Bill's Tirade In Private Meeting Stuns Superdelegates

"The Bill Clinton who met privately with California's superdelegates at last weekend's state convention was a far cry from the congenial former president who afterward publicly urged fellow Democrats to 'chill out' over the race between his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Barack Obama," the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

"It was one of the worst political meetings I have ever attended," one superdelegate said.

According to those at the meeting, Clinton - who flew in from Chicago with bags under his eyes - was classic old Bill at first, charming and making small talk with the 15 or so delegates who gathered in a room behind the convention stage.

But as the group moved together for the perfunctory photo, Rachel Binah, a former Richardson delegate who now supports Hillary Clinton, told Bill how "sorry" she was to have heard former Clinton campaign manager James Carville call Richardson a "Judas" for backing Obama.

It was as if someone pulled the pin from a grenade.

"Five times to my face (Richardson) said that he would never do that," a red-faced, finger-pointing Clinton erupted.

The former president then went on a tirade that ran from the media's unfair treatment of Hillary to questions about the fairness of the votes in state caucuses that voted for Obama. It ended with him asking delegates to imagine what the reaction would be if Obama was trailing by just 1 percent and people were telling him to drop out.

Comments

[SaddieMcCall]

Bill Clinton's comment doesn't ring true. Why would Bill Richardson promise him 5 times that he would endorse Hillary? I mean if he intended to endorse Hillary, he certainly would have done it and not have waited. The delayed in endorsement, supports Richardson's statement that he was torn about the decision. It sounds more like the way that Senator Kennedy explained what happened to him--he was being nagged with phone calls with the request, if you want to endorse Obama, please don't announce it publicly---stay neutral. Kennedy said he intended to keep his support of Obama quiet out of loyalty to the Clintons---but felt that the Clintons went over the line in SC. Now, it does seem more likely that Richardson (if he promised anything 5 times) would be saying that he would not publicly endorse Obama out of loyalty to Clintons rather than keep making the same promise to endorse someone and never does. The fact that Clintons repeatedly called Richardson about the endorsements indicate that they knew his feelings were not cemented.

[jrterrier]

You guys are twisting the news. What Clinton is alleged to have said is that Richardson promised him he would not endorse Obama. That is different from he would endorse Hillary.

So, in endorsing Obama, Richardson reneged on his statements to Clinton. Richardson could have just stayed on the sidelines until at least the end of the primary season, if only out of loyalty to the President who made him a nationally-prominent figure by appointing him to his cabinet and as UN ambassador.

[b2008]

So what? Every human being is entitled to "CHANGE THEIR MINDS" whenever they desire. Maybe he finally saw the light and realized how cracy the Clintons were and how desperate. He never sold his soul to them. Gee, what is wrong with you people.

[Dancer]

To jrterrier...FINALLY a thinking commenter...I, too, see the difference between "he said he wouldn't do that!" and he said he'd endorse Hillary...BUT given the games played by our media (and so shamefully here at HUFFPO daily) along with the inability of people to READ AND THINK at the same time...it plays out that Richardson's response was that he never said he would endorse Hillary...DUH!!! MY GOD...we're going to deserve what we get yet again...and the possibility that it will be McCain continues to grow...FOOLS!!!

[rzan]

He changed his mind, just like so many superdelegates have done.

[shelleybear]

I know what Clinton said, and it amounted to "I gave him two cabinet posts! Wasn't that enough?"
what is he, the friggin "Godfather"?
Is Bill Richardson going to find a horses head in his bed?

[pdsimdars]

So, Richardson did a great job after being appointed by Clinton. And to you that means he must always politically agree with and mirror Clinton's political views from that time forward? Really?
Think about what you are saying. That makes no sense.
I'd say, while working for someone, you need to display loyalty. If you disagree, then you quit. But once you are out, you then become your own man again. You are not bought for life. That is reality. Get a grip man.

[AnninCA]

Does to me.

[RThM]

Um, Bill, I don't get it. Is Richardson's supposed loyalty owed to you? Or to Hillary? I though she had found her own voice? I mean, didn't Chelsea just even say she hopes people forget about her father and support her mother in her own right? Which is it Bill? It's getting to the point you can't tell which end a Clinton is speaking from anymore.

[pbarba1969]

The total story was an absolute fabrication by a Pro Obama super delegate ( even though she said she was for Clinton, people who know her say that's not true) who tried to put the President on the spot. People on the scene have said that's not what happened, how former President Clinton distanced himself from James Carville's remarks but said Richardson told him one thing and did another.

The fact is since people have come out to challenge this lady's story she has gone into hiding as refused to answer any questions.

Face it she lied and she cannot explain the discrepancies...

[TRYKER]

Maybe Bill Richardson doesn't want to look like a complete moron after watching Hillary dodge sniper bullets on her tarmac in her dreams...he had to think that she had come undone.
If he endorsed her after that, everyone would be asking if he had his head in the sand and missed the news coverage.

[ChimpmasterDJ]

We have documented television footage evidence that when Billy-Jeff wags that finger under your nose and makes a heated affirmative statement.... IT'S A LIE!

[dbarabin]

I like Hillary Clinton. I think that she is both smart and sincerely wants to be a good President. I am voting for Barack Obama. I am voting for him because we need someone who does not want the same old grinding politics as usual and will get us out of Iraq as quickly as possible (not a hundred years). We have so many pressing problems that I think he can lead us in the right direction to begin to solve.

I want someone who does not owe their soul to the company store. Regardless as to what Gov. Richardson may or may not have promised the Clintons...he changed his mind. He has the right to do so and face the repercussions from such a move. President Clinton needs to grow up! This cannot be his first disappointment nor will it be his last.

Unlike a few of my friends supporting Senator Clinton, if she wins I will vote for her in November because having a smart Democratic President is important to me.

Let us all grow up! The country is in desperate shape. We all need to buck up. After the primaries are over and we have voted our passions we have to vote in November our interest...vote Democratic. We don't have time to keep bloodying each other while we risk getting a man whose time has past as President continuing the same policies as we have had to endure over the last seven years.

[ellenproudamerican]

I agree-lets stay focused on the real issues.

[shelleybear]

Bless you!
I too will vote for Hillary if she wins the nomination (after all, I've been holding my nose when I vote for years).
Obama was not my first choice.
That would have been Richardson.
Then Edwards.

[IdleMinds]

You Clinton haters are so full of it. OMG Clinton cheated on his wife! Not unlike JFK, FDR and countless other ex presidents. They are not applying to be your pastor. Everyone loved Clinton because he was a real person. He was warm, caring and very intelligent. A master statesman. I'd take 8 more years of oval office head vs. 8 more years of war and recession. You guys do know that Clinton is the only Democratic president we've had in the last 30+ years right? You a-holes have one winner and you cant wait to take shots at him. You should be kissing his butt because if he hadnt come along Bush Sr. would have been re-elected and you probably wouldnt even know Al Gore. All I'm saying is show some respect. I'm starting to believe that my party IS full of whiny spineless wimps.

But OMG if Obama gets the nod then we all know that the whole world will be sunshine and lollipops. Maybe that will make us feel good about ourselves for a second. Then real decisions will have to be made. I wonder how long until he makes his first international gaffe. Will it be China, Russia, Pakistan? Who knows... but it will happen. And when it does, may God bless America.

[HighPlainsJoker]

Its not that he cheated on his wife, its that he lied under oath. Big difference to me. I will vote fro Hillary before McCain, but having Bill as her advisor turns me off. He would do well to go back to NY, shut up, and find a playmate....

[Oldgypsy]

Bill will probably return to his job on the board of Dubai Development Corp. working for his buddy the Sheik of Dubai. Yeah, Bill put together a real sweetheart deal there between his old fund raising buddy at Yucaipa and the sheik. Got around $10 million for his salary plus a $1 mil donation to his Presidential library. Cool huh? And "when" Hillary gets elected he can shuttle back and forth and advise Hillary on foreign policy. Lucky us! I wonder if that's why they quit filing joint income tax returns...so Bill's earnings will not be subject to scrutiny? Oh well, the library donation is supposed to be public record...SUPPOSED TO BE.

[joja]

idleminds --

You have an appropos screen tag.

Stop wagging your finger at everyone who doesn't fall down on the ground and worship the Clintons -- and stick it back up your butt!

[IdleMinds]

Its not about worship. It's about respect. All politicians lie. If you dont believe that you are small minded.

[Oldgypsy]

You Clintonistas are either "selectively obtuse" or just plain stupid. I've listened to you dolts defend St. Bill of Bovine Excreta for years and not once have you gotten the point. So listen closley because I can't draw you crayon pictures here:
HE LIED UNDER OATH! (3 times) Now, under US Law, we call that "perjury". That means when you put your hand on the Bible and swear to tell the TRUTH, you must speak the truth, Get it? Bill also did this when he was inagurated. He swore to "...protect and defend the Constitution...". Part of that same Constitution provides for our justice system. That includes getting the truth by SWORN TESTIMONY. So lying under oath is a big "no-no", OK? And when the President (sworn in) commits perjury, that makes his word NOTHING. Got it? HE CANNOT BE TRUSTED SEE...HE LIES WITH HIS HAND ON THE BIBLE MEANING HE HAS NO FEAR OF GOD and no respect for American institutions like Democratic Government, American Law, or trust of the American people. Oh and by the way, JFK, FDR and the "countless other Am. Presidents you mention were NEVER asked under oath if they committed adultery SO they never were in a position to commit perjury! Hum? Could that mean St Bill is dumb enough to get caught too?

[FirstShirt]

Excellent post.

[pbarba1969]

Bill Clinton didn't commit perjury. No one was ever convicted of perjury in a civil trial. Never, ever. This was a Republican led, tax payer paid witch hunt to dig up anything on the President. They started on one thing, and kept looking, looking. until they found out he had sex with a adult intern.

Truth & Justice? Truth and Justice under this administration has been an absolute joke and is comaparble to England under Henry VIII after his break with the Roman Catholic Church where the law was irnored, charges were trumped and those who disagreed with the powers that be, went to jail and quite often the chopping block.

How many investigations has this Justice Department had that went after Democrats. We hear all this stuff about Elliott Spitzer, The Governor of Puerto Rico, former Governor Siegelman of Alabama. nearly 90% od all justice department indictments have been after Democrats. Yet Senator Craig and Vitter still have their jobs. Don't hear much about them.

The Justiuce Department is part of the GOP attack machine designed to dig up as much dirt as possible in an election year when the Republicans are expected to lose big.

So as a fellow Democrat, don't be so quick to throw former President Clinton under the bus because he's beena little too rough on Senator Obama. How can you fault a guy for fighting for his wife? Who wouldn't?

[Dancer]

YIKES...do you touch your loved ones with those fingers???

[Imabachi]

Not you nor anyone else can know what gaffes any president can make, do make, have made or will make. It's simply in the nature of things. But whoever is elected (sic) to the presidency will be totally useless if the majority of Congress is the opposition. Be it Barack or Hillary we better hope that the number of Republicans in the House and the Senate are vastly reduced 'cause there are big things we Americans have to do and the Republicans will, as they are now doing, play "spoiler." We'd ought to be thinking about the future of the species on the planet and the best way to accomplish this and the programs instituted to do this. But no one of the candidates speaks to these issues, nor do the media. The only party speaking to these issues is the Green Party and have done so for the last 25 years. Real "Universal Health Care," not this watered down stuff of Hillary and Barack, immediate withdrawal from Iraq (don't keep sending men/women, money and materiel into that abyss as the Bush and the Democrats have done and are doing), institute immediately a Manhattan-style Project to install all over America solar panels, wind and water turbines, public transport, buildings, houses, etc., built according to Green and passive solar standards, cleaning up and healing the environment (our lives depend on it as natural resources in Holy America are finite). Time's a-wastin'.

[b2008]

Yeah, he was a real person, a REAL LIAR that's for sure. You must have lived under a rug if you don't know the truth about the Clintons. Google "the Clinton's negatives" and get some coffee, rear back and relax for about two or three hours and read who they really are. They did absolutely NOTHING FOR US that didn't pad their pockets twofold. Everything they did was for the purpose of creating alliances to this election right here. They haven't made friends just for being friends, they need cohorts to back up their shady deals and lies. Wake up and smell the roses for God's sake. What we don't know about Obama can't hurt us as much as what we DO KNOW about the Clintons. Yipes!

[druidmary]

Bill Clinton may not be too far off on Bill. I have a link to an article that shows that Bill Richardson is not so nice as he appears. It shows that local government officials who supported HRC while he was running ended up in the doghouse. He can be nasty when he's in power.

He also was full of baloiney when he said it was the speech that touched him. He was going to endorse Obama after OH and TX but many of us wrote and said hold on.

read the NY times article in the story I'm sending you too. it tells of his ready to do it after OH /TX.

it tells the story of how he treated our mayor of ABQ, Politics as usual. he portrays such as nice soft easy demeanor. No your wrong. Bill C better watch out , he doesn't want to be in Bill Richardson's doghouse.

http://www.hillaryisourchoice.com/richardson_stuff.htm

[PhDiva]

If Michelle Obama were running around acting like this, and poking her fingers at everybody, it would make Obama unelectable. I think this is the kind of behavior that should make people question Bill Clinton's sanity and Hillary's candidacy. These people are both absolutely nuts.

[Cybersquirt]

The best thing is it depends on what you read. Comcast.net's feed has a different slant, quoting three superdelegates, not just one. Interesting, no?

[SCharb]

How about this: Clinton and Obama stop the negative attacks. Especially Clinton. Clinton doesn't drop out, but continues campaigning in all remaining states, pushing the Democratic platform, attacking McCain and the Republicans, acts like Obama doesn't even exist, and says nothing about herself, her experience, or the horse race. She just runs an issues campaign that will benefit the Democratic nominee. Obama does more or less the same thing. The two completely ignore each other on the trail. Contests continue as planned. Surrogates on T.V. completely forget that Clinton vs. Obama is going on. They just focus on "we need health care; ending the war will greatly boost our economy and national security; we can't afford to have a Republican in the White House."

Since the press loves a good fight, their surrogates deliberately intensify their attacks on McCain in order to stir up controversy. "John McCain will cause another Great Depression. John McCain is a lying, pandering hypocrite. John McCain has a lobbyist lover. John McCain sucks." Then Wolf Blitzer and the talking head tools are all like OMFG LOOK AT THIS SURROGATE WHO HATEZ MCCAIN!!

On June 7th, the person with less pledged delegates drops out and immediately endorses the other. In the months leading up to the General Election, the loser and their best surrogates take to the trail in the purple states they performed best. If Obama wins, Bill Clinton campaigns in Arkansas and Oklahoma; Hillary Clinton campaigns in Ohio/Florida.

[SouthFloridaDem]

Ah, yes -- what you describe, however, is Paradise, not the good ol' Democratic Primaries in the USA. Nice picture, though. I've thought to myself that if they would just ignore each other and both focus on The Real McCain (since the media isn't), things would be much, much sweeter. However, if they don't do something to change what's going on right now, we'll all be listening to four years of "My friends ... My friends ... My friends ... My friends ..." while living in our cars, eating dog food and wearing cheap lead-based Chinese rags (from Walmart) that slowly eat through our skin.

[Cybersquirt]

No, what he describes is something akin to Change. Exactly what both adult democratic candidates are supposed to be for. :(

[CountryOver]

Bill Richardson to Bill:
"I'm gonna say this again. I want you to listen to me. I WILL NOT support that man, Barack Obama. I will never endorse him once.. NEVER."

Ha!

[ProFromOre]

Do you a source for this quote? If not, retract it.

[uglybetty]

Typical Obama response ,although they Never have a source except what posters say non Huff Po !!

[Ozarks]

And you were in the room when this was said? and you have a video of it plus the transcript signed by 20 to 30 witness such as the Pope, the Dali Lama, Edward R. Murrow's grand daughter and other notables like the Super Delegate Eliot Spitzer? CountryOver you are a better comedian that Rush Limbaugh and more believable too!!!

[ALIMO]

Just really suffering from Clinton Fatigue already!!!!! We had years of them and got drug through the muck of the impeachment hearings for a blow job(which was ridiculus). But, I supported him for 8 years through thick and thin. Now, he treats his fellow Americans like their votes mean nothing. How dare he point fingers at anyone. It is disgraceful to watch an ex-president behave like a child-the man has no class and neither does his wife. Good for Bill Richardson for standing up for what he believes-he owes the Clintons nothing. We all paid taxes for Bill for to get impeached, be disbarred and listen to his lies. Enough is enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!No more Clinton Drama in the Whitehouse!!!!!!!

[SouthFloridaDem]

I think the Hillary underestimated how many people think Bill is a sleazebag. Not necessarily that they didn't like him as president, but when all the Gennifer, Paula and Monica stuff started -- and kept going and going -- a whole lot of people lost a lot of respect they had for him. They first saw and learned to greatly dislike that persona that the media describes as "the angry, red-faced stabbing-the-finger-in-the-air Bill Clinton." So when they see him doing that now, oh wow it's the late 90s all over again. Fatigue is right, I don't want to hear him, see him, know he's still around. And oh, by the way, that goes for her, too.

[rzan]

My parents, who are in their late 80s, were for Hillary and really thought Bill was a great President. They overlooked the Lewinsky scandal, and decided they would vote for Hillary this time around. It is not the media, as Bill says, who is doing the damage. Hillary and Bill are doing themselves in. My parents are appalled. They will be voting for Obama when he gets the nomination.

[soot]

RRRRGHHH!!!1!!!! CLINTON SMASH!!!!!1!!

YOU WOULDN'T LIKE ME WHEN I'M ANGRY

[jimknees]

Spot on!!

[b2008]

I might not like you either way. Don't like screamers period.

[MrWinky]

Bill has a point, it's about loyalty, I mean really, how dare Ricardson. Bill would never break a promise to Hillary, he is 100% faitful....to...her....oh. .. darn....


If you are going to start crying about broken promises, it's probably important that you have kept a few of your own, you know, like wedding vows Billy?

Only a Clinton (especially Bill) would have the audacity to speak about betraying Hillary. Uh, he never embarrassed her nationally with multiple women.

[PhDiva]

you nailed it, winky. bill is in no position to discuss anybody's loyalty to hillary.

[KMan1]

The Clintons are just not handling this well at all. When they finally come to the realization that this thing is over they (and some of their supporters) will need to be put on suicide watch. I’m serious.

[mediamarv]

Well, that may be, but first, you need to consider the source for this story. Matier and Ross are the gossip columnists in the SF Chron that carried the story originally. Locally, most Chron readers don't put alot of credence into any thing they say.... they mostly just whine about Newsom and City Hall in little gossip bits. They should not be considered serious sources of real news. I am quite prepared to believe that good ol Bill behaved as described but I will wait until a real source is id'd before I take this as accurate. And so should you.

[b2008]

I think they are commiting suicide every time they open their mouths.

[gmmonko]

Big mistake Mr. Bill - he still thinks he is just great, but nowadays everything is recorded and every event or decision made is documented.

Hillary should have not choosen his husband as a campaigner.

[tiredofhillary]

Wag, wag, wag, wag. Who knows where that fingers been.

[zigzag1]

Has a strange aroma

[b2008]

And a peculiar dent in it! Hmmmmm.