Bill Clinton offered speaking role

Posted: Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:21 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Democrats

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
NBC News has learned that the Obama campaign, in an effort to quiet talk of the Obama-Clinton drama, has offered Bill Clinton a speaking role on Wednesday night at the Democratic convention -- before the vice presidential running mate speaks.

Sources say that Clinton in fact will speak.

The campaign rushed tonight to resolve the issue after network news reports about the Clintons and Obama.

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Comments

Is Clinton going to bring Monica and the big Cigar!

Capt. Smash Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:26 PM)

Two of the biggest brats alive. . . I used to admire them, love them. . . I saw a totally different side of both of them during the primaries. . . Don't like either of them now. . .

Clintons don't seem to understand the words "YOU LOST!" You are two of the biggest divisive people in the Democratic Party! Shame on you, Hillary and Bill!

Linda, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:26 PM)

Read b/t the lines here - Obama has decided t give the VP slot to HRC. This is being set up so that Bill will be able to introduce his wife as the next VP of the United States . . .

KP, California (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:27 PM)

DIPLOMACY!! Obama/08

Ann in VA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:33 PM)

Bill Clinton Should Speak at the convention. It was the Clinton Administration that gave African Americans a chance and a stage in the public eye. Also Obama should apologize to Clinton for his campaign painting Clinton as a racist and for allowing McPeek to accuse Clinton of McCarthyism. I am an African American who has not appreciated the way the Obama campaign has thown a rock and hid its hand, That same windfall profit tax that Clinton Offered in Indiana, Obama campaign accused her of political pondering, now Obama is doing the same, is it still political pondering?

nadine moore (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:34 PM)

If the democrats don't start coming together, we're going to lose.

If we the posters don't start treating Senator McCain with more respect, we're going to lose.

He's 71 years old.

Come together. Please. This is a big big election. And we can't afford to blow it.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:35 PM)

OMG KP I thought the same thing!

Ann in VA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:35 PM)

Peope must remember that the side of the Clinton's that they saw is the one that the media painted. The Clinton's are good people and have been treated quite bad by the media. Obama did not beat Clinton, The democratic party and the media chose him.

nadine moore (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:39 PM)

Now there REALLY is no reason to watch.

Capt. Smash: Close, but no cigar.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:40 PM)

To New Hampshire voters:

Please don't assume Governor Deval Patrick (MA) is somehow in over his head. Mitt Romney's "successs" in MA is over-rated to say the least. And anyone can save the Olympics if given a blank check. Our new democratic governor, Deval Patrick, has done a great deal in his first year.

Just a few of Deval Patrick's achievements thus far:

- $1 billion life science initiative
- readiness project (bring gobal standards to all students, strongest investment in education in state's history)
- implemented health care reform
- closed corporate tax loopholes
- foreclosure prevention initiatives
- concerted commitment to job creation
- after 16 years of republican party in charge, made long term investments in neglected roads and bridges
- first ever 5 year capital spending plan
- governor of the whole state-opened up office in western MA

Governor Patrick started out a little rocky, but he "gets it" as written on June 8, 2008 in the New Bedford Standard Times. He's a smart & capable governor.

This country desperately needs new leadership.

Barack Obama/2008

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:43 PM)

Bill Clinton is a great speaker and energizer; I just hope he doesn’t speak tepidly. If Bill is aware; this is a golden opportunity to dismiss the accusations against his jealousy. Putting political Olympics into play, Bill can pass the torch. No more Drama!

Nobody, but Obama!

Off Topic - Sorry I missed this earlier and I never get posted.

But why is everyone after Hillary again? The media loves to fire this up. She did get more Democratic votes than Obama and if the Primary didn't let independents and Republicans vote in the Democratic primary he would not have won. She is helping, she is a very important political person and so is Pres. Clinton.

Obama would do well to make nice and count them as friends rather than enemies.

Donna, Albany NY (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:54 PM)
====================================================
Donna
First of all, it’s debatable that Hillary won the most votes. If you argue she didn’t include the caucuses, then she hasn’t the most votes.
Besides that's history. She worked very hard with the help of 3 Clintons, and republican attacks, yet he still won; no matter how you see it. I wish her well.
Despite being much maligned; Obama is still a head!
Nobody, but Obama!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:43 PM)

Bill Clinton is a great speaker and energizer; I just hope he doesn’t speak tepidly. If Bill is aware; this golden opportunity to dismiss the accusations against his jealousy. Putting political Olympics into play, Bill can pass the torch. No more Drama!

Nobody, but Obama!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:44 PM)

Please no, I thought the same thing KP and Ann. I hope it is not true. I do not trust them. I fear for his life if she is VP.

Caryn, STL (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:44 PM)

Memo to Hillary Clinton:
You lost. Get off the stage. Have your catharsis or breakdown or temper tantrum on your own time.

Jake W, Seattle (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:44 PM)

Clara, Wherever you are:

I don't see much difference, other than perspective, between Rob's hyper-generalization and yours. He might paint everyone with the same red brush, you paint everyone with the same blue one.

You're obviously intelligent and far from ignorant. And that actually makes it worse.

I know, sounds pretty judgmental on my part, but consider it simply responding in kind.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:50 PM)

Good deal.
Now maybe he'll stop whining!!!

Treebranch,OH (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:51 PM)

Politics makes strange bedfellows, whether it's in the oval office or at the convention. Dazzle 'em Slick Willie!

Richard, Washington State (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:52 PM)

I just remember when the whole Monica Lewinsky court interview report of her experiences with then President William Jefferson Clinton was put on the internet for the world to see. I thought that Clinton had made America the laughing stock of the world. Then I saw a foreign cartoon advertising a new cigar. It was called the 'MonicaCristo'.

Clementine H. (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:52 PM)

Well, I guess even when your in your 60's if you throw a big enough temper tantrum you'll get your way. I can't stand Bill anymore, I still kinda like Hillary, but Bill has become a big looser in my eyes. What kind of man you used to be president acts this way? Is he grown or just a baby? I used to really like both of them, but man I look at them now and I think what was I missing? It's probably a lot of the same feelings people have after voting for Bush and seeing what he became. That is one reason the media really needs to inform the people not just about Obama but about McCain as well. Just because the MSM has been grilling out with him for years and knows him it doesn't mean that the rest of America does. Someone really needs to tell the whole story about McCain and not leave out the part between when he was a POW and after he shacked up with Cindy while he was still married. Those issues need to resurface, the issues with the Keating Five need to resurface. A lot of people don't know these things they need to be put on a public forum for all to see and hear. This campaign has been to one sided, get with it MSM. The poll is right everyone needs to hear more about McCain the good, the bad, and the most definate ugly.

tina r ar (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:53 PM)

Nadine! Are you really Lanny Davis?

The Clintons' time has passed, and history can judge what they did in the 90s. Please let me know what time Bill speaks, as I need to schedule a hemorrhoidectomy, much preferred to hearing him.

iowan (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:54 PM)

Nadine,the Clintons have given African Americans much less than you imagine. You may or may not recall Fannie Lou Hamer demanding to be seated as part of the delegation from Mississippi in 1964. As a child I watched it on tv and never forgot her power. The Clintons are illusionists and people like you give them power.

Bree, KCMO (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:55 PM)

Obama thought he could win the general with his so-called charasmatic profile alone. Yea and then he woke up. All you Obamanites need to realize there's a
difference in giving a great speech and answering questions in front of a group. That is why he will not
appear with John Mcain at townhall meetings. His igornance shows when he does not have a telepromter.

Joe Mclemore, Medina, Tn. (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:55 PM)

Perhaps "my opponent" is following the Lincoln approach.

Ann in VA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:56 PM)

Nadine Moore- you are so wrong about the whole race card issue and the windfall profits tax. Both Obama and Clinton spoke of the windfall tax (hint: it's a Democratic talking point). What Clinton was accused of pandering with was the gas tax holiday (suggested by McCain) and paying for the loss with the windfall tax; monies which she promised for other talking points. As far as the race card, I'll let Bill's words speak for him. While I don't suspect him of being racist, it was apparent that he would do anything, say anything to bring Obama down. The route he choose was unbecoming of an EX-President of the same party.

Cheryl (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:56 PM)

Pat, Deval Patrick is governor of Massachusetts, not New Hampshire. . .

KP, California (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:56 PM)

We could have won the war in Vietnam if John McCain was fighting instead of in a prison camp.

Fingers crossed, this one will get me enough points for a matching set of Cindy & John velvet paintings!!

Mary Lou Dishrag, Birmingham, AL (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:59 PM)

MSNBC commentators whined all day about a non existent problem and now takes credit for the resolution.

Jamie (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:00 PM)

I think this is great. Gore and Kerry ran from Clinton, and neither of them became POTUS. And I want to win baby, so if that means Billary, then so be it. I'd much rather take Obama as president, Hillary as the veep over McSame as POTUS.

bearnutt (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:00 PM)

Bill will speak at length and eloquently bash George Bush, setting the stage for the V-P nominee to take the stage and bash George Bush. At some point, maybe not the same night, Howard Dean will speak and not so eloquently bash George Bush.

John Kerry will speak at another time and attempt to Swiftboat George Bush.

Barack Obama, in his acceptance speech will change things up a bit and bash Dick Cheney while throughout the whole convention Keith Olbermann will bash Karl Rove and hand out WPIW awards to George Bush, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove.

Change. It's a beautiful thing to hope for.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:02 PM)

If Hillary needs a catharsis, let her have it. Let her take the last and final bow. Give her an encore, parade, marching band - whatever.

If she eventually decides to run for POTUS in eight years, Americans will remember childish temper tantrums. By then, it will be too late because she will look and sound like McCain.

Elise Den, TX (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:03 PM)

I'd like Obama to lose on his own non-qualifications. I wish that the Clintons would stay away from him. He is going to lose resoundingly. He is so embarrassing.

Alicia (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:08 PM)

Give it a break people. What is it about the Clintons that makes the Repubs. go rabid and start foaming at the mouth when either Clinton is mentioned? I'd prefer a Clinton in the Whitehouse than the poor excuse of a puppet we have in there now. Clinton may have lied, but at least he hasn't killed thousands of our soliders, spent billions of dollars based on a lie, actually based on many lies, and then he just bounces around with a smile on his face like Duh??? what's happening? And Cheney is no better hiding behind "executive privilege." The Bush presidency will go down in history as the most secretive, corrupt, and the biggest failure in the history of our country.

Michelle, Cleveland, OH (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:09 PM)

I thought Democrats were Democrats and that we vote on the issues. Well, I could dream that this was the case, but apparently not. Both Hillary and Barrack's issues were so close that we should be voting on the issues. Obama is our Democratic Presumptive Nominee and we should stick together.

The Clintons have always been good Democrats and I believe they will help Obama. For those who are diehard Hillary "fans", if you really cared about her, you would vote for what she stands for.

Both Clintons do not want to destroy the Democratic Party and with all this fuss, apparently the disconcerted do.

I will vote for Barrack Obama and I thank Hillary and Bill for their help.

Pat.......Ardmore, OK (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:10 PM)

This was certainly a necessary evil for Obama. Not giving him a spot would be much more of a destructive story than anything Bill actually says on stage. I think...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:12 PM)

The Clintons are DIVAS!

RENEA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:12 PM)

I just don't wish her well, I wish her gone. What a spoil Witch. I will never vote for a clinton again. Please people of NEW YORK send her back to (ONLY WHITE HARD WORK PEOPLE)live state.

M. Jones, Hawaii (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:19 PM)

Yes now I believe she will be the VP. That's what she has been angling for. She does not want to go back to the Senate.

Susan, Cary NC (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:21 PM)

That's a pretty strong message to send to Hillary!'s supporters. Bill (male) will speak, Hillary! (female - presidential contender) will not speak.

Hmmmmm......and this will "bring us together"?

Dan Cox (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:23 PM)

If she is VP, I will no longer vote for Obama. I will vote for ralph nadar. She is a nasty whinner loser. She need to go back to her slime husband to Bubba town.

MJones (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:23 PM)

>>>>I used to admire them, love them. . . I saw a totally different side of both of them during the primaries

You were duped by the media and Obamabots that perpetuated the narrative that the Clintons made racist remarks.
Informed voters KNOW it took a president to implement Dr. King's goals. But when Hillary made that historical point - it was considered a racist comment.
NObama!

During the primary exit polls revealed the white working class wasn't voting for Obama. But when Hillary merely cited the exit polling data - she was called a racist! - all perpetuated by Obamedia and Obama's bots.
Obama could only win by engaging in race-baiting.

Frank (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:26 PM)

Enough with the Clintons!!!

Walt P (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:26 PM)

Hillary as VP? Wouldn't it be so special that she would go to her campaign fraud trial right after the election. Can anyone say "PR nightmare"?

Let Obama have his night; the Clintons wouldn't let him have a moment after clinching the nom and they won't let him have it at the convention.

Used to love them, well Bill anyway.

dk (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:27 PM)

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