Rendell says it may be time for Bill Clinton to 'get over it'
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/06/26/art.rendell.gi.jpg caption=" Rendell says it may be time for Bill Clinton to move on."](CNN) - Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a longtime backer of both Bill and Hillary Clinton, said Thursday it's time for the former president to move on if he is still upset about his wife's loss to Barack Obama in the prolonged Democratic primary.
Rendell, whose ardent support of Clinton proved critical in her decisive Pennsylvania win in April, said he's not sure if Bill Clinton is still upset with the ultimate result, but made clear he thinks it’s time for the former president to rally behind the party's presumptive presidential nominee.
Watch: Rendell on Clinton's exit
"Bill's my friend. If that is true the way he feels, he's got to shake it off, get over it, get back in the game and help elect Senator Obama," Rendell said on MSNBC.
"Like everybody else, [he] has to listen to Hillary," Rendell also said. "And Hillary said it best - there's no sense in looking back and wasting any energy."
The former president has come under criticism for remaining conspicuously silent with regards to his support of Obama, even more than two weeks after his wife formally ended her campaign bid. Bill Clinton's office finally released a short statement earlier this week saying the former president is "is obviously committed to doing whatever he can and is asked to do to ensure Senator Obama is the next president of the United States."
But the former president, who was at times sharply critical of Obama during the campaign season, has yet to make any public declaration of support - which has fueled speculation he remains upset with the primary result. Bill Clinton, according to some reports, is specifically upset with Obama's criticisms of his administration over the course of the campaign and the media's treatment of his wife.
Watch: Obama, Clintons: Hard feelings?
But Obama said earlier this week he is confident both Clintons will be enthusiastic supporters as the general election campaign heats up.
“They’re going to want to campaign actively on behalf of the Democratic ticket,” he told CNN earlier this week. “I am going to need them.”
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Ok, I support Obama, but Bill Clinton is a former president that has campaigned exhustively for months. Cut the guy some slack and give him some time – it is Bill's business and no one else's when and if he decides to "get in the game" with Obama.
Rendell is my governor and I don't particularly like him especially after his support of Hillary during the primaries but he's right on the money with this one. Bill Clinton as well as his wife thought they were entitled to this and that her winning would be a shoo in. They didn't get their way and he is showing his true arrogant colors.
bill clinton has damaged his legacy beyond reclamation. he's shown himself to be a bully and a crybaby. good riddance.
Ok, I support Obama, but Bill Clinton is a former president that has campaigned exhaustively for months. Cut the guy some slack and give him some time – it is Bill's business and no one else's when and if he decides to "get in the game" with Obama.
You tell them Rendell....not only Billybob, but the rest of the her supporters who are planning to vote for McBush....that's like voting for Bush all over which would be a slap in Sen. Clinton's face, because that would mean that you really didn't support or believe in her message! Wake up people!
Ed renda\ell
is right Bill Clinton has to get over it the first talk of negivated talk started with the Hilliary campgpain.
I like Bill and Obama, Im sure they will work it out.
Nuff said
Let's be straight about this: Bill is not upset over HRC losing to Obama. he's upset at the way he's been cast as a divisive, bitter and vengeful politician. It's too bad that he feels this way but the fact of the matter is that he IS a divisive, bitter and vengeful politician.
What do you expect, Hillary and Bill said Obama was not qualified to be President. If they start singing his praises now then they were either lying then or they are lying now. You may say BHO is better than McCain, but no matter how you slice it, they will be supporting someone they think is unqualified. Is that loyalty to country or party?
Pres. Clinton, truly " get over it". I loved when you were President, your wife loss and now it's time for party unity. Sucking sour grapes will only further erode your legacy.
I don't think Ed Rendell is over it!!!!!! He will never get re-elected as PA governor, it's Bob Casey's chance now!!!!!!
If Obama's enemies are going to be Bill Clinton, Pres. Bush, and Carl Rove I say he wins by a landslide.
I agree with you Governor.
I think the media loves controversy!!!
its understandable that he might not be feeling quite chippy at this moment, give him time
I also love how pundits go on tv and say "Bill is angry and mad as hell"
DID HE PERSONALLY TELL YOU? HOW THE HELL DO YOU KNOW HIS STATE OF MIND....
people should sto ascribing feeling to people without knowing
LET THE MAN COME AROUND TO SUPPORTING OBAMA ON HIS OWN, THAT WAY IT IS REAL, AND GENUINE!
DEMOCARTS IN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enlightened voter is such a kool aid drinker that Obama could spit in your face and you would think he was just cleaning it for you.
THIS ELECTION IS CRITICAL. BILL CLINTON NEEDS TO CHECK HIS EGO AND MOVE ON!!!
HE CAN SHOW WHAT HE IS REALLY LIKE BY HIS ACTIONS.
Bill Clinton has every right to withhold his support for Obama, or anyone else. Frankly, after the way Obama's campaign behaved toward Senator Clinton, I have real trouble supporting him, myself. Hang in there, Bill.
Go Eddie!
Not just the Clintons but their supporters as well. If you want Hillary to have another shot at the presidency, complaining about Obama and voting for McCain is not the way to do it.
Yes, Mr. President.
Build a bridge and get over it!
teeheehee. bwHahaa :). I like Rendell. He tell it like it is. He cowers to noone even though he supported Clinton in the primary.
You rock Rendelll!!
Yep.
As a non-partisan voter I can objectively say that Bill Clinton has been a strange figure since about December 2007. I have defended him at many turns over the years but he seems to have grown frustrated over the fact that everyhting is not all about him. He's such an interesting guy; brilliant politician and communicator but some really sad insecurities.
WOW!!!!!!....He is not a tipical "white"....
well bill i have to say rendell is right bill and hill thought they had this one in the bag you know with being the CLINTONS and all i live in pa i really dont like rendell but i have to agree and looks like pa will be going blue this year lots of obama supporters obamas gonna win my state by a land slide and i couldnt be more happier!!!!!!