I’m primarily looking for the input of Clinton supporters but would like to hear from others.
I keep seeing Bill Clinton in the news defending Hillary on various fronts. He has stood up for [urlhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article2563306.ece] her reputation (she returned the favor, complained that“Those boys have been getting tough on her lately.”, and even made charges of “swiftboating”.
I’ll admit that I don’t like her; never have and never will. But I think that having Bill in the spotlight all the time either stumping for her or defending her is hurting her campaign. The most recent incident where he blew his top with the reporter just puts a negative slant on him and, ultimately, her. She appears weak, needing her husband to stand up for her and explain what she means and what her plans are. If I were her, I’d tell him to get back on the porch and STFU.
So, how do the rest of you feel? Is Bill’s behavior and speeches a benefit or a curse?
I don’t think it makes any difference whatsoever. We all know that Bill is Hillary’s husband. We’ve known that all along. Him defending her shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone and won’t change anyone’s opinion.
Those who think that Mr. Clinton was the best president we’ve had in the last half-century and that he was personally responsible for the good economy probably already support Hillary.
Those who still think he should have gone to jail for Whitewater, selling presidential pardons, illegal campaign contributions and so forth, probably already don’t support Hillary.
Bill Clinton is an impressive campaigner. Which is why the MSM repeatedly touts how bad an influence he is. (Gee, I wonder why!) That in turns leads to people avoiding having him help campaign for them. E.g., Gore in 2000.
If you’re a Democrat, married to him or not, get him to campaign for you.
There are his actual gaffes, such as connecting Obama and “fairy tale”. Yes, that particular point had merit, but that was the wrong phrase to use. And the point actually applies to Hillary, too.
He looks like some loyal husband charging to the defense of his wife. It makes her look weak, i.e., she NEEDS his help. Also, this cheating man now playing the part of loyal husband is the REAL fairy tale. It leaves me shaking my head and thinking, “Who in their right minds would buy this? Who in their right minds would think anyone would buy this?”
A friend sent me a photo of a bumper sticker today that read (but centered and without the spacious kerning):
Monica Lewinsky’s
X-Boyfriend’s Wife
for President
And no, I don’t think he’s helping her. I agree that he isn’t likely to change the minds of people who are already decided, but I don’t think it’s helpful at all for him to be making one gaffe after another and complaining about people ganging up on her insofar as the undecideds are concerned. He’s even alienating former supporters on this board.
It’s early yet since as of less than an hour ago only 3% of districts are finalized, but Nevada has been declared to be Obama’s with 73% of the votes. If this is as I suspect directly related to the incident in that state and his defense that followed, I think I’ll put my mark in the hindrance column.
Having her husband telling off the bullies at ever turn doesn’t say anything positive for her candidacy. She is not weak, but allowing him to champion her this way makes her look weak. Damsel in distress is not what any woman angling for the presidency should allow themselves labeled as. Of course, it’s fine by me if he keeps it up and further damages her image as a strong person/contender - I’d much rather Obama take the dem nom since of all of them, he seems like he’d be the most livable with if we lose.
Frankly, I have issues with anyone coming after a candidate and telling us what he/she *meant * by whatever was said. If you’re not capable of speaking for yourself and being understood, maybe you should quit speaking?? <shrug>
The story in **The Washington Post ** (either today’s or yesterday’s) regarding Bill and his wife’s campaign mentioned the bad relationship Bill has with reporters. I think the quote was that Bill has a “low regard” for reporters and feels victimized by them.
Apparently. The aol news story that declared Obama the winner has since been revised as of half an hour ago. This just a couple weeks after people in GD tried to convince me that declaring winners early via exit polls was a reliable scientific process, too.