Obama and Bill Clinton talk

Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008 3:51 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones and NBC's Mark Murray
Obama and Bill Clinton spoke on the phone today, despite reports that the former president was still upset at Obama after the conclusion of the spirited and contentious Democratic primary.

"Sen. Obama had a terrific conversation with President Clinton and is honored to have his support in this campaign," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement. "He has always believed that Bill Clinton is one of this nation's great leaders and most brilliant minds, and looks forward to seeing him on the campaign trail and receiving his counsel in the months to come."

VIDEO: Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama spoke to former President Bill Clinton for the first time since the primaries, asking him for help in his quest for the White House. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.

Added Clinton spokesman Matt McKenna: "President Clinton had a very good conversation with Sen. Obama today. He renewed his offer to do whatever he can to ensure Sen. Obama is our next President... The president believes that Sen. Obama has been a great inspiration for millions of people around the country and he knows that he will bring the change America needs as our next president."

Per Obama communications director Robert Gibbs, Obama and Clinton spoke for about 20 minutes during the Illinois senator's drive between Kansas City and Independence. Obama asked Bill Clinton to campaign with -- and for -- him in the fall.

"I believe the president wants to and was excited about it," Gibbs said.

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Comments

Will do whatever to ensure Obama is president? Guess that means Bill will shut up, and disappear until Nov. 4th in order to vote. That's the best he could do after he messed things up for Hillary!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 3:55 PM)

Anyone else think it would behoove Obama to be his own man and not continually Clinton-up the election? Additionally, anyone else think that the media need to shut up about the Clintons and focus on the non-adulterous portions of the Democratic Party?

Jay, Indiana (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 3:56 PM)

Seems somewhat biblical to me...the second coming of Lazarus.ummmmm, I mean Bill Clinton.

Politics really does make strange bedfellows.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 3:59 PM)

THIS ELECTION IS NOT ABOUT PRESIDENT CLINTON.

THIS ELECTION IS ABOUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

PRESIDENT CLINTON MADE THE UNACCEPTABLE STATEMENTS DURING HIS WIFE'S CAMPAIGN AND HE'S WELL AWARE OF WHAT THEY ARE AND ONLY HE CAN ADDRESS THOSE HE HURT DIRECTLY BY APOLOGIZING

SEN. OBAMA DID NOT CAUSE THE RIFT IN THE COMMUNITY

PRESIDENT AND MS. CLINTON CAUSED THE RIFT WHICH THE COMMUNITY WILL FORGIVE IN TIME WITH THE PROPER SIGNALS FROM THE CLINTONS

STOP MAKING THIS ELECTION ABOUT ANYONE OTHER THAN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO ARE SUFFERING GREATLY AS A RESULT OF THIS AWFUL RECESSION.

WE THE PEOPLE DON'T NEED THESE CONSTANT MEDIA DISTRACTIONS AS MSNBC CLEARLY DOES DAILY

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE A RELIABLE MEDIA OUTLET AND CONVEY RELIABLE JOURNALISM

THE COVER THE AMERICAN PEOPLE'S BEST INTEREST AND STOP MAKING MEDIA STORIES FOR RATINGS RATHER THAN TO ASSIST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

IF YOU PLACE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST, THE RATINGS WILL COME, .............MUCH FASTER THAN THOSE YOU MAKE UP FOR RATINGS

Logan, Ar (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:00 PM)

Bad day for McCain. Take that GOP.

banko (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:00 PM)

Hmm. Interesting. I was waiting in anticipation for this to happen. Obama still needs to get a good Vice President, though, and the weekly VP poll at http://www.votenic.com says everything. They have a weekly poll for both dem and rep VP's.

Hugh, NYC, NY (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:03 PM)

Did obama apologize for all of the race-baiting he did to Bill during the primary? None of the Clintons should give this guy the time of day!
Write-in Hillary!

Bobbi, Eau Calaire, WI (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:04 PM)

Bill's a politician. He's had many great victories. He's laid waste to many an opponent. I'm sure losing the primary was hard, but it is what it is.

The Clinton's are showing how big they truly are. You've gotta love 'em.

donna (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:05 PM)

Persident Clinton will be a terrific person to be out on the campaign trail. He will be wagging his finger and telling people that john McCain cannot be trusted.

The real beating is about to begin

Jackd200, canton, Oh (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:06 PM)

The McCains did not paying his taxes in the State of California on of their 7 houses.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/143775

First Read, Chuck, Murray, MSNBC, when will you report this? See what Al Franken was put through.

J. Richter (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:11 PM)

The Clintons are doind this due to huge debt they are facing and are hoping the Obama is part of the solution... what a bunch of phonies!

Ms Harshfield, MO (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:11 PM)

Gee, a few months ago Obama and his supporters were race baiting and trying to convince us that Bill Clinton was a racist.

You will all remember that right before the NC primary (where 50% of the electorate happened to be African American) they distorted the meaning of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s words to imply racial insensitivity.

This, despite the fact that both Clintons have a well documented record of advancing and supporting civil rights (hence the 90% approval rating that Bill Clinton had amongst African Americans).

But now Obama is praising Bill Clinton? The fact that Obama, his campaign and his supporters played the ugly, lowdown game of race to trash Bill Clinton is the main reason that Obama will NEVER get my vote. And I have voted (and volunteered for ) every democratic presidential candidate since Michael Dukakis.

csh, IL (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:16 PM)

Did obama apologize for all of the race-baiting he did to Bill during the primary? None of the Clintons should give this guy the time of day!
Write-in Hillary!
Bobbi, Eau Calaire, WI (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:04 PM)
......................................................

I get it. The Obama ventrilquist act. Barack's hand up Clintons butt, moving his lips, forcing him to say the things he said. You are an idiot.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:17 PM)

To All of the Obama supporters who find it worth while to slander the Clinton's I would remind you that if Obama held the same sentiments he would not be courting the two of them.

Elliott, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:19 PM)

Bill Clinton shouldn't waste his time or rep on this guy for one more minute. obama is too far left, too inexperienced, and hangs with the "blame everyone else" crowd- he WON'T WIN in Nov! He CAN'T because there aren't enough college kids and AAs to make this guy float. Dems CAN'T WIN without the working class- and obama CAN'T WIN THEM. Dems with ANY brains will run now before he takes us all down with him.

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:19 PM)

Bobbi, Eau Calaire, WI:

Shhhhh.

C_Sexton, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:19 PM)

Well Bobbi,

As smart as you think you are, apparently the Clintons (both of them) believe they need to and should be doing this. For their own good as well as the country's.

I'm sure they would have consulted you before hand - you being such a genius and all and knowing the hearts and minds of not only Sen Clinton and Pres Clinton but of each and every one of the 18 million people who supported Sen Clinton.

But for some strange reason, they thought they could do without your advice and counsel -- and I imagine that there are millions of other people who can and will do without it too.

Obama '08

Liz, NY (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:20 PM)

May want to put Arkansas and a few other southern states in the Obama column. They just turned blue. Bill Clinton knows that helping Obama is helping himself.
It's been a long time since I've seen such an efficient operation. Obama "worker bees" have hit the ground running.
I wonder if McCain has paid off his California taxes. Guess he and Cindy just "forgot".

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:20 PM)

Liz, NY (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:20 PM)

DV, CA (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:22 PM)

Bobbi of Eau Calaire, WI (can't spell your hometown Eau Claire),
you need to chill out.

Bill Clinton will be a big help to Obama's campaign.

marizala, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:24 PM)

Bill should fake a heart attack or something to get out of it. I wish the everyone and the media would leave Pres Clinton alone, this is America and if he doesn't want to support a canidate he shouldn't be forced to.

Desiree, New York (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:25 PM)

What race-baiting?

Mich (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:26 PM)

Did obama apologize for all of the race-baiting he did to Bill during the primary? None of the Clintons should give this guy the time of day!
Write-in Hillary!
Bobbi, Eau Calaire, WI (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:04 PM)

Clear the cheese out between your ears bobbi...Obama never made the Clintons say what they said. They are big boys and girls that are responsible for their words and actions.

There is quite a bit to be p.o'd about with how they ran their campaign...but for the bettering of our country, americans will hopefully let the wounds heal and take it to McCain this November.

GP Chicago (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:28 PM)

Two words... political liability.

2fer (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:29 PM)

We need all democrats speaking out and up for Senator Obama. I say - put Bill to work. And Carter. And Hillary. And Kerry. And Edwards. and Kennedy.....

Let's get'em all working hard until election day!

All Democrats need to work Hard for this election (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:30 PM)

Was it ever in question the Clinton's would back Barak? I don't think so. The more interesting scenario are the various Clintonites in the media and internet who are intent on lauching a tiny mutiny without their "leader" at the helm. How long until they realize there are more important matters at stake than their worship of all things Clinton.

CJ (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:30 PM)

Do you think Bill Clinton realizes that HE is the reason Hillary won't be considered for the VP slot? Has nothing to do with Hillary. Bill couldn't be honest enough to disclose his money people for the library, etc.; therefore Hillary is out. She should have dumped him when she had the chance. She's a better politician than he'll ever be; he's a cement block around her ankle. Such a shame.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:34 PM)

I think it shows that they both have a great deal of class, to put things aside and go for what is good for the Dem. party. I know it is only politics, but nevertheless we need everyone working together to show a united front. We can't let the Republicans have this election.

JoAnn, Moundsville, WV (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:41 PM)

Bobbi...

race baiting? No, that's what your boy McCain did.

I guess your posing as a Hillary supporter is a direct link to you refusing to shave the thick mustache while wearing your XXL Victoria secrets outfits when attending "Packer" gatherings!

shaaaa (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:48 PM)

I'm so dang tired of everybody hanging on every word and whim of the Clintons! If Prez Clinton wants to campaign for Sen Obama, then fine. If he still harbors hurt feelings & wants to be begged, then let him go. Hillary said what she had to say last week at the unity rally, and although, to me, her words lacked conviction, she at least is going thru the motions of supporting the Dem nominee.

Sen. Obama has gone above and beyond to compliment Sen. Clinton on her campaign and for breaking thru the glass ceiling of sexism. Little has been mentioned of Obama's historical campaign as an AA by either the Clintons nor the MSN.

If Bill can't take the "beat" then get the heck on out of the kitchen. We have an election to win with or without Bill Clinton.

Go Obama!

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:56 PM)

LET'S HOPE THEY TALKED ABOUT THE NEED TO DRILL FOR OIL ON USA LANDS AND BUILDING NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS --- ASAP.

TALK ABOUT THE ENERGY CRISIS RELIEF .... (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:59 PM)

Well as long as Bill Clinton knows this is not about him.

It's about our future President Barack Obama. Then I am all for it.

But, the media is going to have a "field day" with this, they pick on Bill - more than any other group.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:02 PM)

Bobbi, Eau Claire--you really should think about professional help. I've yet to hear you post anything positive about your candidate. Try it--you'll feel so much better.

Bobbi's shrink (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:10 PM)

bobbie, you are getting tiresome. Stop pretending to be a Democrat; admit you are a Republican and tell us why we should consider your candidate. Have some self respect.

nuanced (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:31 PM)

Bobbi, Eau Calaire, WI (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 4:04 PM)- Did obama apologize for all of the race-baiting he did to Bill during the primary? None of the Clintons should give this guy the time of day!
Write-in Hillary!

Has Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI yet apologized to all the bloggers here for being such an idiot.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:35 PM)

I have to admit, Mr Todd et al, that I'm with the guy in the ALL CAPS. I'm as much a politial junkie as the rest of us, but I believe it will hurt the general election for the MSM to keep focused on the horse race.
Y'all's excuse during the primary was that there was little difference of substance to cover b/t Clinton and Obama. So now it's time to put up -- please please please. Please.

signed,

yet another white woman for OBAMA. (We are legion.)

tan, asheville, nc (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:36 PM)

Bill should try his hand at turning around the poll numbers in Arkansas. If he succeeds, then on to Texas.

nuanced (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:37 PM)

To you Clinton haters. Some of us know how great the Clinton's are. We appreciate all that they have done for "the people". We also know how Bill's statements were twisted to look like racist remarks. We also know how O'Bama twisted facts against Hillary. Don't you know this is just plain politics & O'bama is no exception to that. The big difference is the Clintons actually have a history of doing good things for the American people & O'Bama has none. It's all a game & I wonder how history will play this in the future? This is a big unknown as we have nothing to go on with O'Bama. Just check out what some Chicogoans have stated about his years in the Illinois legislature. You could have not picked out at a worse time in our history a candidate for the US President that is untried & untrue. "God Bless America"! At least O'Bama knows he needs advice from Bill.

jano,Clearwater,Fl (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:39 PM)

Jay, I agree with you...America will follow without the Clintons...Bobbi, its that kind of stupidity that will result in us getting another idiot for president and things will get much worse...don't be so bitter because Hillary didn't make it...

SouthernWmaleforObama, Rock Hill, SC (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:50 PM)

Obama never had anything nice to say about Bill or his accomplishments in office during the primary. Why is flip flopping now and giving Bill all these compliments?

Oh yea - HE WANTS OUR VOTES!..

Hey Obama - Kiss my REAR!

Jackie (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:50 PM)

Listen to that enthusiasm from Bill!!! It's difficult to tell who's more pumped up about Obama, Slick Willie or Hillary's former supporters. Obama had better have a Plan B ready because I suspect his support from some sectors is a little soft :) Incidentally, Bobbi, the city you live in is Eau Claire.

walter, orange, virginia (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 5:59 PM)

i think obama and bill clinton are doing the right thing and people should get with it

percy williams,natchez,ms (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 6:11 PM)

Terry go away......This is not about Bill or Hillary anymore......you are sooooooooooo no wanted.

linda,winston-salem,nc (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 6:14 PM)

WHAT A GREAT PRESIDENT YOU WERE MR CLINTON,YOU COUNTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP,YOU COUSED NO RIFT,OUR PARTY NEEDS YOU HELP.....SUPORT SENATOR OBAMA////

daniel.s (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 7:17 PM)

It's interesting the people just can't let go of the past of Bill Clinton. That was between him & Hilary..but they forget that McCain was cheating on his wife with the wife that he's married to now. McCain is not qualified to hold the job of President but then he has GWB & his old cronies to make all the decisions. He won't have to think, he'll be a puppet. This is very scary for our country. God help us.

G LEGAKES Las Vegas, NV (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 7:23 PM)

THIS CAMPAIGN IS NOT ABOUT BILL CLINTON. HE HAS THE BIGGEST EGO OF ANYONE I HAVE EVER SEEN, EXCEPT MAYBE ROGER CLEMENS.

Beverly, Houston (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 7:35 PM)

You are connecting the political mind of Pres. Bill with the inspiring new direction of Barak Obama.
Add also the fact that there is now speculation of seven dollar a gallon gas.
Say it with me everyone......landside for Obama.

Obama 2008

Flow, Asheville, North Carolina (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 7:42 PM)

Why would Obama want RACIST former President Bill Clinton backing him? I remember Obama's silence, in not refuting the racist & incendiary label as was imposed on former President Bill Clinton, during North Carolina's primary. It won Obama the primary. Wright was right about Obama.

Bridget, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 8:49 PM)

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