Bill and Hillary max out for Obama

Posted: Friday, June 27, 2008 2:48 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Chuck Todd
A day after Obama wrote a $4,600 check to Hillary Clinton, First Read has learned Bill and Hillary Clinton have returned the favor, donating the maximum to the Illinois senator's campaign, a Clinton spokesperson says.

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Comments

How much has their child contributed?

John McCain, The White House (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:53 PM)

That equates to about 13 seconds of one of Bills speeches.

Answer Man (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:57 PM)

That is really great news!

It is going to be amazing watching the Clinton's and the Obama's bring their unique strengths together over the coming months and years. America will be a better place because of it.

I must admit, I wondered if this day would ever come, but I am so happy that it did.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:57 PM)

How much has their child contributed?

John McCain, The White House

=============

Chelsea's voting for McCain. There's only so much bs she can put up with with Obama.

Chelseas Chief of Staff (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:59 PM)

This is news? This is a surprise? This should be expected.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:59 PM)

Now that is a good unity gesture. Both sides putting their money where their mouth is. Turnabout is fair play. Whether it is sincere or for show, all I care about is victory for Senator Obama and the Democrats in November. For that to happen, both sides need each other. We can't keep fighting a battle that is now past, we must band together to win the contest that is before us. Together we can beat McBush and the rethuglicans and take back our country.

Obama supporter in IL (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:59 PM)

Are they sure they can afford it??

Connie, Tennessee (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:59 PM)

Funny, no one in the media seemed to mention the fact that the Clinton's had not contributed to the Obama campaign only that the Obama's had not ponied up to help retire Hillary's debt.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:00 PM)

Not the time to get petty Mr. John McCain. Waiting for the McCain/Leiberman/Rove "smear and fear campaign" to kick into high gear against Obama. Reminds me of the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfield "schock and awe" strategy in Iraq. Hopefully people are not duped again by the Republicans.

Eric, St. Paul Minnesota (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:02 PM)

I hope we dems will come together. Our country needs us. The world needs us. Can't we lift up our two warriors, and support what they are trying to accomplish in Unity NH?

Please. Let us Unite.

donna (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:03 PM)

you people need to grown up geez

patti, deltona, fl (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:03 PM)

Today in NH, Hillary Clinton seemed more relaxed, genuine, and energized than she's been the past 9 months. I kept hearing some of her closest supporters say that "she's really a wonderful person." Almost none of that came across during the campaign. Today was a completely different story. Her speech was witty and she seemed like a warm and engaging leader. By the way, her line about McCain and Bush being two sides of the same coin and still not representing change? Brilliant. You watch--it's going to be one of the memorable zingers of the 2008 campaign. Where the heck were her speech writers the past 12 months?

CA Voter (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:04 PM)

Please, please keep this story to a minimum on Hardball and Race to the White House. I am getting so tired of Chris Matthews asking three questions in rapid fire and not waiting for the "guest" to answer the first question before another question is asked. Chris really should play a tape of himself on Hardball and critique himself. Also, I am so tired of Pat Buchanan. He is described as an MSNBC analyist, but he is so biased his comments are seldom on target.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:04 PM)

Obama's got to find some one that will move away voters from McCain and also draw Clinton supporters to his side...does any real person exist?..
A woman that sounds like Hillary, walks like Hillary,
fights like Hillary...but isn't Hillary....
Somebody that walks like McCain, talks like McCain and fights like McCain...but isn't McCain.....
The toughest part of this decision finds Obama probably wishing for nothing like either of the above choices...
Let's help Obama work this out....
And ralley for his choices..because in the end..
V.P. has to be some one that's on the same page....

BJ, CA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:04 PM)

Let's keep this unity thing going, shall we!

adebola, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:07 PM)

A nice gesture symbolically but I think embittered supporters of both camps would rather they pay their own debt.
Now it’s time to go to mosque with Obama. Hillary and Bill you must debunk the Muslim lie. The fractured party will be UNIFIED after having gone a long divisive primary
The next task is working hard to capture the essence of what a true democratic is. These embittered factions can be persuaded; I think can take on your true democratic values you share.
I applaud your initiative and you willingness to set aside difference in the name of unity.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:08 PM)

Nice to see them all coming together for the right cause-getting Barack Obama elected the next POTUS. Now we need the former HRC supporters to see they need to do the same if they want to take back our country from the terror of the republicans. Please listen carefully to what Bill, Hillary, Barack and other Dems are saying about the importance of this election and how you vote. This could affect millions of lives now and into the future if we don't get it right. Please educate yourselves on the issues and carefully consider who can bring about the changes our country so desperately needs. From what I've seen and heard it is Obama. Sorry McCain, you just don't have the right ideas and forward thinking for what our country needs and that does not make you unpatriotic it just makes you wrong for the job.

Paige , Hiawassee, GA. (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:09 PM)

Cynics, and haters need not reply.

If your intention is to take your vote out into the open, and give to McCain, (who has not earned it, given Hillary's platforms), then do so.

However, it is unAmerican to beat us over the head with your protest ballot.

Remember, we cast our votes anonymously in this country. If you mean to do right, why don't you try it?

donna (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:09 PM)

I read in Howard Fineman's article about the dis-unity among Clinton fundraisers, that they feel that Obama "owes it to Hillary" to help her pay her campaign debt. Could somebody explain to me exactly why he "owes" it to her? I've never heard of the winner being required to pay the loser's debt before. Is this common practice?

Heartlight 3, Maui, Hawaii (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:12 PM)

unity is a fairytale

nobama dems (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:13 PM)

I think this theatrical exchange of money is at best of trivial importance. What I am interested in is the manpower -- staff changes -- and big donors who will bundle for Barack.

Report on that -- it makes better copy.

___________________
Illini Family Politics
http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:15 PM)

Its amusing watching the Dems on this so called Unity they have. The Dems are absolutely scared to death that the party will remain split. Many, many Hillary voters are not going to show up this fall. They see this charade for what it is, a laughable attempted to pull the wool over the eyes of the lemmings in the party. If the Republicans tried to pull this bulls***, the media would have a field day with how stpuid it would look. Seeing its the Dems though, the media just tags along saying "Oh, look they're united". It's hysterical to watch.

Dem Dems are Fun to Watch,Trenton, NJ (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:19 PM)

To Donna

Why has McCain not earned it? As far as I am concerned HRC was a centerist candidate. BO during the primaries was not. He pandered to the left wing and is flip-flopping his way back to the center (e.g. Supreme Court ruling on guns, FISA, Campaign Finance). You tell me a position he will maintain up to the GE? McCain on the other hand is closer to center than BO. I do not believe goverment has the answer to everything. HRC's health plan for instance was to use the market to achieve universal care. BO's plan is to set up the goverment in competition with privet insurance. On energy, BO's plan is 20 years down the road and based on unproven technologies. I would prefer to rely on current technology such as nuclear, and no matter what you say oil will still be needed. BO's plan for SS is complete pandering as anybody who is a little bit honest knows that benefits will be cut (same with Medicare). We all know that the taxes raised for SS go into general revenues and are spent as current expenditure (don't believe the fairy tale of borrowing from yourself in the form of treasury certificates - these are paid for by the future tax payer).

So Donna, my vote is not a protest vote. I will vote for experience as I did for Gore over Bush and Kerry over Bush and Clinton over Obama. He has proven nothing to me yet.

Alan, NJ (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:21 PM)

Donna (from 3:09 fame), that was a little off message, don't you think? What you really want to say is:
Senator Clinton supporters, don't be stupid and get all emotional over her not being the nominee.
Rather, you capture the essence of her candidacy, and certainly 95% of her policy positions in Senator Obama. You get 5%, or less, with Senator McCain.
No one, especially in this economy today, is going to take a nickel (McCain) when they can get $0.95 (Obama) guaranteed.

Of course, if you really do want that nickel, I'll gladly take the other 95 cents.

Oh, and Eric from 3:02, we keep getting ready for this so called smear machine to gear up. Let me know when they find something to smear our guy, Obama, on.
His policy positions, his intelligence, his poise, his patience, his patriotism, his fiscal management, his tactical managment - all things we as Americans want and need in the President.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:28 PM)

That equates to about 13 seconds of one of Bills speeches.
Answer Man (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 2:57 PM)
________________________________________________
ROFLMAO! So true but let's not hate let's appreciate! The former President is doing his thing!

Yola, CT (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:30 PM)

So, if Obama and Michelle gave the max to Clinton and the Clintons gave the mx to Obama.......isn't that a wash? Why bother other than for the publicity? Did it help her debt? Did it make a difference to Obama? This isn't the "change" in Washinton politics that I want to see.....sounds like the same old thing to me. I'm disappointed.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:31 PM)

I agree that Hillary seemed to be more relaxed and genuine today. The vacation apparently did her some good. I am proud of the way that both candidates seem to be sincere about working together to take back the White House. Just hope the Repugs don't pull out all the scare tactics. I expect to turn on the news and hear that they found some bombs under the Golden Gate Bridge, etc. I expect to hear more saber rattling about Iran. That is the ONLY way the Dems can lose in November because economically times are ROUGH! Expect TERROR, TERROR, and more Terror from the Repugs.

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:38 PM)

So - ONLY obama supporters are now allowed to post on MSNBC??????? YES - Hillary was Gracious, and gave a GREAT speech. Did she unite us all - NO!!!
The obama group seems blind to the FACT that their guy is NOT Qualified to lead our country - the DNC or Hillary cannot make us vote for him!

Molly (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:39 PM)

We do not need, we do not want Bill Clinton involved in any manner. Bill is a leper of politics. He is as ignorant and corrupt as Bush.

Getting the Clintons involved is Change We Can Sell Out.

The majority of Democrats voted to keep the Clintons away from the White House. Let them slither back into the darkness.

N.E. BodybutHillary (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:40 PM)

Yes, Hillary and Barack in Unity, NH spreading promoting party unity by not unifying under a single ticket. I'm even more pissed off now than I was before. McCain 2008. Hillary 2012.

jose, new york (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:40 PM)

I am of the opinion that Barack should pick Hillary as his VP because he is going to need an individual that can help him take on the Republican attack machine. Although they battled each other tooth and nail during the campaign, its time to put aside the petty differences and focus on the prize and these two dems are better any day than president Mcsame or Mcbush. Also, I would like to say that Hillary should be judged on the merits of her record and not Bill's mistakes of fubarbs. We as Democrats should not forget all of the good things the Clinton's did while they were in office. I support Barack 100% but i must admit the photos I saw of him and HRC made me think two things: 1. That looks like an unbeatable ticket 2. I am proud to be Democrat. Barack does not need to pick a nobody for VP.

Jason Schoenheide, Livonia, Mi (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:42 PM)

Hey folks, there was not a particle of sincerity in Unity NH today. Obama needs Clinton's supporters, and Clinton needs, well, someone to take her hand and tell her what a good job she did. Enough with the public therapy session. Let Obama and his crack team run a campaign and let the Clintons gracefully bow out of the picture. The democrats have an election to win.

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:46 PM)

Its great... in 2000/2004 we were duped by the right... in 2008 we are being duped by the left... Obama is the biggest scam ever... he convinced you he is for change and hope and new brand of politics... we all loved it.. then his true colors started showing, and all of thoise things proved false... his supporters contuinue to blindly follow him... proof???

He tells Muslim women they cant be in a photo op... yet he had the audacity to lecture me on race??

New type of politics... yeah right... he is a scam artist like this country has never seen....

Its nice you all love hillary so much that you'll do what she says and vote obama... but.... didnt she say he wasnt qualified before?? now either she was lying then.. or she is lying now... seems like the left are the ones putting party before country this time...

Obama = Bush.... the writing is on the wall people... please take the time to read it.

Indepandant Voter, NYC (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:49 PM)

the DNC or Hillary cannot make us vote for him!
Molly
------------------------------------------------------
No Molly, they can't. So if you are so hell bent on electing McFossil so you can reap the massive benefits he will bring the country as Bush has for the last 7 1/2 years, than so be it. Vote your heart out for McFossil. That'll show us Obama supporters!
(Perhaps a little anger management wouldn't hurt, either!)Geesh!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:50 PM)

First....Molly you are an idiot.

Secondly...If either of the Clintons are writing a check to anyone the return will far outweigh the little check they are writing...Those two only count in 7 figure intervals.

Thirdly...Molly you are an idiot.

Jason, Rochester Hills,MI (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:52 PM)

Wow, Obama's paying off Hillary's! debt. Isn't that like, "buying votes"?

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 3:54 PM)

Molly, if you must, go ahead. Please do not vote for Senator McCain. And then come back and complain about all of the things that continue to be a problem under McCain.

Or, you can try to go along with what your candidate has asked you to do - vote for Senator Obama.

You're right, no one can make you vote for anyone. In fact, you don't even have to vote (which is somewhat of a shame, but I digress).

Just remember your mother,grandmother,dtrs, neices, aunt's, best friends, etc. Because they all would like to get paid a fair wage for their work efforts. Even if you don't mind getting paid less than a man for doing the same job. Oh? YOU didn't know? Yeah girl. Your new boy toy, J-Mac, yeah, he um, well, he doesn't think you should automatically get paid the same as a man.

His opposition to the Ledbetter Act, which would have overturned the Supreme Court's restrictions on women's right to sue for paycheck discrimination, tells you everything you need to know about where he stands on economic justice for women.

But I'm sure your husband will take care of you (if he's not out taking care of his other interests).

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:00 PM)

You scratch my back....

iowan (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:01 PM)

I thought she was broke! She is certainly in the hole.

Lexi, Mississippi (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:06 PM)

Well as a Clinton supporter---no more money from me to Obama and not vote for him either...just don't trust the guy and do not want him as our next president. Not a big fan of McCain, but he'll get my vote--more trustworthy--- and a safer bet.At least he does not pander for votes. Sorry Hilary, but can not do what you ask and support the man. He in my opinion is not worthy of the office.
I'll wait another 4 more years for your return, because I pray Obama does not win the general, regardless of what his supporters think of him. And as far as the DNC is concerned---no longer affiliated with them---and proud of it.

Kathy (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:08 PM)

I felt the love today in Unity... It's a good start to putting this campaign away...

Can't wait til Sept, so the 12 yr olds who post here are back in school, and Nov, when we have a fresh new direction for the country...

Obama Grandma (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:15 PM)

Thanks - Hillary I was going to vote for John McCain when you didn't win the primary.

But, John McCain is the same as Bush and his view for women are not positive.

Watching you and Barack today was an honor and Barack is certainly honest and more trustworthy and is what this country needs.

I trust him alot more than I would ever trust John McCain.

So I am certainly voting for Barack Obama

Hillarysupporter-for change (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:17 PM)

Isn't it fun to watch millionaires pat each other on the back?

B.Gates, Seattle (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:18 PM)

kathy

what about Obama makes you fell he is not safe, please help me with this as I would like to know your reasoning because you are not the first person to make that statement. If any one else who made that statement would like to reply please do so that i am not the only one who does not know why he is such a huge risk. I understand you find him untrustworthy but most of politicians are untrustworthy so what makes him different then the rest.

James Lawton, OK (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:22 PM)

Pete from Bushkill;

I couldn't agree with you more! Clinton - Get over it! Obama - Get on with it!

Mischief, Dayton OH (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:23 PM)

Someone probably needs to check Obama's and Clinton's Senate expense records. Look for $4600 filed under "Miscellaneous".

Senators Unite (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:24 PM)

"Race to the White House" insults the intelligence of most informed people. It should be called Mental Midgets featuring the least political team. Hardball, anymore, is souring as well. Countdown Rocks! This was a great day for the Democrats -- the unity was symbolic and people put their money where their mouths are.

Joe, Roanoke, VA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:26 PM)

Obama wrote 2 books and if that does not put fear in you, you are 2 seconds away from death. Obama is scary and he terrifys some.

mccain 08

dk in tn (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:26 PM)

Kathy and a few others, what endears you to John McCain? Is it his support of conservative Supreme Court Justices as the court is in a critical balance and up to three Justices could be replace in the coming four years?; is it his positions for equal pay and workplace parity?; Is it the way he treated (dumped) his first wife for the trophy bride Cindy?; I simply do not get it!!

Lou R (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:28 PM)

Obama wrote 2 books and if that does not put fear in you, you are 2 seconds away from death. Obama is scary and he terrifys some.

mccain 08

Hillary 2012......................We can wait.

dk in tn (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 4:29 PM)

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