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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Yes, Bill. GET OVER IT. Help Obama become the next President of the United States.
YES WE WILL!!!
Obama '08!!!
I would be mad too that Barack Obama played the race card on both the Clintons and made it personal. He is trying it now against McCain. Burnt once, shame on you – burnt twice, shame on me! Wake up America!
I am with Bill Clinton – my words of course – 'you think you can slam me as a racist during the primaries and NOW you want my help? if I was so racist then, as you painted me – why would you want me to help you now????' NOT!
Bill should not support Obama and Democratic Elite. They should face punishment for the waythey treated the democratic race and the people voting for Hillary.
Boy CNN, you just have to stir up crap with regard to the Clintons, don't you? Must be for ratings, huh?
Leave them alone. You criticize them while they are in the spotlight and criticize them when they're not. Let Bill have a much needed and well deserved vacation and go pick on someone else.
Didn't everyone listen to Bill Clinton's final speech at a Hillary rally?
He said " This is the last campaign I will be involved with."
After how his wife was treated by the media and Obama supporters, why the hell should he help? People can only take so much before they say screw it. It appears Bill has reached that point and does not care whether Barack wins.
Bill don't give in, get even. Make the Democratic Party pay for how they treated you and your wife. They are a bunch of quacks (did you see that panel that decided Michigan and Florida, the lady who does the roster at the conventions was on the panel!)
I agree with Gov. Rendell. It's time that Bill to get over it and not just say he will do all to help elect Obama, but to come out and endorse Obama. We must remember that the Clintons were not the only ones injured in this battle, so was Obama. Why else would he have to try to woo Clinton's supporters. Best way for him to re-ignite his legacy is to get onboard.
Bill should not support Obama and Democratic Elite. They should face punishment for the way they treated the democratic race and the people voting for Hillary.
Ed Rendell is the best. He tells it like it is. Bill Clinton, get over it!!
We have to kick the GOP out of our house. America can not afford 4 more years of GOP rule. John McCain is George Bush's twin. All American ought to rally towards keeping McFlipflop-Bush from winning This election. We own it to you children.
Rendell is right. Bill, join all of us OBAMA supporters and help put a democrat in the White House.
Another example of leadership!
This may be why he advanced from Mayor of Philly to Governor of PA.
Is VP next????????????
Governor Rendell is on the mark. In the words of Jimmie Buffett, WJC needs to "breathe in, breathe out and move on."
It's called malice jealousy. Racism runs deep in good ole boys.., even Bill.
too many people put too much stake in political parties. the fact is that we , the voters, will choose our next president based on what we feel this person can do for the well being and safety of this country. we shouldnt vote just because soneone is a repub or a dem or a green party member etc. we should be voting for the person who believes that he/she can do what is best for the country. he/she should pay attention to the majority of the people in this country and the hell with how other countries view us. if bill, and hillary even, dont really want to support obama then the party needs to leave them alone and let them decide for themselves who isthe better candidate. they should not be made to stand by obama just because he is a dem candidate. if they truly beleive that obama is what os best then all the power to them otherwise they, and every other american, needs to vote for the PERSON and not the party. ask what your party has done for you lately then ask what your candidate of choice can do for you. big difference huh?
Bill and Obama are supposed to be having a secret meeting. I bet Bill wants Obama to help the thm pay off their debt before he endorses him and also Bill wants Hillary to be VP. Too bad Bill will go down in history with a negative reputation. Because he is an ex President he should be more mature about his wife's lose and politically nobody owes them anything..
Ain't nuthin' a "fried peanut butter n' nanner" sandwich won't fix. Get back on the horse Willy and do your best to save your legacy.
Right on, Mr. Governor. This one's for you.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!
I can see why Hillary has to play nice, but Bill does not have to kiss up to Obama just because he is a past President.
The DNC did everything they could to knock down the Clintons and put Obama as the nominee, so now that has taken place and everyone should be happy.
But the Clintons will come back and I hope that in 2012 Hillary can run on the campaign platform of I TOLD YOU SO and get rid of Howard Dean and all those turn coat super delegates.
The press demonized Bill all the way. Now you want his support? Take a hike.
YOU ARE RIGHT OBAMA SUPPORTER. GIVE BILL SOME TIME HE'LL COME AROUND.
Give Bill Clinton a break here. Nobody, maybe not even Hillary, knows what's going on in his head right now. Bill, hit the golf course, sip some fruity drink and relax. Get your head on straight and we'll see ya when your ready. Take YOUR TIME!!
THERE IS NO ROOM FOR SORE LOSERS.... THERE ARE BIGGER ISSUES TO WORRY ABOUT... I AGREE WITH GOV. RENDELL...
OBAMA 08......
I'm sick and tired of these people stating that the Clinton's thought they were "entitled to the presidency." They have worked hard to improve the lives of people whose voice and opinions are ignored. So they are not entitled to the presidency but they have earned it. Unlike Obama, who is a new comer, he is the one that acts like he is entitled to the presidency by playing the race card and making the voter feel guilty if you don't cast they vote for him. We're looking for the person who has experience not charisma.
I like and respect Mr. Rendell but I think he's wrong here. I don't think you can tell someone when or how to "get over" anything, particularly when Mr. Obama and his campaign personally attacked Mr. Clinton and his presidency. Even if he got over the hard feelings created without apology by Mr. Obama, he's still faced with having to back an inadequate candidate. I think Mr. Clinton is doing exactly the right thing.
I agree, give over it and move on, more like move out, get out!