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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher



Bill gets fiery with reporters

Posted: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:22 PM by Mark Murray

KINGSTREE, SC -- Bill Clinton started an event here tonight by saying that one of the great things about being out of office is you "can say whatever's on your mind." He's certainly done so in recent weeks, and continued that today as he fought back against charges from an Obama supporter about his wife's campaign tactics.

After a nearly two-hour-long event at Hugee's Restaurant in Charleston, CNN reporter Jessica Yellin asked Clinton as he was leaving about comments from former South Carolina Democratic chair Dick Harpootlian, an Obama backer. Harpootlian decried supporters of Clinton raising the issue of Obama's drug use, and talked about a focus on race. He also criticized the former president's comments claiming that the Las Vegas culinary union was intimidating casino workers who supported Clinton in Nevada, and said generally that the tactics of the campaign were similar to those of Republican strategist Lee Atwater.

Clinton fought back on some of the charges, but more broadly said that some of the "rhetoric is getting a little carried away." He then focused on the media. "You sat through this whole meeting. Not one, single solitary soul asked me about this. And they never do," he said. "[The Obama campaign is] feeding you this because they know this is what you want... They just spin you up on this, and you happily go along."

Asked by another reporter if he thought the Obama campaign was making an issue of race, Clinton grew more aggravated. "Harpootlian calls me Lee Atwater, and I spent all my life fighting those people," he said. "He doesn't care what happens. He just knows he can call you a name, and you guys will cover it."

When Clinton began responding to questions, a campaign aide ordered a worker to increase the volume of music playing the former president out. And as Clinton's staff tried to end things, he shouted out to the press: "One more story. Shame on you. Shame on you, you want another story... You wanna make this about words and name calling. I hate it."

During the meeting, Clinton spoke more reservedly about the issue of race, when a voter said she was concerned about what she considered race bating by the media. "I don't think you can blame the media for this exactly, they are just on tippy-toes because they've never had this happen before," he said. "Nobody figured that both things would happen at once. It is like, 'Oh my god, why do I have to think about this? Don't make me deal with this.'"

He added that an election is supposed to include disagreements. "When they have a disagreement or when you try to state a fact, it is wrong to accuse somebody who has a difference with Senator Obama of being a racist or somebody that has a difference with Hillary of being a sexist," he said. "For our whole lives, [we've been] waiting until we could all freely run and say whatever the heck was on our mind."

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'She Will Say anything, and Change Nothing'

like the "I am proposing $5,000 baby bonds for every baby that will be born" (to a working class African American audience)

Now everybody else can fill in the blank:

'She will say anything' like---------------- .

(Because she has said many things that she really didn't mean to many different groups at different times)
It's hard for Bill and hillary because Obama is catching up... They did't take him as a major threat.  I'm really sad to see that Bill really has to ATTACK Obama these past couple weeks, I used to be a Clinton supporter about a month ago, but Obama won me over... Bill Clinton just confirms my support for Obama.  I just wish the Clinton campaign with the negative spinning, and attacks on him.
The duo of Billary makes me sick!  The Clinton's know exactly what they have been doing.  After all, they HAVE been around politics for a long time.  I guess their EXPERIENCE doesn't carry over on how to conduct yourselves in classy ways.  Their "experience" is only useful for positive aspects of her campaign, not the negative things she and Bill put out there.  That is exactly the partisonship the USA needs...YEAH RIGHT!
The duo of Billary makes me sick!  The Clinton's know exactly what they have been doing.  After all, they HAVE been around politics for a long time.  I guess their EXPERIENCE doesn't carry over on how to conduct yourselves in classy ways.  Their "experience" is only useful for positive aspects of her campaign, not the negative things she and Bill put out there.  That is exactly the partisonship the USA needs...YEAH RIGHT!
SOMEONE TELL BILL CLINTON TO PLAY LIKE MIKE GRAVEL AND FINALLY STOP COMPLAINING AND JUST....SHUT......UP!  AND WHILE HE'S AT IT,... TELL HIM TO ADMIT TO THE MEDIA THAT HIS WIFE IS A LOSER IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE FACT THAT THEY ARE STILL MARRIED. HIS ACTIONS ON HER BEHALF (SUPPOSEDLY), MAKES ME THINK THAT HE VIEWS HER AS INCOMPETENT!  BILL CLINTON IS LIKE AN UNINVITED GUESS WHO WON'T SHUT UP AND LEAVE WHEN HE IS NOT WELCOMED.   OBAMA '08!  DIDN'T HILLARY COMMIT A FELONY (PETER PAUL)?  TRUE OR NOT,... THE MEDIA SHOULD BRING THIS UP AND MAKE THE CLINTONS SPEAK ON THIS TO BE FAIR ON THE ISSUES!
Bill is dead wrong if he thinks people don't notice or care how low the Clintons go.  There is no comparison between the kind of  criticism of HRC coming out of th Obama camp and the personal mud-slinging directed at Obama, such as  that week of constant reminders of Obama's teenage drug use, by Clinton's closest associates.

No former President has so completely abandoned the dignity of the position of party elder statesman to get down in the partisan mud as has good old Bill.

If the best the Clintons can do is to accuse Obama of having donors just as bad as their own or having  votes on record just as bad as Hillary's, doesn't that pre-suppose that they themselves have low-life donors and that Hillary's votes were lousy? If their strategy is to bring  Obama down to their level, what does that say about their level?  

If Bill thinks people aren't noticing and aren't disgusted, he's lost it.  And let's face it, even the worst unfounded rumors about Obama are nothing compared to what could be sent out in e-mails about Hillary Clinton.  If Bill keeps this up, he shouldn't be surprised if the next mass e-mail that makes the news concerns any one of dozens of much nastier tales floating around out there about the Clintons.  

No surprise that he refuses to listen to the many Democrats asking him to chill, warning that he is damaging the party.  The Clintons don't care.  Ever since 2000 the only thing they've cared about is  making Hillary the first woman President.  The best thing the Democratic party could do would be to get out from under the Clintons.  They've been leading the party to defeat long enough.
I have always supported democratic candidates.  I was always supportive of Bill Clinton. I thought he was a brilliant politician  who self sabotaged himself with serial infidelities to the delight of his political enemies. After 8 years of a divisive, dishonest and incompetent Bush administration, I desperately want a president that is competent and has the people skills to reduce the divisiveness that has crippled our government from functioning.  I have been extremely dissapointed with the Clinton strategy of using a former president as a hitman.  Hillary is brilliant but lacks the people skills and vision to win this election without using the divisive tactics which would most likely cost her the general election or a true mandate from the many politicians who are disillusioned with the use of personal attacks  by many of her prominent supporters. I hate to think that the race card was being played to help chip away at the broad support Obama was garnering in places like Iowa.  John Edwards has been the most unfairly treated -virtually ignored by the media machine.  I hope the democratic party will choose a candidate that is capable of uniting our country instead of fanning the flames of division. I am unable to support Hillary Clinton and will cross party lines if she is the general election candidate.
The President was right on track...the Obama camp crossed the line by either implying the Clintons were racist or not holding their surrogates more accountable...and now that Obama's words are being used against him (out of context of course) about the Republican's ideas...he calls foul...he asked for this "nuclear" war by letting his campaign imply the Clintons were racist...he deserves whatever he gets.
I think you democrats should vote for whichever candidate sounds nicest. Because as President Kerrey, President Gore, and President Dukakis can tell you, Americans always pick the most honest guy. How did we get into the Iraq war, anyway? Oh, yeah, we elected the guy who told us Gore was a liar, I remember now...

So, what about the Clintons? Some Democrats think they are liars. So they want to vote for someone who always tells the truth. Don't worry, just keep it up and you'll see Jeb Bush for president, too.

Now that I have your attention, I'm going to tell you how it is. The Clintons are tough. They beat the Republican lie machine for 8 years, and they might be able to do it again. I assure you Obama and teh trial lawyer can't, although I'd love to have them as president.

Actually, I'm betting the Republicans will take the White House again, even if you pick Hillary, because Americans are too dumb to get it. They demand that you tell them you love God, we are the supreme people of this Earth, and that we'll kill anyone who tries to tell us otherwise. Think they'll pick the guy who was anit-war first?

Quite frankly, Hillary might beat the Republicans. But if she doesn't, you'd better hope its McCain, because the rest are much worse than him.

I keep saying 'you', because I have a couple of good ways to get out of this cuontry if it keeps the way it is going. Americans, you have a great heart, but you are the most cocky arrogant bunch of bullies in the world today, and there is a high price to pay for such arrogance. That price is the decline of character in the children, hatred from the rest of the world, and eventually economic collapse.

So go ahead, show the historians that the Democrats were willing to give up any hope of ruling the country to demostrate that some Americans are above the norm. Or pick Hillary, and try to beat back the fascists before they take over the most powerful country in the world. You think she lies about Obama? Wait til you see what she does to the lying liars and the lies they tell (Republicans).
Hmm is it any wonder that the white male over 40 media doesn't get it? Look at the pictures up on the left side of this page.. No women, no minorities, no one our age.
I'm wondering if the election ballots will read: Hillary AND Bill Clinton,
or maybe...
Bill Clinton and wife
or more likely Hillary and husband
 
now Bill can grope whomever he wants since he is no longer president
Wow, I guess we forgot what a real leader is supposed to look like and how they act? Democrats are willing to present us with candidates and Presidents who cant keep their marriage vows and keep the White House free from Harlots in what should be the most secure, I mean sacred Office Building on the Planet!  Wake up everyone, at least the last 3 Republican Presidents kept their vows, said what they felt and backed it up with action unlike the corrupt moral idignities forced upon the American People by the Democrats.

I hope we never forget that a leader is not always the most popular, but the most commited to the values he openly communicates to those he leads and that's something the Democrats cannot defend or even do themselves. Lastly, we are at War, some have forgotten because of their personal finances and current economic situatios, but remember, the world is watching us suffer due to our own selfishness and arrogance in these matters why their governments buy up our banking systems and direct future economic growth away from America.

I hope we can wake up before the deep sleep we are in becomes a full blown coma ending in death! It isnt about the economy stupid, it isnt even about the War anymore stupid, its about whether we survive as the Greatest Country on God's Green Earth and survive being ourselves!
Steve says:
"Americans are the most cocky arrogant bunch of bullies in the world today, and there is a high price to pay for such arrogance. That price is the decline of character in the children, hatred from the rest of the world, and eventually economic collapse."

Yeah, that's right Steve. Americans all going to hell in a hand basket. Spoken like a true liberal socialist blowhard. Get back to work looser.
from what I read of the blogs most of the replies against the clintons were from die hard republicoots who would vote for mickey mouse if he was their man.
I have long viewed myself as a republican...  Yet there is something about Obama that inspires me.  I've never felt this way about a Democrat.  I will vote for Obama, but never for Clinton.  John Edwards needs to drop out now otherwise he is going to cost the Dems the Whitehouse.  John do us all a favor and back off and back Obama.  Obama/Edwards 08!
The Clinton's are ruthless and desparate people. I am old enough to recall Bill's campaigns. Right now it has becoime apparent that they are engaged in a scorched earth campaign that will wreck the Democratic Party is Hillarey isn't the nominee. It's time for the Party leaders to demand that Hillary drop out of the race (and take her nutty lesbian fanatics with her - I'm getting tired of being call a "dumb nigger". So, what, I'm NOT white, and proud of it! But I'm an Edwards supporter first and only an Obama supporter second. So much forst African Amercian's marching in lock step.) I'm starting to think that the Clinton folk are doing all of this on purpose. Are they now out of the closet stalking horses for Romney and Bush-Cheney?
I'm left wondering why the (first "Black") former President Clinton can't stay awake during an informative, (televised!) memorium to arguably one of this country's (and the world for that matter) most prolific Humanitarians? THAT was one of the biggest insults so far, in my opinion.  Of any time to stay awake, wouldn't THIS be one of them???

The Clinton's should realize that their "era" of service to the great people of the United States in the Presidential Office is now past. God used them in service to America during that period sufficiently, and now they should continue to play their position--wherever that leads them. Hillary (clearly) IS a fighter, but out of touch with current world situations and her ability to effectively amend them. (Would she wear a Burqa when meeting w/ Muslim leaders? Would she present a potentially offensive "domineering" quality? Or is this truely just a pennical "moment" in the Women's Rights Movement? I take no position on the latter, but believe this moment is greater than just seeing a different gender--or even race--in office.) The Clinton's have nicely pulled off the same *trump card* position as Edwards during Bill's run: We're bigger than the mud-slinging machine.

The Clinton's are playing the same ol' dirty political games used to WIN office instead of winning trust and confidence. The same way [Furious] George H.W. got office(x2). Bullying, mud-slinging tactics.. What happened to the change these "Presidents" we've trusted in all these years promised to bring? The only things that have really changed are the world's views of us as a people, and our ability to further implode on ourselves financially due to sheer greed. We've begun to financially canabalize our own nation...

Senator Obama has a grounded mentality; void of thinking in a partisan, racially motivated, greedy or deceitful manner (so far).  He has been honest and shown great poise, with an ability to make sound decisions. He has stood clear of the mud-slinging for the most part--and should not be chastened for raising a shield to protect the integrity of his character. He has publicly donated funds provided his campaign raised by an entity currently under investigation for fraudulous activities.
->And wait a minute!  Are any of us incapable of being deceived and defrauded?  Some of us live many years with people we STILL don't know, so give credit for catching and amending the negative activity that was NOT HIS DOING.

He is no Dr. King, nor is he a Kennedy. He is not a secretive, radical Muslim, nor is he a "White-washed Negro". He is quite simply Obama... A man I truely believe is PERFECT for THIS time in a rapidly-changing world climate, and the changing face of America. I, for one, think that is a GREAT thing!

*Just FYI: As an experienced I.T. Consultant for a large conglomerate, I've learned this: You can't always focus on the intricacies of each position. You have to empower and trust others to provide that. It's often best to know what questions to ask to help EVERYONE understand EVERYONE ELSE'S positions... Think about it, America. Where has animosity and indifference gotten us so far? Each seed produces after it's own kind...
I don't care how everyone talk , one thing we need for this country , someone have a lot of experience to take our country better for ..economy , war ,health care ,...
Too bad none of the Republican wives have run for  President.Wonder why?
Bill Clinton should not helps or speaks for Hillary.. He should go to home and sleep or confess  how many he liars....  Both of them are silly complain about Barack Obama.. She is very sensitive and was cried...  
My wife told me something that resonated with me a few days ago before Maureen Dowd commented on the subject: it is amazing that for a woman that aspires to be the President of the United States and one of most powerful persons in the world, that she relies on her husband to fight her battles.  Makes you wonder who will be running the White House if she gets elected.
Their political game of distortion, re-direction and misconception with plausible deniability is making her look weak, making the Democratic party look weak and even making the Bush family look good. At least George Bush Sr. did not acted like Bill during his son's election.  I wonder if Bill realizes that he became the Republican's best friend and mouth-piece.  He can only top his resent performance by appearing on Fox Noise.
Old dirty politics is what we get from the Clintons.
If she has to call her hubby when she cannot handle the heat from a party affiliate, how is she going to deal with the Republicans, or Al Qaida.
Hillary is the most qualified, the most passionate, the most experienced, and the most intelligent candidate running for the President of the United States bar none.  She has the support of many World Leaders and has visited over 80 different countries.  She's the one we need taking charge of our country's future. She knows how to get us back on track and we should be so lucky that her husband happens to be a former President of the United States and a pretty damn good one at that. Yes, Obama is very qualified and a good choice but Hillary's better. Unfortunately, if she were a man running with all those qualifications, the race for the Democratic Party's Candidacy, wouldn't even be close.
Personally, I am sick of listening to the candidates rip each other apart.  How is this going to be productive in getting a Democrat into the White House?  Instead of concentrating on the latest attack and counter-attack, why aren't we and the media paying attention to each candidates' stands on the issues that really matter, i.e. health care, economy, etc.  And why is the media only focusing on Clinton and Obama; aren't Edwards and Ducinich still in this race?
By the way, I am not white, and I HAVE been the subject of racist comments by white fenminist Cltinon supporters on various forums. I know you political correct feminists over here on MSNBC wont print this, but being called a "dumb nigger" by some lesbian Clintonite doesn't cause me to think warm and fuzzy thought for her or her followers. This, by the way is verifiable and is something African American's have been experiencing a lot as of late. I think you have an obligation, no matter your pro-Clinton bias, to discuss it.
I realize that the general voting public seems to be rebelling against the idea of a Clinton dynasty, but at the same time these are probably the same people who allowed for George Bush to win the election for 2 terms.  Our democratic society has become an oligarchy only allowing for the properous few to take on the restless many.  Well, I say lets stand united against the real enemy which is the Republican ideal and lets allow for an ideology which we know works and we all know who that is!
I am wondering how low will the Clintons go?  I am so disappointed in them.  No one can accuse them of being a "class act."  The lies and distortions, regarding Barack Obama are in poor taste.  I did not think they were so abrasive.  Hillary seems to have no self respect and lacking in dignity.  She is allowing herself to be defined as so unlady-like. I was one of her supporters but not anymore.  If the bickering does not stop, I  might vote Republican!
I'm going to prefix this comment, by saying I love Bill Clinton, I think he was one of the funniest cool president's we have ever had. I like his spunk. I like how he has a rock star appeal. His wife can't hold his shadow.
Bill looks like a protector who's protecting his wife the way she's protected him, but when it's that way it doesn't look as flatering. Bill, has got to leave race out of it, because he's looking more and more like the a man who's upset he's about to loose his title as the first black president.

Hillary needs to find her own voice, and stop looking like an opportuntist, like someone who can be bought.
You know, I hear an aweful lot of Clinton bashing here - the very thing you are despising in the Clintons, you are doing!  Both campaigns, Obama's and Clinton's have done these things.  Act like grown ups and think for yourselves people.  You cannot bash one side for doing the same thing the other side is doing - you make no sense!  You have brains and can check the facts for yourselves; there is absolutely no reason you should believe everything that is said by either side.  Use your brains and your Internet and look up the facts for yourselves.  That is what this country was built on, people who know how to use their brains rather than following in the bashing.  I've heard Obama and his campaign say some very inaccurate statements, but I hear none of you bashing him for his inaccuracies.  Play fair boys and girls and cull the information for yourselves.  You absolutely should know by now that you cannot believe everything you see or hear - that goes for both campaigns, not just one!  Shame on you!
Mr. Obama should take John McCain's advice (when referring to Romney):  "Never wrestle a pig!"  When you're down there in the 'mud' you'll get dirty -- and the pig loves it!  The Clinton's are THE masters of character assassination by innuendo and Obama is their target. The phase, "She'll say anything and change nothing" is, unfortunately too true.  Haven't we all had enough of the Clintons and the Bushes?!?
I must of missed how Mr Obama explained why he didn't vote for the war.  The majority of the American people, Congress, and the President wanted this war, and Mr Obama didn't.  What information did he have that no one else had? Why didn't he share his information with all of us?  Generally hind sight is always 20/20, the problem is making decisions from hind sight is ALWAYS late, and usually costly.  
Wow, and I thought the Republicans had issues! Seriously though, while it is true that neither party (Clinton/Obama) is completely innocent, the Clinton's reputation precedes them - which is why their transgressions are brought to light faster and more intensely than Obama. They fight longer, punch harder and hit lower.....they have more in common with Bush than they think!
Roger, you did miss it. I am pleased to help lead you toward this epiphany: Obama was hardly the only person against the war.


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