A former KY gov's colorful endorsement

Posted: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:43 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
FRANKFORT, Kent. -- Former Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll announced he's backing Clinton in the Democratic primary for president. Carroll announced his choice in the state capital before an event featuring Bill Clinton, who makes his first visit to the Bluegrass State today.

Carroll said he has known the Clintons since 1974, when he ascended to the governorship of Kentucky. "Look at me, I'm still goin! Look at that!" said Carroll, 76, kicking his heels at the podium.

"We need for our delegates to be cast in the lot of Hillary Clinton at the convention," he added. "That's what this is all about. ... I came today to put my personal endorsement, not only on my friend Bill Clinton ... but on Hillary Clinton, to be the next Democratic President of the United States."

Carroll was elected to a full term as governor in 1975; he now serves as a state senator representing a district that includes Frankfort.

The visit to Kentucky is the first by either Clinton, and comes two months before the state's primary. Hillary Clinton is expected to visit the state later this week.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

"I came today to put my personal endorsement, not only on my friend Bill Clinton ... but on Hillary Clinton, to be the next Democratic President of the United States."

So, he's endorsing Bill for president 1st and Hill 2nd???

lb, ne (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:51 PM)

Wow, now that's a ringing endorsement, backing HRC cause he's an old-time friend of Bill Clinton.

Oh, ok, that sways my vote ::eyeroll::

Guess Carville won't be calling HIM a Judas...is this loyalty trumping everything else?

Woman for Obama 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:51 PM)

Can anyone of Clinton's supporters please give me a logical explanation of why you're still supporting her (please remember it's Hillary and not Bill). She is basing her entire candidacy on "experience". Anyone who has researched her so-called "experience" knows that it doesn't exist. She lied about Bosnia, Northern Ireland, SCHIP, FMLA, NAFTA, and even how she got her name. If you are truly Democrats or at least someone who wants to change the direction of our country for the better, why would you want to send forth such a flawed candidate? I don't want an angry non-sensical reply in all caps or some dig at Wright. I just would like a civil, sane reply from a fellow Democrat. I have friends who support her but none of them have been able to give any logical explanation. It used to be, "She's just so experienced." Now we know that to not be so. Now the answers are very murky and it seems like they're just against Obama and feel like Hillary's paid some kind of dues and the job is owed to her. Others aren't really sure why anymore after logical arguments are brought forth but they continue on supporting her almost because they're infatuated with her(kind of like love) or something. Can a Clinton supporter please help me out with this one?

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:52 PM)

Wow. So he's endorsing Bill Clinton, and then Hillary as an afterthought?

I thought superdelegates get a vote because they're "political insiders" who know how the process works and know what's best for the party. It seems this endorsement, and one noted earlier by a California congresswoman who got a phone call from Hillary last year and won't go back on her word, are all in the name of cronyism. Sorry. "Friendship."

Chris, MI (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:54 PM)

"I came today to put my personal endorsement, not only on my friend Bill Clinton ... but on Hillary Clinton, to be the next Democratic President of the United States."

Doesn't this just muddy up the waters as to whether Bill and Hill are running another two-for-one ticket? It sounds to me like Carroll's even putting Bill first. <sigh> It's not a time in our history to rehash the past...it's time for a change!!!

Obama '08

Jaime, Lantana, FL (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:55 PM)

The former governor endorsed Bill Clinton first, and then Hillary? I thought Bill was ineligible for President?

Mark R., South Montrose, PA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:56 PM)

This is all the Clintons have? Pathetic...

Over It, New York (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:56 PM)

I guess it easier to lie to someone over 70, so she is looking for politicians over 70 to endorse her????

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:56 PM)

Way to go. This is what i have been saying. How can you try to close out all these people havent voted yet? They need to know there vote important too. Richardson stands there and says not now but June it should be over. Did someone make him in charge when I wasnt looking?Kentucky make us proud and bring Hillary in and in big numbers.This is the Dem party. Not Obama or Richardson or others that feel they need to help Obama. It will not heal a thing but make more devision and we all know Obama is here to unify.wooooooooooooooeeeeeeeee.Kentucky gets to vote. I am impressed with th e endorsement. We usually dont hear much about them:)

Kentucky for Hillary (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:57 PM)

"Look at me, I'm still goin! Look at that!" said Carroll, 76, kicking his heels at the podium.

Sounds more like an endorsement for old man McCain, to me.

mad in Madtown (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:58 PM)

Sounds like he's surprised to 'still be around' after knowing the Clintons for soooo long. Of course maybe he just has not crossed them before.
Note: He's there 'to put my personal endorsement on my friend Bill' and on whats-her-face.

RH Oregon (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:58 PM)

Hillary and Bill nice to get the endorsement of the Governor of Kentucky from 1975. I love his rationale all the super delgates need to put their lot in with the Clinton's because he is their friend and political crony. Nice pick up. What does this have to do with the fact that by the time of the convention Hillary will most likely be behind in delegates and popular vote. Any super delgate up for election in 2008 or 2010 (not 1974) will have to weigh the disenfranchisement of the Obama supporters. Oh I forgot we are going to look at the Electoral College. Maybe we can just have the Senators choose the candidate or go back to the early 19th century and ignore the vote and delegate lead. I thought this was the party of Jefferson and Jackson it seems this is the old Whig party.

Terry, Great Plains (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:58 PM)

Good man. Thank you for your years of service to this country. Thank you for backing Hillary. She is the right choice. Keep the faith voters, Hillary will win, for our country she has to.

James, Nashville (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:58 PM)

WOW - her first endorsement in many weeks and from a long ago governor who is now a 76 year old representative! This kinda mirrors Hillary's career path except condensed to the last 6 months. Does she have any support with thinking, educated people under 75?

I honestly do not mean this as a slight to those with less education so much as I mean it as a slight to those who may have spent less time researching the issues - and the people. It take commitment to get a college degree - also an investment in time. Unfortunately for those who tried but could not afford the education they may be so bogged down in life and "just getting by" issues that they do not have the time to really do the "homework" now on this campaign. Ironically it is Obama who, after getting the deucation devoted himself to helping those less fortunate get jobs. It is the Clintons who sat on corporate boards, made shady stock and land deals, and have used the connections of power to become son incredibley wealthy that Hillary is embarrassed to even post her tax returns. Yet she claims to understand and represent the less fortunate. It was Obama who grew up poor and still is grounded in the real world. Hillary was privledged and now part of a $40-50MM plus wealth accumulation.

Gary - PITT (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:59 PM)

The Superdelegates need to really sit down and assess in an educational manner - WHO will be able to carry the LARGE states in November.

Unfortunately,
for Sen. Obama - MANY question his associations, judgment and most important his character. The 527's out there will do ALL THEY CAN to bring to light Rev. Wright, Tony Resko, NAFTA fiasco, William Ayers; and this is just those 'associations' that we know of as of now.

The Superdeligates need to seriously consider 'electability' at this point.

Conserned Voter (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:02 PM)

Hillary has a great amount of experience. You ask about her's and if you support BO shouldn't you be asking about his? Oh yea, you can't he doesn't have any. But please ask him anyway so we all will know what his experience is...maybe what he's seen through the eyes of Wright?

Ask please (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:02 PM)

I think I prefer Bill richardson's endorsement
Richardson is a Super Delegate

Is Carroll ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:04 PM)

FYI...he's not a superdelegate.

Gturkey - Texas (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:05 PM)

To: Garry PITT

"First" endorsement in weeks?

Sir, being a PITT man, I am surprised you do not know of or seemingly had forgotten Congressman Murtha, of PA, endorsement only last week.

How quickly we seem to forget, ay?

PA Voter (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:05 PM)

This is making me wonder how many of the superdelegate supporters are really friends of Bills and don't really have a horse in this race so-to-speak. Its pretty even so far on elected superdelegates who have declared. Hillary has a lead with the DPL (Dem. Party Leadership) and DNC (Dem. National Committee) folks (declared delegates) and the vast majority of these were commitments before any primaries were held. Old-timer Democratic machinery politics for Bill and Hillary gets the superdelegate. Hardly seems responsive to the politics of OUR times. She started with a big lead and it has been steadily eroding.

But maybe SHE never had the lead to begin with...what woman of these times wants to ride on her husband's coattails. Not me.

Woman for Obama 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:10 PM)

His endorsement of Bill {I mean} Hillary makes you wonder which will actually be the president. I guess Hillary will keep the seat warm in the oval office while he's out {not having sex} with the ladies.

Debbie, Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:11 PM)

Compare this endorsement statement with that of Gov. Richardson's. "We need our delegates to be cast in the lot of Hillary Clinton"..... full stop. Versus the deeply thought threw, agonized over, and hope inspired endorsement from the Gov. of New Mexico.

Carroll's reason: Bill is my freind. OKAY?????? If she's elected, nothing will change in Washington. Just more of the same 'insider' politics.

Pulling for Obama '08

donna, pgh., pa. (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:11 PM)

Was that a slip by the former KY governor? Is this really all about a third Bill term?

With Hillary's blatant lie about her experience in Bosnia and her yet-to-be released tax returns, the voters of Kentucky may not like what they see.

Enrique, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:11 PM)

Why is it just assumed that the nominee will not be legitimate until EVERY state (including FL and MI) has voted in the primaries? This continues to be a ridiculous argument. If this had any validity, then I guess Kerry, Gore, Clinton, Bush, Dole, etc. were not legitimate nominees since the other candidates (wisely) dropped out before all the primary elections were over. There is no way Hillary can win mathematically, and she WOULD drop out if she had any interest in keeping the Democratic Party intact in the general election. It’s becoming clearer every day that the only reason Hillary can possibly have to stay in this race is to do everything she can to ensure that John McCain wins in the fall. Then she can run again against McCain in four years, when the electorate will finally wail “uncle” in response to TWELVE years of Bush…and she can step in as Savior….

Oh wait, she’s already cast herself as Savior, right? Since Bill Richardson is “Judas…...”

Carrie in Texas (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:16 PM)

This confirms that the Clintons are running for Bill's 3rd term. I give it to them for finding a loophole in the United States Constitution.

That may give W & Laura an idea.

New Wave (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:18 PM)

Gary in Pitt, Don't knock the over 60's--we go to the polls and we will vote for a real person not an airbag. It isn't about speeches and words. It is about rolling up one's sleeves and going to work to make a real difference.

NO, NO to O'Bama!!!!

informed and over 60 (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:22 PM)

Dear Fellow Hillary Supporters,

The more Hillary stays in this race the more mainstream media will get more and more ads and money. They know this fact and they want this race to continue. Ultimately, this horse race will hurt all of us who are real democrats. As far as I am concerned, I thought Biden was the best choice; however, it is time for Hillary to quit as she has virtually no chance to win other than destroying the party. I am sorry but you should tell her, I beg you, that this cannot go on and on…... Please tell her to quit, the sooner the better....

Ozzy, New York (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:22 PM)

i dont think he is a super delegate... its just a regular endorsment designed to keep our minds off bosnia

Nolawi (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:22 PM)

I HATE Hillary Clinton, BUT we do need to observe that there is an ellipsis.

"on my friend Bill Clinton ... but on Hillary Clinton"

It's very possible/likely that this is in the proper context, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions until we know what was omitted. First Read, what was the full quotation, or was that a pause?(Not trying to be confrontational, just curious)

If it was a bad as it sounds, then Hillary's supporters are digging her own grave.

Knit Pickey (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:25 PM)

Thank you for endorsing Bill Clinton for President, and for acknowledging Hillary is there for show because he can't legally run for a third term.

Wake up America!!! Is this really who you want in our White House again??? Times have changed. The Clintons' have not. With Senator Obama, at least you know WHO you are voting for.

We need Barack Obama!! Yes We Can!!

Women for Obama: SJB, SLC, UT (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:26 PM)

Carrie in Texas... I think you hit the nail right on the head... It does not take all 50 states to make a nomination legitimate.

I used to have some respect for Hillary, today I have none. If she does not drop out and somehow steals this nomination, which I am sure she is capable of doing at least that, I will not vote for her. I will WRITE IN Barak Obama on my election ballot.

OBAMA '08 - Yes WE Can!!

Catherine, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:26 PM)

Where's Joe Liebermann when you need him to whisper into Mr. Carroll's ear that it's really Hillary he should be endorsing, not Bill

still laughing in PA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:27 PM)

Hillary's tactics will fool only the portion of the population that would vote for her regardless of her opponent. They are blind to her incessant lies and her politics of personal destruction.

Let's join together to move this country forward, and not backward into the divisive and hateful politics of the Bush/Clinton past.

Obama for President!

Not_That_Woman (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:33 PM)

Yes with Obama we know who we are voting for, a hypocrite. Any one that knows that their pastor preaches hate and lets their little children sit there and take it all in doesn't get my vote. How can someone bring unity when he is just as much of the problem.

Terri (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:39 PM)

Lemme see, FORMER governor of Kentucky (left office in 1979 - now sits in state senate) endorses Bi-, oops, Hillary Clinton. Bill Richardson, current governor of New Mexico, former ambassador, former sec'y of energy, endorses - ringingly - OBAMA. So I guess after telling us that Richardson's endorsement "means little", the Clintons are going to tell us the endorsement of some Kentucky Fried Yahoo from the 1970's means a lot??? These people are incredible. I really used to like Bill Clinton...

YCM - NYC (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:49 PM)

Yes we can what? Change what? Turn the page..what does that mean? How, why? Mr Blowhotair has not answered these simple questions.

Reality check in USA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:49 PM)

knit picky dear..ah no.. we are going to dig Obamas grave by not voting democratic or voting for McCain, because even HE is better than a racist candidate.

Moderate dem (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:52 PM)

You Obama drones are too much, you only hear what you want to hear. First off, the man was introducing Bill Clinton, so he was showing his support and I'm assuming that his endorsement of him is also to contrast those assholes whoe continue to take shots at Bill Clinton....I.E. Gen McPeak..

Chris S., Seminole, FL (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:55 PM)

all obama supporters are saying that Hillary rodham is basing her campaign on experience which she doesn't have. May be agreed... But obama basing his campaign on judgement, his judgement of staying in the same church and pastor for 20 years who preached racism and hatred against America

Whocares Toyo, new York, ny (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:05 PM)

Senator Edwards- Please announce your endorsement for Senator Barack Obama now, so we can get this show on the road. It's irresponsible of you to remain neutral.
Thanks-

Billy S, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:05 PM)

He's Old right...this Governor...? The Clintons got my mother...She is 78 this year. So the next generation coming up has absolutely NO SAY in this election.

Barbara C - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:09 PM)

Is this an endorsement of Bill Clinton or of Hillary clinton. It is hard to tell when people give endorsements if it is for Bill or Hillary. It is also hard to tell if the endorsement is because of owing Bill or what Bill did for them when he was in White House.

John - MO (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:14 PM)

Soooooo b/c some old crackpot who is not truley politically active says we should go and vote for his friends we should jump out of our seats singing hallaluah praise the heavens for the candidate known as Billary. Yeah right. Until Hillary starts keepin it real and by keepin it real I mean not mispeaking on things she knows did not occur & by realizing she does not have a real shot at the nod and bows out gracefully than and only than willI have any modem of resoect ofr her.

kris STL (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:21 PM)

As goes KENTUCKY, so goes the nation!!! ALWAYS

And as far at Gov. Carroll's comments, those in attendance understood him just fine. Ya'll ain't from around here er ya?

Sprout, Salt Lick, KY (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:25 PM)

He's a senator, that makes him a superdelegate.

sprout, salt lick, KY (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:28 PM)

Hillary said she MISSPOKE about sniper shooting in bosnia so FUNNY

She lie to ohio about commander and chief and it worked.

They say Pennsylvania is like ohio, so this lie should also work for hillary.

Its easy to trick voters so easy.

I see why Bill Richardson endorse borack.

Voters open your eyes.

I'm going back to vote for Obama.

The Clinton's not tricking me.

Mike, Pennsylvania (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:31 PM)

Gary, PITT - Obama is sitting in St. Thomas right now - partly due to his wife's huge salary which he helped with as IL senator for her hospital - thought you did your homework?
By the way - I'm a 4 year college graduate with honors, I make over $100,000 a year, and guess what - I voted for Hillary!
So much for the "un" or "less" educated spin.....what do you call people who have had the wool pulled over their eyes????
Might I remind you that John Murtha just endorsed Clinton last week - do you know who he is????
Might I remind you that Obama LIED to the American people 3 times at least over the past couple of weeks - NAFTA, Rezko, and Wright.
Is that OK with you????
I'll take Hillary any day over a man who stands on a stage and blows his nose so everyone can cheer!
One more tid bit - rip Hillary apart as much as you want over this stupid Bosnia issue - at least she was there!
Where ha Obama been??
What exactly is HIS foreign policy experience??
Can't you see he dodges ALL of his bullets by turning it back on her to distract from him???? Oh that's right - the wool is over your eyes!

suzy, san francisco (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:32 PM)

The real question is...how much money did they give his campaigns over the years? They have pretty much bought the old guard's support across the country. Geez...to that they may have been banking (so to speak) on future markers to win this election. And there is Barack...fresh and new and WINNING!

Gloria (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:33 PM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=804909