Clinton on importance of Iran talks

Posted: Friday, September 25, 2009 4:48 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: David Gregory

In an interview to be broadcast Sunday on “Meet the Press,” NBC's David Gregory sits down with former President Bill Clinton, who says, “it’s a good idea, if possible, to look somebody in the eye and have a chance to have a conversation before there’s a total breach.”

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Here's the transcript:

DAVID GREGORY: is this a moment where the president says, to Iran, "We got you. And now it's time to act, or you're gonna face serious consequences"?

BILL CLINTON: Well, I think that's what they want to communicate with them. And I think the reason they want to have talks is, if they have talks, and they don't just hurl assaults in the press about it, they can more explicitly lay out things they may not be prepared to say in public yet about what the options are if Iran continues down this path. And they can also talk about where we might go together if they reverse course.

So I always think it's a good idea, if possible, to look somebody in the eye and have a chance to have a conversation before there's a total breach. But I think this is actually healthy that this has broken. The Iranians must have known that the Americans knew, somehow they must have found out that. Or they wouldn't have voluntarily notified the IAEA about this.

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Comments

Well, it looks like Bill has changed his colors since he was prez. Because when Bill ran the show, he totally ignored terrorists. Any attack on US soil or interests was met with Clinton defining it as something the police could deal with. Clinton ignored the rise of Islamic extremism. We saw the result.

So now Bill is an expert and saying it's okay to talk to Iran and Ahmadinejad. You'd think his wife would be the one to make such an announcement, with her being Sec. of State and all, but his must be her day to tele-commute to work. Bill raised the status of North Korea with his visit a couple of months ago. Terrorists around the world see N.Korea is a power player now. Now Bill wants to do the same for Iran.

Obama is right. The US doesn't have any exceptionally any more, we're just another country.

H Reddy, Atlanta (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:04 PM)

So who exactly is Secretary of State now in days?

Just Ask'n (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:05 PM)

"I have great Government paid Insurance. My late husband worked for the Government his entire career, and let me tell you all, it is great. My monthly rate is $120.00. I wish everyone could have this option. Senators do not let us down. FIGHT FOR AMERICANS AND OUR COUNTRY!!!!"

Sheila, Highlands Ranch

Sheila:

Current cost of health care in the country translates to $7,666 per every man, woman and child in the country, or $638/month.

Why aren't you paying your fair share? That you only pay $120/mo is unconscionable, especially when the rest of us are probably also paying you your monthly income.

What do you say lefties, isn't Sheila taking advantage of the system? Shouldn't someone so obviously well off be paying more?

Tongue in cheek meter set at 8.5.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:08 PM)

Just like the war in Afghanistan, Clinton and Obama are howling at the moon talking about 'talks'. What's the plan in Afghanistan Barack? There is none. What do you want out of the talks with the Iranians Barack? No answer. But there will be talks, and just the fact we're talking is good, right? Until something goes boom that is.

BB Dees (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:08 PM)

Those hikers must have told them.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:08 PM)

Iran doesn't belong to IAEA. They didn't pay their dues and they got tossed.

Nathan Groham (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:09 PM)

DAVID GREGORY: is this a moment where the president says, to Iran, "We got you. And now it's time to act, or you're gonna face serious consequences"?

===========

Obama said the same thing to the North Koreans. And the serious conseqences were: [sounds of crickets chirping]. I guess Hillary is still working that part out for the B-Man.

Eddy Estelle, NY (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:11 PM)

Um, memo to Bill Clinton-there is already atotal breach with Iran. Happened before your time. See, there was this religious nut who was living out his days in Paris, and a predecessor of your, guy by the name of Jimmy Carter, was instrumental in getting the government of his country overturned and getting this 'moral, religous man' put into power. He repaid Carter by taking over our Embassy, and holding our people hostage for over a year. Carter, in turn, banned the import of Iranian caviar to the U.,S. Oh, and he botched a raid to get them back which was put together at the last minute and badly orchestrated,(what else was new in his administration). He is best know for having seen aliens and being deathly afraid of killer rabbits.

And gas lines. And stagflation.

Anyway, Bill, we have not had a relationship with them since those bygone days, and they have done absolutely NOTHING to convince us that they would be worth having a relationship with now. In fact, given the results of their last election, if we slapped more sanctions on them right now, the government would be brought down by their own disenfranchised people, and then we WOULD have a government we could engage with-but obama iseither too weak or too addle-brained to understand that.

I thought you were better.

no bo, no joe, nj (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 6:23 PM)

Hillary and Obama and let's throw in a Biden do not add up to one Bill Clinton. More people pay attention when he speaks than any of the others.

Must make Hill and Bo feel fairly insignificant.

By the way.....profanity has always been a sign of ignorance and poor verbal skills....ring a bell liberal posters

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 6:54 PM)

The founding fathers expressed the preference to talk before resorting to violence. Every great diplomat has agreed with that premise. The talk and shuttle diplomacy of Henry Kissinger helped eventually broker peace between Israel and Egypt, which still stands today, and to open China for trade. If China is trading with us they aren't about to attack us as it would end the gravy train that they so much desired and still desire to keep on track.

Jingoists hate peace. There are obviously some jingoists left over from the last Administration but since they no longer can do much more than squak they're fun to tease and to laugh at. You see, because they are jingoists they react a certain way that most people don't. They lash out with the name calling, lies and demonstrations that end up making them look sillier by the day.

Have a great weekend and we'll rejoin the fun on Monday.

eagle1776 (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 6:59 PM)

Obama and the clintons are all alike.

They never know what they are doing. They keep oscillating back and forth depending on what country rep they are talking to and trying to gain more personal "brownie points".

When are we going to have a president who is not attempting to become another "dictator Chavez"? Unfortunately, ours is working through the back door to gradually take over and run everything.

Ron Smith, Schwenksville, PA (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 10:29 PM)

Health Insurance for Government Employees and Retirees is provided by private insurance plans not a "Government Insurance Plan". Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, Humana, GEHA, etc. Rules have been set, pre-existing condition denial is not allowed, prices are the same for individuals, each plan competes against the other plans based on price and service. Why is that so hard to duplicate for individuals, small businesses, etc.????? Law makers should stop trying to reinvent the wheel. The KISS principle should be followed....Keep It Simple Stupid!!!!!

Dave Wilson, Kansas City, MO (Sent Saturday, September 26, 2009 12:04 PM)

All of the negative posts here need to remember, our President is a skilled chess player. He has been 3 moves ahead of everyone for almost every issue so far. Instead of all the snarky remarks, why don't you WAIT until you've been told ALL THE FACTS & PLANS?

Vermont Girl in Denver (Sent Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:06 PM)

What was done when India got the bomb or Pakistan, or China before that, or Israel? Ultimately, nothing. There is little that can be done. When the big boys have thousands of bombs, what can be expected? Has any of the big powers used it? Has it prevented two wars in the middle east? Seems to me that we have had plenty of wars, even between those who have the bomb.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Saturday, September 26, 2009 11:39 PM)

Why do we keep hearing from this clown? After 8 years of doing nothing but complain and sleeping with the ugliest women in America, it is time for him to climb back into him hole. Isn't it bad enough we have HRC...the woman who counts sleeping in the president's bed (alone) as experience...as SoS?

Of course, with BO's experience, I guess these hillbillys look good to the left hand losers.

What Smells? (Sent Sunday, September 27, 2009 1:48 PM)

So who exactly is Secretary of State now in days?

Just Ask'n (Sent Friday, September 25, 2009 5:05 PM)
-----------------------------
So because he was asked a question and answered it, you have that question? People ask me questions all the time about my thoughts, doesn't mean I now am owner of the company I work for, President, first lady or Secretary of State!

Try the truth (Sent Sunday, September 27, 2009 6:34 PM)

and as usual,the republicans don't have an alternative suggestion other than "let's bring down this black president".diplomacy is a word the far right doesn't comprehend.you lost!your out of power!get used to it,jerks.

bob oregon (Sent Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:00 PM)

Last Sunday was the Obama show and this Sunday belongs to Clinton...when does the spin stop?

Sign up at www.handsoffamerica.net to join others concerned about the direction of our country.

Hootie, Sugar Land, Texas (Sent Monday, September 28, 2009 8:43 AM)

Place all Politicians on Social Security 2010.
I pay your salary, enough. No they do not pay into SS, they draw the same pay until they die.
Our tax dollars.

Sandy Belton, MO (Sent Monday, September 28, 2009 9:23 AM)

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