January 21, 2008
Posted: January 21st, 2008 12:46 PM ET

(CNN) - Hours after news reports surfaced that Barack Obama had criticized Bill Clinton for getting too heavily involved in this year’s presidential race, the former president accused the Illinois senator’s campaign of more dirty tricks in Saturday’s Nevada caucuses.

The former president said Sunday that his wife Hillary Clinton had “won a victory in spite of a very well-organized, and I might say a very well-executed, strategy by the Obama campaign. Which included doing well in the north of Nevada, where his demographic of upscale voters lived, and by making an explicit effort to get Republicans to come and vote for him in the Democratic caucus” – a charge that was immediately denied by Obama spokesman Bill Burton.

The two campaigns started trading charges and counter-charges over the chaotic Saturday vote even before the polls closed, and have continued the back-and-forth ever since. On Monday, Obama told an ABC interviewer that he felt as though he were “running against both Clintons.”

Bill Clinton also seized on Obama’s recent comments that Ronald Reagan had had a major impact on America, telling the Buffalo, New York crowd Sunday night that the Illinois senator had “said President Reagan was the engine of innovation and did more, had a more lasting impact on America than I did. And then the next day he said, 'In the ‘90s, the good ideas came out from the Republicans. Which, it'll be costly maybe down the road for him because it's factually not accurate.”

Obama's comments last week did not compare the two presidencies. The senator said that Reagan had changed the “trajectory” of the country, and “put us on a fundamentally different path,” and that “it’s fair to say the Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time there over the last ten, fifteen years, in the sense that they were challenging conventional wisdom.” But did not say whether he thougt those ideas had been positive ones.

He added that the Republican approach had “played itself out.”

– CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Barack Obama • Bill Clinton


Pat   January 24th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Who should know better what dirty tricks can be played during an election than a former President who has been through two hard fought campaigns himself, and with many of the same supporters who now help Obama?

Running for President is not like running for the Harvard Law Review which, as we are told, was a fierce battle at the time in 1991 that put Obama at the head of it.

Did he think running for President would be equivalent?

Troy Burton   January 22nd, 2008 11:21 am ET

For a disbarred attny, for lying and serial adultery to cast aspersions is too funny. Like many Democrats I find his credibility gone and want him as far from the White House as possible. And like most Americans I'd never vote for Hillary if she should become the nominee.

obi isichei   January 22nd, 2008 12:30 am ET

Bill Clinton is one of the greatest presidents ever to govern America. He needs leave the criticisms for Hillary to say 'cos even if Hillary wins, he leaves half of the country losing respect for him; some of this half, are the folks that would pass down the message of his greatness. So he needs to be careful; campaign for your wife but be a little smarter.

Mike Boxell   January 21st, 2008 8:47 pm ET

The Real Estate Clubs will never allow reasonable pricing for houses.

Margaret   January 21st, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Those of us monitoring the care of mentally ill/homeless/dually diagnosed know that it was Ronald Reagan who closed the nation's psychiatric hospitals with the promise (broken) of appropriate community care.

Today, the tragic devastating failures of mental health care for those afflicted by brain disorders are evident in the nation's streets and homeless shelters. There's a third place – jails. Everyone working in the field knows that the largest "psychiatric" provider in the U.S. is the Los Angeles jail.

This is also Ronald Reagan's legacy.

Tyler in Raleigh   January 21st, 2008 8:33 pm ET

UMMMMMM..... isnt there a term limit thing.... 2 terms.... you know, Bill can not run again?

WHY IS HE STILL TALKING?

v.ananthan   January 21st, 2008 8:24 pm ET

TO PRESIDENT CLINTON..
OBAMA IS PLAYING THE "VICTIM ROLE" ALL THE TIME
DON^T GET TO HIS LEVEL BECAUSE EVERYBODY KNOWS HOW LOW OBAMA CAN GET TRYING TO WIN THE NOMINATION..
HILLARY WILL ALWAYS WIN BECAUSE SHE IS HONEST AND DEDICATET FOR THE JOB..

Mike T   January 21st, 2008 8:04 pm ET

If Hillary's last name wasn't Clinton and she hadn't been married to Bill Clinton, nobody would even know who she was and nobody would care one iota what she says or thinks.

And if her husband hadn't come out and campaigned for her: first, she wouldn't be a Senator, and second, she wouldn't have won a single state in this primary. I really think that most of the people voting for her think they are voting for Bill Clinton, and do not understand that he can't be president again. They need to read the Constitution.

Clinton also gets help from the media, including CNN. Ever notice that every time there is a story about the 3 candidates, like the one on the CNN homepage right now – Hillary's picture is first, Obama's is second, and Edward's is third. Is that supposed to be subliminal, or what? Further, they always seem to choose a flattering picture of Clinton, and the worst pictures they can find of the other two. Is that not bias as well?

W Action   January 21st, 2008 7:58 pm ET

It looks like some of the Clintons' wealthy friends have decided to take care of her "Obama Problem" with some good old GOP-style push polling! It ultimately hurt Huck in SC but the Clintonists apparently believe they need to do it to hold down the size of O's victory. Sad to learn what they'll do when the chips are down, but that's the DNC for you. Always envious of Republican ways.

bdc, phila, pa   January 21st, 2008 7:49 pm ET

I agree with V as well. This is getting ridiculous.. seems like every day Bill is bashing Barack with something different. You're a former president, but just because you say something it doesn't become true.

I hope everyone realizes that this isn't just Bill it is Hillary... even though she herself is playing "nice" and not saying anything about obama it is still her intention and her will that all this negative publicity be spread about him. We can't let her sit by and bash barack and then claim she is positive. Hold her responsible for her disgraceful nonsense.

Clearly NOT the candidate of change as the Clintons are running the same campaign they always have (this and the push-polls in SC) which means it will be the same do-nothing washington politics if Billary is elected. Please wake up and realize we'll have four more paralyzed years if Hillary wins... we can't afford that.

Janel, St. Paul, MN   January 21st, 2008 7:40 pm ET

To Former President Clinton:

I was so excited when you became president in 1993. I was thrilled that a new voice would lead our country into a better tomorrow.

Sadly, I became discouraged by your personal conduct while in office. It was damaging to our children and disappointing to people who looked to you as a man with ethical/moral values.

Today. . .as I closely watch the campaigns of your wife and others/. . . I am feeling very sad that you have gone so low as to make disparaging remarks about an African-American who will, I believe, bring our country to a new height.

I'm finding myself wondering if you truly believe that Barack Obama will be less successful as president of the greatest free country of the world, OR are you worried that the Clinton dynasty won't move forward.

With all due respect, I am praying that Americans will realize the opportunities that Senator Obama will bring - not only to America - but to the world.

Sorry to disappoint you, President Clinton, but you have lost my respect.

Tara   January 21st, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Obama will do anything to get elected. His supporters will get delusioned. Anthing he accuses the Clintons and Washington's convention of, he did, does, and will do it, but in different way.

Brian   January 21st, 2008 7:35 pm ET

Bill campaigning for her "Goldwater girl" on MLK day. Just remember if Hillary has her way not everyone can drink from the same water fountain.

Don   January 21st, 2008 7:34 pm ET

I just found a clip where Obama stated in a rally that he did not support Reagan's policy, but admired his ability to work with both parties for change. Once again, Reagan ignored the AIDS epidemic because he and others did not want to deal with the "gay" disease. There are things about Reagan to like, even admire, but lets hope history and Obama tell the truth about Reagan. His lack of vision cost millions of lives, and now in our own country effects millions of African Americans at a faster rate than any other group in our country.People are still dying and our current President seems clueless.I would not try and equate a new vision for America with that vision. Say what you want, Bill Clinton during his Presidency and even more now has done more to fight the global AIDS epidemic than most. For that, we owe him much respect.

Tara   January 21st, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Obama supporters keep attacking the former president's personality, which has nothing to do with anything. If you don't agree with him, attack his statements. Unfortunately, none of them can successfully prove him wrong.
Clinton has pointed out factual things about Obama that many of his supporters did not see or refuse to see:
1) Obama did change positions on Iraq war for political purpose. Yes, he said he opposed the war from the beginning. But there were times he did try to take that stance back. There were times he did try to moderate it. There were also times he did vote exactly the same way as the so-called "status quo" did. Then all of a sudden, when it came to the presidential race, he picked up the card that he once threw away, keep holding it in his hands and play it again, again, and again. Besides showing inconsistencies, he also shows no "agent of change".
2) And now he is showing a Republican agent in the Democratic party.

Clearly, Obama is very opportunistic politically. "same game played differently" is the only change that we can see in Obama up to this time. He has no substance nor spirit of any other kind of change, let alone positive ones.

Don   January 21st, 2008 7:13 pm ET

I may be wrong, but Bill was referring to the Reagan comment they discuss in this article, and comments made the next day by Obama. The way CNN reports this is confusing and misleading. Bill response is about two seperate statements made by Obama. Still, regardlesss, Obama started this latest round by basically dismissing Bill Clinton and his importance. I don't think Obama or Hillary would be running if Bill Clinton would have never been President. Maybe another 20 years, but I believe Clinton did much work to lay the groundwork for the two great canidates we have today. We, democrats, owe him our respect and we should be wise enough to know that his personel issues where part of a witch hunt. He is a human being, not a God, niether is Obama for that matter. Despite his scandal and some issues I don't agree with him onI I can't judge I wasn't there), he was still the best President in my lifetime.

sharon   January 21st, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Lou I use to respect you but even you must earn your bread and butter at the cost of the people you are no better then the rest

aware   January 21st, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Bill Clinton is a former president. Barack is an arrogant, presumptive, naïve candidate who hasn't a chance of being president this time around, and if he doesn't cool it, he never will.

Obama made some ill-advised comments, and Bill pointed them out. Obama ofuscated in his adds and often does in his rhetoric (see Newsweek) and Bill pointed it out. Obama's campaign line about Iraq is fair game, especially when it is considered in context. :)

Come on CNN – You can do better!

Hillary 08

Radio Head   January 21st, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Wow. Venecia nails it. I think the word she's looking for isn't muse but "sage," as in "wise one." I heard Bill speak recently, and boy is he smug sbout how great he really is. Yep, he definitely wants to be the Smartest Democrat until he dies and Obama represents the end of that dream. Good catch, V.

Biggdawg, Chicago   January 21st, 2008 6:57 pm ET

"Obama's comments last week did not compare the two presidencies. The senator said that Reagan had changed the “trajectory” of the country, and “put us on a fundamentally different path,” "

CNN, the first sentence is patently false. Obama did compare the two presidencies, knocking Bill Clinton as a result. To paraphrase the entire quote, Obama said Reagan changed the trajectory of the country in a way that Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton didn't. That is a comparison if ever there was one. Now not only are you slanting your articles in his favor. You're lying outright on his behalf.

Moreover, I was concerned that Obama might not have known who immediately preceded and succeeded Reagan. Jimmy Carter preceded him and Bush 41 succeeded him. I'm curious why he went two presidents away on either side.

Mike Wilson   January 21st, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Bill Clinton is so popular (85%-approval rating) that people tremble when he speaks and every negative comment made proves it. Hillary stuck by his side as Bill is sticking by hers, it just so happens he was once President. Accept it. Get over it and welcome Hillary as the next President of the United States! It's inevitable! So stop crying the blues and do the only thing you can do.... VOTE.

Venecia   January 21st, 2008 6:55 pm ET

It's becoming more apparent that the former President is not defending his wife nor is he helping to get her elected. Instead, the former President is fighter for his long prestigious status as the only clear thinker of the Democratic party– The Muse. Someone else has suddenly come on the scene. Someone else has challenged his status. Barack Obama has come along speaking as eloquently, as articulately, as confidently as the former President, and with a better message. Obama is the new muse and the former muse is becoming increasingly insecure.

Radio Head   January 21st, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Hillary polls behind Barack in NH. Emergency staff meeting is held, going negative is OKed. Bill volunteers and since that day not a truthful word has passed his lips. Wth HiRC losing 15 percent of her NV margin within the next week and major endorsements for Obama over the weekend, it looks like Bill's pity party might be dragging Hill down instead of boosting her. Tears? Check. Kvetching? Not working.

Don   January 21st, 2008 6:49 pm ET

I think the bigger issue has been brought up. CNN. I used to defend this netowork, but now I do see a bias in the reporting. Whatever side you fall on, the reporting is in favor of Obama because its a better headline. Obama made remarks that were wrong and offensive to democrats and Bill Clinton. Clinton responds, and now its reported that Bill is starting trouble. Well, if Obama would not have made thopse comments, Bill would have had nothing to say. Also, CNN is reporting that James Clyburn tells Clinton to Chill. Well, thats part of what Clyburn says. He also critizes Obama for his remarks about Reagan. I guess its okay for my congressman to critize Obama, but not my former President. Where is the CNN headline that states Clyburn critizes Obama??? Its the reporting and we sit here and fall for it. CNN and MSNBC is not doing any of us justice in this election. FOX is starting to look good and thats scary. The media is claiming the canidates are causing this race/gender issue, when if you look real close, they are the wons hyping it. Anything for a splashy special or graphic. Guess next week the special will "Race War 2008" only on CNN. Sad, and Americans are falling for this.
Anyone that goes and actually hear their canidates know that this is not the issue. We are doing our country a disservice by allowing the media to let this continue and distract from what America really needs. It makes my skin crawl to her "the best political team" in news try and pretend they don't know what they are doing. The only one I believe is Donna Brazille, she still has her dignity.

Terry   January 21st, 2008 6:45 pm ET

– CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand writes "Obama's comments last week did not compare the two presidencies." I think this is a part of the 'fairy tale'! Come on CNN, I expect better than this!

sharon   January 21st, 2008 6:43 pm ET

well I see its working wolf and gang and the whole media what a sad day do you think obama will get a pass if he wins this thing I don't think so you know this isn;t a high school race. People who want power are really sick meantime everyone still gets to live pay check to pay check the media started this How many of you have ever been to Iowa do you think thier wasn;t funny things going on bush and gang are getting just what they wanted.

Jack, Greenville, SC   January 21st, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Just for the record, for people who claim that Obama shouldn't complain about Bill going on the attack, know that Bill Clinton did actually misreport what Obama said when criticizing him.
Clinton has every right to point out problems that she sees with Obama, Bill just needs to get his facts straight first.

Leah DiMarco, TX   January 21st, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Frank,

Senator Obama was a 'state' senator at the time.
He could not vote for or against the war in Congress.
That is why is was absent and did not show up for the vote.

Only the U.S. Senators were allowed to vote on that issue!

Leah DiMarco, TX   January 21st, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Maybe Dr. Phil should come to the rescue of Bill Clinton!
A few sedatives and bed rest might be in order!

Nahh... it is better for Bill to keep talking and show his true colors to the American people.

Obama '08

Calvin   January 21st, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Everytime Bill Clinton starts to point his finger, all I can think of is "I DID NOT HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH THAT WOMAN".

I appeal to Barack Obama to speak in more detail about his achievements as a Civil Rights Attorney.
Most poor and blacks will not seek out this information on their own. CNN and The Evening News are often their only source of information. Give them what they NEED to hear.

God Bless,
C.

Frank   January 21st, 2008 6:24 pm ET

I've read all your comments and none of you have addressed the issue? If what Clinton said about Obama isnt true. Then what did Obama do to insinuate the he wasn't in favor of the war? Did he lobby in congress to appose the war? NO. Did he caucus with his fellow democrats. NO, I believe he was absent from the Vote. So if he was apposed to the war why didnt he even have the fortitude to SHOW UP for the vote.

Save Clinton from himself   January 21st, 2008 6:17 pm ET

I think Bill has completely lost it and needs to see a psychiatrist urgently, how can anyone lie this much and feel no remorse especially an ex president? What Obama said about Reagan was the truth and only people who do not read the papers or watch the news will listen to these lies Clinton is telling.

If Republicans are crossing over to vote for Obama that tells you what faith awaits Hillary when Bill and the establishment forces her down people's throats. It's looking like a republican will be president once again because, like many democrats and Independents I can never vote for Hillary.

Louis, New York   January 21st, 2008 6:10 pm ET

This country is going to the dogs when people remember all Bill Clintons wonderful achievements and remark that he did more for us than anyone.
I remember 8 terrorist incidents that he did nothing about, allowing our troops to be dragged through Mogadishu and calling direct attacks against United States interests, servicemen and Government instillations all orchestrated by Al Queda a criminal act.
He KNOWINGLY opened the door wide for 9/11 and refused to take Bin Laden from the Sudan 3 times after we had warrants for him.

I wonder WHY would terrorists themselves endorse Hillary for president now? yes indeed, Hamas and Al Queda spokesmen have endorsed Hillary. Great credentials. More wonderful achievements and firsts?

- The only president ever impeached on grounds of personal malfeasance
- Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates*
- Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation
- Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify
- Most number of witnesses to die suddenly
- First president sued for sexual harassment.
- First president accused of rape.
- First first lady to come under criminal investigation
- Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign contribution case
- First president to establish a legal defense fund.
- First president to be held in contempt of court
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions from abroad
- First president disbarred from the US Supreme Court and a state court

FACTS PEOPLE!. Check facts, this isn't about picking a new color paint for your wall, it's the presidency. No do overs!

And I hear the Hillary cheerleaders, we want a woman in office, oh what we will suffer with more of these people in office.

ANYONE BUT HILLARY '08

Julie   January 21st, 2008 6:10 pm ET

CNN is so obviously supporting Obama! The further we get into this election cycle the more obvious it becomes. I like CNN, and I will continue to use it as my main news source, but I will take ANY analysis and reporting from them of this politcal race with a grain of salt because they can't seem to report it without slanting it in favor of Obama.

For what it's worth, both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are doing exactly the same thing so if you are going to lose respect for one because of it, then the other one deserves the same treatment!!!

Karen   January 21st, 2008 6:06 pm ET

So you decided you don't care for someone today or are you just repeating over and over and over that you don't like someone. I think it is understood how you feel about certain people.

I have heard of beating a dead horse, but now it is a matter of digging a hole, burying the dead horse, digging the dead horse back up, beating the dead horse and picking at the bones of the dead horse. I think you have made clear you position.

Distantfan   January 21st, 2008 6:06 pm ET

What I find horribly shocking is that people are treating the primaries like an American Idol contest. Think about this: if politicians with a long history of advocating for minorities can be called racists, and years of dedicated work is thrown out simply because someone of color wants to win an election, what hope does any community or interest group have in the future? I find this appalling.

All of a sudden the media and Oprah decided who should be the candidate and any political game is suddenly off limits to one candidate because he is black? This is politics, they are supposed to go up against each other so that we can gauge their competence. The hands-off approach to Obama is unbelievable, just as the dismissal of every other Candidate that is not Hillary is. The Clinton hating should stop, and the other "invisible" candidates should have their share of exposure. That does not include simply asking their opinion of the latest Obama/Clinton dispute.

As Americans, we should be ashamed that we are acting like the mobs that play along with American idol.

Carl   January 21st, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Open your eyes people, both sides are hitting hard as they should. If calling someone out on their political record is dirty tricks then I am very worried about the direction we are headed. I started out an Obama supporter but after much research and listening to the debates have completely changed my support to Clinton. Some experience is necessary and she has it with substance to back it up. Obama has only shown that he has good speech writers and a great public persona. I don't feel he has what its going to take to repair the extreme damage this county has suffered, maybe next go round. In the meantime Obama should go to bed with his fairy tails.

Tim   January 21st, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Obama does his dirt, but when the table is turned, he starts whinning about Bill and Hillary, but he will attack Bill and Hillary every chance he gets. Obama, don't put it there out if you can't take it. Keep talking Bill because Obama is not going to stop playing dirty. He just wants a free ride. I can attack you, but don't dare attack me, I am special.

OBAMA MAMA Twin Cities, MN   January 21st, 2008 5:53 pm ET

BILL IS CRYING THAT OBAMAS CAMP IS INVOLVED IN DIRTY TRICKS!! ARE YOU KIDDING!!! WELL POT, MEET KETTLE....
Hillary cries because everyone is picking on her!!! WAHHHHHHHH! Obama is quoted as speaking the truth and Bill says that its a dirty trick! Give me a break. Bill started his belly aching about voter intimidation in NV before the poles even opened so if his wife lost the popular vote he could scream "I told you so. I told you so. Voter intimidation!!!".
In NH he cried that his wife wasn't getting enough press (Edwards has whined about the same thing but in his case he has a point). Before the results come in at the primaries Billary starts to WHINE and CRY. They whined that people and the media were picking on them about their MLK and "fairy tale" comments when they were the ones that said them. Then they used the fallout to race bate Obama which backfired and they whined about that too. If Billary gets the nomination (God help us) half the Dems won't vote for her and not a single Rep or Indi will (that includes me). It will be another 4 years of Rep rule. Not to mention that if she does get the nomination (ain't going to happen) that Bloomberg will definately jump in and run as an Indi, further making it impossible for the Dems to win. Then we will definately see some tears from Billary!!!
Bill is so jealous of Obama its sad! He has to blatently misquote Obama to make himself feel needed and important. Even this article called him on his wildly mis representing what Obama said about Reagan. Its like a disease Bill just cant stop himself from blabbing. I lose respect for Bill more and more every minute. Its funny , Bill didnt fight for Gore when he was running for pres (its that jealousy thing again). I used to think that the lack of support from Bill for Gore was part of why he lost but judging from Bills comments now I think it was a god send that Bill wasn't involved with the Gore campaign. Bill is fighting so hard for Hillary not because he loves her (we all know that) but because this is his shot to return to the whitehouse.
Bill cant help to try to divide the American people and thats probably why hes so jealous of Obama. Only Obama can get the votes Dems need to win (remember 2000 and 2004). It was too close the last two elections and the Dems are going to need all the votes they can get and only Obama is the one that can get those votes. Rep CAN"T pick him apart because he doesn't have the slime trailing down his back like Billary does. Can you imagine the ads Reps will run if they run against Billary. Reps will bring up every dirty (and I do mean DIRTY) back door deal Billary has ever been involved in (and there are so many to choose from it's scary). Reps can't WAIT to run against Bilary, they are scared to death to run against Obama. If Dems were smart (and by reading some of these Obama hater comments I'm starting to wonder about that) they would run, not walk away from Billary.
Like alot of americans I can't wait to see a woman in the white house (I am a woman with two daughters and a son) but not Billary. I am young and I know it will happen sooner then you think but I want the right person and I'm not going to support Billary just because part of the team is a woman. I want someone my children could look up to it ain't Bush, and it ain't Clinton, and it ain't Bush, and it ain't Clinton again (no more dynasties please). Based on Billarys behavior I can't believe I voted for Bill twice and I used to support Hill. Don't be fooled people, we can have the prosperity without the scandal.

Obama 08

Nancy   January 21st, 2008 5:50 pm ET

I feel that Bill Clinton is causing great damage to the Democratic Party, and that even if Hillary wins the nomination, he will have turned the stomachs of so many loyal Democrats, that there will be no chance of her winning the general election.

Tim   January 21st, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Obama does his dirt, but when the table is turned, he starts whinning about Bill and Hillary, but he will attack Bill and Hillary every chance he gets. Obama, don't put it there out if you can't take it. Keep talking Bill because Obama is not going to sop playing dirty.

MT   January 21st, 2008 5:37 pm ET

It's a sad day for the country when a former president stoops so low to try to regain power. But this is the couple who bend truth like a slinky... did you know Hillary actually told Sir Edmund Hillary (first man to reach Mt. Everest's summit) that she was named after him? Trouble is: she was born in 1947 and Sir Edmund didn't complete his historic climb until 1953. Hmmm... truth can be SO inconvenient sometimes!

S, WI   January 21st, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Obama is so naive letting Bill get under his skin.
This is clever tactics from Bill Clinton.
If Obama starts attacking Bill then not only he goes off message but also majority of Democrats who love Bill is going to be mad at Obama.
If Obama continues to ignore Bill then it tranishes his record as democrats tend to listen to Bill.
In either scenario this a no-win situation for Obama.
All Obama can do is whinning like a baby.

Clinton   January 21st, 2008 5:35 pm ET

old man. irrelevant.

Don   January 21st, 2008 5:33 pm ET

We all know what Obama was saying in his comment. Obama is a great speaker and even better at sliding an attack in under the radar. As a real democrat I do feel he insulted Bill Clinton, who did a lot of good things for our country and even during the republicans vicious attacks on his presidency, still gave us a great economy and a budget surplus. As a child I admired Reagan, and I do credit him with the falling of the Berlin Wall and a change in the Cold War, I wouldn't say the end. However, we forget that it was Reagan who turned his back on the AIDS epidemic, let it spiral out of control and now we are still faced with a epidemic that has no end in sight. Bill Clinton as President did tackle the AIDS crisis, while Bush has ignored it once again and now Its taking its toll on another monority group, African Americans. Bill Clinton has worked hard to bring this epidemic to an end and he deserves our praise and respect. We all have a selective memory. I believe Bill has a right to speak out and defend his work, his wifes work. Hillary will be a President who gets the job done.

Leah, TX   January 21st, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Senator Obama is a great statesman, a man with integrity, and a man not afraid to tell the truth. We all should be proud to witness this great time in history.

Bill please go home you've had your day in the spotlight, it is time for the country to move forward in time not backwards.

Obama '08

Kim, Dallas, TX   January 21st, 2008 5:27 pm ET

I voted for Bil twice and now I cannot stand to look at him. I don't trust him or HIllary and if she wins the Democratic nomination, I will vote Republican for the first time; John McCain or Mitt Romney would be better than Hillary. John McCain is a very honest person with integrity. The "dirty tricks" coming from Hillary's campaign far outweigh anything that Obama has done. To think we were worried that if Obama does win the Democratic nomination, he couldn't stand up to the Republican tactics. I do believe that the Clintons are showing how tough it can get...how words can get manipulated....how corruption comes into play..... they are doing more to damage the Democratic party causing segregation between races. They don't care what they are doing, they are out for the power and that's it. Thier lies, manipulation, and tactics are what I simply hate about politics. I have a background in psychology and I know how easily people can be mislead when things are misconstrued or outright manipulated. We will end up with a candidate that will do nothing to make our country grow and get away from the corruption that is so prevalent in Washington. Bill, I used to admire you, but now I despise you.

For you who are voting for her simply because she is female, you are doing our gender a complete disservice. I want a female president too, but one I can admire and respect. Not one who is achieving votes because of her "pitbull" husband and using her 35 years of life as an adult as experience.

Brian   January 21st, 2008 5:26 pm ET

The Republicans won the last 2 elections with dirty tricks. They will probably have to be beaten with dirty tricks. Sad to say, but the Democrat candidate will likely be the one who best demonstrates a capability for dirty tricks.

James Lucas Clemmons NC   January 21st, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Don't take the bait Obama. ... stay on track son. ... Bill is good at this. Keep your message focused.

CD   January 21st, 2008 5:14 pm ET

The Clintons will do anything and say anything to get back in the White House. It will be sad for the country if that happens. Bill already disgraced the office, why give Hillary the opportunity? Certainly there are people better qualified to be President. Wanting to be president does not qualify you to be president.

mark   January 21st, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Bill, I liked you as a president because you did a lot of good things. But, as an individual I never liked you because of all your lies during your scandals; I did not mind all your extramarital relationships too much though. Now, you're showing us how low you can go for your wife's achievement. Remember, you don't qualify to run for a president though you've more experience than almost anybody. And, there is a reason why that clause is included in the constitution. If you respect and believe in the constitution and in the people, stop running for the presidency for your wife; let your wife run for it by herself.

You're bringing too much disgrace to the former presidents. I'm ashamed of being your fan previously.

We don't want you, old man.

cal   January 21st, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Omg I cant take anymore Clinton. Please people.... Obama 08! For all out sakes.

Ray   January 21st, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Obama says Bill is "Attacking" him then he hasn't seen nothing yet. Nothing he has said has been false. Why does NObama think he is above someone questioning him or his past? Grow a pair NObama!!

Lev Klinemann, CA   January 21st, 2008 5:11 pm ET

The Clintons sure have the Bush playbook, attack where you're weakest.

Although it would be worth it to see the Republicans' head spinning around if Hillary wins...

...so as you can see I am very torn.

Another Steve   January 21st, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Well Bill this is a LOAD OF CRAP. maybe you forgot how you signed off on NAFTA. This was part of Regean's trickle down theory and has killed the manufacturing segment of our economy. The ONLY reason the economy posted a plus during your Presidency was the internet growth that had nothing to do with you. You and Hillary are WAY more Republican big business, special interests than any of the other Democrats running. Tell the truth at least once in a while before everyone in the country has no more respect for you.

Brasileiro   January 21st, 2008 5:10 pm ET

I can't believe I once admired Bill Clinton.

concerned citizen, Mesa, Arizona   January 21st, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Obama whining again. He acts like such a baby when he is losing. Bill is just defending his wife. Michele is all over the place attacking Hillary. Oprah attacked Hillary. So what do you consider fair game.

RightyTighty   January 21st, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Bill is mopping the floor with Obama. The corrupt media is all the rage, ain't it??

Ha Ha!!

Christian, Tampa FL   January 21st, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Bill is getting ugly and it really bothers me. It should be notable that Obama won the entire rural population of Nevada, and it gave him more delegates than Hillary. We all know that if Hillary were alone against Obama, she wouldn't have half the support she has.

Jack K., FT Myers, FL   January 21st, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Thank you Bill...

Just when I thought we could not get more polarized...you went and opened your mouth again.

Let me explain Bill:

See "real diversity" in John Edwards efforts to be inclusive of ALL Americans–without pandering to the social/ethnic special interests who've always kept you in power.

Read again his warnings of the power special interests are having in Washington.

NOW TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT CLINTON AND OBAMA ARE DOING..

Does anyone have a doubt...they are NOT the agents of change and reconcilliation they say the ARE!!!

Its not too late...Edwards 2008!!!

Al in Wpg   January 21st, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Bill, shut up. You're loosing respect faster than the american dollar.

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