January 23, 2008
Posted: 09:00 PM ET
CNN

Bill Clinton got visibly upset with CNN's Jessica Yellin Wednesday.

(CNN) – Bill Clinton became visibly upset Wednesday over comments by a prominent South Carolina Democrat that compared the former president's actions on the trail to those of infamous Republican strategist Lee Atwater.

In an interview with CNN's Jessica Yellin, Dick Harpootlian, a former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party and a supporter of Barack Obama, said some of Bill Clinton's recent remarks on the campaign trail were appeals based on race and gender. He said the comments were meant to "suppresses the vote, demoralize voters, and distort the record," and said they were "reminiscent of Lee Atwater."

Clinton sharply disputed the charge, and lashed out at Yellin for raising the question.

"You live for this. This hurts the people of South Carolina," he said. "Because the people of South Carolina come to these meetings and ask questions about what they care about. And what they care about is not what's going to be in the news coverage tonight, because you don't care about it.

"What you care about is this. And the Obama people know that. So they just spin you up on this and you happily go along. I mean, the people don't care about this," he added. "They never ask about it. And you are determined to take this election away from them. And that's not right. That is not right. This election ought to belong to those people who are out here asking questions about their lives."

Filed under: Bill Clinton • South Carolina


Alice   January 28th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

That's what their "supporters" like to see. Bill! I don't think Chinese and Saudi government would be happy if you throw their money into the sea.

SOHAN   January 26th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

CNN SHOULD GET OFF BILL BACK HE CARRY YOU AND THE WHOLE COUNTRY FOR A LONG TIME. PUTTING THIS COUNRTY BACK ON TRACK AFETR THE FIRST BUSH MESS IT UP YOU PEOPLE HAVE A VERY SHORT TERM MEMORY.HILLARY WILL DO BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE.

olive   January 26th, 2008 2:35 am ET

a vote for Hillary Clinton is no longer a vote for the first woman president, it's a vote for the first 3 term president since FDR and Bill Clinton is NO FDR.
Hillary is depending on her husband, she is not acting like the independent woman i would want for president.
I am sick and tired of Bill Clinton and his dirty politics.
i used to be a Bill Clinton supporter, in fact i was one of the millions who kept supporting him while he put the country through so much–for so little.
With the way the former President is behaving on the campaign trail–.it's clear they have become egomaniccs only out for themselves. I will vote for Barak Obama and a new future away from all this attack dog politics.

the way hillary laughed about 'Bill Clinton being the first black president'–I found that offensive, even though I am not black myself. Who do they think they are?

angel lv   January 26th, 2008 1:06 am ET

i have written two coments this week and none have been posted, i guess what i write against cnn and the coverage you have on obama and yes wolfe you are the worst of all of you reports on cnn . i said the black people were voting on color and nothing else , you dont belive me . then explane whats happening in s.c. with the black voters. cnn you are disgusting , from now on i will look to onthere news station to watch. who pays you to say such garbage on the air. i guess you will censor this coment too, but thats ok i am glad some one will read it before its thrown in the trash can

VICTOR @NJ   January 25th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

EXCELLENT POINT BILL !!!!!

You know the central media reporters and news casters; they all have mud on their faces for being disrespectful of the American electoral rights. They keep overstepping its boundaries by overplaying & over-exaggerating political events, forecasting irresponsibly winners & losers. Let's not forget how they played Hillary Clinton's political death after IOWA. Just to be proved deadly wrong later on, by the way, NOBODY from the press has been honest enough to apologize for that miss-information of the public.

People from the MEDIA, please don't tell us who is more likeable, who is more funny, who is more religious or not, or who is more positive or negative. These are all superficial and insignificant things. We need to know about their substance, about their personal experience. We need to know about their personal accomplishments, also their fundamental differences and whether or not their campaign promises are things that can be accomplished given our current situation; of course by being FAIR AT ALL TIMES. That should be your commitment to us the people.

In America, we all have THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ELECT AND TO BE ELECTED, Yes even MRS. CLINTON please, let's NOT forget that people from the sensationalistic media.

NOBODY and much, much less the MEDIA should be allowed to play with serious issues like race & gender that impact profoundly the POLITICAL FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY. They need to remain NEUTRAL & show more respect for the people in South Carolina & the entire USA

Jenna   January 25th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

CNN- also seems to weed out anyone who says anything intellegent against OBAMA and for the Clintons. I have it with you Ticker and your dis-honest Jerry Springer news reporting. Stick to the facts, quit throwing fuel on fires that do not exist! Clinton's racist, you have got to be kidding me!

Get some real reporters and start being nuetral like reporters should be!

Signed,

Disgusted with CNN

SN   January 25th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

The Clintons have already cost this country through the impeachment saga…Bill has already shown poor character while President; he is doing so again. Is this a reality that the Clintons are in fact not pro Black as they played out to be in the past.

Howard, Westport CT   January 25th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

My god. When are people going to come around to the fact that a vote for the Clintons ,or the Republican party for that matter ,is endorsing business as usual in Washington?? All these people, with the exception of Obama and Edwards have been lifelong politician and are friends of the Washington establishment both Democrat and Republican. We need to throw these people out, look at the situation they have got us in. We are hated throughout the world.
We are occupying two countries. We have illegal jails in Guantanamo Bay where people are being held without due process. Every human being deserves due process. We kidnap people using rendition and then torture them in foreign countries. We have a huge deficit. We are the only developed country without healthcare for it's citizens. Do I need to go on??This what the Washington establishment has done in the last 20 years. Bush, Clinton, Bush. We do not need more of the same.

Williams   January 25th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Bill Clinton, your presidential election has come and gone. You made a fool of yourself and your wife before, and now your trying to discredit an honest mans record. Leave politics alone, it is time for a change! You used the black vote to get in the white house last time but you won't USE the black vote again. You care nothing about blacks except a ballot.

Mike in Kentucky   January 25th, 2008 1:02 am ET

And to those of you who will point out that the offensive comment did in fact "disappear", I would ask what if someone had not called CNN out, over and over again, with many different wordings: Would that post still be on this page?

Fair and balanced…you decide!

believer   January 25th, 2008 12:23 am ET

NO

keith Pike   January 24th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

Shame,Shame,CNN

Mike in Kentucky   January 24th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

"CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity"

This is copied from the bottom of the page you and I are reading.

It must have been the strong darned and the yellow stuff that sounds like bus.

Whew! I thought something fishy was going on here! :-)

Mike in Kentucky   January 24th, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Last night I attempted to post a statement in support of the Clinton candidacy.

I will not try to reproduce exactly it here, but the point was that there has been an unrelenting onslaught of attacks against both the Clintons, by the Republican hit machine, going back to their early days in national politics and carrying through the impeachment and subsequent acquittal of President Clinton and even to today.

They have survived it.

I fear I must be careful here; I used the stronger version of darned and referred to the yellowish discharge found under scabs by a word that sounds a bit like bus.

These references were to Republican financial backers and Republican political operatives (sometimes the same thing) .

The inference to be drawn was that the Clintons have both survived…for years…Obama has yet to be tested in the fire of fierce Republican scrutiny.

The post was somewhat longer than this…and I hit "enter" and it apparently uploaded but there was no message "awaiting moderation" from me.

I scrolled to the bottom of the blog and there in the comment box was my post. I hit " enter again…and a screen I have never seen before, informed me that a comment exactly like this one had been received.

It disappeared.

I want to be charitable and think that it was because I used some "questionable language…but really…in 2008!?

Or was there another factor in play?

We are being censored here, in more ways than one.

I wonder if this comment will "await moderation"?

G   January 24th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

This is exactly why she shouldn't get elected. We don't need family dynasties in the white house becasue they can lead to this type of behavior. If she were to get elected who do you think would be running the country, Hillary or Bill? Former President Bill Clinton is not acting in a manner befitting his title of "Former President", or is he just sly like a fox and trying to circumvent our laws which prevent him from being in office for 3 terms?

Rudy   January 24th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

Way to Go BILL ! CNN seem to be amateur on this interviews. I Think if we have to step back in History, Enonomy is the Heart of this great Nation. The clintons have 8 years of that. I will place my Bet on a Thorough Bred. Most of the guys out here are Clinton Haters with self EGO interest to say. What comes down is Politics, Like News there ain't no News if it isn't contraversial enough to print. Reporters are like Kids, Can't you guys Grow up and print what is the Issue.

believer   January 24th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Billy lied and disgraced the integrity of what a President should be. He is a criminal. Impeached, disbarred, disgraced. Who does he think he is; so up in the American People faces with his disdain. He is an ex-president with a big asterick by his name. He isn't just campaigning for hilly, he has just declared war against Obama. This should have been a clean campaign without billy and his jealousy. It's over for him. He can't be president, again. It seems by his double talk that he doesn't care if hilly wins or not, he just doesn't want Obama to win. They have not gone after Edwards at all! It's always Obama. Hilly came into the race thinking it would be an easy ride, then they panicked and resorted to what they do best … dirty lowdown nasty mean spiteful tactics.

no more   January 24th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

Having read one more factual book and remembering the past, which many people choose to ignore, I have reaffirmed my decision of NO MORE Clintons in the White House. No more opportunities to rip off this country and no more lies and devisive scenarios from either of them. I had friends in Arkansas that filled me in on their actions there, before Bill ran the first time, much of which I was able to cofirm, but unbelievably things just continued and got worse.
Why are people so willing to possibly vote for the most amoral, dishonest candidate in the history of our country? If the majority of the people condone and endorse this behavior it implies that they see nothing wrong and are as bad as they are. If this is the case this is a country I no longer want to live in.
I'm an old lady and happy that I will not be around that much longer, but I like many others, have grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have to grow up in this country and I would love it if they could enjoy it as much as I did. It looks like the 'Great Depression' will have been a walk in the park in comparison to what they will confront in their life-times.

Scott   January 24th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

How soon we forget! Our economy was screwed up, theres were few jobs, the country's debt was continuing to climb— WHEN George H. Bush was President! During the Clinton years everyone who wanted a job had one, our economy was doing well, we were actually PAYING DOWN the debt, and GAS WAS UNDER $2 A GALLON! Now George W. Bush has been the PREZ for two terms and what do we have?- few jobs, the country's debt is the highest in US HISTORY, and the economy is screwed up. Sound familliar? Facts sometimes aren't easy to swallow, are they? I want a CLINTON back in the White House!

Erin   January 24th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Bill and Hillary are both liars. She lists all of these years of experience. Well, I guess the next time I type a resume I will list my husband's work experience as my own. If Hillary can do it, why can't the rest of us. Just by marrying someone with experience does not give you experience. Think about it.

Alex   January 24th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Barack is new, is fresh and is cool. The Clintons are old politics, with the same old ideas that didn´t work. They serve special interests since long time. Barack will eventually do too, but he is not corrupt at this moment. DC is not so deep in him. Let the guy do his job. Alex

California Craig   January 24th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

I agree with Clinton about the soap opera-style media coverage of the presidential race.

charlotte   January 24th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

1200+ comments and some of you wonder why the Clintons get all the press. Other sights are lucky to get 100 comments. I might add, in reading them the negativity is about 50/50 By far I think the Anti-Clintons are the nastiest, lowest and mean spirted. Most of the Anti-Obamas just call him naive and unprepared for the big dogs.

E.K.   January 24th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

I find it ironic that Bill Clinton said that the people don't care about this….yet he & Hillary are the very ones who tried to throw mud. In reality, there was none to throw. Obama's consistent intelligence, wisdom, and respectful behavior is what I'm observing. These qualities give me insight into how he would also be as President. He is indeed credible.

hogbodo   January 24th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

If Hillary wins the Democratic nominee, I will vote Republican.
Thanks Bill, by the way go home to sleep.

c martin   January 24th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

I am an Agrican American male 33 yrs old. During the 90's I loved the Clintons and I thought many African Americans like Bill Clinton. But with all the slash and burn comments….why are they so afraid of Barack Obama. Just run the campaign and move on. For God sakes…you are a former president of the U.S. Let your wife do the job so we can say she won by herself and not the help of her Husband and former President.

PS. I am thinking about changing my vote…..is sad to to see the former Presidential Couple stoop so low!

Ryan D., Saint Paul, MN   January 24th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

I can't get enough of him. Keep em coming, Mr. President!

B   January 24th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Bill Clinton couldn’t be more right! The press - in this case CNN –pounces on the bickering and the trivia and blows it all all out of proportion. And yes, many of us don’t want to hear that – we want to hear about the issues. Do you think the trivia and other garbage makes good entertainment, CNN? This is a presidential campaign and it is serious business, not entertainment. It should be treated as serious business preparing people to vote in a critical election. However, the real issues are being ignored, thanks to the endless tripe being fed to us by our media. The issues are what people need to listen to and research and think about. I couldn't believe the discussion after the Jessica Yellin/Bill Clinton clip that was shown: half a dozen or so reporters all saying the media DOESN’T concentrate on the trivia and slipping a bit of "political analysis" in there for good measure. CNN’s disclaimer went on for 10 or 15 minutes during which they actually showed the bickering tape again! This is exactly what Clinton was talking about! No information about issues came out during that wasted period of time.Then, John Edwards was actually interviewed. Finally! It's about time. What’s with the blackout on Edwards, American media? I want to hear what Edwards has to say about the issues. I want to hear what Obama and Clinton and - yes, Kucinich - have to say about issues, too. I even want to know what the Republicans are saying about the issues! I DON’T want to hear bickering and I DON’T want to hear about what the latest polls say and I DON’T want endless political "analysis". Let the candidates speak for themselves about the issues. Ask tough questions about the issues and don't let them off the hook by evading questions or giving vague answers. Tough questions do not include things like, "Why did you do so poorly in _(fill in the state__."Give me the issues - all of them - and the candidates- all of them. Skip the pompous analysis, stupid, shallow questions, the inane trivia (Hillary 'cries', Obama and Clinton squabble) and endless polls. I'll decide for myself when I hear the candidates speak for themselves.

Scott Mansfield   January 24th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

I agree with him in general…there's too much news coverage about conflict and he said/she said. After all the debates and coverage, can most voters accurately list their candidate's stand on various issues? I'm not sure. They can probably explain some way that the candidate they don't like said something offensive, but how is that helping to pick the next president and get the country on track? Conflict is compelling but we need something more than a soap opera in the election coverage and CNN and other stations aren't providing it very much. And most viewers are getting used to this crap…whether it's Britney in rehab or which Dem candidate is guilty of accusing racism. It's all the same pablum we get fed while the country goes down the toilet.

Cal, Boston, MA   January 24th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Imagine having BILL CLINTON saying "Shame on you". Good grief….coming from that SHAMELESS dirtbag.

A Democrat   January 24th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I agree with Bill Clinton. CNN does live for this. Jessica Yellin was probably very excited about that question, and Clinton burst her bubble. I do not feel sorry for her or CNN at all.

aisha   January 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

CNN IS RUNNING ADS OF OBAMA ,SO THEY GET PAID . SO EVERYTHING THEY SEE ABOUT CLINTONS THEY SHOW IT AS NEGATIVE
AND EVERTHING ABOUT OBAMA IS A POSITIVE THING
WELL I GUESS MONEY TALKS
PLUS THEY ARE SCARED TO SAY ANYTHING AGAINST OBAMA BECAUSE THEY MIGHT GET BLAMED FOR RACE CARD

Eric, Elk Grove, California   January 24th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Wow! What's Bill saying? CNN's Jessica Yellin, a reporter, is not allowed to ask a question about the Atwater comment? Where are we Bill? Pakistan?

P.L.   January 24th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I have become very disappointed in the way that the Clintons have been campaigning. I believe that Bill Clinton has already served as president for our country and I wish not to see his face anymore in this campaign. It is making his wife look very incompetent of holding her own ground in this campaign. This in tell makes me believe she is incompetent of running this country. To say the least it is also bringing about true colors of the Clintons and I personally am looking for a honest president full of integrity and truth. I don't believe that ether Clinton seems to be presenting themselves in this way. Mr. Clinton your are loosing cool points and please go home you
are in the way.

JW   January 24th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Bill is right. The media is biased and prejudice. They make their own polls of whom is going to win and then give that candidate the most air time. They twist words that a candidate may have said all in the name of a story.

Charlie, DE   January 24th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Free speech in America, as long as it is legal.

Obama did use drugs. It was written in his own book.
Why can't other people mention this thing? Only because he is black?

The media should dig out all of the candidates, good or bad, let people to judge based on what they did in the past, not just what they are saying now.

Beautyful talks are written by the staff hired by compains, not the candidates themselves. People, wake up.

Jaimie   January 24th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

After actually watching the video, I thought CNN's headline, "Bill Clinton gets upset with CNN reporter," to be a little inaccurate. I didn't see any emotional outburst, just a well-placed criticism of the media. Is that automatically getting upset with a reporter in CNN's view? It's ironic - Bill Clinton criticizes the media for being self-obsessed, and the media reacts with a self-obsessed headline. It wasn't about the reporter - it was about how the coverage has told us precious little about the candidates and their stand on the issues.

Jeannette   January 24th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

What is all the concern about Obama's race. He is just as much white as he is black. Whats the big deal about his race? I think we should worry about his experience instead of his color or gender. I don't feel comfortable with a president that has been on the scene for only 10 years. I think we need someone that has been around the block a few times and understands politics. I would feel much more comfortable with either Clinton or Edwards as our next president.

Lynn   January 24th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

I used to be a "Bill fan". Not anymore. These days you'd think that his name was Bill W. Bush.

TZ in Atlanta   January 24th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Mike : You said it for me. Thank you.

GMD   January 24th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

CNN needs to stop spinning the politics and allow voters to objectively view each candidates, when would big corporations and media be more objective and stop looking at their bottom-line - ad revenues.

Rick Martinez   January 24th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

At the moment, I am an Obama supporter. You can say whatever you want about Bill's reasoning for this or his methods, but his argument is correct. You can't fight the words he said.

Freida NYC   January 24th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Andreas and Mike, "AMEN!"

Finally two objective/factual people in this blog…love both your comments!

Mike Rodrigues   January 24th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

You call what Clinton said "lashing out?" He was simply articulating the truth, something he's good at. I think what bonehead journalists such as this female reporter and this Harpootly character can't seem to figure out is that Bill Clinton isn't President anymore. He doesn't have to dance to the medias tune anymore. He can speak his mind - simply and articulately. The media, CNN included, seem to think that it still has Clinton's thumbs in a vice, like the last two years of his Presidency. No, what you all have to deal with now in Bill Clinton is a man with far more intellect than most of you could ever aspire to, and a very clear memory of how he was treated by the media during the whole impeachment debacle, who is finally in a position to take the gloves off when he deals with media manipulation. He's not going to back down to accusatory comparisons with Lee Atwater, for heaven's sake! Nor should he. To compare Clinton to Atwater is like comparing him to Rove. No, I think he's done being baited. He's going to personally gather a huge number of like-minded citizens of this country and continue to challenge the credibility of mainstream news coverage. That's not "lashing out." It's simply challenging the media to evolve into something insightful instead of manipulative. Mike Rodrigues, Portland, OR

G in Ohio   January 24th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

This article is just about the reporter who got put in her place. There is anger in her eyes.

My last comment was taken away on this reporter.

Hillary 08

Andreas   January 24th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

I think Bill is right because for all you ppl who apparently haven't been following the election closely Obama and Edwards had form some kind of buddy system and were attacking Hillary and were very nasty against her before voting had even started and the media allowed these attacks to go largely unnoticed. It clearly had a negative impact in Iowa because Hillary finished 3rd.

The media were dancing on her grave after Iowa so what did you expect Bill to do just sit back and see the media get away with murder. Open your eyes ppl the media always try to weaken strong democratic candidates every election and cause the democrats to select someone who blows the election except for who, none other than Bill Clinton himself.

I think unfortunately you ppl have been swayed by Obama's empty words of hope and change because this guy has no serious track record of the type of leadership he is selling. I think the Bush administration has made such a mess of the country that ppl are willing to buy anything that sounds different, but I warn you fellow democrats that with the economy in crisis, ppl losing their homes, millions without health care and the host of other problems, a steady and experienced hand is needed to make things better or at least prevent them from getting worse. This, as Mr.Obama suggests, is not the politics of fear but it is a reality that we all need to face and come to terms with. Ask yourselves, since when the leader of the free world has been elected with only experience in the State legislature and two years in the Senate. For democrats and for America this election is too important to experiment with that question.

My fellow mules, we have all seen the Republican attack machine and what it can do in a general election and it is my honest opinion that Obama will be greatly affected because he has never faced that machine.

I will end by saying that we all have the luxury of hope but we do not have the luxury of losing another election.

tmd   January 24th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

I think he's finally started to inhale!

Thomas Henson   January 24th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

AMEN BILL!!!!! I am a John Edwards supporter in this election, but he is absolutely right! We DONT care about all this bickering nonsense, and when the media makes sensationalist crap the headlines it's THE PEOPLE that lose. That's right to those of you who made remarks on it, clinton was referring to the election being taken away from THE PEOPLE , not himself. If you folks would try and improve your literacy, maybe that little nuance wouldn't have escaped your tiny little minds.

Freida NYC   January 24th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

100% pro the Clintons!!!!! Americans either have dementia, or plain and simple ungrateful beings! Bill did for this country and other nations what no other president has ever done! What has Obama ever done other than talk? NOTHING!!!!!

Hillary is a remarkable woman! She is the only one that can fix the mess we are in now (thanks to Mr. Bush or rather Mr. BS).

It is about time that everyone in America have access to free or affordable health-care.

Voting for Clinton is Dumb   January 24th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Judy whats pathetic is your high regards for the Clintons. Bill has hurt this country more than everyone. Think N.A.F.T.A, W.T.O, H1B Visa and his Ballistic Missile Technology to China !!! He has hurt this country !!! Check out the fact .

edna   January 24th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Hillary and Bill Clinton should start getting on Obamas Whining—all Obama does is Whine!!—-Whine!! — Whine!! JUST WHATwe need in the WH is a Whiner, Frankly I'm tired of his high pitched whining and distressed cries of being ganged up on….does he think all the heads of other states or governments are going to cut him slack when they don't agree with him. NO!!!!!—NO!!!___NO!!!__Their just going to cut him off at the knees, walk down his back and take'em down. We need someone like Hillary thats NOT A WHINER. Can you believe that the Man Is a WHINER and the woman is UPRIGHT and S-T-R-O-N-G. Keep on keeping strong, Hillary.
EDNA

Elizabeth   January 24th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Bill's behavior is unpresidential and typical Clinton. . . slash and burn!

For all you who say that CNN is biased toward Obama, they have Donna Brazille, a Clinton supporter, as a so-called analyst. . . with every democratic remark basically pro-Clinton and anti-Obama. . . .and who keeps trying to stir the Republican plot.

I think *perception* has hit the Clintons. .. perhaps now, CNN is just acting objective whereas before they were favorable to the Clintons.

EB in DC   January 24th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Yesterday I made a comment that has not been posted. This also happened a few weeks ago. Frankly, I think I made a valid — or at the very least interesting and well articulated — point. There is so much drivel being posted as comments to so many of the Politicker posts, I really can't help by wonder what the criteria is for what comments get through. Especially since they comments are often rather offensive. Also, since so many of the comments that get through are anti-Clinton or even pro-Obama, I am forced to wonder if this is actually representative of the comments your are receiving. After all, so far the comments that I have had rejected have been pro-Clinton.

Fri   January 24th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Paul,

Your comments are just repulsive, and so full of hate.

Susan   January 24th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

I listened to Bill Clinton's comments several times and read the transcript. I agree with every word of Bill's. The press needs to start talking about issues rather than promoting and stirring up infighting.

RMH, New York City   January 24th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Bill is campaigning and good for him. Defending his wife, her career and a great presidential legacy. As far as his personal life goes, what one does behind closed doors, between consenting adults, is none of my busines, nor yours and most certainly should not be fodder for holier than thou so called good Christians.

Kevin, Ca   January 24th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Paul,

The same happened to me that CNN has also moderated my comments out.
They might think that I try to promote C-Span or some other neutral news network like AP & WorlNews.

IMO, Like other news networks Fox & MSNBC, CNN follows their foot steps to make any piece of news as much excitable in order to make money. NEWS REPORTING, to them and some Americans, is just simply boring. I' ll see this message will be posted or again deleted by CNN.

Fri   January 24th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I agree with Bill, CNN is clearly favoring Obama. Americans are foolish! can't you people see it…Obama is all talk, sel-defense, never admits wrong doing, and no action. I have a major problem with people who all they do is talk, talk, talk, talk, and absoluletly no ACTION. Just look at how he takes over each debate, and the CNN reporters never stop him. CNN enough of this crap!!!!! Hillary is by far the BEST democratic candidate… "actions speak louder than words!" And, she has proven it.

Bob in Minn   January 24th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

What happened to his "statesman" act? Looks like he's running for the White House!

George   January 24th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Do these families go to war?

paul   January 24th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

I would like to know why CNN has moderated my comments out, isn't my opinion as valid as everyone elses? All I am saying is America is blind, and the truth is so skewed it is impossible to believe anyone. there are good candidates on both sides but the clintons are not the answer. Here it is again

None of you get it! None of them give a lick about us, the current president blew it, and before him Clinton was having sex in the Oval Office and lying about it, and in case you haven't noticed GOOD news doesn't sell, you never hear about the positive things our troops are doing not only in Iraq but all over the world. The point is YOU CAN'T BELIEVE A WORD ANY DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN SAYS, and the Clintons have already proved they will lie cheat or steal to get what they want. They are power hungry and could care less about what we need, they all just tell us what we want to hear. And the media, I can't remember the last time I heard the truth from any of them, Believe half of what you see and half what you hear and maybe just maybe you will get enough of the truth to make a decision, but it will never come the Clintons. If you are thinking Clinton your brain is stuck on stupid.

marian chesham   January 24th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Tough Bill. You have to learn how to take it if you dish it out.

Lois   January 24th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I voted for Bill but I've lost all respect for him. He is WAY out of line attacking Obama the way he is. But… that's the Clinton way. I am a registered Dem. who will NOT vote for Hillary if she is nominated. Bill just can't keep his pants on. He'll be a distraction. The Repubicans are praying Hillary will be the nomination. May God have Mercy on our souls.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 24th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Persoanl to F.I.:

Bill Clinton was convicted of anything.

He was impeached by the House of Representatives enabling him to be put on trial before the Senate, where was not found guilty.

Please, do the research and don't rely on the right-wing intelligentsia to give you your speaking points.

Sue   January 24th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Bill and Hillary Clinton will go to any lengths to get back to the Whitehouse. They dont realise that their dirty politics alienates people. If Obama does not win the democratic nomination then my vote will go to McCain.

F.I.   January 24th, 2008 11:54 am ET

BILL CLINTON IS A CONVICTED LIAR. HE LIED UNDER OATH. DOESN'T THAT MEAN HE IS CAPABLE OF LYING ABOUT ANYTHING TO GET POWER.

BILL "BUBBA" CLINTON IS A CONVICTED LIAR, FOLKS.

Judy Kilgore   January 24th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Why hasn't the media taken note of how downright rude and nasty the Obama supporters (or fans, rather, since they act like he's a rockstar) are? We thought Karl Rove was bad — these people put him in the shade in their accusations, abusive language, lies, and Hillary bashing. It has made me lose respect for Obama since it is obvious he can't inspire these changes he talks about in his own fans. Everything they accuse the Clintons of, they are doing, themselves. It would almost be amusing if it weren't so irritating. It shows the lack of civility that is pervading our country when so many people post comments that sound as though they are on a Jerry Springer show. Whatever happened to manners and respect for others, even though you may not agree with them?

edsundaywinters   January 24th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Neither Clinton nor Obama can win in November. Edwards is the way to go for America.

Ken - MN   January 24th, 2008 11:44 am ET

All Clinton - All The Time. The Clinton News Network.

Obama/Richardson '08

Mark R. Fort Lauderdale FL   January 24th, 2008 11:44 am ET

What's so amazing to me is that all these "supposed" democrats are saying they'll vote for McCain if Hillary wins the nomination. What is wrong with you people? Is this what Obama's campaign is teaching you? Tell you what, you go ahead and vote for another stinking republican and send our country down the tubes for another 4 to 8 years, you bunch of pathetic sore losers. Any democrat, including Mickey Mouse, is bettter than 4 more years of fascism and regression.

John ny, ny   January 24th, 2008 11:40 am ET

I am moderate republician. I can't believe I am saying this. My first choice is Hillary if not then McCain second choice.

Amen

ella   January 24th, 2008 11:40 am ET

i'm sure no one will read my comment and i don't care…just writing for myself….my dream is that some day we as a human race evolve to be more rational and intelligent beings all across the board, myself included. there is an awful lot of chatter, gossip, hate, false idol worship, anxiety, misinformation, lack of information, half thoughts constantly filling these message boards.

littlewolfbain   January 24th, 2008 11:35 am ET

I will not vote for the Clintons or Obama. They act like small children fighting over a toy. They don't have time to worry about what is rite for the people here in the USA, they are to busy play ing the name game. Who ever we vote for needs to be someone who will be fair, and someone that will bring our jobs back. I for one am tired of the lies, and if I have too! when its time to vote, I will write in who I want as President.

Judy Kilgore   January 24th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Bill Clinton is absolutely right! Barack Obama whines and the media comes running to his rescue. President Clinton speaks the truth to a mindless reporter and the media, especially CNN, makes a big deal out of it, as though he had said something outrageous. The general public is sick of the media pleading Obama's case for him and they are sick of more attention being paid to race and gender instead of the issues. Of course it's a bit difficult for them to focus on the issues when their superstar is so weak on all of them. So they focus on everything else as a distraction.

Having said that, let me say that race is playing a much bigger role in Senator Obama's campaign than gender is in Senator Clinton's. So many black people have come right out and said they will vote for Obama because he is one of their own or because they have never had a black president. The same blacks who used to praise the Clintons are now critical of them and claiming the Clintons made racist remarks when they know that is nonsense. It gave some of them an excuse to drop their loyalty to the Clintons and vote for Obama, What is so infuriationg about that, too, is that Obama has done nothing for his people that I am aware of, while the Clintons have done a lot. Pathetic.

Ed, NC   January 24th, 2008 11:30 am ET

I will definitely vote Republican if Hillary wins the nomination.

Phil Memphis, TN   January 24th, 2008 11:23 am ET

upset? that was the most calm and measured response one can expect. Whatever you think of him, he is calling it like it is. The voters keep asking about the war, the economy etc. The reporters keep running back and forth trying to play up the race angle. I mea c'mon, when one of the questions to Obama in the debate is "do you think Bill Clinton was the first Black President?" You tell me what CNN is trying to do?

Pandersson   January 24th, 2008 11:17 am ET

CNN, it's true, you don't provide objective reporting. I've watched this since Iowa and you have a favourite among the Democrat candidates and and it's not Hillary.
/Not a Hillary-fan

Nayan   January 24th, 2008 11:10 am ET

If Hillary wins the nomination with all their dirty politics, then I will vote for the Republican candidate. Obama unites people, Hillary divides them.

Djalo   January 24th, 2008 11:09 am ET

If the american's know what is good for them they should go for obama. The united state is fast falling down in the face of the rest of the world and i strongly believe obama will make the united state to rise again. The american's should realize that the time of big names and race in the us politics is no more. Can somebody tell me who obama is running against Bill or Hillary clinton or the Clinton's?

Mike   January 24th, 2008 11:02 am ET

funny how when the proverbial shoe is on the other foot …
a foul is called …. as a "straight democratic" voter for years …
If Billery is the dems nomination .. my 1 presidential vote
will be for McCain … all others democratic … and I wonder
how the Dems party will feel with 4 or 8 more years with
the ownership handed to the republican party.

A vote for Barack is a vote you can "believe in" … Obama2008!

srindi   January 24th, 2008 10:51 am ET

The Media is making Tuff for Clinton..
No idea why they are doing like this

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 24th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Let's be honest folks, Hillary has the ultimate trump card - Bill Clinton, a very popular, smart and seasoned politician by her side. And the others can't match that.

Want proof?

How about a debate between Bill Clinton and Oprah? After all, it's alright for "The World's Smartest Woman" to stump for Obama with her public image, right?

agron   January 24th, 2008 10:49 am ET

BREAKING NEWS FOR CNN…

Endorsements: In Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell endorsed Hillary, becoming the 10th Governor to join the campaign. In California, Rep. Joe Baca became the latest Member of Congress to endorse, bringing Hillary's total to 84… In South Carolina, former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson endorsed Hillary and joined Chelsea to launch "Our Voice, Our Future," a two-week tour to encourage young voters to support Hillary and make their voices heard.

Nationwide Momentum: In Arizona, a new Arizona State University/Channel Eight poll has Hillary up by 21 points over Sen. Obama (45-24). In New Jersey, a new Quinnipiac University poll shows Hillary up by 17 points over Sen. Obama (49-32). Nationwide, a new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll has Hillary leading Sen. Obama by nine points (42 to 33).

4 Hillary   January 24th, 2008 10:45 am ET

For people who want to hear candidates talking about issue, they should ask CNN and media to refocus on what they report. Bill and Hillary are travelling in states to promote their policy and positions, and to answer questions. Media are not interested and do care for that.

Joy   January 24th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Hillary is the right candidate to lead this nation.
The Obama comments are not right. The media is supporting Obama…which is not Right.

Alfred D.Bills   January 24th, 2008 10:42 am ET

President Clinton is 100% right about the news people carring about Obama people"s remarks on Atwater comment .Let"s get
on with the importent reasons for this election. We very much need Mrs.Clinton to present her reasons for wanting to be elected as president of our country. God knows we need her kind of ledership,witch is Peace and Prosperity.
Al Bills

Mani from New Jersey   January 24th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Now when in the world did Hillary shed tears about CNN being mean to her? Isnt that what we would call "factually inaccurate". I couldnt help but comment on this one because anyone who reads these comments needs to know that it is WRONG information

Linda   January 24th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Everyone should take a chill-pill. It's all rhetoric, when are thre great people of this country going to wise up. it's all ONE party that acts like its disenfranchised with the other during election time-then when it's over they go into the backrooms and laugh about it. We need to truly find a leader that has not already been bought by the big giants of the world. American politics is hogwash; if its that good. LET"S GET REAL!!!!

Lee   January 24th, 2008 10:28 am ET

I voted for Bill Clinton in both presidential elections. I voted for Hillary in the NYS senatorial elections. However, at this time, I am reluctant to vote for Hillary in the February 5 primary. She is experienced, smart, and has done a good job as senator, but the stretching of Mr. Obamas remarks and the incessant, strident attacks on him by both Hillary and President Clinton seem to indicate their willingness to subscribe to dirty tricks, scurrilous and mean-spirited, take-no-prisoners campaigning. Our country deserves better than that; it is way too close to the Cheney-Rove-Shrub mentality. We know where that has gotten us.
Lee

Dave Froyalde/Washington   January 24th, 2008 10:17 am ET

To be honest, I am getting sick and tired of CNN. I am starting to avoid this station because they are always asking the hard questions on Hillary Clinton and is very soft on Obama. Is this station promoting Obama so that the Republicans win the general elections? Just thinking.

The Clintons are proven leaders. When a Nobel price awardee calls Bill Clinton the " Ist black president" that is credibility in its highest form. The Clintons have proven in their political/personal lives of their appreciation of people of color specially the African Americans. CNN should highlight the positive impact of the Clintons in our country. Thank you.

TAYLOR   January 24th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Bill was feeding the media. He brought the race and gender issue himslef. I wonder if people are looking at the same news that I'm watching and listening to his speech. Obama is not only fighting Hillary he has Bill to contend with and were is Hillaray? Thats right she left SC and left her dog to do her fighting. This her fight and not his. I don't care about what he has to say. I want to know what she has to say and let her take questions from the the people who stand out in the cold and wait for hours to see her and listen to her plans to to change this nation. Nothing will get done in the White House if she wins. Why? They don't like her and they don't want to work with her.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 24th, 2008 10:09 am ET

In this case Clinton is correct.

Nobody in the public meetings ever brings up the issue of race or gender, but the media does it continuously.

They do it to Obama, too, especially as it pertains to his Muslim father and step-father and his race.

How about covering the goings-on in the actual meetings/campaign stops with the people and what they are asking about, instead of priming the pump?!

Worst of all, the GOP are watching this nonsense and planning their strategy for the general election campaigning period - and they are getting a lot of ammunition!

As soon as the candidates are chosen, Rush Limbaugh will be out there, loaded for bear, hurling one piece of nonsense after the other at the Democratic candidate - nonsense he's gleaned from the Democratic primary season!

Steph, Ann Arbor, MI   January 24th, 2008 10:07 am ET

CNN and the rest of the media are trying to take this election away from the voters.

Repeated comments about how it was getting fun for reporters when Hillary Clinton lost her huge lead in the national polls. Raising questions about race and gender - why raise them if the voters are color and gender blind?

Why - because it makes better news than saying that Dr. King's vision of equality has been achieved and we aren't divided by race. Or that women are finally equal to men. Neither of those two achievements stir controversy.

Controversy is what CNN and the media live on. Their role began as reporting on news, now they see their role as making news.

Mike, Fort Washington, MD   January 24th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Bill Clinton is a joke. Hillary is running for president so that bill can redeem himself. They will continue to shame the white house just like Bush. That's why we need Change that WE Can Believe IN!! Their are a lot of Republicans that REGRET voting for Bush and you DEMS will feel the same way.

Milton, Harrisburg, PA   January 24th, 2008 9:59 am ET

Ah yes, it sends chills up my spine to think about the Clinton administration. Remember when we all had fat stock portfolios and the national debt was being paid down? Remember when the number of people that lived below the poverty line was dropping? Remember when we weren't hemmoraging money due to an invented war ? Bring me back those days, and the President can have sex with whomever she or he wants.

Quiet Mary   January 24th, 2008 9:53 am ET

get rid of Yellin she is a Hussain Obama mole…………

Neel ny, ny   January 24th, 2008 9:52 am ET

you are kidding me on this one????

Obama is a moron to come up with this explanation
________________________________________________
carol January 24, 2008 8:27 am ET

Obama is now saying that he accidentally hit the wrong button when he was voting on some issues! Help us God if he were to be elected! He might hit the wrong button and launch Nuclear Weapons!

Go home Obama and grow up!

Dave - NJ   January 24th, 2008 9:48 am ET

President Clinton MIGHT care about the voters of South Carolina but clearly Senator Clinton does not since she has already moved on to other states days before the SC primary. Hillary's position apparently is "Ok SC, you've had your 15 minutes of my time, now I have to move on to important states like California and New York".

I'm not disputing whether or not it is a good political strategy (it probably is) but as President she would have to care about 50 states (plus DC) not just the ones carrying the most delegates. I, for one, don't trust Hillary as far as I can throw her!

Marilyn Bryan, Taylor, AR   January 24th, 2008 9:48 am ET

It's a good thing that blogs and the media were not in full sway in the founding
days of this democracy. Thomas Jefferson would not have had a chance in the world of becoming president no matter what his qualifications.
Scandal-mongering is such big business that once-reliable sources have
turned into nothing more than scandal sheets and wagging tongues.
Who will suffer? USA voters who are demoralized by the politics of fear and
scandal and vote for the politician with the "best personality" over best qualified.
At least FOX is obviously biased despite claims otherwise.
Will we have to tune in to the BBC to get unbiased coverage of this election?
If Democrats tear Democrats apart, just wait till the selection narrows to the two parties. Obama doesn't have a chance against McCain's experience and
leadership, nor even that of Romney. He is definitely the Republican pick for the
Democratic candidate.
Reporters are only "doing their jobs". It is the guys at the top who are sanctioning
all the muck-raking and sensationalizing of every little tid-bit of information, be it
about Brittney, Princess Diana or the latest tragedy best left unreported on
24-7.

Bill, Detroit, MI   January 24th, 2008 9:45 am ET

bill is going over the top on the media, but he also is dead right about the media's approach to the campaign; follow the sexy story, forget about the substantive issues. If they do the former, all they have to do is write down what they hear. To cover the issues, they'd actually have to act like reporters instead transcribers. Too much work for them.

He is a bit disingenuous though, in his Obama comment. No campaign team plays the media better than the Clintons!

Dwight   January 24th, 2008 9:45 am ET

You media people should just do your job and ask questions that are related to the issue.

what do you want from Bill Clinton; he is only doing what any of us would do if our partners were running for office. He has every right to be out there as Michelle is. The only reason you are attacking him is because he is conviencing and people believe in him. Go Bill Go.

As for Obama he should work more and pay he's due. We need people who know their way around the white house. That house is sure big and people could get lost in there.

Way to go Bill keep it up.

deeanna jacobs   January 24th, 2008 9:44 am ET

Obama is not a credible candidate and that is the end of the story. His words are empty and it looks like a civil rights rally when he speaks. However, his win in SC will come back to haunt him. Hillary will win by a landslide on super Tuesday.

Barry   January 24th, 2008 9:38 am ET

Bill, you are so full of cr*p. Even the media is sick and tired of you. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you answer the questions they ask you? That seems easy enough, even for a talking head like you. (I can barely see Hillary's lips move now when Bill speaks!)

SHELLEY, london   January 24th, 2008 9:33 am ET

You Americans really have short memories. It was'nt long ago that the media was reporting all the negatives that the Clintons were spreading about Obama, and still are. Now that Obama is fighting back and the strategy is backfiring on the Clintons ,Bill is right about his comment to the media and Obama is a cry baby who is just like the Clintons? His statement would have been more credible if he has said it when his camp had the media crucifying Obama

Sam   January 24th, 2008 9:21 am ET

CNN - Why are all my comments in moderation?

I am a US citizen temporarily in Japan. I just finished watching this Clinton clip FIVE times in the span of one hour. The Jessica Yellin interview was laughable. Why is she getting air time to defend herself against Bill Clinton? Why is she nitpicking about Bill Clinton's version of what people care about and her own version of what people care about.

I abhor that Bill Clinton is on the campaign trail. His words have no credibility with me. However, just because a few people asked about race (according to Jessica), it is still not the dominant issue to people, which is what Bill Clinton was trying to convey. Jessica knows that. CNN knows that. She's being defensive and over sensitive.

CNN you may get viewer attention. But you do not get viewer respect.

I have little choice but to to watch you here in Japan, but on return to the US, I will not.

The Clinton's will do anything to get elected.
The Obama's will do almost anything to get elected.
CNN will do absolutely anything to get ratings. Journalism or prostitution?

Jel   January 24th, 2008 9:20 am ET

My Gosh people ARE a lot smarter than I give them credit.
Bill and Hillary need to retire and go home. Period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We never need to see their faces again

Why do they insist on thinking this whole country is about them. It is NOT!!!!!!!!!!

It is amazing to me that they think that we are so stupid not to see through their
silly games they are playing with people.

Mark J.   January 24th, 2008 9:18 am ET

CNN reporter Jessica Yellin is obnoxious and pushy, I'm pretty sick of CNN going after gossip/twisting facts instead of facts. I've noticed them at a few speaking campaigns asking stupid gossip type questions to candidates. CNN has become very unprofessional, I mostly get my news elsewhere. Even FOX is more professional than CNN. It's obvious CNN is using President Clinton to up their gossip junk, all US presidents deserve a certain amount of respect, seems CNN is oblivious of this. Since when did CNN become the voice of the people? Using whacked out reporters, analysts and dirt diggers and calling it news. By the way, Jessica Yellin couldn't get a job as janitor at CBS, NBC, MSNBC or ABC. Neither could John Roberts that's why he is now with CNN.

Jenny, Worcester MA   January 24th, 2008 9:03 am ET

CNN and other corporate media will manufacture any number of sensationalized nonsense for their own agenda, which is NOT the best interest of the nation and humanity. Trust me on that.

Google Democracy Now and start reading and listening real information, the rest of the story never told, and analyses that actually connect all the dots and make sense of them.

Do NOT waste your time on CNN or any other corporate media. Do NOT waste your vote on their puppets.

Enough said.   January 24th, 2008 9:02 am ET

cnn is back to sensoring everything I write no matter what.

the all OBAMA network. Good work CNN.

Ron d   January 24th, 2008 8:58 am ET

I would consider his actions unbecoming of a first lady.

:)

Jim Kansas   January 24th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Let it fly Bill. Just to remind folks, Obama started casting stones. He made the mistake of slinging them at people who learned along time ago that you fight a fight by fighting back.

I ghave to agree with Clinton, newscaster have made a story where there should not be a story because it sells, not because its news worthy.

After 8 years of the new Republican Party rule, is there truely anyone out there that believes this country can stand for another Republican adminstration until some serious changes are made in the party.

CLINTON 08

Mike   January 24th, 2008 8:55 am ET

Case in point. CNN characterizes, by clever use of a headline, that Bill gets "upset" with a reporter. Yesterday it was an "outburst". This is exactly what he is pointing out. The CNN media is feeding selective soundbites to the pubic for ratings and doing a disservice to the people who want to hear about the real news and the issues about the candidates. After reviewing this clip and the one yesterday I would hardly call Clinton's comments as "upset" or an "outburst". I will say this this, when you as a reporter have been dressed down by the ex-president of the United States, you better smile, nod your head, and say, thank you for the clarification. CNN is starting to look more like Fox everyday.

David, Atlanta   January 24th, 2008 8:55 am ET

Its all this stuff that makes me realize that Clinton with a democratic congress is not a good thing. She would not be able to work with both parties. What got us into our current mess is free party reign. Bush with a republican congress. Clinton with a democratic congress will be just as bad. Put a Republican in the White House with a Democratic congress and hope they can work together. If we don't the next president and the next congress go unchecked for years.

Flem   January 24th, 2008 8:48 am ET

What a waste of flesh this person is. Totally demeaned the presedential office when he was pres. Now he's demeaning the traditional statesman stature a former president is supposed to uphold.

The lies that come out of both of these losers' mouths are astounding…only bested by the way the Clinton supporters lap them up and ask for more.

Disgusting.

Jean   January 24th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Ravi I am with you!!!

C   January 24th, 2008 8:41 am ET

Obama supporters are clearly scared of Bill for his popularity. The facts are that the average person's quality of life greatly improved with Clinton. All this reporting about Bill hurting Hillary's campagn is a stunt to remove Bill from the scene and tarnish his name.

Lastly, Obama has no accountability or integrity. Everything to him is false if its negative, he turns everything into an attack on him, fooling the average american, and glady plays the victim card in every situation. You have my pitty Obama.

Betty Ann Strawhorn   January 24th, 2008 8:35 am ET

Bill Clinton is supporting his wife and why not? The fact that he is an ex-president seems to make it a crime for him to campaign for her. The media is responsible for all this unnecessary hype and are blowing the whole thing way out of proportion. I'm sick of reading about it.

Cathy   January 24th, 2008 8:34 am ET

Oh come on all you Clinton camp people. If there is one candidate across the board who whines and plays the "boys are ganging up against coz I'm a fragile woman" card it is Hilary when she drops in the polls or gets legitimate criticism.

She is notorious for fact fudging, a born Washinton insider and part of the mess we are in.

I am even surpised that Americans feel the need to support her. Just shows what a dumb nation (partly anyway) this is.

Mike, Cleveland   January 24th, 2008 8:34 am ET

Did I just get two perfectly legitimate comments not approved?

Frank   January 24th, 2008 8:31 am ET

William Jefferson Clinton — there's no one more loathsome in my view.

But, hey, even Ciaphas prophesied correctly about Jesus ("that one man should die for the people").

And, as Cowper said, "Even a fool must now and then be right by chance."

SO I have to admit that even Bill can make a valid point on occasion.

And this time, he has. Pack reporting, tabloid style, distorts the actual reportage of campaign events. And no outlet is more guilty of this than CNN (which is, however and after all, the Clinton News Network, and Billary's greatest friend).

carol   January 24th, 2008 8:27 am ET

Obama is now saying that he accidentally hit the wrong button when he was voting on some issues! Help us God if he were to be elected! He might hit the wrong button and launch Nuclear Weapons!

Go home Obama and grow up!

Carl L.   January 24th, 2008 8:27 am ET

What really annoys me is the Clintons' attitude to the common people - it's almost like they act we can't think for ourselves.

Why can't someone ask Hilary and Bill if the presidential pardons in the dying days of his presidency were for sale.

Tired of Washington games. Vote for Obama ! If hilary (God forbid) gets the nomination, the vote McCain.

mawbrew   January 24th, 2008 8:25 am ET

Absolutely nobody can feign indignation like Bill Clinton. He's fabulous at it. He can absolutely trash those that oppose him and when called on it will attack both his opponent and any media that dares question him. Only Bill cares about 'the people'! Only Bill is trying to help them! The media is in league with his oppostion and (both are) attempting to prevent Bill's good works! Amazing.

merlin gili   January 24th, 2008 8:23 am ET

Bill has a point, the media wants to get headlines, and not what the people wants. people like to read this bickering between candidates. Less are after what the people really wants.
Reporters must learn how to be equal on both sides, otherwise it's not reporting anymore…
GO HILLARY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

roger, conway sc   January 24th, 2008 8:22 am ET

I was watching CNN when Wolfe Blitzer commented that Bill Clinton had LASHED OUT at reporter Jessica Yellen, I watched the clip and if CNN, Wolfe, or Jessica call the exchange between the two a "lashing out" they are either crazy or very very sensative and are in the wrong business. It is like this all politicians tell their lies and that includes the Clintons & Obamas and all of the others. Also all of the news media leave out half of the story to make a bigger story or tell what they think to make headlines so they are not honest either. I still can not understand why people make such a big deal out of what the Clintons say, it is no worse than what the Obamas are saying. So Bill was the President he is now a citizen and his wife is running for president….get over it, the man still has the right to freedom of speech. Obama & his wife started the "LASHING OUT" with the Clintons along with the Edwards, the Clintons laid low for awhile and now they are giving back just what they received and Obama is acting like a bully and is playing the race card, if you think Clyburn ask Bill Clinton to CHILL on his own you are dead wrong that was due to Obama's crying & whining.

american   January 24th, 2008 8:18 am ET

obamma is a phony. he is supported by mindless liberals and has no realistic chance of winning. he should do the contry a favor and get out of the race now!

MR   January 24th, 2008 8:13 am ET

THE MEDIA IS HAVING A FIELD DAY WITH THE CLINTONS AND OBAMA AND PEOPLE ARE LOVING IT. I WISH THE MEDIA CARED MORE ABOUT FAIRNESS AMONGST THE POLITICIANS–THERE IS A BIAS.

I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA TELL US "WHAT CHANGE"
HE IS GOING TO M AKE???? HIS HERO SEEMS TO BE REAGAN. YES, WE ALL LOVED REAGAN, FOR THE WRONG REASONS.

SINCE NIXON AND CLINTON COULDN'T "CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF THE NATION LIKE REAGAN DID" IS THIS THE CHANGE? TO FOLLOW REAGAN?
HE MAY BE ABLE TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER, BUT I DON'T THINK HE KNOWS WHERE TO TAKE THEM????? HE DOES A LOT OF TALKING, BUT DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING.

EXPERIENCE IS DEFINITELY NEEDED!!

HILLARY CLINTON YOU HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT—AND VOTE!!

Julie   January 24th, 2008 8:11 am ET

As it is clear that some of you are mad at Bill Clinton for responding to Obama's record then in the same token why can't you give he and Hillary credit for not responding to attacks from Obama. As everyone is now aware the Clinton's said nothing when Obama's campaign called her the Senator from Punjab, nor did the Clintons say anything when the Obama campaign approached a reporter months ago asking him when is the press going to start investigating Bill Clinton's sex life. All the press knew about this as well as the Clintons but they said nothing and surpressed this fact while at the same time they would have daily coverage of the general, who is gay, asking a question in a debate. He was not a main player in Senator Clinton's campaign just a man asking about something that pretained to him with no negative reference to Obama. That can not be said for the Obama operative who asked for the press to pursue Bill Clinton's sex life. I call that dirty tricks, aka Rove and Atwater.

If the press will not report on negative Obama tactics then why should the Clintons let that lay. What Bill Clinton said about Obama's different stances on the war is true. If the press reported the facts, which few have, and people actually study what has occurred then there would not be these heated exchanges. We would then actually be reviewing the facts and discussing discrepancies. Isn't that how it is supposed to happen. It is easy to see that Senator Obama is not ready to handle what the Republicans will throw his way. THEY will actually distort his record. The Clintons have not.

Attacks by the Establishment on Ron Paul Continue   January 24th, 2008 8:11 am ET

The Clintons are much smarter than others in this kind of game. They will win!

We suggest those supporting the other candidates come on over to Ron Paul. You may be surprised just how much you agree with him on all the issues, except maybe the one about killing babies or human beings called abortion. But Ron will probably let the people vote on that one and the great thing about Ron Paul is that he is a people person and the people wil rule!

dani NY   January 24th, 2008 8:10 am ET

I think: Bil's right, CNN needs to do a reality check on their reporters and "best polit.team like Yelin, jack and Martin!!!!!
Who do they work for? Obama or CNN?
Or CNN works for Obama?

Ravi   January 24th, 2008 8:04 am ET

To the American Press and your holier than thou attitude

I am not American yet I can categorically say this (I think I understand American history and I can safely say I know my American history) - Bill Clinton will be a famous former President for more reasons than one - and the most important is he did not disadvantage US economically, socio-politically, and engage in wars unnecessarily.
CNN - shame on you not sticking to the relevant content of the present election. You'ld rather be mud slinging ex-Presidents. Makes great journalism - not!

To those American People and your holier than thou attitide

Bill Clinton is no different to the next person who has had regretable extra-marital indiscretions. Having done it while in office makes him no different to a successful CEO of a large company who is raising stakeholder and shareholder value, yet could be sleeping with his secretary without his wife's knowledge. Look at yourself and see what benefits you have brought your country.
Look at Bill Clinton and see what benefits he brought America when he was President. More than any of you arrogant people will ever contribute in your lifetime. Shame on you to criticise someone else when you have so many flaws in you!

To the God & Peace Loving Americans

This election will see candidates criticising each others politics while praising their own. Each one of those candidates have one thing in their minds - that is to become President. But only one of them will become President, and that's because a majority of you can recognise parts of yourself in that person. You recognise that the belief's and messages they relay are those that you believe in.
You realise that that Person wants the office of the Presidency not to increase their self worth, but to enrich all of America.

Listen to the candidates - attend live conferences, ask probing questions, question their political motives, read in between the lines of their answers, understand their background and after all that vote wisely and with your heart!

I wish America peace and prosperity!

- Ravi

Cheryl   January 24th, 2008 8:00 am ET

CNN IS JUST CAUSING MEDIA HYPE, THEY ARE NO LONGER CREDIBLE. I COME ON HERE TO VENT MY ANGER SO HERE GOES- THIS IS AN ELECTION! THINGS ARE SAID IF OBAMA CANNOT HANDLE IT HE CAN GO WITH PLAN B DROP OUT!!!!!!!!! THIS SHOULD PROVE TO THE PEOPLE WHO THE WIMP IS! AND WHO CAN STAND AND DELIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BILL AND HILLARY ARE WHAT WE NEED EXPERIENCE! FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN OBAMA COULD NOT HANDLE A PTA MEETING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE IS THE ONE STIRRING ALL THIS UP TO MAKE HILLARY LOOK BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HIS BACK IS AGAINST THE WALL AND HE IS DESPERATE AND A CRY BABY! IS THIS WHAT PEOPLE WANT IN THE WHITE HOUSE? OR SOMEONE WHO IS IN CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO HILLARY YOU HAVE MY VOTE!!!

Lang Manion   January 24th, 2008 8:00 am ET

Bill has issues with entitlement……….he thinks he's kewl?

Bill is a bully.

Bill is self-serving so is The Hill.

Sean McM   January 24th, 2008 7:59 am ET

Media should REPORT….not interject itself to become the news…..or to sway the news…..where is the integrity of the press???????????????????

Zachary `   January 24th, 2008 7:53 am ET

Don't blame bill. CNN is acting like the ONN right now…the OBama NEws Network. Clearly biased. Are you guys on Barack's payroll?

Steve Berger   January 24th, 2008 7:53 am ET

I've lost the last of any respect for Bill Clinton. Instead of acting in a statesman like fashion, which is to be expected of an ex-President regarding political candidates in their own party, he whines about ANY denigration of Hillary's choices/decisions.

A message to Bill Clinton from an Independent voter: you've just confirmed why we independents no longer want either another Bush or another Clinton in the White House–It's NOT a given. WE the people decide who goes there. This
confirms for me who I will NOT vote for.

charlotte   January 24th, 2008 7:48 am ET

Obama man, if Obama wins Oprah should have her own key the key to the Lincoln bedroom.

MY RESPECT IS NO MORE FOR CLINTON   January 24th, 2008 7:47 am ET

WHY WOULD HIS WIFE BE IN ANOTHER PLACE AND HE WILL BE IN ANOTHER PLACE PLEASE GIVE ME BREAK . A STOP WITH ALL THIS FROM CLINTON WE CANNOT BE FULLED BECUASE YOU THINK WE CANNOT REMEMBER YOUR SEX HISTORY . STOP PLZZZZZZZZ HILLA AND BILLY DOGG SEX MASTER IT IS LEFT FOR YOU TO COME AND SEX MY MOTHER STUPID MAN

Ripper   January 24th, 2008 7:47 am ET

I can't understand why Hillary doesn't buy Bill some hookers and tell him to disappear until after the election? His mouth is going to ruin her chance at taking over the world!

jack   January 24th, 2008 7:46 am ET

every comment of Bill Clinton will make Sen. Obama look the better choice of the two most likely to overpower the Clinton mob. will America ever get back the items stolen from air force one and the white house,when they left the last time.

Tom Conlan   January 24th, 2008 7:45 am ET

President Clinton's points were on target. The CNN reporter and tactical coverage approach from CNN news editors "play" the tit for tat game between spokespersons from the respective campaign staffs.

I have just changed my opening "CNN.com" browser.

Get with the news and cover what is important….he said she said is NOT.

rick   January 24th, 2008 7:44 am ET

As an independent I have notice that CNN and the media is not been fair to the Clintons. As I recalled in the debate Obama attacked first and used negative ads against Hillary. It seems that everyone is afraid to talk about Obama. If he gets elected not even Saturday night live, or any comedians wil be able to make fun of Obama, because it will always backfire.

Zurich   January 24th, 2008 7:42 am ET

Way to go Bill! Jessica Yellin should not have asked that question, there are other much more important that she could have asked. She wasted your and our time. We are SOLIDLY behind you and Hillary.

TH   January 24th, 2008 7:41 am ET

Who is really running for president? Bill or Hillary? If you are strong and can run the country - as you say Hillary - set your husband in a corner and make him stay there and fight your own battles! And you might want to give him a cigar - it will keep him happy!!

Pickles, Monaca, PA   January 24th, 2008 7:39 am ET

This kind of sniping is going to put a Republican in the White House. If