Bill Clinton: Hillary-McCain Would Be "Most Civilized Election In American History"

Bill Clinton just staged a passionate defense of his wife here, after a voter asked how Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton could unite this country when it is so split, politically and racially, and when she is such a polarizing figure.

The question unleashed an attack against the Republicans and an unusual assertion that Mr. Clinton had somehow escaped those attacks (has he forgotten so quickly?); he said he understood the right-wing bullies because he grew up with them. And he said that when they "didn't have me to kick around anymore," they went after his wife...

... He also said that Mrs. Clinton had worked with Republicans, including Senator Lindsay Graham, Republican of South Carolina.

And then he painted this scene: "She and John McCain are very close," he said. "They always laugh that if they wound up being the nominees of their party, it would be the most civilized election in American history and they're afraid they'd put the voters to sleep because they like and respect each other."

Read the full article here.

Comments

[GhostOfSchlesinger]

There's no denying that the former president knows what to say and when to say it purely in political terms - when it serves his political aims.

BUT, here's what's interesting. The mud they've been expertly slinging ISN'T sticking to Senator Obama. In fact, the data says, that any negative movement in Senator Obama's numbers has been by fractions in specific geographic segments of the electorate. In California, for instance (and virtually ALL the Feb. 5 states) their attacks are helping Obama - a lot. And I don't think they've a sense of it - which is even better. AND, most interesting, Hillary's negatives are rising by the bushel ACROSS ALL DEMOS.

So, as I said yesterday, there is reason not just for hope, but for an unshakable faith in the American People and in the integrity of key journalists - who tend to take the lead at critical moments by stepping out courageously with the boldest message of all - the truth.

All of which works in Senator Obama's favor.

The Clinton's did what they did over the course of this month because they were losing ground - rapidly. Such desperate tactics have always been a sign of desperate times in any organization.

And I'm frankly surprised that they didn't accomplish at least some of their aims to a great extent - as their attacks were constant and coordinated.

But, other than bringing racial divisiveness into the South - where their efforts will be erased by the larger national numeric movement, they have failed to meet their original goal.

[Boris]

Whatever good will Bill brought with him on his retirement is being lost, every time he opens his mouth. Shut up, Bill...really, just shut up.

If Bill and the rest of the Centrists would stay out of the fray, maybe Obama would should some courage and talk issues. I believe, however, that Obama is just another conservative Democrat. Regardless, he is driven and he will drive people away, not based on race, but on his lack of historical perspective and his lack of understanding of what the poor and middle class need.
He is just another privileged person who, like Andrew Young, is now rich enough and influential enough to abandon his roots. (and his Soul)

[leftbehind2000]

That's probably what McCain thought going into the 2000 primaries.

If the Clintons are nice to the GOP nominee after repeatedly savaging Obama, they'll alienate the remainder of the Dems left after this ugly primary.

[KathySammons]

Uh, guys--have you seen what the republicans are doing in response to Bill's statement? They are attacking McCain. This, alongside the NY Times endorsement, is going to sink him big time.

Yet another point well-played by our greatest living politician. Holy crap! Is it just me or are folks finally thinking we might actually be able to WIN against the republicans?!

[loki]

Thats because Hill and John are 2 of the same. They are loyal to the same people. Pursue the same causes, and both could care less about the people of America.

[thedudeabides]

hmmmm...mccain-hillary as the ticket?
ponder that one...the end of political parties as we know them...

[Alvin4NY]

This is funny. Are reporters holding the microphone next to his ass, or his mouth? Hillary needs one of those remote devices implanted in his backside-so that whenever he starts to speak someone can push a button and give him a ZAAAAAPPPP! to shut him up. Half of Hillary's time in the campaign is spent pissing out the fires he starts. (reminds me of his own tenure at the White House)

[bayman]

So Bill Clinton has no problem smearing Obama, but can't wait to play footsies with McCain? Is it any wonder he's so chummy with Papa Bush and has laid off of the Chimp?

Bill Clinton should be a party leader, not a party divider. What a disgrace. Please, Bill, just go away.

[dnweindeb]

Politically we are a conservative society. One thing, though, we were not - before the sainted icon Ronald Reagan - we were not ideological. Essentially we were pragmatic and would move toward that which works. Now, having endured seven years of Neanderthal ideologues, only pragmatic in their greed, we have a nation approaching the unrecognizable. Without fearing being struck dead by thunderbolts, we now glibly discuss whether to torture or not, whether habeas corpus is significant or not, whether to do warrantless wire-tapping or not. Now our candidates are advocating without shame whatever might make them acceptable to whatever will fit within various acceptable frameworks as they believe exist. Obviously we must vote for the least harmful of the lot, playing the pragmatic citizen, realizing that at least you must eschew the supremely ideological and thus more dangerous Republican Party and go for one of the Democrats, knowing less social and political damage will likely result, and ever looking ahead - to 2012, 2016, to whatever improvement might lie just beyond the horizon.

[leftLibertarian]

Clinton vs McCain - two war hawks in the "most civilized election?

Does not compute.

[teahead]

Let's be real.

All you anti-Obama zealots are racists.

[Witchitalineman]

Same old, same old.

[jackpinesavage]

Hey, where are all the Clinton supporters "explaining" how Sen Clinton is such good friends with Sen McCain?

I need them to remind me that the facts are at Hillaryhub.

[Arg]

Swift-boaters (the Clintons) vs. a Swift-boated (McCain)? You think that's a recipe for civility? How absurd. It is patently clear that Bill Clinton is trying to neutralize two of the reasons for preferring Barack over Hillary: the perception (justified in my view) that Barack has more chance of beating McCain, and that the battle between these two would be much cleaner than any of the other match-ups.

[bogtrotters]

Civilized? I guess Bill's right, because I, for one, would be sure to say "Thank you, Ma'am" to the precinct worker as she put my Bloomberg ballot in the box.