Bill Clinton Urged Spielberg Not To Boycott Olympic Ceremony

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ABC's Political Punch   |  Jake Tapper   |   April 8, 2008 04:01 PM

Read More: China Steven Spielberg, Clinton Olympics, Hillary Clinton Olympic Boycott, Hillary Clinton Olympics, Spielberg Beijing, Spielberg Beijing Olympics, Spielberg Quits Olympics, Steven Spielberg, Steven Spielberg Olympics, Breaking Politics News
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On Monday, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, called for President George W. Bush to refrain from personally participating in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olympics to protest China's record on human rights.

The circumstances are dramatically different. But the dilemma of whether or not a public figure should lend his credibility to the China Olympics occurred last year, when firm director Steven Spielberg sought the opinion of former President Bill Clinton (among dozens of others) as to whether he should remain an "Overseas Artistic Director" for the opening and closing ceremonies for Olympics despite his serious concerns about China's role in the genocide in Darfur.

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- AngryAfricanOnTheLoose See Profile I'm a Fan of AngryAfricanOnTheLoose

So the people are in the streets everywhere. London - stiff upper lip protests and Brown decided not to touch the torch. France - pull off a riot and put out that flame like only the French could. San Francisco - hanging off the bridge to stop the hanging. Maybe we should create a special Oh-Limp-Pics for those not-so-free societies to be paraded every four years. It will give us all a chance to show how we feel about injustice around the world. It is obvious that the media will only report on it if there is a sound-bite and a photo opportunity. Maybe something for tyrant to carry the torch of torture every four years. Mm, I think I have an idea¦ http://angryafrican.net/2008/04/09/oh-limp-pic-games-celebrating-tyrants-everywhere/

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:18 AM on 04/10/2008
- Eric8869 See Profile I'm a Fan of Eric8869

Just like Bill Clinton "advised" John Kerry not to support gay issues when he ran for president. Does this man have no shame.

I wouldn't take advice from a man who has the poor judgement to get a BJ in the white house and then lie about it to the nation.

We cannot trust the Clintons. OBAMA!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:18 AM on 04/09/2008
- Liberal2 See Profile I'm a Fan of Liberal2

Duh? Where should he have gotten said BJ and should he have bragged about it? IOW, you're a self-righteous ass. That BJ was no one's business but his and his wife's (after she learned of it). Only reichwing bastards wanted to turn it into a cause celebre and only for the power it would gain them. It didn't hurt the nation; your "outrage" did!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:20 AM on 04/09/2008
- gd7277467 See Profile I'm a Fan of gd7277467

How Do You Spell Corruption, Graft and Dishonesty ??

CLINTON

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:53 PM on 04/08/2008
- Liberal2 See Profile I'm a Fan of Liberal2

You're wrong, dummy. It's spelled: Bee, You, Ess, Ach. Alternate spelling: Gee, Oh, Pee.

Don't bellieve me? Check court records and prison cells.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:24 AM on 04/09/2008
- the964kid See Profile I'm a Fan of the964kid

Thats because Bill Clinton was probably paid by China to make sure people like Speilberg show up. Bill Clinton has no ethics, and he'll sell out american interests or american citizens for the highest bidder. I'm starting to see him, Bush and Cheney as the same kinda greedy a-holes.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:30 PM on 04/08/2008
- bhobo See Profile I'm a Fan of bhobo

when in the hell does all this Clinton double talk stop?

there is a country full of us that is getting real, real sick of the Clintons

He takes money from Columbia while she plays the anti trade queen.

the list goes on and on

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:16 PM on 04/08/2008
- BigSid See Profile I'm a Fan of BigSid

SOUND ADVICE IN MY OPINION

President Clinton told Spielberg that "he could be an effective agent for positive change by working with China."

I see nothing wrong with the idea that a Western director partnering with the Chinese could lead to a net positive for the Olympic movement and international relations for China.

Sad that some are trying to use this as another political knock against the Clintons.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:09 PM on 04/08/2008
- ICUP See Profile I'm a Fan of ICUP

The Chinese gov'ts contributions via Buddhist monks had no impact on Bill's sound advice. Nor did the money that came in via Al Gore's illegal solicitations fro the Veep's office. Nope, Bill was just trying to help the oppressed in China.

Americans ought to be like the Brits and try to wreck the torch relay. If we can make a stink, then the Chinese will lose face. Hopefully some of our athletes will show some gumption and protest from the medal podium as well.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:15 PM on 04/08/2008
- geobushono See Profile I'm a Fan of geobushono

left-brain Steven probably looks at bill as a tragic drone.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:58 PM on 04/08/2008
- loper2008 See Profile I'm a Fan of loper2008

Who cares? This is not an issue that I'll be thinking about at the polls.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:44 PM on 04/08/2008
- MPeter See Profile I'm a Fan of MPeter

Bill has stuck his shtik in his ass. What a shame, he no longer uses his brains.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:04 PM on 04/08/2008
- EyeWantOneNation See Profile I'm a Fan of EyeWantOneNation

When you are at the polls, before casting your vote for the Clinton's, jog your memory as to the number of lies and manipulations being pulled...

Are Hillary and Bill REALLY at such opposite ends of the spectrum...or is it all a ploy ???

Any doubts, vote Obama !!!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:02 PM on 04/08/2008
- ireland See Profile I'm a Fan of ireland

And morality matters....loper2008. maybe not in your heart or house and hence u are one of many reasons why the u.s. is soooo hated. u don't care about anyone but your own self and your own pocketbook.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:01 PM on 04/08/2008
- ireland See Profile I'm a Fan of ireland

your answer is EXACTLY why some people shouldn't be allowed to vote! Who cares...PLEASE. China and Sudan Darfur are huge issues that impact ignoramuses like yourself in your pocketbook, jobs, cost of goods, etc....wake up...

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:00 PM on 04/08/2008
- karmafriend See Profile I'm a Fan of karmafriend

do people really believe that hillary and bill are on totally opposite sides when it comes to china and "free trade"?

amazing!

as for hillary calling for bush to skip the opening ceremony, that's just a safe political move, because hillary knows damn well that bush is going to china no matter what anyone says or china does.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:25 PM on 04/08/2008
- EyeWantOneNation See Profile I'm a Fan of EyeWantOneNation

BINGO !!!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:03 PM on 04/08/2008
- EyeWantOneNation See Profile I'm a Fan of EyeWantOneNation

Bill Clinton advised Spielberg in 2007...we assume from the article it was early in 2007. Exactly how rosy were things in Darfur in any of 2007 ???

Between the Colombian free trade deal that Hillary is "against"...but both her husband and chief campaign strategist are actively working to get passed; and the position on the Olympics where Hillary is against participation in the opening ceremonies, and hubby Bill seems to advise people that China hosting the Olympics is a good thing....there are beginning to be more and more opposing opinions in the Clinton household. Or, are there ????

Can anyone seriously believe, that should she be elected POTUS (oh,no) the opinions of Bill Clinton just "won't matter" ?? Hillary's credibility is shot...the real one running for the highest position in the land here may just well be Bill Clinton.

Interesting...if McCain wins; Bush gets a 3rd term.....

If Hillary wins; Bill gets a 3rd term !!!!

Obama '08 !!!!!!!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:25 PM on 04/08/2008
- estreya See Profile I'm a Fan of estreya

It feels like the ultimate scam: Bill, you bring hundreds of thousands of dollars into our household by brokering Deal A with Government X. I'll cover your ass by telling the American people you're doing the exact opposite of what you're doing! No one will ever know! It's brilliant!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:53 PM on 04/08/2008
- prospace See Profile I'm a Fan of prospace

"The circumstances are dramatically different."

The timetable is also now different. You can no longer try to effect change from the inside when the deadline is already arriving -- the torch is already traveling.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:14 PM on 04/08/2008
- theJuanStar See Profile I'm a Fan of theJuanStar

Absolutely absurd. I'm glad Speilberg didn't listen to him. I was losing respect for the man I consider the greatest filmmaker of all time. When the news broke that he dropped out of the event, my faith was restored. I wish I could say the same about the Clintons.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:10 PM on 04/08/2008
- ireland See Profile I'm a Fan of ireland

I agree with you JuanStar....

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:03 PM on 04/08/2008
- djohn78 See Profile I'm a Fan of djohn78

why dont you read the article before posting! this was in 2007!!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:13 PM on 04/08/2008
- Tariqahmed See Profile I'm a Fan of Tariqahmed

dearjohan
you are the only one worried about a tree, have look at the forest; big lies are threr-forget 97 article. They SUPPORT NAFTA. Big picture tells all lies lies lies -BILLS JOB UNDER OATH!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:19 PM on 04/08/2008
- djohn78 See Profile I'm a Fan of djohn78

~~~~READ THE ARTICLE. BILL ADVISED HIM IN 2007, BEFORE THINGS ESCALATED~~~ huff po is lying!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:00 PM on 04/08/2008
- ICUP See Profile I'm a Fan of ICUP

Tianamen Square happened after 2007? Wow, I could've sworn that it happened over a decade ago.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:17 AM on 04/09/2008
- TheRealMacDaddy See Profile I'm a Fan of TheRealMacDaddy

If you can read...Speilberg's concerns at that time were based on China's support of the Sudanese Govt. that were the ones doing the killing of the Darfur refugees.

The Clintoon's (it's not misspelled), are destroying any legacy Bill might have had.

Roll Tide....GO Bama

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:11 AM on 04/09/2008
- rosal See Profile I'm a Fan of rosal

The conflict with Tibet has been going on for years. So the argument about before 2007, is mute.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:18 PM on 04/08/2008
- globality See Profile I'm a Fan of globality

The only thing that has escalated is the election.

Violence against Trade Union activists in Columbia was actually down in 2007 compared to 2006.

So the only thing that has escalated is the political rhetoric.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:26 PM on 04/08/2008
- Jbjowe See Profile I'm a Fan of Jbjowe

Before things escalated? Things were NEVER good for the people of Tibet.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:24 PM on 04/08/2008
- SharonB See Profile I'm a Fan of SharonB

Isn't it ridiculous to have to point out the obvious? Do these people think we do not have the capability to think????

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 05:35 PM on 04/08/2008
- northeast73 See Profile I'm a Fan of northeast73

B I G W H O O P. Maybe Hillary advising bush to boycott the opening ceremonies and steven speilberg making a film ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS??


The daily Clinton smearing by the oh-so-informed Obamanuts is beyond rediculous, but please, by all means continue......the further you go with the over-the-top spinning, the less credible it all starts to seem. I'm waiting for the clinton-publicly-farted-so-he-must-be-a-drug-company-lobbyist story.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:58 PM on 04/08/2008
- ICUP See Profile I'm a Fan of ICUP

The Clintons have been in bed with the PRC for over a decade. Take a look at the Buddhist monk fundraising scandal and Gore's illegal use of the VP office to raise funds from the PRC. If Bill ever opens the books on his library and foundation, then you'll likely see even more PRC cash going into Clintonian coffers.

Hillary's trying to get the moral high ground, while Bill goes for the cash. If anyone calls them on it, then their minions will just change the subject and make ad hominem attacks on those who oppose the Clinton machine.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:44 PM on 04/09/2008
- EyeWantOneNation See Profile I'm a Fan of EyeWantOneNation

Try reading the article; and understand what Spielberg's role was to be in regards to the Olympics !!!

Reading is your friend !!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:07 PM on 04/08/2008
- djohn78 See Profile I'm a Fan of djohn78

HUFF PO IS LYING!!! this was said in 2007, not recently !!!!!!! READ THE ARTICLE

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:57 PM on 04/08/2008
- ICUP See Profile I'm a Fan of ICUP

Mao and his follwoers killed millions before 2007. They censored the Internet and sent "dissidents" to re-education camps. There are plenty of reasons to protest the behavior of the PRC.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:45 PM on 04/09/2008
- Independent_voter