Bill Clinton: I'm Ready To Campaign For Obama

NEW YORK — Former President Clinton said Thursday he is eager to campaign for Barack Obama whenever the Democrat needs him, but has not given any thought to whether he wants to speak at the party convention in Denver.

"I told him that whenever he wanted me to do it, I was ready, and so it's basically on their timetable," Clinton said. "He's got a lot of things to do between now and the convention, of which this is simply one, so I'll do whatever I'm asked to do, whenever I can do it."

Relations between Clinton and Obama have only just began to thaw since Obama defeated the former president's wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, in the bruising Democratic primary that ended last month. Throughout that bare-knuckle race, Bill Clinton had portrayed Obama as too inexperienced to be president.

Since Obama clinched the nomination, it has remained an open question as to what role Clinton would play in the campaign.

Just weeks ago, Obama called the former president to ask for his help in winning the White House.

At a news conference for his foundation's work, Clinton said he had not thought about whether he would like to be a convention speaker. Typically former presidents get a prime-time speaking spot at the party gathering.

Clinton said he had a "good talk" with Obama on the phone and is eager to get out on the road for the Illinois senator.

Clinton also was asked whether he had spoken to the Rev. Jesse Jackson regarding the crude off-air remark Jackson made about Obama in what he thought was a private conversation during a taping of a "Fox & Friends" news program.

Clinton said he had not spoken with Jackson, but added that Jackson was right to apologize to Obama for the comments. He also was a bit sympathetic.

"If all of us lived on live mics, then 100 percent of us in this room would be embarrassed from time to time," Clinton said.

Comments

[WarDog]

When will the American people wake up to these Neo Con Whores...

[Suissebird]

It's official, Obama/Hillary '08 or as I envision it "OH '08- Opportunity & Hope!"; redundancy is key for "low' info voters.

Anyhow, the first black president, the real black president, and former first lady (first former first lady senator) as the first female vice president will put a new seal on the democratic party since FDR. Women running both chambers of congress (will there be a rebirth of the Equal Rights Amendment?) It's a formidable time and it's time we had a formidable team for the white house. Someone with seniority, someone with senatorial experience, and someone with fresh eagerness for the "right" changes.

Is it safe for me to at least hope so...

[jOke]

I THINK THE FORMER PRESIDENT CAN HELP...

[MarciaJ720]

So could Hillary.

She's been a disappointment as far as supporting her fellow democrat rival. What I mean is that she has not done enough to convince her supporters to either a: not stay home on election day or b: not vote for McCain.

I can tell you right now, my mom was one of those huge Hillary supporters, until she lost and then my mom actually took the time out to listen to one of Obama's speeches on-line.

She is now a big supporter of Obama - which tells me these bitter angry Hillary supporters have not even given the man a chance. That or they or they are really a bunch of Republicans.

[Justsaynodeal]

I have listened to him, I have read his resume, I have listened to both BHO and MO, and I still think he is not qualified to be POTUS. In fact, the more I see of the 0-man the more 0- I see............he is an empty suit. Hillary and Bill will be able to support him because they are both good Democrats, but I don't think they will influence H's supporters to support the 0-man.

[DaOne]

I actually think it would be a good idea for Bill to give a speech at the convention. LIke it or not the guy still has gravitas. The speech I want to hear is one that calls for party unity in the face of daunting challenges in America.

In his speech he can emphasize the need to units behind Obama after what was a vigorous primary. This guy can link the economic and social progess of the 90's, then remind us again of our last dark eight years, then finally show us how party unity and a larger open tent will elect a President who will truly represent our values and ideals.

There is no doubt that Bill can be a thorn. But he's also a gited and talented orator. If Obama wants him to help, this would be a great start in my opinion.

[Witchitalineman]

Oh gosh that's good to hear. I suggest Obama can do just fine without Hillary and Bill. Most of us are so sick of the same old, same old group of politicians. We need freshness. Obama will do well on his trip abroad and it is so refreshing that citizens of the world are actually glad to be welcoming someone from the US!!

[BigBen]

Good idea; I suggest Bill and Hillary and their supporters just get lost and allow Mr. Obama to win on his own.That way they (Obama fans) get all the credit.Right ! Of course if they lose it is the Clintons fault.

[ggmome]

Obama should pass up on his 'help', like a freight train passing a hobo!

[mollyjackson]

Thats the kiss of death for Obama.

[Justsaynodeal]

That was Gore and Kerry's choice, and how many terms did they serve?

[eNewsReference]

Great, get him on the campaign trail quick before he changes his mind... http://www.enewsreference.com

[abby4ever]

When you think of the trouble he caused Hillary on the campaign trail, you wonder why Obama would even ask him to campaign for him. Other than just to pacify him (and Hillary), I hope he doesn't pay too high a price for that.

[eNewsReference]

Great! Get him on the campaign quick before he changes his mind... http://www.enewsreference.com

[FWWolff]

As an Independent who refuses to align with either party, I would think the Democratic Party would praise one of their own instead of helping the Republicans do their dirty work. Under Clinton the economy was a whole lot better than it is now - but pretend Democrats won't acknowledge that fact. It's apparently much more fun and inclusive to have a herd mentality.

It seems every time Bill Clinton's name comes up the first thing people mention is the issues involved in a stained blue dress. What does that stained blue dress have with a President's leadership abilities anyway?? Yea, put me under oath and start asking me about my intimate life and I will reinvent the words "lie" and "perjury".

Personally, I don't like either candidate, they've both got their major drawbacks. One can give great pep-talks and the other has no clue about the economy. Surely we could have done better. Not that I like Ralph Nader in the least, but this election he's getting my vote.

[NotWaldo]

Who needs a loose-canon-on-the-deck.

Don't call us Bill, we'll call you !

[AxelDC]

Sounds like he was more invested in Hillary's campaign than she was. She certainly has shown considerably more emotional maturity than her husband.

[OlskoolDem]

Oh thank you Bill Clinton, by the way how much did Obama have to contribute to your library??

[unitedstates]

at least his wife didn't vote for FISA . Thanks to Obama ( Who's vote could have made a difference in killing FISA) we lost a big part of our freedom. Thanks a lot NO BAMA.