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.”
If Bill is acting this immature about this stage of the campaign, think of how he would be if Hillary had made it to the general election, and the rabid-dog wing of the republican party was unleashed upon him, Monica Lewinsky and all.
I'm thinking that maybe Bill should sit this one out, if he can't act like an adult.
Why on earth does Rendell think he should speak for Bill Clinton–after Obama's people and the AA's that he has long supported turned their backs on him and called him racist? Also, factcheck should get his facts straight–it was not Bill Clinton that was bitter and divisive–it was the entire Obama contingent and supporters-they played every race card they had which was totally unfair to Clinton..I hope he does not help them–let them sink on their own.
Unity is important this election you say your a democrate and you vote or do anything other than support our canidate this year i move we throw you out of the party
I can speak as a woman who supported Mrs Clinton, I was getting over it. Lately though as Senator Obama, and his campaign seem more, and more dismissive of the Clintons, I think both sides need each other too much, and there needs to be "Getting over it" in both camps.
Bill and HIllary can talk as long as they want to "get over it."
The fact is, the Obama camp treated them like dirt. Hillary is more experienced than Obama. Obama called Bill a racist. It's completely insane that either one of them would support Obama now. I know I won't. It's disgusting how disrespectful people are to this very intelligent former President and former FIrst Lady, by the the supporters of a wanna-be President.
It's time for Bill to get over it. It's time for Hillary to get over it. It's time for Hillary's supporters to get over it. It's time for disgruntled Michigan primary voters to get over it. It's time for disgruntled Florida primary voters to get over it. It's time for the Clinton's bak account (less the money Hillary decided to laon to her losing campaing) to get over it! They lost. PERIOD. Deal with it!
I am a staunch Obama supporter. But let's remember that President Clinton put 2 years of his life into campaining for his wife. He will come along because like HRC he honestly has the best interest of the country at heart.
Instead of focusing on the negative, let's look at the positive. With Barr as a spoiler, Obama has got a real shot in GA. Let's make the republicans spend their money to hold on to their red states. We are sitting on the cash cow democrats. Spreading out the electoral map is to our advantage so Repubs won't be able to put all their money into key swing states. I can hear the critics already. "We can not buy the election." Grow up people! The truth is the best person doesn't always win the GE (see GW Bush twice). The person with the best political strategy wins the election. Go to barackobama.com and get involved! Especially if you live in a red or swing state!
Bill doesnt have to do a thing for Obama and frankly I dont think obama feels he needs bill's help. I think bill is hurt cause he feels obama turned the black community aganist him. I think the clintons got a raw deal with the racisim crap and obama got a free ride to genenralize his granny as a typical white person(whate ever that is).
Personally based on how the Clintons run their campaign and all the remarks they made about Obama's qualification as well as the racial overtones, I could careless if they public support Obama or not.
They may have to say we will do whatever it takes to help elect a democrat in office just so as to appear partisan. The truth is they really don't beleive Obama deserved to Win or should have won.
For party's sake yea yea yea, they can come out and appear with Obama and say they are united for one cause but I would never use them on the campaign trail. I don't think they would have anything good to say about him that they truly beleive in. The enthusiasm would not be there and beleive me the RNC will pick on it.
It would be nice if all of our Democratic leaders would demonstrate as much courage as Gov. Rendell, and Senator Biden.
DEMOCRATS UNITE!!!
Rendell is absolutely right...........Billy Clinton is just a big spoiled baby!! ....Obama should keep him out of his campaign......and Hillary should have kicked him to the curb years ago !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps Bill does not want to support a fraud who would damage the Clinton brand even further.
Maybe, just maybe, Bill Clinton understands what it is going to take to fix the economy of this country?
Maybe, because he's done it in the past, and Hillary was there as an adviser and interested observer?
Maybe Bill Clinton can see what might play out in November, too? The race bating and accusations of inexperience, and the fact that Obama hasn't indicated that he would employ the same, or most of the same, cast of characters that Bill used to fix the Reagan/Bush, Sr. economic mess and that Hillary would?
I don't think the Clintons believe in entitlement at this level, but rather a clear plan and mission to fix problems and not get caught up in the flavor of the month syndrome?
The Bush family made it impossible for another Clinton to get elected at this time – period. It's time to "break the cycle" of rotating the White House around two families according to the American people.
I supported Hillary in the primaries; as a good Democrat, I will support and campaign for Obama, which I have already started.
I may not agree with Bill Clinton's reactions to all that has happened, BUT I UNDERSTAND!!!
I think Bill and Hillary should be allowed some time, then come back and unite the party.
It would be awesome if democrats could follow their lead.
Their has been a lot of finger-pointing and blaming about sexism, racism, etc, etc, etc..... The only way to move forward in this country is to CHANGE YOURSELF
And please don't vote because a few people on a blog mad you mad – it is ridiculous to give your power to someone else like that. Be strong in your own beliefs and values.
DEMOCRATS UNITE!
I think Bill Clinton does not have to get in line for all those supporting Obama.
Obama personally and his camp made much to hurt Bill and his inheritance.
Bill ows nothing to this DNC and we who support him and Hillary would be happy if he drop this party and become independent.
He thinks and he is 100% that Obama is not fit to be president.
Bill, plz don't listen to DNC.
We love you and consider the best president in modern history!
NOBAMA!
Rendell is exactly right –
My opinion is that both Clintons are acting childish. This election is NOT, I repeat, NOT about them and they need to stop all the dramatics. Senator Obama is holding his own without the Clintons, and Bill and Hillary shouldn't get any special "perks" for supporting him.
Are people forgetting that Bill Clinton was called every raceist by the Obama campaign! He went from African Americans calling him the first black president to a raceist!
Obama and his team do not deserve Bill Clinton's help–after the way they treated him during the primary. He is a great man and one of the most successful Presidents of modern time.
I don't think anyone has the right to tell President Clinton what he should or should not do. I would not blame him one bit if he didn't campaign for Obama. Obama and his campaign said alot of untrue
statements about Bill Clinton.
If Hillary wants to help Obama that's one thing, but Bill is white over 21
and an American and can do what ever he wants.
Clinton was the best President this country has ever had, and Obama
cannot hold a candle or will never be another BILL CLINTON.
Just one more reason not to give Hillary any more money.
Isnt it funny how the first 10 people on here are Obamanuts slamming the Clintons. Does that mean they are just all paid Obama bloggers or what. The news article just made a simple comment, and everyone jumps on board to slam the Clintons.. I if i were in there shoes i would in no way help the inexperienced person running who says he is bringing change.,. The only change that i see in him is that he may be the first president elected that DOESNT have a clue of what he is doin. So i am still voting for someone with experience , experience is always better then having a rookie., Democrat for McCain 08
TADA! There it is! Bill knows Hillary not getting the nod will mean she's gonna throw him out. Bill is part of the reason Hillary's not going to be President; the other part is she tried to win big states, poor white voters, drank too many shots and spent money like a drunk sailor on shore leave. She forgot about the rest of America, but Obamo picked up all the stuff she threw out. But Ed is on the money with that comment. He should have told Bill AND the few remaining Hillary cult members to get over it. Hillary is set up to be appointed to the Supreme Court But she better act right.
Hum, sounds like he's trying to line himself up for a VP position. Maybe he should practice what he preaches and just keep his mouth shut!
It is time for Bill Clinton to get over it! Does Sen. Obama really want Bill Clinton to campaign for him? The last three people he has campaigned for, has lost (Gore, Kerry, and Sen Clinton)! It may be something to think about.
PA Hispanic people will vote for McCain. Just like all the Puertorican in PA, and across the East Coast they will not support OBAMA. The Cuban people in FL will support McCain, and also the Mexican peole will support McCain, La Raza will also support McCain along with the Columbian people, the Dominican and all the Hispanic people will support McCain take that to the Bank. Hispanic loves Hillary but not OBAMA. The mojority of the Hispanic will cross to the Rep just because Hillary is not the choice. Even if Hillary is on the Ticket they will still not support OBAMA. Just ask the Puertorican in Puerto Rico Hillary crush OBAMA BIG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McCain 08/Hillary 2012