Clinton Camp Pounces On Vanity Fair Article: "Tawdry," "Attack Piece"

Politico.com:

The Clinton camp responded today to Vanity Fair's long article on Bill with its own 2,244-word memo, which includes attacks on the magazine's "penchant for libel," on editor Graydon Carter, and on writer Todd Purdum and his wife, former Clinton aide Dee Dee Myers.

The memo (after the jump) calls the piece "journalism of personal destruction at its worst" and singles out, among other things, Purdum's suggestion that Clinton's heart surgery changed his personality.

Purdum "is not an MD" the memo points.

The memo, provided by Clinton aide Jay Carson, also singles out Myers for this unexplained criticism:

Purdum's disclosure of [his marriage] in the piece does not, as Vanity Fair apparently concluded, remove the obvious conflict of interest. It's a conflict that would likely not be contemplated at more reputable publications, especially considering that, as a result of this relationship, at least one source's anonymity was revealed to others.

The memo also lists Bill Clinton's post-presidential accomplishments.

"Most revealing is one simple fact: President Clinton has helped save the lives of 1,300,000 people in his post-presidency, and Vanity Fair couldn't find time to talk to even one of them for comment," it says.

Full memo after the jump.

Read the whole story: Politico.com

Comments

[Dari]

This article has importance and yes, I read ALL 8 pages over on Vanity Fair.

Its importance pertains to the 'Vetting' process for the VP slot on the Democratic ticket, when Obama clinches the nomination.

If history is correct, Geraldine Ferraro's husband had some questionable business associates/transactions that were USED in the 1984 Mondale/Ferraro election cycle.

Do we honestly believe that the RNC would NOT use these same types of questionable dealings REGARDLESS of whether these dealings are in conjuntion with a FORMER US President?

The RNC will grasp at ANYTHING this coming election year because they are ALL too aware that there is going to be a LANDSLIDE victory for the Dems and have already started to witness the Public BACKLASH against them. - The loss of 2 Republican seats in Illinois & Louisana AND the MOST sitting Republicans EVER to choose to NOT run for re-election....

It is NECESSARY to THOROUGHLY vet BOTH the VP Candidate & their Spouse to INSURE that there are as FEW distractions as possible to the ISSUES that matter being reported on and NOT giving the Republican SwiftBoaters MORE ammunition than they are already fabricating to use.

[MizLiz]

I am hoping and praying that Obama stands steadfast and refuses her the VP slot, no matter how much she yells and threatens. As I'm sure she will. He would be saddled with TWO Vice Presidents whose sole purpose would be to regain the White House at any cost. If someone out there doubts what I say, let's hear the rebuttal.

[CommittedDem]

She doesn't even want the VP. As a supporter of hers, I would hate for her to be a #2 on such a ticket. She's too good for that. If Obama were smart, he would give it to Biden, Webb, Hagel, or a prominent Clinton supporter. If he doesn't he'll confirm his defeat. Giving it to Richardson, Sebelius, or McCaskill will be a signal to Clinton supporters that he does even want their vote. I'd be curious to see how many states he'll win with only about 60% (at most) of Democrats supporting him.

[queotic]

If she doesn't want VP, why is Bill Clinton talking about her being VP?

[queotic]

Please don't speak on behalf of other Clinton supporters. You may plan on being childish by not voting for the Democratic nominee, but most other Clinton supporters know that our country is on a terrible track and that this is no time for personal politics.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

I'm not sure that he'll even get 60%. In fact, I would be willing to bet on it. He and his supporters have created too many enemies with long memories to garner enough votes to even beat McCain. But I still maintain that McCain won't represent the repubes. They will pull some shenanigans at the convention and give it to Romney. Anyone ever wonder why Romney "suspended" his campaign and didn't "end" it? All the power brokers in the repube party could probably answer that question for you.

[NewArtz]

oops, more accurate link:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2VZOwt12HqA

[NewArtz]

Where have I heard tawdry details of the Clintons' lives before..... oh yeah. There is plenty of ammunition for the Republicans to use against Democratic nominees Bill and Hillary. Perhaps Obama should do what black people are suppose to do and step and fetchit aside and let the Dynamic Duo run the Democratic party. Perhaps they could redeem their image during a second visit to the White House. I'm certain there is no marital crises on the horizon that could absorb the country's attention and distract them from the real problems we face as a country.

Let's face it. The drama that some Clinton supporters are exhibiting as threats if they lose is nothing compared to the drama we would face if they win. It would be no walk in the park.

http://youtube.com/results?search_query=the+drama+queen+arrives&search_type=

[savertime]

Words like "sexism," "sexist," and "tawdry" carry a great deal of irony when used by the Clintons. I would suggest they stay away from these words to avoid chuckles and snickers from those who know too, too much more about the Clintons than their ardent supporters.

[SaskiaStars]

The following is a list for anyone who thinks that they cannot support either democratic nominee in November:

Stevens - 88 years old – good Supreme
Ginsburg – 75 years old – good Supreme
Kennedy – 72 years old – good Supreme
Scalia – 72 years old – Mr. “get over it” when asked about Gore v. Bush- told Florida to stop counting votes – therefore appointing Bu$h as Pres - EVIL
Breyer – 70 years old – decent Supreme
Souter – 69 years old – turned out to be a good Supreme
Thomas – 60 years old – hates women anti civil rights- horrible for women and minorities
Alito – 58 years old – strong right wing guy- bad
Roberts – 55 years old – the “torture” Justice - EVIL

The next POTUS will probably be responsible for appointing 3-4 possibly 6 (looking at the ages) Supremes over the next 4-8 years. We are talking about women's reproductive rights, civil rights, human rights, labor laws, union's rights, environmental policies, separation of church and state, etc.

STOP THE WHINING!!!!

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

Ack.

Thanks for the perspective.

BTW, the Constitution does not set the number of Justices. We might have to add a few in 2012+ if we don't get it together in 2008.

UNITY 08

[JeanPaulSatire]

Bill IS different after his heart surgery. They claim he had bypass surgery (which should have helped to get more oxygen to his brain and that should have helped him to think more clearly). But now he acts as if he had a cardiectomy, i.e, heartless. The transformation is stark and startling: he has gone from a smooth former president and statesman to current mis-stepping partisan has-been attack dog. And we know what that makes Hillary.

[Tomlastliberalleft]

The Vanity Fair article merely confirms what most of us have feared about the Clintons. Bill has become more reckless and continues to chase skirts and Hillary is obsessed with being President and is willing to do anything to win the nomination. Bottom line is both of them have no problem playing the game as cheats. Bill’s accumulation of money from his billionaire friends is exactly why we don’t want either of them anywhere near the White House. We have had eight years of the worst President in history and the nation can only stand such poor leadership for so long. There are thoughtful Hillary supporters who will support Obama in the general election. There are also single-issue supporters who will not. True Democrats will place the nations best interest first, and their personal goals second. This has been a hard fought campaign for both candidates and the general election campaign offers more of the same. Change is in the air. This always makes people uncomfortable and quick to anger. At some point reality will set in and we can move forward. The pace of that movement is up to Hillary. Obama needs her supporters help in November, but they need to help him for their own good as well. Removal of the Republicans is paramount, all should see that clearly.

[justobserve]

Well said! Clinton had done great damages to the party by wooing her supporters to her persona instead of what is good for the party and the country. They can't see Obama's policies are almost the same as Clinton's but just for revenge, being led to believe they are cheated out on the nomination process, they want to vote for McCain whose policies are the opposite to what they want. If they do that, they have to endure the effects of their action for a longer time than 4 or 8 years of Republican with Supreme's judges nominated by the Repub for their lifetime.

[CommittedDem]

I think both supporters are wooed by their candidates' persona. I think Obama supporters would be the last people to claim to the contrary. I think a lot of Hillary supporters are justifiably fed up for having to apologize and/or explain their vote.
What was absurd, was when Obama so arrogantly stated that he would get Clinton voters but she couldn't get his. Many people heard that and were enraged.

[rleroygordon]

"Clinton had done great damages to the party by wooing her supporters to her persona instead of what is good for the party and the country."

Interesting side note. One of the traits of some of the most sociopathic leaders of the past is their development of what's called the "Cult of Personality." Four of the most brutal dictators of the past century--Hitler, Saddam, Stalin and Mao Tse Tung--definitely elevated themselves to nearly religious status because of it. In our own country, Shrub has worked on it through his handlers.

Add Slippary to that number if she somehow wins the presidency.

[Peddler]

A near death experience can change [anyone]. But I would gather to say that it is not Bill Clinton's surgey that has changed.his personality. All of us have "inner bitches and bastards" within us......and as time progresses and we get older, they start to emerge as a result of circumstances. Of course the Clintons have always been self-serving, self-centered, and narcasistic. Their philosophy is not what I can do for the country, but what the country and Americans can do for me. I'm not a physician either, but even though Bill was placed on a heart-lung machine during his surgery, he might have experienced some oxygen deprivation.........who really knows. On the other hand, after Tuesday, the Clintons will have lost their political power and influence in the Democratic party........and we know how the Clintons love to loose........Interesting how time makes things better without even trying.

[DMHendrix]

I didn't think Mr. Purdum's piece was tawdry or attacked the former President. Other than really highlighting some of the skanky people he hangs with..nothing in the article surprised me at all. I thought it was well written and interesting...and LONG!

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

What passes for journalism these days...

[whsmith]

it is always everyone elses fault. it never ends. Anyone that still trusts the word of Bill Clinton gets what they deserve.

[wagadog]

If you can't dispute the facts presented, attack the tone and style.

It's the usual bullshit we've come to expect from the Clintons and the Neocons.

Does anyone else think Hill and Bill are starting to look like "Pinky and The Brain"?

These two take turns playing Pinky and Brain.

Go take over some other world, Bill.

[bygollymissmolly]

You know, when you act in a tawdry attacking manner, it's quite likely to reverberate back on you.

Too bad so sad Hill & Bill. You asked for it.

[CookieWrites]

bygollymissmolly -- and what have you done to improve the world???????????

[k6007]

You need to face the fact, that the clintons are poverty pimps.

[dadw5boys]

On the Today show the author stated "THERE IS NO PROFF ANYTHING IN THE STORY IS TRUE", IT IS ONLY A WARNING TO THE CLINTONS OF WHAT PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON ARE TALKING ABOUT".

WHAT????
THE STORY IS JUST LIES!
"PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON ARE SAYING THIS"

WHAT PEOPLE???? REPUBLICANS MAYBE??

[CookieWrites]

The author is backstepping to avoid a libel suit. What an idiot. I cannot believe Dee Dee Myers sleeps with him.

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

Another jilted Bill cast-off.
(Sorry it was just waiting there.)

[whsmith]

STOP SPAMMING IN ALL CAPS. thank you

[broncofan]

Everyone knows this to be true...it is really sad, in fact, I was a HRC supporter until Bill opened his mouth in SC. My change in tune is owed to those who taught me that love was 'color blind'.

Unfortunately, the fate of the country is in HRC's hands and her legacy also...Bill has already blown it.