Bill Clinton: "I'll Do Whatever They Want"

The New York Observer reports:

Bill Clinton said he'd do "whatever they want" with respect to the vetting process and information he'd have to disclose to the Obama administration to help Hillary Clinton become Obama's secretary of state.

Standing on stage and signing autographs after a ceremony to rename the Triborough Bridge after the late Robert F. Kennedy, Clinton was asked about the vetting process.

"Whatever they want. This is a deal between Senator--" he corrected himself, "President-elect [Obama] and Hillary," Clinton said. "You should talk to them. I'll do whatever they want."

That jibes with reports this morning that the former President had offered "several concessions" as part of the vetting process.

Comments

[Rule Of Law]

"I'll Do Whatever They Want"

Do you have your knee pads on, Bill?

[dajay]

Rule of Law: Another one who can't get over Bill Clinton's s. life and private parts.

It has been over 10 years, and you are still dreaming of it, aren't you?

SCARY

[Rule Of Law]

au contraire; I take the more enlightened European view of the dalliances of the powerful who lead the world. They laugh at our backward puritan ethics. And rightly so.

However------Bill Lied. That was his fatal flaw. The sex is superfluous. And it seems that his ardent and closed minded supporters are the first to focus on it. Bill was and is a great guy, fun guy, good politician, but laid the groundwork for every neocon economic nightmare that is being visited upon us now, and did it in the name of Progressivism. What a hypocrite.

He lied about the sex, he lied about his policies, and I have no doubt that he will continue to lie about his current dealings as well.

The knee pads reference is only to the fact that he may need them in order to get Hillary what she wants. That's just how it works in DC.

[Agentlady007]

I've never thought of Bill Clinton's private parts. It escapes my brain to imagine such a thought. Of course I do think of him each time I see a cigar.

[roshni]

O.K. - just do it. Enough of the drama. If Obama wants Hillary that much, we will support her. I don;t want a blow by blow of the vetting process.

[Irish55]

Maybe she isn't sure she wants to do this. I, and maybe I'm in the minority, don't believe that her whole heart is in this. And I hope (maybe against hope) that she withdraws her name. She shouldn't do it if she has any qualms or doubts. I am not a Hillary fan - never have been. But I do respect her in many ways. I hope she can be honest with herself and PE Obama about this. Maybe he should put a deadline on it. Tell her he wants a decision by X date - o/wise the offer is withdrawn. I trust Obama's judgment on this - but let's get on with it.

[FACINGREALIT]

Hillary wants the job and would probably be good at it but Bill will NEVER allow himself to be properly vetted. As it stands, they are using lawyers to funnel the information to the vetting team so that they can claim attorney/client priviledge and thus prevent the public release of the information w/o repercussions to the leaker!

For the REST OF HER LIFE Bill will be the sore spot in Hillary's political career as he is really Bush-Lite. They are vindictive like Bush - didn't they call people who had the audacity to think they could support Obama traitors and Judas. They are NOT TEAM PLAYERS! Yes, there were many good years with the Clintons which has a lot to do with the Internet boom but there were a lot of mistakes as well. Did you know that Bill could have had Osama Bin Laden and refused him? There is just too much DRAMA and ME ME ME around them - if ONLY they could play nice but unless they are the Center of Attention - nothing works! Every appointment but Hillary has gone off w/o a hitch!

[partyofone]

I don't want to know the details. But I would like to know why the vetting process only involves former Clinton staff members. Conflict of interest? Divided loyalities? Lack of objectivity?

Bill Clinton wants to pledge to stop doing the shady things he's been doing, so Hillary can be SoS. But what about the consequences and conflicts of interst from his past dealings. Can Hillary really stand up to Middle Eastern oil interests who have paid the Cltions millions?

Bill wants to 'tell all" to his former staffers who are conducting the vetting, as long as it is not made public? Why? If it is sensitive and embarassing, does Obama want to keep it hidden and risk it coming out later as a huge distraction?

One thing for certain, whatever Bill tell's the vetters is NOT THE WHOLE TRUTH.. Not even Hillary knows everything Bill has been up to these last eight years, and maybe ESPECIALLY not HIllary.

Hillary may have ridden the Bill Clinton pony show as far as it will take her. She is a sitting US Senator, mega millionaire, and had the opportunity to be president ANDFUMBLED. Now Bill is a huge liability to her asperations. Maybe she should just be content with what's she's got, and let the nation and Obama move forward with NO MORE CLINTON DRAMA.

[Rule Of Law]

with NO MORE CLINTON DRAMA...

Yes, please!

[Janel]

Why. . .why. . .why???? Does the Obama campaign want Hillary Clinton on his team? I simply don't get it. As a strong Obama supporter, I am very, very saddened that this woman (and her husband) will become part of his cabinet. Sorry, but I'm confused.

[grumpygranny66]

Janel why are you confused? If you are truly an Obama supporter you would not question what he is doing, I voted for Bill twice for Prez .but, I supported and voted for Barack twice. I though we had gotten over our in party bickering, and we were united. Apparently some of us cannot get over our hate for Bill and Hillary. So what if she is given the SOS position I think she has earned it.

I agree Bill acted a little childish during the Primary but, he got over his anger and is doing a great job so far. Today! he is here in Georgia trying to help us get Jim Martin in the Senate. So please!!! all of you both BO and Hillary supporters stop the fighting and let us support Barack and have faith that he knows what he is doing.

If we continue to fight it will only give the Rethugs and Faux News something to talk about.

[dreffein]

Spot on.

[roshni]

I'll support Obama in whatever he wants to do, but enough drama already. move it along.

[DocJerome]

I concur.

[darlingdem]

As much as Bill and Hillary have tried to re-write history, the Clinton presidency left alot to be desired. Not surprisingly, there are ALOT of Dems (and Repubs) who don't like the Clintons. I am one of them...NO AMNESIA HERE.

I also happen to be a news and political junkie...always have been. I've also read numerous political books about the Clinton and Bush presidencies...by objective, respected, non-biased authors. Although I voted for Bill twice, I long ago realized that the Clintons are NOT the kind of people that I want to run our country...or our foreign policy.

I supported Obama for President--even before he fomally announced. I am ecstatic that he won because I really believe in what he stands for. I was looking forward to a fresh start with our new President...and NO MORE DRAMA! I freely admit that I was not sorry to see the Clintons finally recede into the background. So, YES, I am disgusted that the Clintons refuse to give up the stage. Even now, they suck up all the oxygen in the room and are nothing but a distraction. If this is how the Clintons handle Hillary's candidacy for S of S, can you imagine what a circus it would be with her (and Bill) in Obama's Cabinet??

I am still hoping and praying that Obama puts the brakes on this before it's too late...and I make no apologies for the way that I feel.

[partyofone]

grumpygranny66 , Only the Bushes and the Clintons think that win someone disagrees they are the ENEMY. That is not what Obama believes. He does not require blind loyalty.

No one has lost faith in Obama. But he said , you will not agree with every decision I make. I will listen, and particularly need to hear those who disagree.

It is not disloyal to Obama to disagree with him and speak out. That is democracy.

Apparently , grumpygranny66 , you forget that one of the reasons so many Americans are enthusiastic about Obama's vision and ledership was that he promised to Change business as usual in Washington. Sorry, but what we are seeing with all thr l, eaks and posturing, divisions and drama around Hillary's potential appointment is BUSINESS AS USUAL in the CLINTON's Washington.

We want Obama to succeed. In my opinion, that will require leaving both the Clintons and the Bushes in the past.

[TongoRad]

I agree, I'm extremely disappointed with Obama's decision. Whatever happened to 'change is coming to Washington?"
And how does this decision to involve the Clintons fit into that mandate?

We don't need the endless distractions, corruption, and hawkish ideology that the Clintons bring to the table. They're part of the past problems that we need to overcome.

[partyofone]

No Drama Obama's disciplined operation started leaking and fueling the headlines as soon as the discussions with the Clintons began. Any connection? Clinton business as usual. They THRIVE on controversy. Their lives are ENDLESS melodrama.

PE Obama, THE NATION DOES NOT NEED THE DISTRACTION OF THE CLINTONS, and neither does your administration.

[XME]

I'm no fan of the Clintons, but I do feel strongly that Obama has good judgement, and that if he chooses her, he'll do it sure of what he's doing, and why. If he does choose her, just withold any judgement against her until she proves she was a mistake. So far, I have to believe that if she's in Obama wouldn't do it unless he was sure she wouldn't be a mistake.

[partyofone]

Well if Hillary's potential appointment is evidence of Obama's good judgment, it has injected a huge new degree of division among his supporters and the nation. IIt is very hard to beleive that Obama thinking clearly wants the weight of the Clinton baggage and their endelss Drama as part of daily life during his administration.

Look at the distraction dishonest and incompetent cabinet members have caused other administrations. And spouses too. Anyone rever read about Martha Mitchell wife of AG John Mitchell during the Nixon years? That was a tempest in a teapot compared to Typhoon Bill Clinton.

[blueskybigstar]

"I'll do whatever they want me to do."

Well, Bill, they must have told you a million times what they wanted already. Why are you still talking about it. Money should not be accepted if you can't reveal its source. Now, after days and days, you say that you will do whatever they want.

Stop talking and start doing.

[nochange]

Sure he will
Obama just hired his whole administration.....

I guess hillary got elected anyway...

maybe they threatened to tell the world that obama is not a us citizen

[grumpygranny66]

I suggest you stop smoking those funny cigarettes, its affecting your brain.

[nochange]

AND I SUGGEST YOU STOP WORSHIPPING CORRUPT POLITICIANS

[Bitsko]

You earned a pass for today, Bill.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/19/bill-clinton-stumps-in-ge_n_145066.html

[bija]

Seems to me that if Hillary was ready to be President, then they both ought to be well-vetted by now.

[as if]

The spouse of a presidential candidate does not have to be vetted regarding their finances. The spouse of a potential Secretary of State that receives undisclosed donations to their international non-profit organization does.

[vietveter]

Bu$h WAS president!!!

Can't be a very serious process.

[BygonesGone]

What's with this getting "women" that are not qualified? McCain got Palin who was not qualified to walk past the White House and here comes Hillary and she is not qualified to be Secretary of State. Why is it, when the few times that women are involved in this race, neither of them are qualified, but they want to have the job anyway?

When it doesn't happen, do they cry sexism simply because they are women, despite the fact that they are not qualified? Hillary Clinton has no record to run on, and as Senator of New York, all she did was run up the highest number of earmarks. What has she accomplished?

As First Lady, what did she accomplish? What has changed in the world, where people are running for offices that they cannot hold, and think they should have it anyway? Barack Obama stated that his administration would be scandal free.

How does the Queen of Scandal fit in an administration that is supposed to be scandal free?

http://www.newmediajournal.us/staff/swirsky/03132006.htm

How does this happen? The Clintons thrive on scandals and today, they are still involved in scandals via the Paul v. Clinton case that is pending. Why was she considered?

Why did Barack Obama include Hillary Rodham Clinton as consideration for this job? I think we should be provided with answers because it is in contrast to his own words of a scandal-free administration.

[dreffein]

Are you for real? Have you EVER engaged in politics before this election? Any new admininstration will take people who have served before, like Rahm Emanuel, Senator Daschle; they will take well-know bright people who have the capacity to convey the President's message around the world (Hillary Clinton); and they will reward those who got them elected (David Axelrod).

Hillary Clinton has been cleared of every charge every Republican has thrown against her - remember Ken Starr? No person running or serving is every without history (Joe Biden'l plagiarism.....). So get with the program and give the President a chance before you continue with your pettiness.

[dajay]

Bygones Gone: You really need to stop accusing Hillary of not being qualifed for ANYTHING.

Barack Obama was elected President, and he was nowhere as qualified as several other of the Democratic candidates, ESPEciALLY Hillary.

[Agentlady007]

She'll be fine. What are so uptight about? Lighten up. The democratic party is forming a perfect union. What's the matter with you?

[UNCLEJOE]

Once Hillary gets her foot in the door of the Oval Office, Obama will not be able to control her or will he be unable to get rid of her without causing an horrendous outcry from the feminists and the Republicans.
Hillary as SOS would be a major monkey wrench in the Obnama agenda which is antithical to the Clinmton NAFTA, Warmongering, lobby loving Clintons.

Hilary as SOS would be Obama's Archie's Heel in the 2012 election.

Just as Obama has repeated more than once, 'we only have one president at a time', and Hillary could cast a heavy shadow on that concept.
Senator Dodd has the credentials for SOS going back to his father who was the prosecuting attorney at the Nuremberg Nazi Trials and was a US Senator, and he speaks spanish, a language second to English in the international political field.

The Middle East is our most pressing foreign problem, and Hillary would 'Obliterate Iran, continue the Iraq War, refuse to negotiate with Iran, Syria and the Hamas.

And the bottom line is that Hillary has zero qualifications for the job of SOS.

[klondiker]

A few points:

1. If you think Obama's agenda is anti-NAFTA, then you're about to become very disappointed.

2. What is "archie's heel"?

3. Why is Senator Dodd's father's experience relevant to what he can do? And, yet Hillary's firstlady experience is routinely dismissed as being irrelevant.

4. Hillary as SoS would not be able to keep the war going. That's the president's decision. And, I suspect, he is going to keep it going.

[annis]

#2 - PRICELESS.

[dreffein]

If speaking Spanish is a qualification for SOS, I'm sure many illegal immegrants will be crossing the border to sign up. lol

You just can't stand the idea of an intelligent and powerful woman in any position. Go back to your cave.

P.S. I'm with Klondyer - what is "Archies Heel"? Is that a caveman disease?

[workhorse]

If Obama indeed has picked Clinton, and the large number of Clintonistas for his cabinet, he might as well kiss a second term goodbye. This is just a slap in the face to all his supporters who helped get him elected because he was the opposite of Clinton. They're so busy worrying about Bill's finances, why don't they look into Chelsea's. She manages a hedge fund. I'm no genius, but weren't those the things that have gotten us in to all this economic trouble in the first place?

[dreffein]

You are truly priceless and clueless. Did you ever stop to think that perhaps it's a GOOD thing to have some folks appointed who have actually worked in the WH before? And, oops, the last time we had a Democratic POTUS was Bill? And what a clueless reason for already counting out a second term. Did you ever stop to think that most people might like to see President Obama sworn in and see what he DOES, before he is written off for a second term.

[dajay]

Oh here we go. You psychos are going to start in on Chelsea and her work too now.

GET A FRICKING LIFE ALREADY

[ishok]

Whatever?...

Okay, twirl around three times and touch the ground.

[sheilacam]

Is it me? Or does he look like Ted Kennedy in this picture?

[dreffein]

It's you. I'd buy new glasses:-)

[LemonMeringue]

Just because Bill stops doing business for four years does not guarantee the Clintons don't have loyalties that are conflicts of interest based on past and future business.

It's wrong to pick a SOS whose spouse needs to change their behavior. What kind of vetting is that?

[partyofone]

I'm very sorry, but the vetting processs for Hillary Clinton, if accurate as reported by Politico, is a charade.

For Obama, the vetting is being conducted by John Podesta, a former Clinton White House chief of staff, and his deputy Todd Stern, who was Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary in the White House from 1993 to 1998. The Clintons' "negotiating team" (what?) is led by Cheryl Mills, a former Clinton administration and campaign official, and includes Clinton confident, Bruce Lindsey, how CEO of the shady William J. Clinton Foundation, and longtime Clinton aide Doug Band, who is kneck deep in Clintons questionable foreign business deals.

If true, this is not a vetting. It's insiders planning the spin. It is very hard to believe Obama is well served by all these Clinton cronies. Where is the objectivity, and who is looking after Obama in all this.

Can we add Michelle Obama to the vetting team?

[litalex]

Um, I doubt the president-elect needs his wife on the vetting team to protect his interest, especially when he is probably smarter than the both of us put together. I'm sure he knows everything he needs to know about John Podesta's background, probably even more than you do.

And really, when all is said and done, the Clintons are Democrats, you know. No need to treat them like leaders of a hostile country.

You're letting your distrust of the Clintons overwhelm the trust you should have for Obama's intelligence.

[dajay]

OMG Yeah. Maybe he can get Michele Obama involved in the vetting process and she can finally scratch Bill Clinton's eyes out, like she said she wanted to do.

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lifesucks]

It's really funny to watch the media in action as they lean on their un-named sources to run a news cycle about Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. I vote that they stop putting out "news" stories unless they can tell their viewers and readers who said what. All of this speculation and spreading of rumors is not only unprofessional but it's also annoying.

Wake me up when the woman herself either accepts or rejects the offer if in fact an offer is even on the table.

[pathenry]

Bill Clinton was quoted: "I'll Do Whatever They Want"

Bill, please understand it's not "They", it's "us". We share a vision. We ... and every one of us who longs for Progressive, enlightened leadership.

You united us in the '90's. Today your political talents are needed more than ever.

Your role will be different now but your place in history is guaranteed. You can make a difference ... today more than ever before.

Pat

[partyofone]

Yes. Bill Clinton's place in history is guaranteed. He abdicated his responsibility as a former president and leader of his party to conduct a mean-spiritied, self-interested, dishonest, damaging campaign against a Democratic candidate whose only offense was aspiring to lead and challenging Mrs. Bill Clinton for the presidency.

Bill Clinton will go down in history as the president who had an affair with an intern, lied under oath, got Impeached, sold influence to become a mega millionaire, tried his best to prevent Barack Obama from becoming president, and failed miserably.

[dajay]

partyofone: I think not. Bill Clinton will go down in history as the president who fought for minorities, balanced the budget, passed Family Leave Act, presided over the best economy for 8 years, made a mistake in his personal life, worked for his charities as an ex-president, supported and stood by his wife during her run for president, while everyone associated with the Obama campaign and the Obama media and the Dem partyk, used the race card and sex card against her and him, just to make sure the African-American man was elected over the woman.

[JWLANDSCAPES]

Your opinion I'm sure will influence historians for ages to come.