Bill Clinton refuses to say Barack Obama is 'ready' for White House

[Easy90]

BY MICHAEL McAULIFF
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

Updated Monday, August 4th 2008, 5:01 PM
Even after his wife has dropped out of the presidential race, Bill Clinton has had only tepid praise for Barack Obama. Sullivan/Getty

Even after his wife has dropped out of the presidential race, Bill Clinton has had only tepid praise for Barack Obama.

WASHINGTON - Bill Clinton regrets some things he said - and didn't say - on the campaign trail. But there's one thing he still can't utter: Barack Obama is ready to be President.

"You can argue that nobody is ready to be President," the former President told ABC News.

"You can argue that even if you've been vice president for eight years, that no one can be fully ready for the pressures of the office," Clinton said Monday during a visit to Rwanda. That's probably not what Team Obama wanted to hear from the former commander in chief, whose role in Obama's election push and at the Democratic National Convention remains in flux.

Team Obama has said Clinton will be an asset, but so far he and the Illinois senator have spoken only once, by phone, since the primaries ended - a fact that has peeved some Obama supporters.

Bubba's backers concede his unwillingness to say his party's nominee is ready to sit in the Oval Office was a faux pas.

"The political answer is to just say, 'Yes,' period," said Democratic strategist Chris Lehane. "But as a former President, he has a special perspective on what it takes."

Clinton couldn't just say the political thing, Lehane added, because he's still smarting from Hillary Clinton's bitter defeat.

"This is someone whose spouse was on the ticket, a person he felt tremendously strong about, who he felt had the ability to become President," Lehane said.

Clinton and his wife argued in nearly every speech that she was ready tobe President on day one.

Bubba did praise some of the very same traits he ripped in the primaries - including Obama's ability to lead through inspiring words, which he trashed as empty rhetoric on the campaign trail.

"He clearly can inspire and motivate people and energize them, which is a very important part of being President," Clinton said. "And he's smart as a whip so there's nothing he can't learn."

Clinton repeatedly became a distraction for his wife's campaign, and many Obama supporters felt he and Hillary were racially insensitive.

In spite of Clinton's lackluster endorsement Monday, Team Obama will take it. "He and Sen. Clinton are tremendous assets," spokesman Bill Burton said.

Bubba said he wished he could have a few of his words back. "There are things that I wished I urged her to do, things I wished I said, things I wished I hadn't said," Clinton said. But he defended his record on race. "I am not a racist - I never made a racist comment and I didn't attack him personally," Clinton said.

Clinton, caught in numerous finger-wagging outbursts in the campaign, insisted he's not angry at Obama. "I think everybody's got a right to run for President who qualifies under the Constitution," Clinton said. "I'd be the last person to begrudge anybody their ambition."

LINK (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/08/04/2008-08-04_bill_clinton_refuses_to_say_barack_obama.html)

[Stoner]

Bill Clinton refuses to say Barack Obama is 'ready' for White House

That says a lot. Libbies always back and defend each other like sheep. For Bill to not endorse him should be a red flag to all.

[Elrathin]

Bill Clinton also refused to say he had sex with that woman, so what's your point? LOL

[william the wierd]

If Obama were ready for the big time his campaign would be ignoring this mess.

[potter]

If Obama were ready for the big time his campaign would be ignoring this mess.


The dems are great at "ignoring" the mess....which is why they consistently lose elections.

No surprise that Bill is deep sixing the democrats...that's what they do.....

[Easy90]

Bill Clinton also refused to say he had sex with that woman, so what's your point? LOL

My "point" is...it's news that the previous Democrat president isn't supporting the current Democrat nominee. LOL!

[AnnEsthesia]

Funny how ya'll listen to Bubba only when he gives you something to slam Obama about...

[Elrathin]

My "point" is...it's news that the previous Democrat president isn't supporting the current Democrat nominee. LOL!

Wrong, he said Obama wasn't ready to be president and said also NOONE is ready to be president. If your gonna spin, at least get the right one lol.

Just because someone isn't ready, doesn't mean you don't support them.

I don't believe my nephew is ready for college, but I support him going there.

[AnnEsthesia]

Really? Can you tell me my reaction to Bubba? It should be interesting, since I have given none on here.

[Easy90]

"Funny how ya'll listen to Bubba only when he gives you something to slam Obama about..." AnnE

Noo....I listen to "Bubba" every time he speaks. He's fascinating! What's funny, is your reaction to "Bubba." Any time "Bubba" speaks...I'll listen. He's one of the most entertaining players in political America these days. So is Mrs. "Bubba."

[Easy90]

Wrong, he said Obama wasn't ready to be president and said also NOONE is ready to be president. If your gonna spin, at least get the right one lol.

Just because someone isn't ready, doesn't mean you don't support them.

I don't believe my nephew is ready for college, but I support him going there.

You seem to think I wrote that article. So...you think "Bubba" supports Obama?

[AnnEsthesia]

Again... what is my reaction to Bubba?

[Elrathin]

You seem to think I wrote that article. So...you think "Bubba" supports Obama?

Yes I do think he supports Obama. I'm sure he would have preferred his wife to be president, however, he supports Obama.

[Buck Laser]

Wrong, he said Obama wasn't ready to be president and said also NOONE is ready to be president. If your gonna spin, at least get the right one lol.

Just because someone isn't ready, doesn't mean you don't support them.

I don't believe my nephew is ready for college, but I support him going there.
Clinton is absolutely right. There's no such thing as "preparation" for the presidency. If the wingers want to try to make something of that, that's OK. It tells me something about their comprehension skills that I've suspected for a good long time now.

[Stoner]

Yes I do think he supports Obama.

Uh huh. I can tell he does because when he was asked directly if he thinks Obama was ready to be POTUS he grinned and dodged the question.

Yeah, he's a huge supporter. :shame:

[Elrathin]

Uh huh. I can tell he does because when he was asked directly if he thinks Obama was ready to be POTUS he grinned and dodged the question.

Yeah, he's a huge supporter. :shame:

Again, you think support and being ready are the same thing. False assumption on your part.

[webwarrior]

So, McCain doesn't support Bush, (as of this week) what's the point?
Obama is gonna win no matter what smear campaign you launch, those old school Bushy lie em up tactics won't work this time, people are pretty much sick of the bloodshed and pillarging, enjoy the plundering while it last, grab all you can get..help is on the way, your days are numbered.

[IndieVisible]

Uh huh. I can tell he does because when he was asked directly if he thinks Obama was ready to be POTUS he grinned and dodged the question.

Yeah, he's a huge supporter. :shame:

I think he dislikes Obama a lot. He is still bitter over his wife losing. There is a lot of water under the bridge. But forsake of the party he will remain civil, and mildly support him. Don't hold your breath waiting for Bill to start jumping up and down yelling Yes We Can! So not gonna happen. But his dislike for Obama is all about his wife losing a very bitter close race.

[brien]

I don't think there is any love lost between Clinton and Obama. We will see what he says at the Convention if he is asked to address the adoring crowds. If he isn't on the list to speak to the masses, that will tell us everything we need to know here. If he is invited to speak, then you might finally understand what "is" is, but then again, maybe not.

Clinton not addressing the convention will be a very telling non event because it will tell us more about the relationship than any words could ever say here.

[aaronssongs]

Uh huh. I can tell he does because when he was asked directly if he thinks Obama was ready to be POTUS he grinned and dodged the question.

Yeah, he's a huge supporter. :shame:

He's bitter. Unbecoming of a former president. I have completely lost faith in him. He was a hero, and now I am disillusioned. I wish he would simply fade away, as whatever moxey he had, has disappeared. He has turned into a drama queen.

[Stoner]

He was a hero

I don't consider anyone who lies under oath to a federal grand jury a 'hero.' Seems we disagree on the definition.

http://www.stargods.org/PeopleCaughtShapeshiting.jpg

[lily]

That says a lot. Libbies always back and defend each other like sheep. For Bill to not endorse him should be a red flag to all.

That's ok.......Condi is.:thumbsup:

[AnnEsthesia]

If the connies were being honest in their arguments, they would have to admit that Bill has not exactly been a supporter of anyone buy Bill. He constantly is opening his mouth and saying dumb things... yea, he still makes more sense than Bush, but still.

[BoogyMan]

He's bitter. Unbecoming of a former president. I have completely lost faith in him. He was a hero, and now I am disillusioned. I wish he would simply fade away, as whatever moxey he had, has disappeared. He has turned into a drama queen.

I cannot help but wonder if this is part of a plan by the Clintons to try and cause a ruckus at the convention and get Hillary the nomination. It is a long shot, but interesting to think about in terms of political maneuvering.

[aaronssongs]

I don't consider anyone who lies under oath to a federal grand jury a 'hero.' Seems we disagree on the definition.

http://www.stargods.org/PeopleCaughtShapeshiting.jpg

"Was", I didn't specify "when" I reassessed my opinion of him.

[aaronssongs]

I cannot help but wonder if this is part of a plan by the Clintons to try and cause a ruckus at the convention and get Hillary the nomination. It is a long shot, but interesting to think about in terms of political maneuvering.

I was gonna say no, but today I saw her speaking to a crowd about the possibility of her name being offered up, at least in homage, if not offered the Veep slot...perhaps, the fat lady hasn't sung yet...they are nothing if not ruthless, and hard to kill.

[lily]

You mean this Aaron? (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4481224.ece)

Hillary Clinton threatens Obama with 'honour my supporters' demand

(Jim Bourg / Reuters)

The show of unity between Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama in June may not last
until the Democrat convention

Tim Reid in Washington
Hillary Clinton could yet derail Barack Obama's presidential campaign after
video emerged yesterday of the former First Lady refusing to rule out a
divisive floor vote at his nominating convention this month.

The tense behind-the-scenes battle over how to recognise Mrs Clinton's
achievements at the Democratic Convention, which opens in Denver on August
25, burst into public view with footage of her telling supporters that she
was looking for a "strategy" for her delegates to be honoured.

Mrs Clinton, filmed talking to mainly women supporters in California last
week, refused to rule out the prospect of including her name in an open
ballot of all members of the convention. The move would be unprecedented for
the leading losing primary candidate in recent times because it would force
delegates to pledge publicly their support one by one.

"I believe we will come out stronger if people feel that their voices were
heard and their views respected. That is a very big part of how we actually
come out unified," Mrs Clinton said. She received 18 million votes in the
primary campaign, narrowly lost the pledged delegate race and registered a
string of thumping victories over Mr Obama in the later stages of the
nominating battle.


Mrs Clinton's aides said it was highly unlikely that she would go as far as
to demand a nomination roll call but the negotiations between the campaigns
reflects the considerable bitterness that still exists, particularly with
Bill Clinton and many of his wife's supporters.

Mrs Clinton has been given the leading speaking role on the second evening
of the convention - the night is effectively hers - but until late last
night Mr Clinton's role had yet to be determined. Faced with growing anger
inside the Clinton camp of leaving a two-term president in limbo, Mr Obama
personally offered a speaking slot to him hours before he departed for a
week's holiday in Hawaii. It is understood Mr Clinton will make his speech
before Mr Obama's vice-presidential pick addresses the convention.

Publicly, Mrs Clinton is doing much to help Mr Obama and is calling on her
supporters to back him. She will campaign on his behalf in Nevada today, and
in Florida just before the convention. After the video footage emerged, Mrs
Clinton issued a statement saying that no decisions had been made on the
convention, adding: "Senator Obama and I . . . will ensure that the voices
of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected and our
party is fully unified heading into the November election."

Privately however, the Clintons remain sceptical that Mr Obama can win the
White House. Although most voters will not focus properly on his race
against John McCain until after the conventions have ended in early
September, Mr Obama has stalled in the polls. A new survey also diagnosed a
fresh concern for the Democrats - "Obama fatigue". Nearly 50 per cent of
voters feel that they have been "hearing too much" about Mr Obama.

The Clinton camp is also irritated by what they perceive as Mr Obama's
failure to work harder to help to pay off her campaign debt and to reach out
to her supporters.

In Denver, diehard supporters are planning to demonstrate on her behalf, a
prospect that unsettles the Obama camp. The groups include PUMA (Party Unity
My Ass) and Just Say No Deal Coalition. David Axelrod, Mr Obama's campaign
manager, said: "We're going to work this out." He added that Mrs Clinton was
"making a good-faith effort on behalf of Barack", and the campaigns were
talking every day.

[aaronssongs]

Precisely

[Mouth Full Of Teeth]

That says a lot. Libbies always back and defend each other like sheep.

:madlaugh:

[potter]

I cannot help but wonder if this is part of a plan by the Clintons to try and cause a ruckus at the convention and get Hillary the nomination. It is a long shot, but interesting to think about in terms of political maneuvering.


Isn't it just astounding how the democrats can so consistently shoot themselves in the foot.....:shame:

[Osborn F. Enready]

I agree with Bill Clinton for once... but I would also tell you neither Bush Jr, Bush Sr., nor Bill Clinton were ready for the white house either.....obviously. They forgot the role the Constitution and BOR plays in the role of the executive, they all broke the process, and all got away with it without penalty.........

Too bad the American Citizens don't seem to be ready for self-government, even though their forefathers fought for it with their lives against England, in a bloody civil war, and against the greatest threat to the world by force in the 20th Century, the threat of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italys fascist overthrow by force.

It is understandable that the idea of self-government was "revolutionary" in the 1700's, and the 1800's.... but it is inexcusable that it be classified as revolutionary in the year 2008, after we have been celebrating our independence since 1776.

The sheeple need to wake up....and hold these bi-partisan criminals accountable for the overthrow of their government from within.

[aaronssongs]

Isn't it just astounding how the democrats can so consistently shoot themselves in the foot.....:shame:

about as often as republicans shoot themselves...I think it's the nature of the game, that and being "human'.