Chuck Todd Slams Bill Clinton: "Woefully Unprepared For 21st Century Media"

If there's one thing that Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) all have in common, it's that each of the presidential candidates has already endured his or her very own YouTube moment.

Whether it's a clip of McCain's erroneous assertion that Shiite Iran was training Sunni group al-Qaeda in Iraq, or videos of Obama's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., shouting "God damn America!," or CBS News footage proving that Clinton's 1996 visit to Bosnia wasn't quite the Jerry Bruckheimer action movie she'd taken to recounting, the digitally fueled wildfire of unfortunate video moments has singed all three candidates.

But as NBC News political director Chuck Todd sees it, none has gotten burned by this new-media phenomenon quite like former President Bill Clinton.

"It's fascinating: Nobody's been a bigger victim of the so-called YouTube moments than Bill Clinton," Todd said. "I think Bill Clinton was woefully unprepared for 21st Century media."

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[bookerone]

On Todd's biggest most important day he isn't worth a thousandth of Bill Clinton. Todd will be long forgotten while Bill will be remembered not only fondly but for all of his accomplishments. Little men should keep their mouths shut....they only belittle themselves when they talk....this means you Todd,

[bikerdude]

I don't get it. MSNBC is positioning Chuckie Todd as a senior political correspondent based on what? He is full of opinion, but it is scattered and often very personal observations. When I am done listening to what he says, usually my reaction is either "So?" or "And?" Russert has been infuriating me with his pressing candidates on minor points, but he's a little entertaining...often wrong, but entertaining. Todd's appeal is a mystery to me.

[harriscrl3]

Hmm whats the difference between Obama's Youtube, Hilary's Youtube and McCain's Youtube because there is a HUGE difference. But you would not know this by the way the media has covered it

Carol

[nclayla]

I think there is a lot of truth in this article. Bill Clinton is not used to having his comments and words replayed on youtube literally minutes after he has said them. It doesn't give him the time he once had to 'massage' the truth or 'shape' events. I also think that many of his angrier responses are due to his sense of entitlement. He cannot stand to have his legacy belittled or tarnished and he wants, even expects, to be acknowledged as nothing less than the revered party elder. Bill seems to resent the fact that anyone stands in the way of what he perceives to be his (HIllary's) just reward.

That being said, I have no problems with his multiple misspeaks and temper flare ups. He has been an effective friend to the Obama campaign.

[Manx]

Bill Clinton doesn't know it but he's a political anachronism.

[nellie]

What I find interesting is that in each of the YouTube moments, everyone was the star of his or her own gaffe EXCEPT Obama. The media just doesn't get it. They don't even see their own bias in this regard. Now if they had managed to capture the "bitter" remark, that would have been one thing. But they're determined to equate Barack with Wright. It's such, well let's just say it. It's such bigotry.

[Clarabell]

Todd should know. He's part of the echo machine -- and just who (on the Dems side) could ever compete with that?

[nativeeyes]

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[Clarabell]

Don't count your chickens before they hatch!

[BigLib]

Here come the chickens! Home to roost!

[ghostofgrrrl]

every successful "team" knows one thing: You don't switch roles

Felix / Oscar
Jerry Lewis / Dean Martin
Bush / Cheney
Bill / Hillary

They cannot play each other's roles.

[Anne1776]

Don't worry- they won't. Remember when Bill was"president"? Hillary made the comment "we are the president". Yeah, we all know who wears the pants in that family. She's already had her 8 years- where do you think all that "experience" came from?

[steveflos]

bull's eye! Back then, people were complaining that she had too much influence and that she, in fact, was running the White House. Now they claim that she was only on tea parties.

She had her own offices in the East Wing and her own staff. He is charisma, she is brains.

[JamieStarr]

Don't forget Frick and Frack.

[CammyV]

It happens that Dean Martin had top billing in that team, not Jerry Lewis.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

Bill Clinton is simply carrying out the talking points of the Clinton campaign. He is fully briefed, and he is simply tossing one demographic under the bus, in favor of securing the support of another demographic. Both Clintons are angry that their inevitable joint candidacy is looking more implausible every day.

[JoeTN]

The Obama Network must have done some internal polling that suggests that Bill is an asset for Hillary or that "National Journalist, Chucky Todd" wouldn't be creating this negative story. What tabloid TV!!!!
Now, let's see him attack Rep. Clyburn who played the race card per Obama's blessing only to get out the NC black vote. Is Clyburn woefully unprepared Mr. Journalist??? What does the Obama Tabloid TV have to say?

[ndolomar]

(Part 2)We're at the precipice, people, and we have a choice to continue letting corporate America and its paid-for politicians dictate how much and how well we can live. While the mainstream news ignore the highly anti-American words of McCain supporter the Rev. Hagee or Norman Hsu (Sen. Clinton's little fundraising "problem") or Clinton Administration trade policies or the Keating Five (McCain's little "economic" blind spot), they'll make sure you focus all your attention on fearing a politician who's trying to give you back your government. In nature, when an animal is on the verge of dying, it lashes out with more force and energy than ever. In the next few weeks, possibly through November, you're going to see about as much coverage on Wright, William Ayers, race and politics, flag pins and more until the corporate media think they've succeeded at convincing you that Obama is "wrong" for America. If you buy into their ploy, then frankly, you deserve the government you get; however, as someone who doesn't think this is an ideal way to live, I'm opting for the guy who respects the Constitution and wants America to be back in the hands of Americans --- not groups who profit on our ignorance and divisiveness.

[MaineMike]

I think Chuck Todd is a good guy and that he is less biased than most of the other talking heads.

Bill says one thing on radio and denies it 24 hours later. Either Bill has gone nuts or he doesn't care if people think he's a liar or he doesn't realize that a radio broadcast can be recorded and immediately shared on the Internet. Perhaps all of the above?

[nibblybits]

Bill used to be young and hungry and ready to change the world. Now he's fat and lazy and used to obsequious hangers-on that laugh at his every joke and kowtow to his every word. He lost his game.

[Gmoney1]

He's old news and an old man - he does not remember what he's saying and it's time for the Clintons to pack it in - we want new, fresh ideas and something that makes our blood flow - we're tired of our parent's mentality - experience without foresight is dangerous - we need the thought processes of today - and Chelsea is not helping - she acts like a robot -

[snarkopolitan]

Now I'm actually an Obama supporter and I don't like the tone of your comment. I would LOVE the Clintons to pack it in; Bill's splenetic outbursts and Hill's artless pandering (OBLITERATE A COUNTRY?) really get up my nose.
But ageism and personal attacks (so campaigning for your own mother is robotic?) diminish our position, so exercise some impulse control. Your blood doesn't seem to be flowing brain-ward.

[kristin]

Your stereotyping based on age shows lack of mature judgment. I am a 70 year old white woman and a staunch supporter of Obama. I suggest you learn more about the false conclusion that people make when they base their conclusions on false assumptions.

[arvada]

so bill clinton turns dumb all of the sudden.

maybe he's putting out the message he wants

[bikerdude]

Does mom know you are using her computer again??? You want your blood to flow take up rock climbing or rugby...As you mature, you will see the wisdom of your parents.

[Denni]

Thanks to Chuck Todd for speaking up. Now it makes sense why Clinton thinks he can say anything and get away with it. Who knew that he was doing this all this time!?!??! To claim that the race card was played against him and then to deny ONE DAY later? Geez.