!

Matt   January 17th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Yet another negative CNN article about the Clintons. What ever happened to unbiased reporting?

Ann   January 17th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

With the entire "experienced" Bill Clinton machine working for Hillary, how can Bill Clinton say that they did not understand the rules. How many teachers work on Saturday? The rules were agreed to when Hillary was leading the polls by more than 20 points. At that time the rules were ok with them. Now all of a sudden this entire "experienced" Clinton machine didn't understand the rules.

If they didn't understand that, then what kind of people will Hillary be appointing to the Cabinet, and to the White House Staff? People that can not read and interpret what they are reading? Or, is Hillary going to read everything to her staff all the time, also?

cu789   January 17th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Clinton is just mad because our caucus votes will count 5 times more than a regular vote. No one cares about what those teachers think that are suing us. This is our party now! Power of the workers will be felt on Saturday. We culinary workers run this party now and we will have higher wages to $12 when Obama becomes president.

Clinton is the past- we are the future.

Ray   January 17th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

All the ObamaCamp followers probably failed to read the TICKER MORNING EDITION: Thursday, January 17, 2008 06:57 AM ET
"WASHINGTON (CNN) — When is an endorsement not quite an endorsement? When it reads anything like yesterday’s tepid backing of Obama in the conservative-leaning Las Vegas Review-Journal:

“Is Barack Obama, then, the ideal Democratic candidate for president? Hardly,” it began, calling his policy proposals “old-line, welfare-state solutions that haven't spent enough time in the microwave to appear even superficially appetizing.” (ouch that has to hurt after getting the Culinary Workers backing ) And in a reprise of recent primary-season attacks on Obama’s bid, it dubbed the candidate himself “a relatively young man with relatively little of the kind of real-world experience that prepares a candidate” for major crises.

But, they concluded, “Barack Obama is, at least, likeable.” Better than the alternative, sure, but still: not a line likely to make it into his campaign ads anytime soon."

Sooo the "Democratic Party" is still picking their "most likeable" candidate? Well Kerry was certainly "Mr. Congeniality2″ - representing the NEW VOICES of the Democratic party who apparently are ~more appealing~ and can shout louder = the more upscale, more affluent, better educated, younger voters (who look down their noses at all the older generations and less fortunate) –> who are probably a lot of future Republicans, who undoubtedly aren't all that loyal to either party in the 1st place!

Meanwhile the split in the Democratic Party is growing ever wider with possibly no end in sight! The two party system is clearing no longer working in the best interests of ALL the American people anymore. It's time to divide the Democratic Party and let the NEW voices follow their new found direction and allow the Original Democratic Party to go back to standing up and speaking out for the the "disenfranchised" in our Nation - whose voices are being increasingly drowned out by the new class of voters.

Barack Obama "The Great Uniter" would have more luck reaching across the aisle to the Republicans than he will have at bridging the growing divide and bringing the Democratic Party back together again. His supporters have even managed to alienate some of the party faithful! He should seriously consider splitting the party now before the WHOLE party collapses and the GOP will sweep into the White House for the next 8 years.

Brian Des Moines, IA   January 17th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Also to go along with Tim's statement, why just a sound bit of this "altercation" why no build up/end??? Media bias!?

Hillarylover   January 17th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

YOU KNOW I SAW THE CLIP. CLINTON WAS NOT COMBATIVE WITH THE REPORTER. I AGREE WITH TIM CNN SHOULD BE ASHAMED. DOESN'T ANYONE UNDERSTAND IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT THE MEDIA WRITES OR THE BLOGGERS. WE REMAIN STRONG IN OUR SUPPORT. CLINTON 08

Dave   January 17th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Wow! I just watched the news clip. The "I had nothing to do with that law suit" comment will soon be remembered just like "I did not have sexual realtions with that woman".

S Williams, Tampa   January 17th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Both Bill and Hillary seem to have very quick tempers when something doesn't go their way.

The republicans are going to capitilize on this.

R. Ariew   January 17th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

In your story you claim that the lawsuit was filed by the state teacher's union and you state that it is "an organization that has backed Hillary Clinton's White House bid," though you fully know that the state teacher's union has backed no candidate. You should correct your story.

Cynthia St. Louis   January 17th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

"Billary's" tactics and the Bush administration tactics are one and the same.

I hope people are really paying attention.

Can't we do better than this?

Ellis, Brown University   January 17th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I'm an Obama fan, and yet I'm not sure Bill deserves this negative press. I didn't feel like he was getting "heated" with the reporter, he just answered the question.

As to the whole mess itself, I don't understand what Bill is talking about when he says that their votes would count 5 times as much. Can someone explain that to me, please? It does smell like Hillary's getting desperate…

caywen   January 17th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I wonder what Bill Clinton's reaction would be if the Culinary Union endorsed Hillary instead of Obama. Hmm, gee I wonder.

The Clintons are masters of double standards and hypocrasy.

Rebecca, St. Louis   January 17th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Someone sounds a little defensive. I have my doubts whether the Clinton campaign was actually involved in the lawsuit, but this sounds like sour grapes. Is it just me, or is Bill forgetting that he's not the one running?

MC   January 17th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

"Goes off on" is a bit sensational don't you think? CNN should remember it is a news organization, not a tabloid rag.

Gorbashov, Long Beach, Ca.   January 17th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

I think that the article overstates and sensationalizes what took place. There is plenty of ACTUAL news out there without making some up.

How about some coverage of the leader in the fight for the middle class, John Edwards?

The MSM is not giving him the coverage that the other two in the Democratic race are getting!

Fair and balanced?

Nando, Florida   January 17th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

the wheels of of the Clinton machine are slowly falling off !! and that good for DEMOCRATS , we need to be done with this disfunctional family for GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pat   January 17th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Where else has it said that the teacher's union has backed Clinton? Nowhere, because they have not endorsed Clinton. This misinformed reporting is once again showing the bias by most media against anything Clinton. It seems that no matter what occurs and whether they are involved or not, Hillary or Bill will get negative coverage and you can just about bet on that. Can you try and not manufacture things please just to somehow push another anti Clinton pro Obama viewpoint! Why is the Obama campaign not getting scrutinized in the aspect that since he has the culinary endorsement that his support should count for more than the support of other Nevadans who are not culinary workers? There are two viewpoints to this yet we all know which one will be taken. It is getting pitiful.

Adam   January 17th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

just when you see things this way, just know Obama has it in Nevada. Can not wait to vote for him here in VA. Go Obama!

Richard Tabuteau, Atlanta, GA   January 17th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Bill Clinton is the most unpresidential former president I've ever seen.

Kim, Sacramento, CA   January 17th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Wow Bill, a bit defensive there aren't you? Also, not quite sure how one vote equals five…

plainol'jim   January 17th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

I have been a staunch supporter of the Clintons since my teenage years, when I used to volunteer in Bill Clinton's White House… And I have a confession to make… I will not support Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary and, based on the way she has run her campaign, I would have a hard time supporting her candidacy in the general election. The Clinton machine reminds me of the tactics I see from Karl Rove: Unsubstantiated personal attacks at every turn; the use of surrogates and supporters to do their dirty work; twisting words around to play the victim; lies; and most frightening, voter suppression. I find it appalling that Hillary Clinton stands idly by while her supporters in the Nevada teachers' union seek to rob thousands of poor, minority voters and women of their right to vote, or at least make it more difficult for them to do so. We used to be the party of inclusion, of getting out the vote, of expanding the polity to the ends of America. Now, Bill Clinton is out there playing bad-cop, defending those who would disenfranchise thousands of hispanic voters so that HIllary doesn't have to say a word. The fact is, she could put an end to this frivolous lawsuit right now. But she won't. And why? Because it just might help her win. That's the logic that has driven her campaign. And it's the logic you see in her daily press soundbytes attacking Sen. Obama. They used to be the best of colleagues. Now, you see her campaign dragging a man through the mud whose record is perhaps as clean as we have ever seen in politics. I mean, the Clintons, desperate to find some dirt to annihilate her adversaries, dug up a Kindergarten essay Obama wrote saying he might one day want to be president. I mean, who didn't want to be president in Kindergarten. It's the Clintons in life who destroy our 'false hopes.' But if the Clintons proceed to crucify Sen. Obama as they have so diligently done in these past few weeks, the Democratic party may have a dilemma on its hands that not even Bill can diffuse. Because to have a candidate of Obama's historic and unifying background lose in a presidential race is one thing, but to have him lose this way is simply unaccepptable to the thousands of Americans who have been inspired by his message.

Jason   January 17th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

It's amazing how the media is ready to rip apart any little event that occurs concerning the Clintons. Its a shame that things like this are being allowed to happen, and then the Clintons are being held to task over things which they have no contol. I just hope the American public doesn't continue to buy in to Obama's empty rhetoric.

Monte Brown, New York, NY   January 17th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Bill Clinton is right for putting that reporter on the spot. The media has been biased against the Clintons, and it is getting to be sickening to watch the media try to take over the minds of the American people. Obama is getting a free ride in the media arena. If the media wasn’t giving Obama a free ride, this race would not be close because Obama clearly can’t beat Hillary on the issues. Denial will get us nowhere. The Obama campaign is responsible for most of the negativity yet the Clintons get the blame. The Clintons are often accused for things that they didn’t even do. The media personalities on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, who comment on Hillary often accentuate and broaden anything negative towards Hillary and minimize anything positive. Hillary can’t do anything that the media won’t over scrutinize. They are in her grill like dental floss.

You can always tell when a media personality does not like a candidate. For example: Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper are not biased. I think that Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper are the fairest television anchors in the business, especially Wolf. I watch them because they don’t play the hate-Hillary card. Chris Mathews on MSNBC is biased in favor of Barack Obama and is not a reliable source in my opinion. Forget about the Hillary hating Fox News because Fox News anchors have to hate Hillary because with Hillary comes the end of the right wing ideology. All of the anchors, except for Colmes and Greta Van Susteren, are biased against Hillary. Lou Dobbs doesn’t want any Democrat in the White House, but he does have an issue that irks him, and I don’t find him biased, even though I don’t think he likes Hillary as he should. Jack Caferty simply does not want Bill and Hill in the White House and will go all out in favor of Obama or Edwards.

I wish the media would stop throwing Obama a bone and let him battle Hillary on the issues. The media resumed with the nonsense after Hillary clearly beat Obama and Edwards in the last debate in Nevada. I wish the media was not biased against Hillary because if they weren’t, America would choose her without hesitation.

Jason   January 17th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

It's amazing how the media is ready to rip apart any little event that occurs concerning the Clintons. Its a shame that things like this are being allowed to happen, and then the Clintons are being held to task over things which they have no contol. I just hope the American public doesn't continue to buy in to Obama's empty rhetoric.

no romney for prez   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

but perhaps i should say "no clinton for prez this time"? this is a disgusting display of force by the clintons. bad move, bad politics, bad taste. and yeah CNN, you do cover the clintons way too much!

Tired   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

I agree please stop being bais CNN. PLEASE HIGHLIGHT OTHER CANDIDATES

muyiwa ige   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Please we are tired of this clintons. Bill is unashamedly reducing himself day by day. A man of his stature has become so self seeking. And he is becoming mean and brutish. What happened to Bubba. PLEASE BARACK OBAMA IS MORE MATURE. WE WANT MORE ARTICLES ON OBAMA.

Chris   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

So, where was the raised voice? Where were the aides pulling him away? This isn't a very accurate reporting…

roger, conway sc   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Way to go Bill, I myself am so tired of the news media getting into everyone face like they run this nation….they act like the BUSH administration "it is my way or no way"…if you do say something they either intentially leave out part of it or misquote what is said.

shannon   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

CNN should be ashamed of sensationalizing this encounter. The headline on the homepage is "Bill Clinton Goes Off on Reporter." Goes off??? He didn't raise his voice or become visibly angry. Maybe "Clinton Challenges Report." The media makes a mountain out of a molehill again.

BCNU   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

What an arrogant, pompous jerk! That's one way to win a debate…just talk over everyone else, don't engage in a dialogue. Then make up a number, say ….5…and preempt the conversation with that so your opponent will spend time trying to refute five and miss the bigger point at hand. Then, go on the personal attack and tell them to just get on their little tv station and tell people that the mortgage crisis is more important than exercising the privilege to vote in a democracy.

This technique will move the conversation away from what's really the meat of the issue on to some insignificant point. Non-sequitir at its finest.

Voters   January 17th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

I find giving exceptions to voters is odd. Everyone is going to demand a special dispensation site until a point is reached where ballots are hand delivered to their home and picked up by schedule. Get a clue…… suck up the cost of a stamp and Vote ABSENTEE, you can't get anymore personal than that. Some people are such a bunch of complainers, even if they did get a special delivery and pick up, they would grouse about the quality of the paper and the font used.

Ken, Austin TX   January 17th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

I really don't understand what Bill Clinton was saying. It kind of didn't make sense to me.

Georgia   January 17th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Media has played into people's emotions, changed the minds of viewers and have manipulated the thoughts and directions of the Democratic votes. It is a shame that people can be convinced to vote for another party through the persuasion of the media. I say cut off all media outlets, allow voters to vote fairly and stop running the election through media. Hey, proven fact that NH didn't allow the media to change their votes.

Question...   January 17th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Why would someone vote for something they didn't understand….. ahhh that's because that's what they do that in Congress…duh.

First - why is the reporter asking Bill Clinton that question, he's not running for anything.
Second - why is Bill Clinton answering that question, he's not running for anything.

The candidate is Hillary Clinton, last time I checked.

APARTOF THE HUMANRACE   January 17th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Please NEVADA REMEMBER THIS IS FROM THE PRESIDENT THAT TRIED TO DEFINE WHAT "IS" IS !! I have watched, over the years, as this valley politically divided its latino culture. However, let me speak to the latinos. Apparently they didnt stay in their history classes and apparently many of their friends and family members did not either. Farm Workers Union! If it was not for this union forming for latinos back in the day, many latinos of the western US would be picking produce for 1$ an hour and would never be allowed to work construction at the fair wages they received during the last decades. Wake up politicos. Do your homework, check the history, the Obama organization goes authentically back to this country's original farm workers that rose to fight oppression and exclusion for latinos. As a direct result of the sacrifices those farm workers and organizers, many latino politicos have thus benefited. However, here we are, years later, and we have one candidate who has worked from the bottom up, walked the streets for children and unions, and continues to spread the message of unity and harmony as a people and a single country of united states. May I remind you latinos, Mexico has NEVER accomplished this which is the primary reason you came and live in the US . And now that you have come here and have made money and have supported your families, you finally decide to go against the unions? The very same unions who fought for your parents rights back in history? Are you locos? Tienen enfermas? Ruben(POLITICO BACKING CLINTON), good luck with your career, you would be making chips and guacamole if it wasn't for Cesar Chavez and those farm workers. Not sure how you wake up in the morning and look at yourself. I sure hope the latinos dont forget that no matter how much they hang out with a white lady, it doesnt change their skin. Without education, the 'status quo' will always see you as an illegal "aliens" and the only way to earn respect is going to be by uniting against a familiar opponent, dressed in expensive clothes, selling the past 25 years as her resume for success and accomplishment, and promising exactly what to you as latinos? Mas del mismo!!! Por favor, hablan con sus abuelos. Ellos saben y recuerden el movemiento de Chavez. Donde esta su respeto para nos historia? Puro chips and guacamole, cual personas latinos lo usan comida cuando estan hablando para sus derechos? Locos, puros locos. Ya! Ya! Ya! No hay pedo. Cuando viene el 19, vamos a ver donde esta el corazon del los latinos politicos. En uno vestida o con nostros? Tu sabes y solamente tu!!! Para nos hijos, U N I T E !

OBAMA 08!

Concerned Voter   January 17th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

President Clinton was right, its been going on all over the media accusing the Clintons of filing the lawsuit when its totally untrue.

It is also UNFAIR for other voters in Nevada when its 50 to 1 for them while Culinay union members are 5 to 1. Fair is fair.

I can understand the outrage of President Clinton, they've been accused of so many things printed all over the media that are untrue. We know now the race issue was brought by Obama supporters and campaigners; but the media blamed Senator Clinton.

The media must stop making their own spin, they must learn to report things as is, an informative news not a tabloid.

As an independent voter leaning towards Obama, I've change my mind when I read this news from another newspaper. I was quite appalled by this, if Obama himself didn't say anything about this issue, it tells me something loud and clear; he's ready to break any rules or ignore any rules provided he's the beneficiary. There are rules and regulations to be followed for primary election, if they can't be followed, then we as a society that makes our own rules as we go.

I don't blame the teachers union in filing a lawsuit against Culinary Union. RULES ARE RULES, they MUST be FOLLOWED TO THE LETTER.

Rex   January 17th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

ahh yes, typical Clinton fashion. Man, I hate those crooks.

Scott, Ft Lauderdale, fl   January 17th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Move on Bill. Had the culinary union endorsed Hillary this would not be an issue. This is sour grapes at best. The people are moving from your camp, now establishment Senators are backing Obama. Change is coming, and change is not a campaign slogan Hillary just adapted. It is a new style, a fresh breathe. That fresh breathe would be a nice break from your revolving door white house … Bush, Clinton, Bush Clinton … Can this please end.

Ron, TX   January 17th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I find that the more heated and angry a denial is, the more likely it is that the accusation is actually true.

Navigation   January 17th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

It is not about you Bill, it is about Obama vs. Hillary. I would not see anything good about you with Obama around.
He definately has my vote!

David, Dallas Tx   January 17th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Republicans have a history of suppressing Democratic voters. One only has to look at the history of discarded votes, scrubbed voter lists, misdirection, ballot designs and complaints of intimidation in Florida and Ohio in past elections.

Now the Clinton camp is trying to suppress Democratic voters as well.

Why in the world would we NOT want to help people vote? Isn't this America? If they're concerned that casinos are being unfairly advantaged, why not advocate that EVERYONE working on Saturday should be provided opportunities to caucus?

Answer: because Hillary's supporters are big-corporation types, and they all have Saturday off, so don't need any help.

The Clinton's don't care about equal rights; they're more than happy to suppress the vote of laborers in order to achieve victory.

Just like Republicans.

joe   January 17th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

I agree with you EC houston. The clinton news network is beyond bias and its getting ridiculous.There really is no difference between the clinton news network and fox news.

Teacher   January 17th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Am I the only person who thinks only VERIFIABLE AMERICAN CITIZENS should be allowed to vote?

Emilia Jones   January 17th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

If this article is true, then I support the suit, because it would be unfair for the causes to hold in these casinos just so that their employees can find it easier to caucus.

If that is the case, then I demand that a pooling station be installed in my home so I can just wake up in the morning and vote before going to work.

Fair is fair, and if this law suit is dismissed, and Obama wins, I will not count his win as anything, because it would be seen as rigged.

By the way, I am undecided voter.

Mimi

Jenny Beagle   January 17th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

It is indeed disturbing that CNN continues to provide air time to such a well documented hate monger, coniving womenizer and liar like Bill Clinton. Who's running for the democratic nomination anyway? Can we get some real news!!!!!

It is embarassing and almost feels as though CNN continues to introduce a rapist into everyone womens home by the continual press coverage that this slime ball gets.

ENOUGH!!!!!

Keri-Texas   January 17th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

What? OK so I read the article and it sounded bad, really bad. Then I watched the clip, how very anticlimactic. I saw nothing wrong with that clip. In fact I agree with at least part of what Bill was trying to get across. I want the media to start asking the candidates about the issues…not about the fight. I want to know where they stand on important issues that will affect my family. I do not want to see another article about who said what about him and who said what about her. Tell me what they said about the war in Iraq, about the economy, about the off shoring of our middle class jobs, about reforming or completely overhauling the insurance industry, about regaining America's respect abroad. Puulleeeze stop reporting on this election like a 2 bit celebrity rag, act like a respected news organization.

John   January 17th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

I love it! It's hard to get the truth out there, but it happens sometime. Oh, by the way Alex and Rebecca, it's President Bill Clinton, not Bill Clinton, or have you forgotten how to properly refer to a former President? And E.C. of Houston, we Americans just love it when people like you make so much sense!

Andrew   January 17th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

If this is all Bill did, it's pretty lame that it's news.

David Holub   January 17th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

C'mon CNN. "Bill Clinton goes off on reporter." "Bill Clinton lashes out."
Must everything be sensationalized? Reading these headlines I expected something tense and heated, swear words perhaps. What I saw was Bill Clinton taking issue with a reporter's question in a slightly pointed tone.
Do you think we won't read the story or watch the video unless you make it seem like a earth-shattering story?
Let the news speak for itself and stop fanning the flames of divisive politics.

Derek   January 17th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

God, is Clinton the only Democrat with some cajones? Kudos to Bill!

Recommend   January 17th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Clinton has nothing to do with it? Maybe if he would have stopped Bin Laden when he had the chance, and he did have the chance, then there would have been no war, the issues across the globe would have been friendlier, and the economy would be stronger. Oh he had something to do with it alright.

HomoSapien   January 17th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I wonder if the Clintons would be saying the same thing if the Culinary Workers' Union had endorsed Hillary instead of Obama?

I think not!

Dan, NJ   January 17th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Gotta love the fire from Bubba.

This lawsuit certainly is news though. Everyone involved got together and agreed on the rules for the caucus. At this time HRC and supporters beleived they would get the Culinary Workers' Union endorsement. Two days after the endorsement went to Obama, the suit is filed, including by HRC supporting teachers' union.

The suit is obviously politically motivated with the intentions of hurting Obama and helping Clinton. Dirty politics on the HRC side. Bill should be addressing the issues and concerns of those workers, not trying to silence their voices.

joe   January 17th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

THE

CLINTON NEWS NETWORK

IS THE MOST BIASED

NEWS ORGANIZATION ON THE PLANET

CAN WE

PLEASE GET ANOTHER STORY

OTHER THAN

THE CLINTONS

THIS IS RIDICULOUS

Robert   January 17th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

I love how he says over and over their votes will be worth five times as much. Maybe because those caucuses will be five times larger than the ones outside Vegas?

Marlene   January 17th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

…we didn't have anything to do with this lawsuit! . . . and remember, i did not have sex with "that woman"!

of course, if the culinary workers had supported the clintons there wouldn't be a lawsuit . . . please somebody tell me we are not looking at more dysfunctional clinton white house years. i'm beginning to have bad dreams.

clintons, just keep showing your true colors. edwards, get out of the way. go obama.

SM, Michigan   January 17th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

There are stories about all the candidates here. If you don't want to read anything about the Clintons, you are free to make that choice.
I would actually rather be reading about Bob Wexler and his path toward impeaching Cheney. But I bet this never sees the light of day, because anytime I post on impeachment, it is deleted.

Rain   January 17th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I'm in the military, and the quagmire is actually the result of increasing terrorism of the 90's. Finally, somone with leadership decided it was time that we can't live ina world like that. Guess what, no attackes here since 9/11? Coincidence? Don't think so.

Attacks (Quagmires) In the 1990's:
American Embassy x 2
World Trade Center (1993)
USS Cole
The Rise Of Al Queada
etc. etc.

What did clinton do? Absolutely nothing but sit back and have affairs with women when the country needed him most. Wonder how Hillary feels being fourths?

Tbest   January 17th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I bet he wouldn't complain about the ease of voting for the workers if their Union was supporting Hillary. He's become a bit ridiculous. Hopefully an Obama victory will happen and take the Clinton's out of the public light for a while.

tom   January 17th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I guess it depends on what the definition of is….is.

Tom, Scottsdale AZ   January 17th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

This is the behavior we can expect with a Clinton Presidency. Unbelievable arrogance. Please think this through before you vote.

Jesse   January 17th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

I agree with the other two comments here. I don't think that we should be concentrating as much on the Clintons. Let them sink into oblivian. Why don't we concentrate our time and effort on those candidates that could actually lead the country. While I don't agree with Obama on all of the issues, I do know that he would make a MUCH better president than Hillary.

Native   January 17th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

It's a fact, Hillary will not and CANNOT win this war without Bill. People who vote for her either 1) just want to see a woman for president and will do anything it takes with no regards as to how capable she is to lead (I have nothing against a woman president, but Hillary!??!) or 2) They think they're voting Bill back into office.

Talk about the blind leading the blind. Quite fooling yourselves folks.

matchu   January 17th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Boohoo….next article please…

Shelly-Ohio   January 17th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

The reporter was right to ask about this, although Bill may be right tha the Clintons had nothing to do with it.

You can argue the validity of the lawsuit, but the TIMING is suspicious.

All involved, including the teachers union, agreed to this caucus set-up almost a full year ago and had full knowledge of it. AND the teachers