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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.

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Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



'Best eight years in modern history'?

Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008 2:15 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
LEBANON, IN -- Just in case you were wondering how Bill Clinton feels about his tenure as president, he said this to a crowd here:

"Folks, it's always a mistake to bet against America. It was tough in 1968, and we came back. It was tough in 1992 and we wound up with the eight best years we've had in modern history."

As the crowd roared in agreement, he concluded, "We can bring America back."

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So just what will be the former President's role in another Clinton administration?  Aren't there constitutional provisions against this?
This is not how historians and economists are writing about his administration in current political science books. I guess he is a legend in his own mind but not in reality. Afterall, he was impeached and lied directly to the public and the world.
OK, you dolts, he didn't say the LAST 8 years, he said from 1992 and the next 8 years (i.e: 1192 to 2000.   AND, he's right.   America needs Hillary.
There is not much doubt that those were the best years in the life of the country.  Certainly Bill's activities were a distraction and a huge disappointment to all of us Democrats too, but in the final analysis, the lack of war, the huge expansion of jobs, and the lack of federal debt greatly outshines the few set backs from the oval office - most americans did not follow all that stuff like bloggers on this line seem to do today.  Bill's sins were negative, but his finacial management of the government and our military power had the effect of mostly peace and prosperity, the likes of which we are not likely to see for several years, even when the democrats are back in power.  This mess is going to take a long time to fix.  If Hillary wins, she will need Obama as her VP to manage the Congress, and help with the special interests.

If all of the bloggers do not tone it down a bit, there will not be a chance for anyone to fix anything - the Republicans will win, and it will be four more Bush years.

I like both candidates, but I feel we need both candidates, too.  You have to beat the special interests by moving ahead a little bit at a time - they are to big and powerful to just say we can sweep them all away in one election.  They are not going away -- ever.  So you have to be able to work with them by choosing your battles and fighting hard.  Splitting up the party will kill off all hopes.  I trust Hillary's leadership more - it is proven - but i feel Obama will rise to the occasion with a little bit of time and guidance.  Being so new, he has a lot to learn - as shown in the debates. But he is powerful enough to keep the agenda focused, even if it means keeping Bill in line, on occasion.  If these two will just work togethr, so much more can be accomplished - look at the strength of both coalitions they have built.

We need them both.  Unfortunately, too many of the bloggers do not seem to understand this.  You folks have to remember that we are really all on the same side.  Together we have the needed 65% coalition it is going to take to make any difference.  Separately, we are each 30% losers.....
Kaye Martin (Sent Saturday, May 03, 2008 4:21 PM)

Just cannot be VP - unless of course he moved to a different state (altered maybe).
Sorry, Bill. They WERE great years before all the scandals kept Dems like me worrying day and night. To hear you lie on national tv is just not something I want to ever hear again, from any president. Unfortunately, around the DC area, you are just not really welcomed, we supported you, saved you from impeachment in the Senate, but we have suffered enough.
I thought Hillary was running for president not Bill. That why Bill is campaigning so hard to get back in the White House for more scandals.  There was a scandal when he was Governor of Arkansas and scandal when he was in the White House.  Four more years of scandal again! We need someone who will focus on the American people needs.  No more scandal!
And Obama earns it how??you know what the more I see the more I am sure I will never vote for Obama. He has the same hate his pastor does and the same vile about this country. The only thing ever good in this country like his wife says is Obama. Guess what I dont buy it and hope others dont either.
Yes, I guess those were 8 of the best years: There was more illicit sex in the White House during those 8 years than in all of the previous presidential administrations combined.

Screw the Clintons before they screw us.

Obama in '08!
dawn you just showed why Obama and his minions are not ready. The election was taken not given and I pray it doesnt happen again. with Obama it will.He thinks he should have it cause of his color. We thought it was ours before. Obama has really made a mess of all this for his own ego.It will be taken again if Obama is the nom.He doesnt get the states we need.


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