About those Clinton library donors

Posted: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:09 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
Politico's Ben Smith reports that the current focus of the Obama-Clinton negotiations over Bill Clinton's foundation and presidential library is looking forward --not necessarily vetting the past.

Still, it's worth remembering that during the primary season, Obama called for the disclosure of presidential library donors. Consider this exchange from the MSNBC debate at Dartmouth in September 2007:

RUSSERT: In light of that, do you believe that the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton library should publish all the donors who give contributions to those two entities?
CLINTON: Well, Tim, I actually co-sponsored legislation that would have sitting presidents reveal any donation to their presidential library, and I think that's a good policy.
RUSSERT: And the foundation?
CLINTON: Well, it would be the same, because that's where the library comes from.
RUSSERT: Until such legislation, would they voluntarily, the Clinton library and Clinton Foundation, make their donors public?
CLINTON: Well, you'll have to ask them.
RUSSERT: What's your recommendation?
CLINTON: Well, I don't talk about my private conversations with my husband, but I'm sure he'd be happy to consider that.
RUSSERT: Is there anyone here who doesn't believe that presidential libraries and presidential foundations should make public all their donors?
OBAMA: I just want to amplify on this issue. Because I think it's important not only that all this information is disclosed, but I also think that we need to have a situation in which we are disclosing the funneling of large donors.
And that is something that we were able to successfully do. I pushed it with Russ Feingold to make sure that large funnelers who were lobbyists were disclosed.
We are now in the process of presenting a bill where any large bundler has to disclose who they're bundling money from and who are they funneling it to. And I think that should be passed right away.

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Comments

I just don't understand it. If Barack Obama didn't want to select Hillary Clinton as his VP, why does he want her as Secretary of State? I understand trying to put together a cabinet of the best the country has to offer in these troubling times, however, this to me doesn't make any sense.

Nothing against Senator Clinton. But... I never thought the Clintons were the most honest people on the planet. From the get go.

Joe Lieberman is another disappointment. He deserves nothing. Unpaid volunteers did more for Barack Obama and the Democratic Party these last two years than Lieberman ever even considered doing. They gave money and valuable time away from families to help throw out the GOP after a dismal 8 years.

Lieberman received the support of the democrats in the primary in 2006 when he ran for re-election. A lot of them went to CT to campaign for him. He lost! Because of his stance on the war. What's with his self-centered anger and bitterness? Barack Obama freakin' went to CT and campaigned for Lieberman in '06.

Once Lieberman lost, the Democrats HAD to support the Democrat. What is it he doesn't get? I can't stand the guy any longer.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:26 AM)

I love Slick Willy. People rag on him for receiving favors in the oval office. Well his lie was less destructive than George W. Bush's lies. Bush's lies cost us over 4,000 soldiers and countless more Iraqis. Bush should be tried as a war criminal.

Full Moon (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:29 AM)

,...

What is the secrecy? If it is legitimate, this should not be a problem. Why does drama exist where there should be none?

right, a Clinton is involved. Okay, that was snarky; but it certainly speaks to Bill as the anchor to Hillary's career. I agree with the earlier poster who said Hillary would be better off if her last name were Rodham and she severed those relationships that weren't helping her. As a feminist, I have always cringed at how willing she was to use him for her advancement. That said, I think she would be a fine Secretary of State. She just needs to dump the 200 pound albatross.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:31 AM)

This, its’ all a dinosaur in a sense. The wise supporters will see President Elect Obama leaning towards his promises of less of the same. After all, President Elect Obama said he wants people surrounding him whom don’t agree with him.

Well, the Clintons seemingly at times didn't agree with President Elect Obama nor, as we all know neither did LIE-berman.

I don't agree with either choice; but I support President Elect Obama. Onwards 21st century!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:35 AM)

I like Hilary, I really do. But I think Secretary of State is not the suitable job for her. Sure she deserves it but it simply is not her strong side. She is terrific on domestic issues. I really think she understands people. She gets it.
But I hardly think she has the diplomacy when it comes to foreign policy issues. I saw her reaction to Russia at the debates. If anything, she needs to realize Russia should not be poked into reacting. A rather harsh reaction towards Russia could trigger something America can't afford right now.
Sure, hate them but don't show it.

But then again, Barrack certainly had made some good decisions so I trust his judgement. I just wish that he is right. In my opinion, 2 key positions will be very critical in Obama's cabinet choices - Secreraty of State (foreign affairs) and Finance (economy). I hope and pray that they deliver.

Joyce, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:40 AM)

I guess we will see just how much Sen. Clinton want the Sec of State job. I really do feel sorry for her
having her career held hostage by her husband and his dealings. You know she may not be able to take that job, it may just be to late, her hubby has already been around the world taking money wherever he could
find any. That man has spent the better part of his life screwing over Hillary. I never could figure out why she didnt divorce him, and get on with her own life. And dont say shes where she is because of him, shes where she is in spite of him.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:41 AM)

This is one very crucial reason why Hillary should not be selected as Secretary of State. The political, and economic "conflicts of interest" will become a bigger issue. Her husband Bill brings a lot of economic "baggage" with him. Now the whole question of donors, and funds are again an issue. She can do more good for our nation in another position. Like the U.S Justice Department. Now this would be a good start. You know what has a good ring to it?? Hillary Clinton, U.S Attorney General. Now that is what I call moving forward America!

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:43 AM)

Bad Move to include Clinton's in the administration. Billy BJ Clinton and Hillary will only serve as distractions to what Obama is wanting to do. They are very much a part of the same old 8 years of the past, lobbyist and good ole boy network. Break the tie and move forward. Nothing to gain and no payback. America voted for Obama, not 4 more years of Bill and Hill. Make it go away.

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:47 AM)

Interesting that Obama felt this way a year ago but has trouble now disclosing the names of his big donors.

Jennifer, NYC (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:51 AM)

The Secretary of State does not set foreign policy; the President does. The SOS's job is to implement that policy. The SOS doesn't work with the president, he/she works FOR the president. So I really don't care if Hillary gets SOS, because America's foreign policy will still be defined by President Obama.

Ms Jenny (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:55 AM)

It is a no brainer! Hillary should be our next Attorney General. America will call her. "Hang Them High Hillary!" She knows the law very well, and would make sure that justice is served fairly. The legal violations of the Bush-Cheney Government are huge! Only a fine legal mind like Hillary can get the job done right. Not only will she make sure that the abuses of the Bush Justice Department are cleaned-up. She will be better able to handle the huge legal problem after GITMO is closed. The selecting of Supreme Court Justices will be another big issue. Hillary would be perfect in helping Obama with this selection process. I elect Sam Nunn of Georgia for Secretary of State. That is fact!

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:56 AM)

Ed, FW, TX (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:00 PM)

Pleeze. President-Elect Obama KNOWS what he's doing by asking Hillary to be the Secretary of State. It gets her out of the Senate and ends the Clinton era. He's too smart not to consider this. Calm down. You voted for him because you thought he'd do a good job. Now trust him to do it. Don't start second guessing him now. He hasn't even taken office, yet. He's smarter than the entire Bush Administration altogether! It's going to be an interesting ride!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:01 PM)

To Pat, Boston MA. Why did not Obama want Clinton for VP, but willing to have her for SoS? My guess is that during the Presidential campaign, the Republicans would have had a field day attacking Hillary and Obama. With all that past, the attacks on Hillary and Bill will be marginal.

There are political factors: Putting her in the cabinet may minimize her chances to run again. Barack may have liked Biden better. It is "safer" to give her the limelight as SoS, more complicated if she were VP.

I do enjoy your comments.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:08 PM)

Pat Boston:

Be patient. Obama does nothing, decides nothing without considering all the ramifications. My bet is that either Hillary did not want the VP slot or Obama felt her negatives might hurt his campaign for Presdiency more than help it. The right wing base never did come out in strong support for McCain. Would the same have been true if Hillary had been on the ticket?

People have to understand that Obama intends to be in control. Any free-lance behavior outside of his goals and objectives for this country by any of those that he appoints to these positions will be out on their ear. He is looking to instill a sense of team work and excellence in his administration. He is also looking for a high degree of intelligence among those he appoints and we all know the pool is limited. This requires appointing some that people might question as well as those that people have a fondness for.

I find it both interesting and humorous that Obama is being questioned at this time because of his potential appointee selections from those on the left as well as those on the right. All it tells me is that he intends to be in control. He knows wha the is doing. Give it some time.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:17 PM)

Bill Richardson would make a so much better Sec. State!

And Sen. Clinton is needed like few others to drive domestic legislation and she can do it.

Reno Will (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:27 PM)

I think the best thing about HRC Sec of State and vetting Bill issues is that the Clintonian drama removes Caribou Barbie from the spotlight!
---------------------------------------------------
Uh, she lost. Perhaps you could let that deranged obsession go.

Denise (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:34 PM)

I hope Hillary doesn't negotiate like she debates. No one would know what the heck she was talking about.

Atlas Weaver (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:37 PM)

I think the best thing about HRC Sec of State and vetting Bill issues is that the Clintonian drama removes Caribou Barbie from the spotlight!

At least HRC is formidable in her own right and does NOT leave us with an impression of yet another incompetent Pol with a huge ego seeking attention
Ed, FW, TX

Thanks for bringing her up again Ed. She is obviously on your mind on a regular basis. Get a life and move forward with the rest of us. Cow riding, jack rabbit chasing redneck horny toad.

Mary J, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:12 PM)

At least HRC is formidable in her own right and does NOT leave us with an impression of yet another incompetent Pol with a huge ego seeking attention
Ed, FW, TX

Ed, we won. Get out of that slimy dark rut you are in my brother. Let go and be free. Feel the release of not holding on to Sarah Palin. The election is over and they lost. I know Texas folks are slow, but please get a life. No Obama Drama

Cedric M, Detroit, MI (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:16 PM)

"Let's see," Obama asks, "how we can best derail Hillary for good?"
An aide answers, "We have her quit the Senate."
"She'd never do that," Obama says.
"Oh yes, if she was offered something good, like Secretary of State."
"I don't want her as my Secretary of State!"
"She won't be for long," the aide says, "sooner or later Bill or her will say something outrageous to draw the spotlight to themselves. Then you fire her for insubordination. No Senate. Fired from the job that was to 'make her' to the world. She's done."
"Clever. No one will figure this out."

John, Springfield, MO (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:39 PM)

I also feel sorry for Hillary because no matter what she says and does in life, it all points back to her husband's legacy.

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:43 PM)

I do find the prospect of Hillary for Attorney General interesting, I never thought of it. I have complete faith in President Obama (I just like the sound of it!) I enjoy watching the pundits pick at every motion Obama makes and now they question his inauguration fund raising. No worries here, I know it will be clean and consistant with his campaign promises.

Aisha, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:45 PM)

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