December 2, 2008
Posted: December 2nd, 2008 09:20 AM ET

From
 The former President does not intend to replace his wife in the Senate.
The former President does not intend to replace his wife in the Senate.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former President Bill Clinton has no interest in replacing his wife in the U.S. Senate, with his spokesman saying any speculation that he would be interested is "completely false."

As Hillary Clinton prepares to make the move from Capitol Hill to the incoming administration following her nomination yesterday as President-elect Barack Obama's Secretary of State, the race is on to replace her in the Senate.

Monday Hillary Clinton said that "leaving the Senate is very difficult for me."

The task of choosing a successor to Clinton will be just as tough. That job falls to David Paterson, New York's Democratic governor. Whomever he picks would serve for two years, before a special election would be held in November 2010 to decide who fills out the last two years of Clinton's term.

Full Story

Filed under: Bill Clinton • Hillary Clinton • Senate


GOP=Epic Fail   December 2nd, 2008 2:30 pm ET

i remember when Bill Clinton left office. More people said that they would miss him, and wanted him to stay than Bush.

Bush cant leave office fast enough according to how the majority of people feel about him.

GaVoter   December 2nd, 2008 2:27 pm ET

It will be hard for NY to choose someone as incompetent, inexperienced and selfabsorbed as Hillary...

obama-mama   December 2nd, 2008 2:21 pm ET

RealityKing wish he had a female.

res45   December 2nd, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Good for you Mr. President,I wouldn't expose myself to that cesspool DC has become since the founding of this country anymore than I had to. You paid your dues took your hits,stay where you can do some good and not be apart of the problem.

Evelyn H   December 2nd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

He wants to be begged.

tom   December 2nd, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Ah...I would think that being rightfully impeached and then disbarred in his home state of Arkansas for perjury and obstruction of justice might make it moot.

Pride   December 2nd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Just like Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, they all must be very, extermely, proud and honored to work for a boss much younger and less experienced, with a mystery past, like Obama. It must be their life-time ambition, to serve Obama. What is next, Michelle Robinson Obama, following the foot-step of Hillary Clinton? Remember Jimmy Carter, and a highly moral Bill Clinton, or Ted Kennedy? It is American destiny.

No Hillary = No Obama   December 2nd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

No, that would require work instead of speeches.

PJP   December 2nd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Aaron from Cinn: You really think Hillary is going to go and ask Bill for advice? I do beleive if the woman could get away with it, she would have him killed! You think THEY ran the country good? Why do you think Bush could not get us out of the mess we are in now? It takes longer to get out of a mess than to get in it. You think Obama is going to do a good job? Look at all the CHANGES he is making!! Yea! Right!!!!

JD   December 2nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I think Bill should be selected to take his wife's Senate seat. It would be only fitting...Hillary "advising" B.O. in the White House and Bill up on Capitol Hill. It will be like old home week for the Democrats. Just one question...where in Washington would we be able to fit the 3 ring circus tent...because that's what it would be!

Guy   December 2nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

GOOD.

Troy   December 2nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Hillary 2016!

Baze   December 2nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Good, we're not interested in Bill either.

Anna   December 2nd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

I think Chelsea can start her political career.

silver bells   December 2nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

caroline kennedy would be great.

G   December 2nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

umm duh! he was president who was the idiot who actually thought he would be interested lol.

John in VA   December 2nd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

I would like to see it go to Byron Brown, from that much-neglected part of the state known as upstate.

KJ   December 2nd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

There is a God. Us New Yorkers are losing Senator Clinton (thank God) and the former President decides he is not interested in his wife's Senate seat.

Ok, then please go back to Arkansas and take all of your so-called donors with you who contributed to the Clinton Library. We the people all know who the majority of these donors are/were. Amazing that a former President is full of corruption and gets away with it.

Thank you Lord for convincing President Clinton not to consider his wife's Senate seat and for having President Elect OBama choose Senator Clinton as the SoS.

Mark   December 2nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

You don't go from the greatest President to Senator. We like Bill just where he is!! Go obama!! For the first time in my adult life I am proud of America!!

Reality Queen   December 2nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Im going to treat my interns with a wink and a nod.I just bought a new padded desk just to get the right wing fringers really upset.

Ann   December 2nd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Caroline Kennedy? What has she done? other than falling for Obama..

MESA MICK   December 2nd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Who's the brain dead blogger that started this rumor about Bill? Lem'me guess – a right-wing nut job maybe?

Must be a slow news day when these Rovian style "fear, smear, mock and lie" village idiots have nothing to do but start an absurd rumor like this...

As we say "Only in America"...

Jack   December 2nd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

. . . Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Me   December 2nd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Good to hear he's not interested. I'm not interested in having him as one of our senators. He and his wife are major contributors to the complete destruction of many US citizens' livelihoods due to their close ties with, and their policies regarding, India.

Rene D   December 2nd, 2008 11:58 am ET

I'd love to see Bill Clinton as a Supreme Court Justice. The Senate is too slow and deliberative a body for most people, with even long drawn-out "decisions" subject to veto and the like.

Bill would be a fantastic reader of the Constitution.

Joseph Adewole   December 2nd, 2008 11:54 am ET

He is already the governor of "Hillary Private Home affairs

Gaylon Barrow   December 2nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

How stupid can you media people be. Bill as a Snator. Gimme a break. The greatest President ever and would sink to be in a government led by you know who. Ha, Ha, Ha WHAT A JOKE>

NY republican   December 2nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

Of course Hillary was only interested in being "New York's junior Senator" a few weeks ago! They both change their mind like most people change their socks.

deb   December 2nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

Bill Clinton already has a very important gig going on and it's global. This "story" is just another piece of fluff not worthy of anyone's time.

NY republican   December 2nd, 2008 11:39 am ET

To quote PJP "Thank the Lord" and any other diety one could mention for that matter. We may actually get rid of one carpetbagger (if she is confirmed by Congress). Why would we want another one (besides we have a Democrat for a Governor and the only thing they want these days is a Clinton). Obama now has his pet Clinton why not Gorenor Patterson?

Ian   December 2nd, 2008 11:39 am ET

Maybe he could use his pull to get us that multi-million Woodstock museum we've all been wanting. It's a good use of tax payer money, I think.

Ia Guy   December 2nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

Um duh?

He's a president. Why would he be interested with being the puppet of Pelosi and Reid.

Aaron from Ohio   December 2nd, 2008 11:36 am ET

I can't imagine why Bill would even think about being a junior senator. He was a two term president. He is doing what he wants to now and doing it when he wants to. He's also ranking in big bucks for giving speeches. Hillary is going to be Secretary of State and Bill will be there when she asks for advice. Love Bill or hate him, the country did very well under him. Peace, prosperity and the respect of our allies. We don't enjoy any of the three now. Having a Clinton back in the White House sounds like a pretty good idea. Hillary will NOT be making foriegn policy. She will be carrying out Obama's foriegn policy objectives. She'll have access to Obama and present her views. Obama will make the decisions. Our allies are looking to us for leadership again, not trying to distance themselves like they did under Bush.

RealityKing   December 2nd, 2008 11:33 am ET

I wonder if Obama will treat his female interns the way Bill did..

ck   December 2nd, 2008 11:33 am ET

Bringing Bill back into politics?

Giving Hillary a post? (like she has earned it with experience and success in politics!!)

Boy... Dems sure know how to follow thru on promises of CHANGE!!

SUCKERS!!!

LOL

Dave, Houston, TX   December 2nd, 2008 11:29 am ET

Yes, Bill Clinton is eligible to be on the Supreme Court. You don't even have to be a lawyer. All you have to do is be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

I love when Constitutional ignoramuses pollute message boards.

Bill   December 2nd, 2008 11:27 am ET

Disbarment would not prevent Bill Clinton from serving in the US Senate. However, it would prevent him from serving on the US Supreme Court.

lonnette33   December 2nd, 2008 11:27 am ET

Why in the hell would The Big Dog be interested in Hillary's seat? He was our President for God's Sake. He has a very viable and successful Foundation. Another stupid headline fabricated by Clintion haters and carried off and communication by the main stream media. Pitiful! Did you get this one from Huffingtonpost, Daily Kos or Talking Points Memo? CNN you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

Rick in L.A.   December 2nd, 2008 11:25 am ET

Bill, you had your time and did a good job. (except for that little impeachment thingy.) I admire you for your work as President.
Time now to go fishin' and enjoy life.

Beth from Virginia   December 2nd, 2008 11:25 am ET

Of course he's not interested. Seems like he's got a full plate now. And why on earth would he want a Senate seat? I guess it would be a "polite" thing to offer it to him, but clearly it doesn't make any sense for him to take it.

Brian   December 2nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

Maybe he could be president of Somalia.

Yes, he is great scammer and liar, he should do well.

RufusVonDufus   December 2nd, 2008 11:22 am ET

Thank goodness! I just wish all three Clintons would disappear. Run across the tarmac, Hillary.

Spencer   December 2nd, 2008 11:21 am ET

Good. Now can he just go away?

ED   December 2nd, 2008 11:20 am ET

THANK GOD AND GREYHOUND!!!

No Thanks   December 2nd, 2008 11:20 am ET

Nah, that's too restricted for his talent.

PJP   December 2nd, 2008 11:19 am ET

Well, Praise the Lord! We do not need any Clintons in office any more!

Terry, Lakeland Florida   December 2nd, 2008 11:18 am ET

Then, when the opportunity knocks, appoint him to the U.S. Supreme Court. Can you imagine the staredowns with John Roberts, a man who thinks he knows it all and Clinton, a man who does
----------–
And what does Bill know....how to cheat on his wife. I don't want that man near anything legal....remember the whole 'It depends on the legal definition of the word IS', come on, the man is stupid.

Missy M   December 2nd, 2008 11:17 am ET

I don't understand why anyone would even think he would be interested in being a senator – wouldn't it be a step backwards after serving as president for eight years then running a multi-million dollar international charitable foundation?

Helen   December 2nd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Chelsea is a good candidate.

Roger   December 2nd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Is Bill Clinton still eligible for the Supreme Court....remember he was DISBARRED when he BROKE THE LAW?

Linda   December 2nd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Bill can better serve us elsewhere - like being a special envoy. But whatever he does, I welcome him back. Times were good under the Clinton administration and under 8 years of Bush we hardly have a country left!

Catherine   December 2nd, 2008 11:11 am ET

What's in it for him?

A Canuck   December 2nd, 2008 11:08 am ET

One Clinton is enough to handle !!!!! .... Bill had his 15 minutes of infamy !!!

Joyce Becker   December 2nd, 2008 11:07 am ET

After being President why in the world would Bill want to go to the Senate anyway, I would rather see him as a Supreme Court Justice. Better yet, he is doing so well with his charity foundation, he should just stay there and keep on doing good for the world.

libssuck1   December 2nd, 2008 11:05 am ET

Ni...it's the people of NY that are not interested in another flop of a Cliton. Get it right you media freaks.

chuck   December 2nd, 2008 11:04 am ET

Bill will be a great senator by day and a pleasurable sexator by night.

Scott NYC Independent   December 2nd, 2008 11:04 am ET

Even though it would be great and very interesting why would he do such a thing; he was President for goodness sake and one of the best in the last 30 years.

the new yorker   December 2nd, 2008 11:03 am ET

To: plan4future December 2nd, 2008 10:46 am ET

Are you stupid or what? Hillary Clinton will be 73 years old in 2016. This sexist country would never allow a woman at 73 years of age to serve as POTUS.

Mari   December 2nd, 2008 11:01 am ET

Please...... this is ridiculous. Bill Clinton has been president, one of our BEST! He doesn't need to be senator.

Almost the end of THE error!   December 2nd, 2008 11:01 am ET

Thats great news...cuz we are not interested in him taking that seat either!

carolflowery   December 2nd, 2008 11:00 am ET

this whole idea was stupid, who the heck even got it started, the whole idea jees

Mike   December 2nd, 2008 10:58 am ET

In Brazil, there was a politician who began his career as a city councilman, became State Senator, then governor, then President, then Governor and then ended his career as a mayor.

Bill becoming a Senator would show that the US is just like any other 3rd world nation when it comes to politics.

clifford   December 2nd, 2008 10:54 am ET

Former President Bill Clinton: Impeached! Scandal's! Liar! Criminal activities AND convictions! (perjury). Sex affairs! I guess when your a good orator that's a license to B.S. everone and get away with it in the public eye!?!? American's have a very short attention span. Remember how proud we and the world wereof him?? What in the he.ll is wrong with some of you?

Independenture   December 2nd, 2008 10:53 am ET

Although he was a great President, the Senate is not the place for him; his chances for SCOTUS are pretty nil. He is doing fine as he is, although he will have to scale back with Hilary in her new job.

JD   December 2nd, 2008 10:52 am ET

Interesting how a news organization censors comments critical of the stories they choose to present.

Shari, NY   December 2nd, 2008 10:52 am ET

Where the Clinton's are concerened, some of us have one track minds. The headline should be: "Bill not interested in Hillary's senate position".

Ray Fisher   December 2nd, 2008 10:52 am ET

America is getting sick of the Clinton domination of the Dems. Nothing can bring the corrupt Republican party back to power faster than a constant barrage of Clinton stories. Let's just face facts America, we will have to live with Clinton Mania adnauseum forever!!!

FL for Obama   December 2nd, 2008 10:49 am ET

I think Caroline Kennedy would be a bold and interesting move.

tess   December 2nd, 2008 10:49 am ET

the only thing clinton is interested in is his self promotion – i just wish it took him to a foreign country and he coundn't get back in the u.s. i am sooo sick of both clintons – they just don't know when to go away!!!
our country would do just fine without them – they just can't seem to understands that concept!!

Robert NYC   December 2nd, 2008 10:48 am ET

Bill Clinton would be excellent as a Senator!

clifford   December 2nd, 2008 10:46 am ET

I'm from New York and this broad Hillary did absolutely nothing for us! Lie's and more lie's is all we got!!! Talk about fooling the sheep!!

plan4future   December 2nd, 2008 10:46 am ET

My prediction

4 years from now Hillary Clinton will be the VP Candidate, 8 years from now the presidential candidate.

mary from new brunswick   December 2nd, 2008 10:45 am ET

He says he's not interested - he just wants to be courted and begged - but NY does not need another CLINTON!!!!!!

Kevin   December 2nd, 2008 10:44 am ET

Why is the question even being asked????????? Because the Clinton's are maintaining their stranglehold on America and the democrat party, that's why. Will we ever see the last of these losers?

bababear   December 2nd, 2008 10:43 am ET

You know – Why not? The Clintons are always known for doing firsts – some great, some weird, some not so much, but always interesting.

LyonsPhilly   December 2nd, 2008 10:42 am ET

Conservative Independent and Melanie McCready – Prime example of misery loves company.

Aibe Dangana   December 2nd, 2008 10:40 am ET

i think in any country being President is the highest office anyone can occupy,going to the Senate,doesnt look like something former president Bill Clinton would do.He can serve the American people in other roles,definately not the U.S Senate.I personally dont think the thought has crossed his mind.

Lynn   December 2nd, 2008 10:40 am ET

Duh. The GOP sure has done a good job of discreting him to the point where people believe he would take a senate seat after being a 2-term president. Funny....when he was in office, I don't remember there being a transfer of wealth to the wealthy or a severe recession or a $700 billion heist. Shame on the GOP. I pity those of you who believe everything they tell you.

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Meh...he's too smart for that and CGI is doing too much good in the world in comparison to the good our gov't has been doing. More interesting would be a CNN click-poll to find out who people think is stupider: Sarah Palin or Plaxico Burress.

Scott Tucson   December 2nd, 2008 10:39 am ET

Hillary give up her senate seat and a year or two from now Obama fires her from her post as secretary of state. That would be hillarious!

pam Eugene OR   December 2nd, 2008 10:37 am ET

Bill hasn't been interested in Hillary's "seat" for a very long time!
I wish Hillary would stay in the senate where she can do less damage.

LIP   December 2nd, 2008 10:34 am ET

Bill hasn't been interested in Hillary's seat for a long time. In fact, his interest in seats in general started way back when he was governor of Arkansas. It would seem that there was a seat epidemic going around and Bill caught it. Hillary came to his rescue though and saved his seat and has been makiing it a practice of hers to continue to save his seat now and again.

Joe   December 2nd, 2008 10:34 am ET

Did he say "Foggy Bottom, any bottom"? You betcha!

he's a hypocrite   December 2nd, 2008 10:32 am ET

No, no – bill's waiting for Sec'y General of the UN.

Virginia   December 2nd, 2008 10:32 am ET

Thank God for small favors!!!!

The Real Issue   December 2nd, 2008 10:32 am ET

The Real Issue is how Senator soon to be Secretary Clinton runs her vital Department of State. I never believed that President Clinton wanted to take her Senate seat. I do believe that there will be times they will travel together to negotiate various treaties. This is a great time for America and President-elect Obama is setting the platform to do great things. His Cabinet team is awesome!!!

Teresa   December 2nd, 2008 10:29 am ET

How about Chelsea

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 2nd, 2008 10:29 am ET

Bill Clinton should be appointed as Special Envoy to the U.N. in order to repair our image with the rest of the world, and believe me, he'd be great at it!

Then, when the opportunity knocks, appoint him to the U.S. Supreme Court. Can you imagine the staredowns with John Roberts, a man who thinks he knows it all and Clinton, a man who does!!!

cool onlooker   December 2nd, 2008 10:28 am ET

Sounds like: "I did not hide $ under the mattress".

He is basically addicted to power, so how can he stay away from any opportunity to use it?

kelly WI   December 2nd, 2008 10:27 am ET

Why would he want to be tied down in the senate? He is fancy free to travel the world with or without Hillary.

Bruce Parsons   December 2nd, 2008 10:27 am ET

I say Paterson should choose Mike Huckabee. New York likes senators who have not lived in their own state, and Huckabee is from Arkansas, just like Hillary.

Conservative Independent   December 2nd, 2008 10:26 am ET

Just what we would need, his return to tramping around with the publics money.

Keep him as far away as possible from any government power. I didn't like him the first time around and I still don't.

Melanie McCready   December 2nd, 2008 10:25 am ET

Bill is too busy chasing women all over the world to tie himself down to a job that would keep in around DC where Hillary is.

Average Joe   December 2nd, 2008 10:22 am ET

LUV YA MR PRESIDENT, I COULDN'T GIVE A HAPPY CRAP WHAT YOUR DETRACTORS SAY. WITHOUT YOU I WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN MY JOB BACK YOU AND HILLARY ARE OK WITH ME, HOPE TO MEET YOU IF YOU GET UPSTATE AGAIN.

Spencer/NY to VA   December 2nd, 2008 10:22 am ET

You don't go from being a president to becoming a senator. That's backwards people.

Tom in Delaware   December 2nd, 2008 10:20 am ET

I wouldn't want him as dog-catcher.

Todd   December 2nd, 2008 10:20 am ET

I agree, US SUPREME COURT baby!!!!!

Babs   December 2nd, 2008 10:19 am ET

OH PLEASE!!!!! CAN'T they just go away..... He disgraced the office of the President... and people think he's wonderful. Doesn't anyone have any integrity in who they choose. Seems to me Hillary once said she had no idea her husbnad was having an affair... my oh my he was a womanizer when he was govenor. And Now she is going to be Sec of State ... maybe she will do well or is this a political decision so she won't run against Obama in 2012. Does anyone believe that Bill Clinton will not get involved in some way or another and start "running" his agenda.

kishen c.rao   December 2nd, 2008 10:19 am ET

president clinton is a very smart guy...well, his golden era is over, may be it is the reason he is not interested and he wants to relax in life...it is a good decision...politics is nothing but nonsense.....he knows it thoroughly....It is a good decision..kishen c.rao

rachel   December 2nd, 2008 10:18 am ET

Bill has been behaving leave him alone.

Anonymous   December 2nd, 2008 10:18 am ET

president clinton is a very smart guy...well, his golden era is over, may be it is the reason he is not interested and he wants to relax in life...it is a good decision...politics is nothing but nonsense.....he knows it thoroughly....It is a good decision..kishen c.rao

mfc florida   December 2nd, 2008 10:17 am ET

Will, wouldn't lying under oath keep him out of the Supreme court', how soon we forget.

echeweozo   December 2nd, 2008 10:16 am ET

GOOD FOR HIM BECAUSE WE DONT WANT HIM,SO GOOD LUCK MR.

tom   December 2nd, 2008 10:12 am ET

Ah...let's not forget he was duly and rightfully impeached and disbarred in his home state of Arkansas (not an easy task) for prejury and obstruction of justice. THAT'S why.

S Callahan   December 2nd, 2008 10:12 am ET

Being a New Yorker...i feel the one who has earned this is Krstin Gillabrand....she is truely 'for the people'.....she should be the one appointed....

Lynn   December 2nd, 2008 10:12 am ET

President Clinton is doing good all over the world with Hiv-Aids -help with the poor etc. I would hope he does not take the Senate job. I see that the Clinton haters (example – Jack Cafferty and Bob from Pittsburgh) are still in full force. What a shame. Again I say bring back the l990's – It was the best years for most Americans – only if we could.

Terry Dayton,Ohio   December 2nd, 2008 10:10 am ET

Where ever he ends up were lucky to have him!!!!!!!!

Paul   December 2nd, 2008 10:10 am ET

I wish the Clintons would just go away. America has had enough with political dynasties ruining our nation.

Noah   December 2nd, 2008 10:10 am ET

Will- You want a man who perjured himself and made a mockery of the U.S. Justice System to become a Supreme Court Justice? Wow, I thought that Liberals were supposed to be super intelligent?

Greg - NY   December 2nd, 2008 10:08 am ET

Bill Clinton, one of the successful president in US's history will not find a senate seat appealling.

John Buchanan   December 2nd, 2008 10:08 am ET

I say offer the seat to Chelsy Clinton...It would be a perfect way to start her Political Career!

Michael, Houston Texas   December 2nd, 2008 10:05 am ET

I don't blame him. No way that his ego would allow him to go from a 2 term sitting President to a Senator, and a junior Senator at that. He would be bored and more than likely not represent his constituants well due to boredoom. I agree with Will-South Dakota, I think Supreme Court Justice would be a much better position for him, that's if he wants it. Go figure, the same branch that tried to impeach him for lying about something almost all men and women would lie about, he may be apart of. How does that taste, Republicans?

No thanks   December 2nd, 2008 10:05 am ET

He's already president of the world.

BV   December 2nd, 2008 10:05 am ET

Bob from Pittsburgh, that was very naughty of you!!!!

A A   December 2nd, 2008 10:04 am ET

We need some new blood and new faces in our sanate and the governmenet in general. There are a lot of talented people there if you look hard enough!

melinda in NV   December 2nd, 2008 10:04 am ET

Yes, why would he take a job that he couldn't make as much money as he does now? Selling books about his "LIE", (oops..".Life")

dittohead with forty names   December 2nd, 2008 10:02 am ET

Lets just fence in New York City,before someone else escapes.

CanIcallyouJoe   December 2nd, 2008 10:00 am ET

A former president being on the senate would be inappropriate, in my opinion. He would have far too much sway and influence for any votes to be fair. Not to mention we already have a lobbyist-owned senate, so any more deviation from what the public wants in favor of what the private sector wants is even more of a move in the wrong direction.

Also, I'm still waiting on my cut of the 700 billion bailout. I have student loans, insurance, rent, dental bills, doctor bills, and prescription coverage I need to pay off. Where's my government help for that?

Too bad!!   December 2nd, 2008 10:00 am ET

That is disappointing!! He certainly is a better choice than Caroline Kennedy. He did work hard for Obama.

Life was better for most of the American people when Bill Clinton was President, other than some rich people having to pay taxes instead of getting off scott-free like Bush has done. I would love it if he would take her Senate seat. We would all be better off it that happened.

Irma in North Carolina   December 2nd, 2008 10:00 am ET

I hope he doesnt do any thing foolish that would hurt Hillary serving as SOS. She sure deserves this spot, as she did a lot of campaigning to help get him elected. I am Glad that Oboma gave her this position.

Independent Voter   December 2nd, 2008 9:59 am ET

it really amazes me how journalists come up with some of the stupidest ideas to get bloggers going...why in the world would a two term president be interested in becoming a senator?

God Bless President Obama, VP Biden and their First Families

Dave   December 2nd, 2008 9:58 am ET

why would he? he is the shadow SoS now, or who knows maybe the shadow president.

Jay   December 2nd, 2008 9:58 am ET

Alright, another down-state leftie Senator who thinks NYS ends in Yonkers...sweet

terry   December 2nd, 2008 9:57 am ET

I agree with CT. I would not be interested in serving at a junior Senator of NY. He has way more influence then that as a two term President. This is what happens when reports have nothing else to do with their time.

Laura   December 2nd, 2008 9:56 am ET

why on earth would a former two-term president who had a very successful presidency until the whole, scandal, want to be a senator? really?? COME ON! he can do much more good for the world as he is now. this is just ludicrous!

elsie   December 2nd, 2008 9:56 am ET

A second article on Bill Clinton as Senator? I guess Mr. Steinhauser didn't read the comments from yesterday. Find something else to write about please. Geez.

News was news   December 2nd, 2008 9:56 am ET

Remember when news was, you know, NEWS, rather than pure speculation. Let's see what other rumors we can start today. How about Spitzer for Senate?

Susan   December 2nd, 2008 9:53 am ET

He would be an excellent US Supreme Cout Justice.

Good Luck in whatever he decides to do.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   December 2nd, 2008 9:53 am ET

Is it possible that Bill Clinton's impeachment prevents him from a Senate job, if so Bush should pardon him.

John   December 2nd, 2008 9:53 am ET

Does anybody else feel as scammed by Obama as I do. I donated close to 1,000 dollars of my hard earned money to this man and his campaign, because I honestly believed he would do what is right. Well, since his election and his promise of change, this is what I have gotten:

1. Promised he would raise taxes so that the rich are paying their "fairshare". Well, now says nope not gonna do it.
2. Promised me to change Washington....well so far his economic team is nothing but Clinton rehatches, and they are who caused this mortgage mess to begin with. His secretary of state couldn't be less of a change. He keeps Gates at the Pentagon. Richardson as Commerce Secretary....Holdr as AG....it is just more of the same.3.
3. Said he would begin withdrawing troops from Iraq on Day 1....well that looks out the window.
4. Promised me a tax cut....well don't see that happening since he's not raising taxes on the rich.
5. Promised me he would cut waste in government yet is already planning to spend 750 billion on his first day.

The list just goes on and on. President-Elect Obama you sir are a liar. You lied to me to get my money, and you lied to millions of others. All you did was make promises that you had no intention of keeping. I have received your letters asking for donations to your inaugrual and all I can say is if any of your "supporters" like me whom have already given you more than they afford actually buy into your crap now...then this country truly is full of idiots.

Don't ask me for anymore money...I have been lied to enough,

Phil in KC   December 2nd, 2008 9:52 am ET

Although such a thing is not without precedent, I can't imagine why he would want to.

harold   December 2nd, 2008 9:51 am ET

Couldn't hurt anything. He is a very bright man who could show them a thing or two

Bruce   December 2nd, 2008 9:49 am ET

Good....

tiff of Lithia Springs   December 2nd, 2008 9:43 am ET

Why would he be interested in governing again. I don't think he will ever do that. After being Gov in Arkansas and then the presidency. Does anyone ever notice how gray these guy become?

Nannie Bouroughs   December 2nd, 2008 9:41 am ET

And who, but a complete idiot, thought he might be interested?

Where's the NEWS here?

Remy   December 2nd, 2008 9:39 am ET

A Preident become a Senator is not a good idea!

Kel in Auburn, AL   December 2nd, 2008 9:37 am ET

No kidding, really? Bill Clinton is too huge of a political figure to be pigeonholed in the Senate.. He has bigger things to do. IF Ted Kennedy is the lion of the Senate, Bill Clinton is the lion among former-presidents.

Jill American   December 2nd, 2008 9:35 am ET

It's Hillary's turn and Bill know that. Glad to see is is doing what it takes for her to be SOS.

mb   December 2nd, 2008 9:35 am ET

The former President has said, he is not interested in returning to the capital or the white house again. People should leave him alone and let him do what he wants with the exception of him interferring with the Obama Administration.

proudliberal   December 2nd, 2008 9:35 am ET

hillary should remain in her senate seat. she doesn't have the experience in diplomacy, necessary, to take on 2 wars, the mid east, russia, china, n. korea, and iran. bill richardson, holbrooke, wes clark,and many others have much better creds. hillary was probably 'picked' as a political 'deal'. it appears the 'politics of the past' still have a lot of 'changing' needed.

J.Crobuzon   December 2nd, 2008 9:35 am ET

Bill's not looking too good lately. I don't think he's long for this world; something about the cheeks and eyes and the way he's been getting off-topic so much suggests heavy meds.

TK   December 2nd, 2008 9:33 am ET

Why on Earth would Bill want a Senate job? He's got it made... Some special 'projects' here, some nice trips with Hillary there, keep on getting richer with only the cherriest of speaking gigs, and BEST OF ALL, she's going to be REALLY occupied and busy most EVERY day, and gone much of the time... Bill has waited his whole life for this set-up!!!!

Senate, Schmenate!

"No, I'm not gonna go to Iraq with Hil... Let's do the Hawaii CEO convention that week...But I need to be back at least three days before Hil..."

Dana from NY   December 2nd, 2008 9:33 am ET

You dont go from President of the US to the Senator of NY... I swear now things are just being made up to generate headlines...LOL Like anyone really thought Bill Clinton would even go for a Senate position?? BORING!!

JB   December 2nd, 2008 9:32 am ET

Of course not! Are you kidding me, he is salivating at the thought of his wife busy in DC or galavanting around the world. Why busy up his time. When the cats away. . . . . Gentleman, hide your daughters!!

Dr. Sam   December 2nd, 2008 9:31 am ET

I dont think he should. He should not go from being a hugely successful President to being a Senator. There is a greater problem: Is Hillary a good manager? (Note her primary campaign). And is she a good negotiator? (Note the failure of her health care plan in Congress). I am also troubled about this “team of rivals” in another way. Biden? In President-elect's news conference of December 1, 2008, many others and I were struck by Biden's use of the word "we" as if he and Obama made the decision about who should be in the cabinet. I find that appalling–because we don't have more than one decider. It is the President-elect's decision, ultimately. He has final say! Biden might have participated and might have suggested names; but it is Obama, as future President who decides who should be in his cabinet. This important point should be drilled into Biden's empty head–or there could be trouble later. There are no competing powers; only one President at a time. Obama is no token President-to-be. It is time for Obama to put him in his place. If Biden—an egotistical and apparently insecure man—wants to feel important, that should not be at the President-elect’s expense.

LyonsPhilly   December 2nd, 2008 9:30 am ET

I didn't think an ex-president would be interested in a Senate seat.....

KJL   December 2nd, 2008 9:30 am ET

David Paterson wouldn't consider him, so why would he say he was interested?

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   December 2nd, 2008 9:29 am ET

YE GODS WHAT A LOUSY IDEA.... NO MORE CLINTONS.... CAN'T WE EVER GET AWAY FROM THEM?

Mickie   December 2nd, 2008 9:28 am ET

Why would he? Would any former president want to go to a Senate position afterwards? Do you mean to tell me that a state like New York doesn't have any worthwhile candidates for Senator? No wonder people like Guiliani think they are viable candidates for president.

Angie-OHIO   December 2nd, 2008 9:28 am ET

As much as I would love to have Bill back in the political game, that is not for him. He was a wonderful president. Taking a set in the senate would a step backwards. Besides he doesn't need it and I'm sure he doesn't want it. He knows it is Hilary's time.

Nick   December 2nd, 2008 9:28 am ET

I'm sure the PUMA's are upset since they just love the Clinton's so much.

He's the reason my mom was voting for Hillary during the primaries, to have Bill back in the White House, never mind that he would just be the spouse.

Jmurillo   December 2nd, 2008 9:27 am ET

How funny is this headline? Of course he isn't..thats why he had Monica... a Freudian slip or intentional?

That Other Jerry   December 2nd, 2008 9:27 am ET

Bill is already giving up the bulk of his freedom to let Hillary be Secretary of State. Why would he surrender the rest of it in order to become a trivia question for future fifth-graders? He's going to have a hard enough time just keeping his tongue in check and his pants zipped so as not to cost Hillary her new job. At least he can still rake in megabucks for giving speeches, something he couldn't do as a junior senator.

Marge   December 2nd, 2008 9:24 am ET

In a way you can't blame him. After all when you have a good senator, who does wonders for their state, they never get thanked, but if the make one little mis step and choose a wrong item, the MSM goes wild, acting as if they were the worst person in the world.

The Anti-Hillary   December 2nd, 2008 9:23 am ET

True, he's not interested in HER seat. He's only interested in other women's seats.

Joe   December 2nd, 2008 9:23 am ET

This is a rumor? Bill has been the PRESIDENT of the US why on earth would he even think of un-retiring and running for senate?

Its a stupid rumor.

Bill has done that and been there.

mbrown   December 2nd, 2008 9:23 am ET

I find it funny that so many of the obama supporters are hating on the fact that hillary got the nod for secretary of state !

Yet these same haters did not have a problem with her when she lobbied hard for the 18 plus million of her supporters, yes i am one of them and african american to follow behind Obama and vote for him as the president elect for which he is now !

Bottom line, Hillary deserves and will make a great secretary of state. We still have to see how Mr Obama will do as president, he already has back peddled on a couple of issues he swore he would change during the primaries.

Many of you obamabots have asked us to be patience with him as he takes over the mess we now find ourselves in, this clintonic ask that you give her the same patience, respect and reserve you ask us to give your guy !

Have a Merry Xmas and happy new year...obamabot scrooges !

Rodney Anonymous   December 2nd, 2008 9:23 am ET

Best unintentionally funny headline ever

Phil-Little Rock   December 2nd, 2008 9:22 am ET

Monday Hillary Clinton said that "leaving the Senate is very difficult for me."

Yet, she would have been ALL TOO WILLING to leave the Senate if she won for President. She's so full of baloney she's pathetic. And she should take Bill with her, and that lopside-headed daughter of theirs and go away.

Bob from Pittsburgh   December 2nd, 2008 9:21 am ET

He is not interested in Hillary's seat?

That is exactly what he said about all the other women..!!

Lynn in NM   December 2nd, 2008 9:21 am ET

I would hope not.

Pete   December 2nd, 2008 9:19 am ET

He doesn't realize the seat comes with a rookie ot-of-the-way office down a dark hall in the senate. Perfect for anonomous late night visits by interns.

EVERYMAN   December 2nd, 2008 9:18 am ET

Why would WJC want to go back to work. He gets to travel the world, living the good life. Wait... The Senate has female pages...

Will-South Dakota   December 2nd, 2008 9:14 am ET

Hoepfully he becomes a US Supreme Court Justice.

CT   December 2nd, 2008 9:12 am ET

Of course not. He was a two term president. Why take a second fiddle to Chuck Schumar job?

Larry   December 2nd, 2008 9:11 am ET

Hillary–You shouldn't leave,your guts telling you not to if it's hard to leave.

carol   December 2nd, 2008 9:11 am ET

I think Bill has too many other irons in the fire to want to take Hillary's seat in the Senate.....not too sure he would want to be seen as playing second fiddle if he did.

energy   December 2nd, 2008 9:10 am ET

The Kennedys have given up so much for this country–especially for black people. Importantly, without the endorsement of Ted Kennedy, I am not sure Obama could have won the primaries easier than he did. Since RFK Jr is interested in replacing HRC, it will be most honorable to ask him to take the position. And it is a compromise: RFK Jr supported HRC, while the mother and most of his brothers stood behind BHO. Both parties will feel treated fairly. As for Caroline, her choice for VP remains a mess–and should not be compensated for pettiness. As for Andrew Cuomo, no way...it will be an afront on the Kennedys. Remember the ugly divorce.

60 year old white female and proud supporter of PE Obama   December 2nd, 2008 9:09 am ET

Again, the media continues its "love/hate" fascination with the Clintons and fuels false speculation to create controversy and fill air time.

The American news media by and large is becoming a dummied down rumor mil becoming increasingly filled with huge ego and self importance pundits that have lost all sense of objectivity.

chris   December 2nd, 2008 9:07 am ET

why is there no 't-shirt- link for this headline?

harold   December 2nd, 2008 9:06 am ET

Who believes him?

Karen from Charlottesville   December 2nd, 2008 9:02 am ET

Why would anyone want to go from CEO to AVP?

Linda from Prescott AZ   December 2nd, 2008 9:02 am ET

I'm glad he's not interested, great politician that he is he would be a distraction.

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