January 28, 2008
Posted: 07:08 PM ET
Some Clinton backers aren't happy with the former president's aggressive campaigning.
Some Clinton backers aren't happy with the former president's aggressive campaigning.

(CNN) – Democratic sources supportive of and regularly in touch with the Clinton campaign describe what one calls "a huge wave" of sentiment that Bill Clinton "needs to stop."

The sources — who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject — act as either unpaid advisers or surrogates for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Interviewed separately, they agreed that the former president's recent headline-generating statements "hurt more than helped" his wife's South Carolina campaign.

His comments criticized as racially insensitive, the verbal sparring with Barack Obama, and his "scolding" of the media are "distractions," say these Clinton supporters. Hillary Clinton, says one, "needs to take and be the lead."

The former president has long been renowned for his adept political skills. But he is "missing a beat" and has "become tone deaf" about the dynamic he has brought to his wife's campaign, according to one source who has known both Clintons for decades.

"Something has happened," says the source. "He just wants to help her too much, or maybe protect his own legacy too much."

Another source, who worked in the Clinton administration, called it "unbelievable" that the former president linked Barack Obama's South Carolina victory to Rev. Jesse Jackson's wins in 1984 and 1988 in the state.

Though Clinton campaign had invested considerable time and money in South Carolina, the former president's remark was interpreted by some as an attempt to dismiss Obama's win as an expected outcome in a state where more than half of Democratic primary voters were African-American.

The introduction of race as an issue in the 2008 Democratic contest has caused angst and anger in the Democratic Party over the past few weeks — including what one source described as an "angry" phone conversation between the former president and Sen. Ted Kennedy just after the New Hampshire primary.

In the phone call, Kennedy expressed his alarm that race had been injected into the campaign to the detriment of the party.

Kennedy and his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, today endorsed Obama's campaign at a Washington, D.C. campaign event. They were joined by Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late John F. Kennedy, who endorsed Obama Sunday in a New York Times editorial.

There was no suggestion from the sources critical of Mr. Clinton's recent campaign appearances that he should be sidelined, only that he "depart from the headlines and center stage."

Former President Clinton, with an approval rating of over 80 percent among Democrats, is seen overall as a potential asset, said these sources. But he needs to be his "summer self," said a long-time Clinton supporter — when he made fewer headlines, and focused on his wife's resume and policy proposals.

There was also unanimous agreement on the part of the critics that the only person with the sway to change Bill Clinton's high-profile role is the candidate herself, Hillary Clinton.

The Clinton campaign was not immediately available for comment.

–CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley

Filed under: Barack Obama • Bill Clinton • Hillary Clinton


lilnanna   January 30th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Now all Hillary has to fight are two dead icons - President Kennedy and MLK - and a freshman senator with no foreign policy experience. No wait, he'll get the foreign policy from the Kennedys and we be at war with Cuba, a bit closer to home than Iraq.

SS   January 30th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

I mean seriously, what would happen if she were voted president anyhow? She wouldn't even be able to run the White House/USA on her own. He'd always be on the trail blazing his own way and suggesting time and time again to Hilary what to do since "he's been there." Not only that, but I'm not even sure what they would call him. The first lady-man?

Normally I vote Republican but since the one I would want in office doesn't seem to have much steam and will probably drop out soon, I'd pick Obama over Romney any day of the week (since it seems that's the way polls are looking now). Better a visionary than a cultist business man who doesn't even know what he believes.

Big Will   January 30th, 2008 12:11 am ET

Alice you are so true when it comes to spin and distortion. Hillary and Bill are perfect and they below back in the white house. They could never do no wrong. Why they left the white house untarneshed.

Lincoln bedroom night stay.. $5000
Intern Cigar …$35
Paying watergate scandal fees …$millions

Almost being impeached, being disbarred, returning illegal contribution, money,. winning at all costssss-with tears…………….Priceless!!!! LOL

Don Meaker   January 29th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Imagine, Bill in the WH with nothing to do.

What is Hillary's plan to protect the help from this predator?

What is Obama's plan to rein in the corruption of Chicago Machine?

Alice   January 29th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

I think the "picture speaks a thousand words" story really has way more substance than this one

However, at least Bill and Hillary can admit their mistakes (even when they haven't really made any)

Seems the crybaby Obama can't do the same - he has to lie even though he was caught this time on videotape

But then again, what can you expect from a crybaby who cries "racist" at every chance he gets?

Seems that's his platform - oh, and of course, "change" - LOLOLOL!

Seems the only change that pathetic crybaby needs is the change of his diaper

Izabela, Ridgefield,CT   January 29th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I am a naturalized US citizen and this is what I think:
US presidency is not an entry level position. Show me your work!!!!!!!! It is not the energy itself ( Obama). The whole world is looking up to this country.

Experience- what a wonderful word! The fact of living through a happening or happenings, skill that one gets by training, practice, and work.

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HILLARY 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BILL - DON'T STOP STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN!!!!!!!!!!

M.Lewis   January 29th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

WEll, it undermines women to have the first woman president to be a former first lady, to me it still says, a woman needs a man to be leader , so all you feminist women be careful what you argue about when it comes to Hilary.

A Woman
M.Lewis
Los Angeles, CA

Tallynole   January 29th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

The Clintons are disintegrating. Obama lacks experience (although he is a good guy and a great future candidate) God willing, the Romney Robots will go down today in Florida. So, the choice in the fall has to be John McCain. Courage, character, independent thinking, and the ability to bridge the partisan divide. Go John McCain!! Turn back the Romney Zombies!!

John   January 29th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

I considered Bill Clintons Presidency one of our best however using his surrogate as a means of sliding into a third term is unacceptable He is no longer the man he used to be, he is damaged goods not fit for purpose, his campaigning errors clearly show that he is out of toutch with the mood of people.
The biggest question of all who the Hell would want to be the V.P. with Bill running the show from behind the curtains.

AnnAloha, Independent Thinker. PA   January 29th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Anyone that feels Pres Clinton should stop is a hypocrite..if your spouse was an ex-Pres don't even think you have them sit and be silent. GET REAL…the media's subjective and bias spinning will hurt CNN and the others and people will begin(if not already) to boycott these news networks for alternative sources.
I feel saddened for John Edwards and Senator Clinton

Coy FL   January 29th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

You go Bill If that fool Obama had talked to my wife the way he has Hillary I would Kick his as_ . Here in Florida we do not take kindly to that kind of talk to our girls!Coy

Mike Nunn   January 29th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

One must remember that in the privacy of the voting booth endorsements do not matter.

canada   January 29th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Not sure why my message did not go up yesterday- strange censorship/moderation here.
Basically, in a nut shell, my comment is: Sadly, you don't have a leader in the entire line up candidates. The political system that currently exists is corrupt and ego-driven through and through. The 'real' leaders and visionaries of your country are not lining up for the job of President. They are actually out in the world making change and doing good things for the planet.

Richard Uckmann   January 29th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Amy your claim of changing the constitution is erroneous at best and a purposeful distortion at worst. I will quote again from a BBC report in 2003. Bill Clinton states "… I think since people are living longer… the 22nd Amendment should probably be modified to say two consecutive terms instead of two terms in a life time…" He has served two consecutive terms therefore he would be ineligible to serve a third or fourth.

Sophia   January 29th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

You know the best part of this constant Clinton Bashing? Most of these people were babies when the Clintons last lived in the Whitehouse.
Anyone of voting age back then will recall with a wry smile, that The Republicans hated Hillary back then & were constantly accusing her of being the "other" President. She has always been strong! You guys just can't have it both ways! Go Hillary!

Agatha   January 29th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Roger O and his ilk are just angry that Bill's nastiness has not had the desired effect. Rather it has made Bill look like he's gone off his meds and cannot be controlled, even by his would-be president wife. It also reminds us of all those parts of the Clinton years we have tried to forget. I do not believe that most Clinton supporters have taken any joy in Bill's recent belittling not just of Obama but of the black electorate that was previously so important to Bill's success.

Obama's message is that to be successful we must all work together: our country needs us. Bill's message is that no one matters but Bill Clinton. It is a message that is in the process of being discredited.

Obama and his supporters can take whatever comes their way. We do not mistake petty anger for strength. Take the high road and all but a small contingent will follow.

licon   January 29th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

I don't think that Hillary can 'handle' Bill so she should consider taking him to obedience school. I am going to be able to vote soon and i can't wait until Obama becomes president!

Obama 08

Matt, Houston, TX   January 29th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

A new record! CNN, you have been 'moderating' my comment since yesterday at 3:53pm even though what I put in it has already been moderated on another comment board. Talk about censorship, I guess my comments just aren't contoversial enough for you.

Cliff Baker   January 29th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

It is sad that the TV and printed presses (including the commemtators and pundits) INJECT RACE to the Democratic's Presidential Race.

The media FOOLISHLY took the baits from Obama surrogates and SC Congressman Clyburn and turns the "fairy tale" comment by former President Clinton, and the "MLK and Johnson" comment by Senator Clinton into the race issue. The fairy tale and MLK and Johnson comments from the Clintons are factual and are NOT racial.

The media took the “race card” spins from Obama surrogates and SC Congressman Clyburn. The truth is the Obama surrogates and SC Congressman Clyburn play the race card and successfully manipulated the press.

Congressman Clyburn is NOT neutral. There is nothing wrong for Congressman Clyburn to perform his civic duty by voting for Senator Obama at the polling place. However, Congressman Clyburn is disingenuous for manipulating the press (particularly Joe Scarborough) to wrongly accuse the Clintons of playing the race card.

I witness Congressman Clyburn used Joe Scarborough of the Morning Joe shown on the S.C. election day. On this particular show Congressman Clyburn implied that the Clintons' "fairy tale" and "MLK/Johnson" comments are "RACIALLY MOTIVATED code words. Joe Scarborough stupidly bought Congressman Clyburn race-bait's trick.

James L   January 29th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Bottom line. … In 2008 you can't critize a black man. .. that makes you a racist or insensitive to the minorities. … That's a bunch of crap. … The press is simply tap dancing around Obama and are simply afraid to say anything negative. … The bottom line is this. … If Obama is truly the crossover candidate we will see that on Super Tuesday. … if not he will be viewed as just another Jesse Jackson. … yeah I said it. … so you can't blame that on Bill. …

JDC   January 29th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Most of America is tired of the names Clinton and Bush. Enough said!

Amy   January 29th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

WILL HILLARY HAVE BILL AS HER VP?????? The law allows for it. Was this the Clinton plan all along for a third term for Bill? Remember Bill wanted to change the constitution to allow for a third term.

anonymous   January 29th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Great comments and points of views by so many but, most of you have missed the point. The remarks were not aimed at SC voters, The SC vote was a foregone conclusion the real aim was Super Tuesday voters. It was more of a strategic division of race within the democratic party that the Clintons were aiming for, where they would have the advantage. I don't like it, most of us don't like it but, tune in for the results later this evening and watch all the so called experts be bewildered by the outcome.

roger olson   January 29th, 2008 11:57 am ET

The old saying is if you can't stand the heat get out of the Kitchen. If Obama can't take the heat from the Clinton's than he'll never survive as president. If he thinks the Clinton's are tough how is he going to deal with Republicans. These individuals are running for president of the United States not the PROM. This country is in crisis and we are concerned because Bill Clinton is getting agressive. This is exactly what we need. Those democrats that live in la la land vote Obama. You can all walk the road of fantasy together. But some of us live in the real world with real issues. Words aren't going to solve this. Bill Clinton did a good job as president. I am not voting for perfection or superman. I am voting for a real person who I think can do the job. So far Obama's behavoir is that of a victum. He needs to put on his adult pants and get with the program if he wants to lead this country. We don't need another 8 years of La La Land. So far Hillary Clinton has shown me she can do the job and truly can put her words into action.

marge   January 29th, 2008 11:56 am ET

"I think Hillary is doing a fine job. I will vote for her in the election,. The country was in great shape when the Clinton's were in the white house!!! Look where we are now.!!!!! You go figure. My life and income was much better off with the clin ton's.. The world in a whole was much better off. We are in shambles now with every country hating us. Be afraid be very afraid!!! Vote very wisely"!

AGAIN let me say Bill Clinton is NOT running for President!!!!! When the Clintons were in the WH it was Bill NOT Hillary that was the President.
Why would anyone vote for Hillary based on Bill Clintobn's record???? Unless of course,you're trying to give Bill a third term.

I.J. Arne   January 29th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Just saw coverage of Bill speaking in NJ & he definitely seems to have been 'neutered.' Let's see how long Hil can keep him reined in!

marge   January 29th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Why are The Clintons,making a big deal out of the Florida primary?
They tried to minimize the SC race,where there were delegates to be had,yet they "act" excited about Florida where they will recieve zero delegates.
This race is about delegates, it really doesn't matter what her vote count is in Florida.

No Voting for Clinton   January 29th, 2008 11:41 am ET

To Alecki maybe you want to check the Clintons scandals find out whats going plenty of information to keep you reading just google ,

marge   January 29th, 2008 11:35 am ET

" January 29, 2008 11:02 am ET

Bill just tells it like it is. Hillary is the best choice. I personally don't care what Bill does or who. I was a lot better off financially under the leadership of Bill Clinton then I have been under any republican. Nixon, even odd gas days, Reagans' trickle down economy, Bush sr. connection to Saudi Arabia, and of course the current moron. I feel so sorry for Barbara Bush, imagine if he were your son? The Kennedys are split on support of the candidates. You can be inspired by a minister style speech or you can see the real issues. Hillary is the best choice for America".

True,but Bill isn't running..or Is he???? What's Hillary/'s record??? or are you suggesting she should be the nominee based on what Bill did? In your post it's interesting,how you spoke of Bill's accomplishments yet stated Hillary is the best choice…..
Why is Hillary the "best" choice???

tmulcahy   January 29th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Michelle Obama's statement (quoted above) is extremely petty and divisive: "If you can't control your own house how are you suppose to run the country?" Doesn't sound to me like the Obama campaign is any better than the Clinton campaign. Such statements only obscure the issues and lower the campaign to one of personal attacks.

Richard Uckmann   January 29th, 2008 11:28 am ET

Bill Clinton was quoted on 5/29/03 at the JFK Library as saying "… I think since people are living longer.. the 22nd Amendment should probably be modified to say two consecutive terms instead of two terms in a life time…"
".. such a change would benefit future generations.."
Having served two consecutive terms Bill Clinton would not benefit from such a change if it were ever to be made.
My source is BBC news.
I believe the Obama campaign complains bitterly about distortion of his positions and statements. Shouldn't the same hold true for the Clintons??
Thankyou internet lol

paul   January 29th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Bill is a very smart politician and his comments are far from being racist. It is a fact that Jessie Jackson won SC and comparing jessie to Obama should be an honor rather than being marginalized. Obama is getting a soft free press ride and it is obivious that the anything that Hillary or Bill says is slammed. We all need to get real that campaigns are not always about political correctness; it is a rough and tumble business. Plus, Obama has a nasty tone to his comments and his book wasn't kind to the Clinton. Obama is a politician and he knows the name of the game. Ted's endorsement hangs a liberal tag on Obama, and frankly has no real value in the western states. Most union and demo's see Ted as a old timer and total liberal. The fact is JFK was a centrist and his term had practical value and experience.

km   January 29th, 2008 11:15 am ET

I have staunchly defended and admired Bill Clinton. South Carolina was devastating for me. In the movie when the Great Oz came out from his control booth he was a mere mortal instead of the grandiose figure he projected. The Great Oz Clinton came out from being his screen in South Carolina and he was an arrogant and rudderless creep. The Clintons largest opponent is now their history.

MYKE C   January 29th, 2008 11:04 am ET

I think the fact that President Clinton has been in the spotlight so often latley speaks to what type of President we can expect from Mrs Clinton. Some one who has to rely on her advisors to answer the simplest questions and someone who will rely on her husband to come to her defense (because she has shown she can't defend herself). I think president Clinton is her biggest weakness. Not becuase he was a bad president but it seems liek this would be term number three for good ol' Bill

charlotte   January 29th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Bill just tells it like it is. Hillary is the best choice. I personally don't care what Bill does or who. I was a lot better off financially under the leadership of Bill Clinton then I have been under any republican. Nixon, even odd gas days, Reagans' trickle down economy, Bush sr. connection to Saudi Arabia, and of course the current moron. I feel so sorry for Barbara Bush, imagine if he were your son? The Kennedys are split on support of the candidates. You can be inspired by a minister style speech or you can see the real issues. Hillary is the best choice for America.

CARL TWOFEATHERS WHITAKER   January 29th, 2008 10:56 am ET

People should not hide that BLACK IS BLACK…WHITE IS WHITE …. RED IS RED

BILL CLINTON CALLS IT HOW IT IS .DON'T THINK IT HAS CHANGED. IF YOU THINKS SO YOU BETTER WAKE UP FROM YOUR SLEEP.

Amy in Iowa   January 29th, 2008 10:49 am ET

This Hillary campaign is a cover for a third term for Bill. He tried to change the constitution to allow himself a third term. No more Clintons.

Undercover Brother   January 29th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Let me get this straight…anything Bill or Hillary says about Obama or his campaign is perceived as "injecting race". However, race was "injected" by everyone who plays up the fact that Obama would be this country's first black president. It's even "injected" by Obama himself when he says, he "happens" to be black. That's a load of hypocritial garbage!

Who in kept Hillary's quote about LBJ & MLK story going, and going, and going? I suppose that was the Clinton's "injecting" race to. How bout the Obama campaign & the anti-Clinton crowd.

If CNN & other media outlets would get over their fawning of Obama's speaking skills & fantasy of having another JFK, they would cover these stories OBJECTIVELY!!!

I'm insulted that the media gives any credence to the notion that if you're critical of Obama, then you're "injecting" race or if you compare Obama to Jackson then you're "blackening" him (since when did being black become a bad thing if race DOESN'T matter?).

CNN and other mainstream media outlets should quit acting like a schoolgirl with a crush on this guy and cover him with same intensity and scrutiny that they do Hillary, Edwards, and anybody else, b/c when the right-wing unleashes some 527 organization to bring out some info in September, to undermine Obama in the general, that the media has swept under the rug they will have no one else to blame but themselves.

Darren   January 29th, 2008 10:45 am ET

so will Bill get it? will he tone it down? I'm not so sure. he thinks he can play the game with the media better than anyone. glad there is some egg on his face on this.

CURTIS   January 29th, 2008 10:34 am ET

ATTENTION:

CNN= CLINTON NEWS NETWORK .I ALSO NOTICE CNN NEVER SHOWED THAT PICTURE OF BILL AND HILLERY WITH REZKO WHEN FOX NEWS AND MSNBC DID. THEN CNN DID RACE AND POLITICS THE SAME WEEK AS THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARIES WHEN THEY KNEW THAT IT WAS A MAJORITY BLACK STATE. NOW THAT ITS OVER YOU DONT SEE THAT SPECIAL ANYMORE. THEY WANTED TO SWAY BLACKS IN THAT STATE TOWARDS OBAMA BECAUSE PRIOR TO THAT THEY DID NOT SUPPORT HIM. THEY KNEW ONCE THEY DID THAT, IT WOULD CAUSE A RACIAL BACKLASH IN OTHER STATES FROM LATINOS AND WHITES…..CNN YOU THINK PEOPLE ARE DUMB I CAN SMELL YOU PATHETIC LITTLE CALCULATIONS A MILE AWAY AND SO CAN MANY OTHERS

ron   January 29th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Please don't knock Obama for his endorsements…thats foolish. All canidates need the support of the SUPERDELEGATES…gov…senators..ex presidents etc.

It is possible that some of these SUPERDELGATES are actually ready to embrace change themselves through the GREAT INSPIRATOR Obama…

Richard Uckmann   January 29th, 2008 10:30 am ET

I'd like to have to the ability to moderate Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer. How about it CNN???

Richard Uckmann   January 29th, 2008 10:28 am ET

When I post a comment there is note saying "your comment is awaiting moderation"
Is this CNN's way of saying we will censor your remarks if we don't like them??

Alice G.   January 29th, 2008 10:26 am ET

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

Wally   January 29th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Sorry Karen,

I know you are upset that the Clinton campaign has lost steam…but you know…that "present vote" tactic used by Hillary was pretty weak…you know?

It didn't really resonate….it's pretty standard in the state senate for various reasons. Please check your facts.

I know you are upset…but it's just that BILLARY have been over the top with the cheapshots…misinformed cheapshots…(they don't even have power when you repeat them if you notice?) and the press as well as Americanpeople has been quick to call the Clintons on it…its nothing to be upset about really.

BIG TEXAS   January 29th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Careful….all of this BILLARY BASHING is not good for the republicans. We've been relying on BILLARY winning the democratic nomination FYI….we've consistently mentioned BILLARY in debates and TV…even in the very early goings…NOONE can mobilize the CONSERVATIVES like BILLARY.

So please stop with bashing….let the Clintons say what they please…please…for our sake

BIG TEX

CHERYL   January 29th, 2008 10:04 am ET

WE LOVE YOU BILL!!!!!!!!!!1 YOU SPEAK OUT OF FRUSTRATION AT THE MEDIA FOR THEIR PREJUDICE AGAINST HILLARY BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WERE THE BEST PRESIDENT WE EVER HAD!!!! THE ECONOMY WAS GREAT AND THE WORLD DID NOT HATE US LIKE THEY DO NOW!!!!!!!!!! NOW THAT IS A UNITER!!! HILLARY WILL WIN THIS THING!!!! I AM CONFIDENT IF PEOPLE LOOK PAST THE MEDIA SMOKE AND MIRRORS AND TO THE CHARACTER OF THE CANDIDATES THEY WILL SEE THAT HILLARY CAN GET RESULTS!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE ALREADY VOTED FOR HER, AND WILL WORK TIRELESSLY TO GET HER MESSAGE OUT!!!! OUR COUNTRY IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE!!! WE NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN GET OUR ECONOMY BACK ON TRACK ETC. FOR ME THAT IS HILLARY.

Go, Hillary!   January 29th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Let's call a spade a spade — what Bill Clinton pointed out was simply a fact: that South Carolina is a state where more than half of Democratic primary voters are African-American. The California primaries will reflect the fact that a huge number of Democratic voters are Hispanic. It is what it is, and ALL candidates study the demographics and act accordingly. So what's the big deal!

Richard Uckmann   January 29th, 2008 9:43 am ET

Talk about red faced take a close look at Ted Kennedy's face late in the afternoon. Can't wait to hear what comes out of his mouth . Wasn't he the same person who early on referred to Barack as Osama??

Karl Warrington   January 29th, 2008 9:40 am ET

Every candidate needs an attack dog. Candidates who don't attack won't win. Bill Clinton is being critized only because he is a former President. I am not sure if inserting race into it was such a wise choice, but its done now and we will see if Dems, all Dems, rally around Hillary who WILL win. I think they will. It's either Hillary or John McCain who didn't support MLK Day when it was first proposed. It dosen't look good today, it might look a little messy, but trust me Bill know exactly what he is doing and Hillary knows it.

TERRI   January 29th, 2008 9:34 am ET

ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE CLINTON'S IS. READ KATHLEEN WILLEYS BOOK, AND THEN TELL ME YOU WANT HILLARY IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

Marla   January 29th, 2008 9:29 am ET

Hasn't anyone figured it out yet. The Clintons are THREATENED by Obama. That is the reason for the tears, half truths and inaccurate statments. You don't hear of them attacking Edwards. Because they don't consider him a threat.

Also, if you think that Bill won't try to be a CO-president, you are sadly mistaken. Can't you see how he is acting with his "supporting" Hillary now. Always interjecting his "two cents", inaccurately. If she intends to win this, she had better reel him in and let the voters see that SHE can be president on her own (and without the "tears").

However, all in all - I think Obama is the better candidate.

OBAMA in '08

Are you people serious?   January 29th, 2008 9:27 am ET

I rebuke you!!!!!!!

If he is for us, who can be against us.

Experience:
All this experience and look where we are in America, from CEO to politicans. I keep telling you people that experience has not worked. That's why we are in the situation now because of experience. That simple mean you know how to get away with different issues and not in a good way. So again it shows what has been written, evil prevails on this earth for now and maybe until he comes to end it.
I am a woman and I can say this, Hillary does not belong in the White House.
The devil wore RED last night.

PAUL PROVIDENCE RI   January 29th, 2008 9:23 am ET

If you have read these comments, you will see everything, but the most striking was the comment was that of Poli. It was in the start of these comments, so you just have to go back towards the top. She talked about super deligates and she is right. They can get enough of these 800 super deligates votes and she is in. So all I can say to you is " We need to change our election laws and make sure all our voices are heard." Wake up Amercia and Take Back This Great Country Of OURS.

Jim   January 29th, 2008 9:16 am ET

I hear all these things that Hillary and Bill said they TRIED to achieve when they were in office, but the promises made such as health care never came to be. Thanks for trying——-NEXT! In all fairness, you did sign NAFTA and got rid of all our jobs. Do you think that might be the reason people are loosing their homes? I would like to hear more from all you Clinton people about what her trade pollices are and where are all the "service jobs" that Bill promised.

Hey look over here   January 29th, 2008 9:12 am ET

Slick Willy's about to put his foot in Hillary's (his) mouth and say something he'll completely regret and it will be the downfall of her (his) campaign. Obama is a shoe-in.

che   January 29th, 2008 9:02 am ET

the media needs to STOP THIS WAR ON THE CLINTONS.I noticed that they picked on Sen Edwards' wife and Bill Clinton, funny you never hear of Obama's wife or for that matter he himself ever get put on the carpet.
It is so disheartful to see the media be so unfair.
These stations are who we depend on for non bias news.
I am so sick of Morning Joe and Mikic, it isn't funny. She puts down everyone SHE doesn't like. She needs to work for Obama.

roger, conway sc   January 29th, 2008 9:01 am ET

I feel that Bill Clinton did hurt Hillary in SC he should have just given positive speeches or not spoken at all ….Because of the media….I think most white & black americans are ready for a black man to be president but the black leadership & Obama are not….to this day I can not see anything that Bill Clinton said that would be offensive to anyone unless they were looking for something to upset them or the media who wanted to stir the pot…Being a white man living in SC I can tell you that the media kept the racial tension stirred and it did impact the election by swaying the black vote into supporting Obama…. Obama acted like a spoiled bully, if he thinks the Clinton's were tough on him just wait until the GOP gets in his face & by that time the media will have turned on him and will be digging up everthing they can & who is he going to cry to then….

Jami Woodruff   January 29th, 2008 8:55 am ET

I am a woman. Get a life! Put a "GOOD" female candidate in the race and I will vote for her! I will "NOT" vote for Hillary Clinton, "Just because she is a woman". Women want someone they can trust & respect. Hillary is "NOT" that woman. Being the President of the United States is not about male or female! It is not about black or white! Being the President of the United States is about being: "FOR the people and BY the people". It is about representing what the people of the United States of America want & need. And that is who I will vote for. And again, I do NOT think Hillary Clinton is that person. So even though I am a female, I WILL vote for a male in the 2008 election.

merlene   January 29th, 2008 8:51 am ET

Bill brings to much baggage to her baggage and therefore the democrats cannot
afford to loose this election. Bill needs to let Hillary run on her own merits. If she has thirty five years of experience as she says she shoul be able to use that to help her. However, experience is not all she needs a lot more.

Jen, Boston MA   January 29th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Reisch of Kentucky.

If you want to bomb every people in your way to exploiting and brutalizing the world to satisfy your sick obsession for money and power at all cost, by all means keep the Clintons as your cover and advocate.

You are morally bankrupt and mentally ill.

Tavares   January 29th, 2008 8:38 am ET

If anyone thinks Bill Clinton wants his wife to be president again can clearly see by his actions that he does not.

Bill Clinton is an intelligent politician and his strategy is very apparent. Say negative things about the opponent is like giving the opponent another look by prospective voters.

Reverse pyschology at its best…

KEEP TALKING MR. PRESIDENT! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

BARACK THE VOTE 2008!!!

Lucy   January 29th, 2008 8:37 am ET

People either like Hillary or Obama. No one is concentrating on the issues. No one is reading up on the candidates and making their own informed choices.
Perosnally, I was saddened by the Clintons behavior. The media didn't make me feel that way; I saw how they acted and what they said on my own. I always knew it would be a difficult choice when 2 strong candidates were up for the presidential candidacy. But shooting down your opponent to make yourself look better is a lose-lose strategy. I didn't even like Hillary saying to her camp that she was so happy that was the last state of the union that Bush would give. I mean, hey no one likes him but he IS still the President. How disrespectful! You can disagree with his politics and his methods but show some respect (Even if its undeserved).

If everyone concentrates on the issues at hand, and makes sure that we are not under another one party, pro-business, pro-war, anti- "every other country" leadership, the US will be in a much better place than it is now. We need to rejoin the rest of the world and work together instead of isolating ourselves, which in turn, opens us up to more physical threats of terror.

JJ Monterey, CA   January 29th, 2008 8:34 am ET

E.L.T January 28, 2008 2:42 pm ET
Would you mind quoting some of Mrs. Obama's "overtly racist" remarks?

"Black America will wake up and get it" — Michelle Obama in an interview on msnbc

Michele Obama said, “Ain’t no black people in Iowa"!!

Mrs. Obama and her role in drawing black women to vote for her husband > "She's going to tell them [black women] point blank — look, I'm you. My daughters are you. And so, my husband is going to be thinking about you every single day because he's looking at you every single day."

Oprah, Michelle, Obama fists raised in black unity in SC rally

"If you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House." smirk by Michelle

google for more

Mike, St. Paul MN   January 29th, 2008 8:21 am ET

"Hillary is the only candidate who can handle this situation"???

Ahh, didn't she give Bush the green light on Iraq and then vote to give him the green light in Iran. What are you people smoking?

JUDGEMENT >>>>> EXPERIENCE

Bill   January 29th, 2008 8:16 am ET

Bill Clinton needs to get over himself. He's made himself the center of attention instead of Hillary and she's being hurt by a reminder that if Hillary take up the Presidency in the White House - Bubba comes right along with her. That brings memories of the past to the forefront and make people wonder if Hillary will permit female interns to work in her White House.

Darren   January 29th, 2008 8:00 am ET

clinton may be putting it straight forward, but its still the truth - Clinton has years and years more experience in policy and decision making than Obama.

stephens   January 29th, 2008 7:31 am ET

i feel the american people should be clearly at this point to see the clintons are to what they really are, a couple seeking power, remember the past of the clintons background, remember the governor in arkansaw….remember all the things that happened while he was governor………………take a closer look at the things that happened while he was president…the lies., most people for hillary now…must realize what took place…and they will go to any lengths to come back into the highest honor for americans………..can we afford to be lead down another memory lane? i would much rather have condelesa rice than hillary any day. a georgian.

cyrille   January 29th, 2008 7:04 am ET

KEEP ON YAPPING BILL!!!

You are doing us a favour;you are getting us lots of publicity and turning people to support Obama.

Common´ SHOW UR TRUE COLOUR!!!

Linda~n~Wisconsin   January 29th, 2008 7:02 am ET

I see nothing wrong with Bill fighting and campaigning for Hillary. He has done nothing wrong. It is the media stupid!! The pundits and the other neo-victoriam conservatives that can not handle a woman being president. Like that Gloria witch who was on with Anderson last night.

Karen   January 29th, 2008 6:48 am ET

I think it's funny how people always suggest that theirs is a marraige in name only, and then want to split them apart when it's obvious how together they are.

Kenneth   January 29th, 2008 6:45 am ET

Bill Clinton is truely a meglomaniac and im a democrat.

Limo   January 29th, 2008 6:39 am ET

GIVE EM HELL BILL!! iF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY IT SHOULD BE SAID DURING AN ELECTION AND DON'T FOREVER HOLD IT BACK, BECAUSE IT WOULD BE TO LATE AFTERWARDS. ANYWAY I AM AN OLDER VOTER AND CAN REMEMBER HOW THE GAME SHOULD BE PLAYED, DOWN AND DIRTY AND IF YOU CAN'T TAKE THE HEAT YOU NEED TO GET THE HELL OUT OF THE KITCHEN. IF YOU THINK FOR ONE MINUTE IT'S BAD NOW WAIT TILL THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WHEN EVERYTHING COMES OUT. SO I SAY GIVE 'EM HELL BILL, IT'S ONLY THE MEDIA MAKING ALL THIS FUSS ANYWAY AND THEIR ALL FOR OBAMA, WE DON'T EVEN WATCH IT ANYMORE, CNN, MSNBC OR C-SPAN.

DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT WITHOUT A BATTLE, AND DON'T LET THEM RULE THE WAY YOU CAMPAIGN, AND HILLARY YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!

G Morgan   January 29th, 2008 6:19 am ET

We already have an imcompetent President. Why on earth would you vote for Barack Hussein Obama, a Senator, who hasn't even finished his first term in Washington?
It's not a personality contest! Wake up America, lets vote for expiernce
over rhetoric.
We don't need a "preacher" as President, we need a strong leader!

Michael, Republic of Ireland   January 29th, 2008 5:55 am ET

If I hear the word "change" once more, I'm going to get sick! I've seen it mentioned a few times here that change is hard to manage when both candidates policies are so alike. In all this coverage about Obama over the last few months, I have only seen mentioned once the one real word to describe his campaign- "HYPE". Shame on CNN for being so biased. Obama's idea of talking to any of America's enemies without preconditions is just laughable. I think he's a good candidate but he just arrived four years too early & he needs to get some serious experience. The possibility of Obama as Hillary's vice-presidential candidate in November will reunite the Hispanic & African-American support bases of the Democratic Party………truely a nightmare for the Republican nominee!

Bryan in Illinois   January 29th, 2008 5:31 am ET

Is it just me, or does Hillary look like the Fairy Godmother from Shrek 2?

Jgian   January 29th, 2008 5:24 am ET

Remember that it was Bill Clinton who cleaned up the financial mess left by the first Bush and Regan! I say bring back the Clintons and the prosperity and balanced budget of the 90's. So what if Bill and Hill talk politics between themselves. What professional couple doesn't discuss their work with each other? Besides, Bill's experience is essential to saving our country.

Kay   January 29th, 2008 5:18 am ET

i think there s the possibility of bill landing the veep job, with hilary in charge Perhaps that s the 2 for 1 they ve always spoken of

Joey   January 29th, 2008 3:23 am ET

People annoy me sometimes. The Clinton's are evil now because Bill spoke his mind about Obama. And why is it Bill pulling the race card when it seems the media just keeps giving it to Obama for excuses? Not saying he uses it as one, but the media does it for him. At the SC debate Obama criticized Hillary for working on the board at Wal-Mart while he was "fighting the people's fight" or something like that. Then when she counters with something, people say she's attacking him too much. I hate hearing people defend him for that debate and Bill because they see it as ganging up on him. Guess what, you got an ongoing war, an economy going down the pipes, Iran, North Korea, China, everyone else who hates us (which is a lot) and you don't think those are gonna hit you at once. I don't want a president who gets flustered and defensive when faced with multiple problems. I need to know that my president will be able to handle growing difficulties and not just know how to preach hope and change.

Joelle, Milwaukee, WI   January 29th, 2008 3:18 am ET

The only campaign telling it like it is is the Clinton campaign!

Go Bill! Keep talking, and talking and talking… I'm an Independent, leaning toward Hillary, and frankly, I really don't care about the Democratic or Republican Party! They can both go SOUTH or even further: I care about AMERICA!

The Democratic Party power brokers are attempting to shut Bill up, simply because they are afraid of losing their POWER! How noble!

For the women(?) - if in fact you really are women - commenting negatively about Hillary on this blog, just let me say that I am happy that you are so fulfilled in your lives as slaves to a male dominated society; you just lay down, and, well, take it like a slave woman…

K. David   January 29th, 2008 3:09 am ET

Obama has the energy to rally us - the Americans together to clean up the mess. I urge people who are inspired to vote their conscience. America needs you NOW than ever before.

Thank you… :)

Gloria B   January 29th, 2008 3:07 am ET

President Clinton don't stop to do campaign for Hillary!!
Now that Obama has the Kennedy Family , they want you stop, don't do it.

Hillary will be the next president !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gloriab

J.C.T.   January 29th, 2008 2:56 am ET

UNITED STATES NEEDS A PRESIDENT WITH EXPERIENCE..
WE DON'T NEED A PRESIDENT TO EXPERIMENT..
HILLARY IS THE #ONE..IN EXPERIENCE…
THE FIRST WOMAN (WONDER WOMAN)

J.C.T.   January 29th, 2008 2:52 am ET

I'LL SUIT THE MODERATOR OF CNN IF HE WILL ERASE MY COMMENTS!

J.C.T.   January 29th, 2008 2:50 am ET

GO,BILL TALK WE ARE IN A FREE COUNTRY…
WE LATIN AMERICANS LOVE HILLARY CLINTON..

Lance in Monrovia   January 29th, 2008 2:39 am ET

I've said this before in the last week and I'll say it again. A month ago I never thought I'd say it.

I'm a lifelong Democrat, a longtime defender of Bill Clinton.

After South Carolina and now that the Clinton's are trying to bamboozle delagates in Florida and Michigan that they didn't earn fairly just because the race is close, I will never, ever vote for another Clinton again.

At this moment, that's how I honestly feel. Maybe I'll feel differently tomorrow, but I honestly can't stomach any more of either of them.

Barack Obama has integrity, a new direction and the skills to implement it. He doesn't deserve to be low blowed by a former President while his wife stands by and says nothing.

I'm scared by how out of touch both Clintons seem. They honestly don't get how much they're enraging people.

I guess we have to wait for them to read a poll or five before they change their tactics.

They'd rather tear apart the Democratic party than be good losers.

cb   January 29th, 2008 2:20 am ET

GO HILLARY!!

I feel exhausted from having to witness to the second coming, the birth of the Messiah, the resurrection of JFK, RFK and MLK combined, the chosen one — Obama. Seriously, from Oprah in her suddenly southern church tone "he is the one we have been waiting for" to Ted Kennedy's "We need Barack Obama" like we are all stupid lambs just sitting back waiting for the One to come to rescue us, to Caroline Kennedy waiting for someone that reminds her of her father to lead a new generation (never mind that the first thing Hillary ever says in answer to any question or in beginning every town hall is that what she cares most about is our children and creating a future for them that is as good and hopeful and miraculous as he one she had…and she want to do it the old-fashioned way, getting down to work), I'm starting to feel really freaked that our country is bunch of lame lambs waiting to be miraculously saved somehow from all that ails us if just some chosen one will come along and make it all better with a wave of his hand. We don't need a savior, we need someone competent, capable, inspired, dedicated, determined, and strong to roll up Her sleeves and engage us in common work to piece by piece rebuild the functionality of this country. What the hell is wrong with everyone? The whole point of going to school is to learn to think critically and for yourself and to learn to take responsibility for your life and get it done. You don't need the media or Oprah or the Kennedy's or Barack to tell you what to do when you cast your vote, make up your own mind.

GO HILLARY 08 12.

RS   January 29th, 2008 2:16 am ET

ONLY BECAUSE I WANT OUR HILLARY TO WIN PLEASE MR. PRESIDENT AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY PRESIDENT LET HER DUKE THIS ONE OUT!!! OBAMA IS A PUNK AND SHE KNOWS IT. SHE CAN TAKE HIM ON WITH EASE. HE IS JUST A BITE COMPARED TO THE REPUBLICAN MEAL AHEAD.

Margarita   January 29th, 2008 2:15 am ET

WHEN MICHELLE OBAMA SPEAKS UP FOR OBUMMER, NOBAODY SEEMS TO CARE?

Devin MA   January 29th, 2008 2:11 am ET

I agree that Bill Clinton has become a distraction, but I agree with everything he's said. I think he's been a voice for frustration among Hillary supporters. It seems like you're allowed to compare Barack Obama to everyone from JFK to Abraham Lincoln, but when Jesse Jackson comes up we should all be ashamed. I'm not really getting the media's line of logic on that one.

pete   January 29th, 2008 1:48 am ET

For the 80% in the party who supports Bill Clinton, why aren't you continuing to support him, and his wife? You love him, don't you? They have been very consistent this way, the bad way. Yet you fell for him. Why? Sorry to say, but it is because you are so naive. That is why you endorsed him and supported him. The Right is not totally wrong about the couple. In fact, they have been mostly right!

Goody Eugene, OR   January 29th, 2008 1:42 am ET

To Art H:

You deserve an A+ for your honest, informative, well-written article. Thanks!

Jean:

If you could stand a good laugh, go to the Bucket List and you'll see a very appropriate picture of Ted Kennedy.

Just send the stations an email and let them know what you think of their biased (talk-shows), cause that's all they are. Thanks for your article, enjoyed it.

toughnoil   January 29th, 2008 1:41 am ET

The reality is that Bill does not want his wife to be president; he fears she might envelope what he has done in the past as president. He has nothing to lose but again, protect his place in HIStory.

Vito   January 29th, 2008 1:32 am ET

Obama has more experience than Hillary. That may be hard for some of you to beleive, if you only beleive the Hype. How does that song go? "Don't beleive the hype!"

Yeah, that's good advice. Read about Obama's actual political experience and voting record here - Time Magazine - Obama's Varied Record

Vito   January 29th, 2008 1:29 am ET

How can we win the election when the Clinton's are turning whites against blacks, blacks against Hispanics, men against women.

Aren't we the Democratic party, and not neo-conservatives? Haven't we always been the party of Unity and forward thinking? How can the Clinton's be so disgusting.

Hillary, do you realize that you are losing white people's votes during this process. Are you listening, Hillary. You aren't just losing the blacks vote, you are losing older White's as well. I'm happily supporting Obama, because through his integrity during this campaign, he has risen above your divisiveness, which you didn't even try to conceal very well, mind you.

True colors are coming out.

I'm Voting For Obama on super Tuesday.

AD   January 29th, 2008 1:23 am ET

I like Bush- Clinto- Bush-Clinto and will be Bush. no other America's families for president. no one know better than them. Hillaryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

cheryl Arizona   January 29th, 2008 1:19 am ET

I think that it is terrible that a lot of the people supporting Obama had no problem using the Clinton's to raise money for them when they were running for office. They called on Clinton to campaign for them now they turn away. With friends like that who needs enemies. It sure seems funny that a lot of them waited to see if he could win in South Carolina before giving him an endorsement. If they felt so strong about him why not do it before primary, No guts no glory. No candidate is perfect but the way the media and the Obama camp/supporters has demonized Hillary Clinton is disgusting. She has done a lot of good over her lifetime for women and children. She and President Clinton have done public service all their lives and it has been so distorted from the media. It seems people have short memories for the good that they did. It makes me ashamed the way people attack her like she is not a human being. I wish all of you that like to attack spend one day in her shoes listening to MSNBC, CNN say the cruelist things that they can about you and see if you can get up and go face the american people anyway to get your message out. She has guts. I admire her for that because I would not be able to take it. Bet this doesn't get posted because someone is sticking up for her.

PW Va   January 29th, 2008 1:14 am ET

You "Billary" supporters are delusional!!! IF (and that's a very big stretch) Hilly was to get the nomination…I don't care which Republican she would be up against…all of the Clinton's dirty laundry would be dredged up again, used against her and she'd still lose the election.

I for one (and believe me there are MILLIONS like me) don't care to relive the Clintons antics from the 90's. They've done enough damage to this country and to this particular campaign.

Voting for Hillary would be tantomount to having GW another 4 years!!! NO, THANK YOU!!!

Kathleen   January 29th, 2008 1:13 am ET

I believe that Hillary's statement about Martin Leuther King Jr and Pres Johnson not only offended King's legacy, but may have opened an old wound of the Kennedy's who always harbored ill will in the fact that Johnson got so much credit for implementing civil rights laws that were initiaed by Pres Kennedy who was so inspired by King. Hillary has all the right stuff but really has to choose her words more carefully, because that may have pushed the Kennedy's over the edge to Obama's court. Notice how tactfully Caroline clarified her father's role in the civil rights movement in her OP Ed in the NY Times.

I notice that when Obama throws the first punch with Hillary's "serving on the Board of Wallmart," and "he doesn't know if he's running against Bill or Hillary," He then later on talk shows says he's above all the "tit for tat," when he does it so well and so often. He really knows how to sping it and the media eats it up.

Obama may have had good judgement on the Iraq war issue, But Hillary really held her own during the debate in SC and pointed out that Obama couldn't make a decision over 100 times, and Edwards pointed out that Obamas lack of a stance on caping credit card interest to 30% becasue Obama said he thought it too high, that lack of a stand on Obama's part actually then allowed for interest charges to have no limit and go through the roof. `1 good vote does't negate the 100 times his lack of a dicisive vote could reack havoc overall. If he doesn't make decisions if elected Pres, then who will make them for him. Perhaps he's more like Regan and the ill advice on the illegal Iran weapons deal Regan was so ill advised to make.

Hillary has all the right stuff, and I support her whole heartedly ,especially, after that SC debate. She's been put threw the ringer and knows how to stand her ground.
Kathleen/Astoria

lorimax   January 29th, 2008 12:40 am ET

Why is everyone so excited about Ted Kennedy ? He has a past all his own and so do we all . So stop acting like spoiled children and get on with the real issue and experience is always the best policy !! GO HILLARY

Shannon   January 29th, 2008 12:38 am ET

Isn't that what we all said when the impeachment hearings were going on, "Shame on you CNN . . . shame on the media". After we saw him turn to the camera and say "I did not have sex with that woman", we all said that they should just leave him alone. Maybe, he should learn just to keep his mouth shut. Maybe, he should just learn to tell the truth. I respect Bill Clinton for how well he balanced the budget and how well he embraced the information age. But, I can do with 4 years of Clintons versus the Republicans. For the record, Bill did race bait. Anytime a former President speaks, the cameras should be rolling.

ndealmd   January 29th, 2008 12:35 am ET

Some points I need to make.

#1. I think that former President Bill Clinton, should take a vacation and leave Hillary to prove that she has the right stuff to lead this country. I hate to see a good campaign or the opportunity to fix eight years of misguided judgement, go to waste.

#2. I am willing to vote for a woman President, if she is willing to make the case herself, without the help of a "First Lady" in the wings. The office of the President is an office of leadership, honesty and character, above and beyond our personal beliefs. I want to know the person I vote for has those qualities.

#3. I fear the direction our country is taking. Our healthcare and economy is a mess, our deficit losing hope of ever being fixed, my property technically owned by China and a government will little respect in the modern world. We have one person to thank for our present condition, (like it were a bad case of ticks or dandruff) George W. Bush, a President with the lowest approval rating since Nixon, though his rating may have been higher after impeachment.

The ask is simple, someone in the Whitehouse that can fix America. I am hoping Hillary can meet the challenge, if not, then I will have to reevaluate the Edwards and Obama campaigns.

Newburgh, IN Man   January 29th, 2008 12:32 am ET

ED from California…

Bite your tounge.

How dare you point a RACIST finger at BILL CLINTON…

Obvously you have absolutely no idea about his administration. You need to go back and review history carefully.

BILL CLINTON a RACIST…?

Now that is a GOOD Joke…

Who else will you now call RACIST, TEDDY if he ciriticizes OBAMA?

I really LAUGH HA!

Hank Castello   January 29th, 2008 12:29 am ET

No one talking about Hillary's abrupt cancellation of appearing on Anderson Cooper tonight? Candidates kill for airtime. Something really, really big must've come up!

Dan Campbell   January 29th, 2008 12:29 am ET

P.S. Today, Jesse Jackson said (in the New York Times) that he didn't read Bill Clinton's comment as racial. Where is your coverage or apology on THAT, CNN? Also, I read the entire transcript of Bill's response, and the reporter opened the question (well, the second question) on the issue of the 'race card'). So, again, you fail to report that Bill is continously being 'baited' by you all.

MARYLOU JONES   January 29th, 2008 12:28 am ET

AW! CUT THE CRAP! FOR ALL YOU "I WAS A DIE HARD HILLARY SUPPORTER UNTIL ……………blah, blah, blah" RIGHT! SURE YOUR WERE. WE DIE HARD HILLARY SUPPORTERS CAN STOP AN IMPOSTER IN 2 SECONDS AND YOU ARE NO SUPPORTER. AND QUIT HARPING ON "HOW COULD SHE STAND BY HER MAN AFTER WHAT HE DID………..blah, blah, blah" LOOK TO YOUR OWN HOUSE BEFORE YOU CRITICISE ANOTHER WOMAN. YOU MAY HAVE TO MAKE THAT DECISION YOURSELF SOMEDAY! HILLARY CLINTON IS THE ONLY SANE CHOICE TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. SHE IS BRILLANT IN HER DOMESTIC POLICIES AND WE WILL ALL BENEFIT FROM HER KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE. SHE SERVES ON THE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE IN THE SENATE AND HAS A FIRM GRASP OF FOREIGN POLICY AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO GET OUR TROOPS OUR OF IRAQ SAFELY. THIS IS NOT A JOB FOR "ON THE JOB TRAINING"!!!!!! THIS IS THE SAFETY OF EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN! THIS IS OUR HOMES, OUR FINANCES, OUR EDUCATION, OUR HEALTH CARE, OUR RETIREMENS, OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURES. OBAMA STILL HAS PLENTY TO LEARN AND THAT TAKES TIME. YOU CANNOT TO ONE YEAR OF COLLEGE AND THEN GRADUATE. YOU DON'T GET TO BE CEO YOUR FIRST MONTH ON THE JOB. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO CONSIDER. WE ARE NOT VOTING FOR AMERICAN IDOL HERE PEOPLE. WE ARE VOTING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN KEEP OUR BUTTS OUT OF THE SLING! VOTE HILLARY CLINTON!

Dan Campbell   January 29th, 2008 12:22 am ET

Those of you who keep saying Hillary can't win a general election are wrong. The polls have consistently shown her at least 2% over Obama beating the GOP candidates.

I agree that CNN has been terrible - especially since they have posed NO tough questions to Obama. Today, Suzanne Malveux's interview with him couldn't have been more transparant, unless she was sitting in his lap. I like Obama, but I don't like the media deliberately trying to 'elbow out' the Clintons. This election is about the people, not about your distain for Bill and Hillary. The media has been the only party playing the 'race card' in this election, and yet their "best political team" continues to falsely accuse Bill of this. It's disgusting.

Norm   January 29th, 2008 12:19 am ET

I can'y figure out how so many people can see the harm bill is doing to hillarys campaign, thanks for the good job Bill, every one except Hillary. Or maybe Hillary doesn't want to hurt Bills fellings. No I think she has no control over him. She sure didn't when thay were living in the white house. And she stode by her man than as she is now. As so many people are saying if she can't control one person how will she controll the complexities of being president. Lets not move in the wrong direction, Lets not vote Hillary in to this position. If she has souch strong feelings for Bill why dosn't she go by her married name Hillary Clinton. I say if shes ashamed of the name so am I.

Dan   January 29th, 2008 12:17 am ET

No job training required when the person making the calls has all the power he needs.

Paul   January 29th, 2008 12:10 am ET

unbelievable Clintons being so that the former president linked Barack Obama's South Carolina victory to Jesse Jackson's wins in 1984 and 1988 in the state

Independent   January 29th, 2008 12:06 am ET

NObama said - Sure..Im sure this "advisor" was someone from the Obama camp!!

TELL ME… HOW IGNORANT AND NAIVE CAN YOU PEOPLE BE?!

Sometimes, it baffles me to read stuff like this. GROW UP.

I just decided that OBAMA is my next president.

Liars!!!!   January 29th, 2008 12:05 am ET

The Clintons are using falsely the Rezko story to misrepresent Obama. What they don't say is that Rezko has raised funds for many politicians including Bill Cliton himself. On Friday, January 25, 2008, the Drudge Report posted an unsourced, undated photograph of Rezko posed next to Bill and Hillary Clinton. Asked about the photograph, Hillary Clinton commented "I probably have taken hundreds of thousands of pictures. I wouldn’t know him if he walked in the door. I don’t have a 17-year relationship with him." She doesn't know Rezko!!!! Same tactics of distorting the truth! Liars! Liars! If you are ready to bring to the WH this dynasty of liars, then go for Hillary!! At least Obama is genuine! Not fake!!! Even though he is a freshman, he inspires many!!!!

Connie St John   January 29th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Where are the racist remarks? I don't get it!!! I've tried to find them. I think this is a media creation and they are reading way too much into President Clinton's comments. I don't think we elect a president - I think people like Chris Matthews do.

I don't know if Hillary or Obama can win and I do like Obama's style. However this media campaign to create demons out of the Clintons and bestow sainthood upon Obama insults my intelligence.

Trent Mumm   January 29th, 2008 12:02 am ET

This situation represents a complete double-standard. Bill Clinton can say anything, and, as usual, everyone will be all over him, piecing together nice clips to change the meaning of what he said. Think back to the early Democratic debates–Hillary was the clear leader, and the other candidates went on the attack. Yet this was not perceived as negative campaigning. Fast forward a few months, and now when Obama has earned a few delegates, he starts to receive some much-deserved criticism. Give me a break! This is all part of the campaign process-no one likes negative criticism, but everyone deserves it and everyone does it.

If you can't take the heat, don't run for office. Makes you wonder who is really ready for president!

Jeff from the south   January 29th, 2008 12:00 am ET

As a democrat from the south, I don't think much of Ted Kennedy's endorsment .Most of us think Whiskey Breath represents everything icky about the democratic party. He's in a time warp still whinning about affirmative action, and being the leading advocate of gay rights. I'm not anti-gay but the thought of looking out my window and seeing a couple of men kissing in my neighbors swimming pool is repulsive.

His endorsement spotlights the fact that Barrack is further left than even Dennis Kucinich and that's not a good thing down south.

Democrats would do well to remember that their razor thin majority was built on centrist and blue dog democrat's. The far left fringe did NOTHING to build that majority.

There's a reason that it's been forty years since a yankee won the white house and now we're being asked to swallow a black, far left, yankee all at one time and Barrack should be mindful of that unless he's just running to be the vice president.

from Canada   January 28th, 2008 11:59 pm ET

I feel sorry for the lot of you. Obviously ALL of the candidates are tainted. Anyone who has been a part of your political pool is playing the game - ALL OF THEM ARE PLAYING THE SAME GAME. They come in different shapes and sizes and colors but at the end of it, they are all playing the 'I want to get elected' game. None of them have the ability to play the 'I'm a leader with a vision' game due to the corrupt system they ALL pander to and willingly participate in everyday.
A true leader for your country, sadly, does not exist in your current line up. Those that have the ability and sincere desire to truly lead and change are on the outside making things happen. Al Gore would be one example, among many.

CaVoter1561   January 28th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

I believe a vote for "Hill" = a vote for "Bill." The more he dominates her campaign, the more I believe she will be his puppet president. No thanks!

scman   January 28th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

This is unbelievable that these Obama supporters are already coronating that snake oil salesman of CHANGE and HOPE. It is crazy that black and white people are behind him so blindly. What has he done in his public life other than that he is new to Washington? No doubt, he talks very well. But talk is no action. He has no idea what he is talking about when he utters these words CHANGE and HOPE so freely. Even Kennedy, FDR and Carter can't change the current situation that easily. What is this man from Illinois talking about? Even Bush talked exactly like this man in 2000. You all know what we went through in the last 7 years. It would be really bad to nominate this hopeless person to fight against McCain. That would guarantee another 4 years of republican Government. I don't think we want to see that. Get off this Obama bandwagon and seriously think about who brought one of the most prosperous times in our recent history during the 1990s. Don't waste your vote on this man named Barrack Hussein Talker Obama. He is a waste to our Democratic party. He got support from Teddy today. That old man couldn't change anything in the last 40 years in Washington. And he is endorsing by saying this divider can bring change. It is just plain crazy!!!

Stacy   January 28th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

I cannot believe that the Clintons would play on racial tensions for their political gain. Truthfully, our country is ready to move on from its racist past, and Barack's words inspire me that this is possible. But his young white supporters in the deep South inspire me more. This generation is ready to take on the baton and battle the problems of this time. On health care, the Clintons have "experience", experience in FAILURE. It is nice to have good ideas, but when you fail to inspire the majority, when you don't feel the need to engage the people in that kind of critical decision, you FAIL. For her all her "experience," her judgment was so off that could not see the disaster that this war is.

Barack has a new coalition, a broad one that is motivated and positively ITCHING to work with him to make this country better. I hope our parents won't keep us back with their prejudices and false sense of loyalty. You owe your children so much more than you owe the Clintons.

Steve   January 28th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

Obama + Kerry + Kennedy (Ted)…….surely this IS change!

Peggy   January 28th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

I beliee Bill Clinton is campaigning with so much hatred, in an undermining attempt to keep his wife from obtaining her goal of being President. After she campaigned so positively for her husband in order to help him become President, I think he wants to"one up her". Bill Clinton's selfish character is a telling sign of his desire to hold her back. He never campaigned with such hatred when he was a candidate for the democratic party. Sorry Hillary, I am a Republican and plan to vote Obama if he gets the nomination. If not, I will vote republican.

Viv   January 28th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Bill take a chill pill!

Kendra   January 28th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

Obama seems more and more to be coming sort of a puppet. The old guard will swarm around him because they can't stand the prospect of a woman president. A lot of men have a problem with that. Get over it. It's going to happen sooner or later.

Anonymous   January 28th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

yes we can

minedigger   January 28th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

Poli:

you are more enamored by thev possibility of Hillary getting the nomination than that she cant win this nomination on her own strength but through surrogare. Are you not concerned for a person who cant even campaign for herself? What kind of President are we going to elect?I can't understand your naivity when Kennedy have now endorsed Obama. It is more competitive to get the endorsement of the super-delegates now.

Lita Davidian   January 28th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

Hillary needs to revamp her campaign. "Change" is not always a good thing…we got change with George W. Bush and it hasn't been pretty. Overall, I'm doing worse now than I ever did. I want improvement in my overall quality of life!!

While I respect and like Bill Clinton, he needs to back off and stop saying detrimental things. This presidential race is NOT about race or gender. It needs to be about competence and experience. It needs to be about cohesion and not division. Is he trying to sabotage his wife's campaign? I'd like to see Chelsea stand up and speak louder in support of her Mom.

Overall, I think Hillary is the most competent and experienced person for the job. And being a woman, I totally understand that while men might give 100%, she will give 150% because that is what people expect of women. We need to be tougher and stronger and more competent. America needs someone who can deliver competence and can say the word "nuclear" without mispronouncing it.

I'm not surprised that people are making comments about her wrinkles…I'm sure these are the same "well informed, educated" people who voted for George W. Bush. And we've all seen where that mind set has gotten all of us.

Hillary don't lower yourself to bashing Obama or any other candidate. You're better than that. Instead speak to your strengths, experience, competence and your humanity. When you take the high road, others can't help but follow.

SF, CA   January 28th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Karen,
Come join us in January 2008. The "present" vote question has been answered 1,000s of times by, among others, NOW in Illinois (last time I checked they were a reputable organization that supports women). Ditto on the healthcare comment.

We've all seen the debates and we've heard the Clinton attack lines ad naseum. By the way, you forgot the HRC bullet points about MLK and LBJ and also forgot the one about Jesse Jackson. If you're going to copy paste from the Mark Penn memo, at least be complete about it.

Pramod   January 28th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

CNN & other media have unfairly treated Clinton. Treated Barak Obama is like saint like he can do nothing wrong, whatever he says doesn't matter. When Clinton speak the truth they pick a part & call it a racist. No matter what you media say Bill Clinton is the most popular president & admired by millions of people around the world. Stop the clinton is racist talk. You & all of us know Bill & Hillary Clinton is not racist . You CNN & other media have injected race in this election not the clinton. What youI call those 80% black who voted for Barak Obama on South Carolina wasn't that a race motivated? & get to the truth CNN, let's talk about experience. Let's talk about who can get the job done. Let;s talk about first women president, let's talk about who can fight hard for our rights, let's talk about who can win on November. Let's not talk about hope & lie every candidate gives us on every election & some thing they can't full fill.

not a Dem   January 28th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

If Hillary wins, she and Bill will pretend they have the perfect marriage as they live happily in the WH. If she loses, they will probably get a divorce. In either case, a Hillary loss will mean that both she and Bill will return to their girlfriends.

AJ, IL   January 28th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

All you delusional Hillary-supporters are too busy looking at Hillary but thinking experience = Bill Clinton. For the very last time Hillary does not have 35 years of experience! I challenge any Hillary-supporter to list her political achievements over the entire 35 years. The problem with Hillary's experience claim is that no other Democrat wanted to challenge her on this because of fear of Bill Clinton. The Republicans would love to pick apart Hillary's claim of experience.

Bill Clinton is a surrogate that comes with pluses and minuses. Bill has his own agenda. Get Hillary to the Democratic nomination at all costs. It doesn't matter how.

Erin   January 28th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

If the Clintons actually believed in anything they claim to believe in, they would not be running a win at any costs campaign, which is exactly what they're doing. They would split the party, increase their negatives and run a campaign straight out of the Karl Rove play book just to get power back.

As someone who had a generally favorable opinion of the Clintons going into this race, I will have a terribly negative opinion of them coming out. I've never even considered voting Republican, but if my choice is between Clinton and McCain, I would be physically ill no matter my vote. I'm appalled that any discerning, intelligent American could condone the Clintons behavior. Agree with their policies, fine. So do I, generally, but I want more from a President than some policy ideas. Without genuine leadership and ability to inspire, no President will convince the American people to rally and enact the changes that are needed.

marilyn   January 28th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

Lust! it comes in many ways. He craves attention, and this is his way of gaining that attention; furthermore I believe he desires to be the 1st male spouse to the 1st female President. Make no doubt; he's campaigning for his "title" as much if not more than for Hillary. Matter-of-fact he's too anxious and it shows.
Here's something else I'll throw at you since you asked………
Let's talk about Obama…The Women's organization so the media claims is angry at Kennedy for backing him…I say thank you Teddy baby. Now Rev.??? Sharpton and Rev.??? Jackson, come out of hiding. Get honest Obama and take them out of your closet, so we really know who's backing you….Then Pres. Clinton and Hillary you have a fightin' chance. I won't vote for either, but get those Rev.'s to fess up what their role in Obama' campaign is and I'll bet you'll see a greater shift toward the Clinton pair……Let's face it, Teddy is only still in politics because he's a Kennedy, and the Rev.'s are able to get away with their rhetoric because they cry racist. If I was contemplating on what Democrat I'm going to vote for..it would be real easy about now. Kennedy' going to hold Obama by the hand controlling him in the open, while the Rev.'s have Obama by the nose in the background.. VOTE CLINTON…

Roger   January 28th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

If Hillary cannot work things out with Bill and get his cooperation in a positive spirit, how can she ever work out differences with Congress?

Gringo in Peru   January 28th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

Please lets face the facts Bill clinton is right and no one wants to admit it. Billy you always have my support I voted for you in 1992 1996 2000 and 2004 got my vote rejected because they said President Clinton is not a valid candidate and If your wife was not running I would vote for you again Hilly I will vote for you because I know you will do our country a favor and get rid of BUSH

Bob, Alexandria, VA   January 28th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

Carole CA: You bet I'm enjoying it….the enjoyment lies in confirmation of all that the anti-Clinton crowd has been saying for years. There two are divisive, manipulative, self-serving political hacks. As a Republican I would enjoy seeing her going down in flames…looks like that might just happen.