No Obama Talk From Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton appeared yesterday at the Aspen Ideas Festival, addressing "a panoply of world issues from climate change and alternative energy to food security and AIDS" -- that is, most everything except the presidential campaign he devoted much of the last two years to.

During a "sober hour-long conversation" before an overflow crowd, Clinton argued that "creatively rethinking and reorganizing current global problem-solving methods would vastly improve civilization."

"It's a simple little thing that philanthropists should be doing anywhere: Change the business model," the former president said while discussing a market-based solution for distributing affordable HIV/AIDS drugs in the developing world. Clinton explained how, by changing the system of drug production and sales, his Clinton Foundation was able to cut their costs drastically while still allowing manufacturers to turn a profit.

He took a similar tack on addressing starvation in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions facing food shortages. Clinton said America needs to "get the show on the road" by aiding farmers and developing native agriculture in ailing nations, rather than simply dumping American foodstuffs on them.

But that didn't stop some from thinking he might have taken an impromptu shot at Sen. Barack Obama. From the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg:

Bill Clinton is speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival, and he said just now, apropos of almost nothing (actually, during a long peroration on Nelson Mandela): "Every living soul on this planet has some highly-justified anger. Everyone. If you know anybody who was a P.O.W. for any time, they can be going on for years and all of a sudden something will happen that will trigger all those bad memories."

Not too subtle. Astonishingly, his interviewer, former Clinton Administration official Jane Wales, didn't follow-up. One subject Clinton didn't talk about at all: Barack Obama. He seemed to go out of his way, in fact, not to mention Obama's name. Which, when you think about, calls into question whether the P.O.W. shot was actually an intentional shot at all. On the other hand, I believe that Bill Clinton doesn't say things by accident.

Was that a shot at Obama? Seems highly doubtful to me.

Comments

[vsign]

I would feel safe and comfortable in the world again if Hillary and Bill were back in the White House.

Neither Rev Obama nor McCain makes me feel safe. Especially not Rev Obama. He has an agenda that is truly scarey and belongs in a third world country. His ability to move big crowds to a frenzy is sick - not inspiring.

[Rita1]

If your security blanket is tied up entirely in the occupant of the White House being a Clinton, then you're sitting in sand because Bill & Hill ain't it, and Utopia is not coming when they do show up. The Mr. C. has virtually no moral character, which is even less than low moral character, and the Mrs. has shown herself to be the player, and climber, many of us thought she was - the ruthless, ever divisive, pathological liar, selfish, and poorest of publically poor political sports. Neither Clinton holds a view especially different from any other typical democrat, so what was special about them was, simply, Bill's impeached charisma, which Hillary rode for all it was worth. At least Obama represents the faint hope of a fresher start than the Boomer Clintons of yesterday could ever muster in a general election. Half of all voters, and now half of the democrats, have slammed that Clinton door shut....thankfully.

[jupitor]

Did you forget the Ron Paul trials are still going against the Clinton? Or maybe you forgot how indeeded they to are with the lobbyist, and with her as the nomanee that talking point against Mccain is out the window! Believe me it's a strong talking point against Mccain and the clintons wouldn't change the lobbyist haveing a hold over our Goverment. Those lobbyist means Big company /Big Money like the clintons own and run, that wants to run our Goverment into the ground as long as they get thier pocket lined they don't care about the little folk! NAFTA needs a complete over haul, and who put that into affect and stole our nations jobs, or did you forget that little piece of tragic American story vsign? I respect the Clintons, and in the 90's they did do some good things, but they also hurt us with some of their programs that were never fixed to help us over the years. It's good our country is finally excited about a candidate again! It's what's getting us up and moveing and talking, debateing and bringing new ideas from all corners of this country, and this man is listening, ACTUALLY LISTENING TO THOSE NEW IDEA'S OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! THIS IS WHY HE'S MOVEING PEOPLE IN A BIG WAY! WOW! YES HE CAN!

[westcoastsc]

It is not how you feel that should be your basis in picking a candidate. Please, keep to the issues. Be watchful of the news and of history. What disgusted me most about this last democratic primary race is the fact that not only is the media not doing its job, but it has taken an active role in the propaganda put out increasingly by the government. If you had done a really thorough search of Bill and Hillary, you would know about Paul vs. Clinton which makes believable all of the other things that we forgot about during their presidency. Mena, for example. They inherited the dot.com era. Bush could have ridden that as well and looked great, but we all know what kind of an idiot he is. I don't know how anybody can take comfort with people who continually lie, say anything that they think people want to hear, will do anything, and believe they are better than everybody else. Remember Rwanda got no news coverage, but because of his lying about a b.j. the American public and the world did not act. Millions of people died. I hope you feel better someday.

[anandamide]

Just what is this agenda that is truly "scarey"? Seems to me you understand politics about as well as you spell.

[vsign]

Thank you for the compliment. Black Liberation Theology is divisive racially. This whole primary has been very divisive to the Democratic Party. Insults that are personal toward posters like me, are divisive. I am surprised few Obama supporters get it.

[vsign]

This arena, mega-church sermon to accept the nomination is creepy. Rev Obama is too too much like another politician in history who gave big big speeches to a people wanting purpose in life. His use of race to divide us is similar also.

I am embarrassed by the Democratic Party. My husband and I have changed from being Democrats all of our lives to Independent. We do not yet know what we will do come voting time. We live in a swing state and do not want Rev Obama to be voted in as a leader. We would have been proud to vote for Hillary.

[teacupsnpots]

Bill has not been helpful for the Dems in this campaign and may have been responsible for Hillary's loss

[arvay]

Bill Clinton is ensuring his legacy as a perpetual teenager and onanistic bloviator, who never got beyond all-night college gabfests.

[westcoastsc]

His behavior is like a cocaine addict, not being able to control what he says. Is it true that he was hospitalized twice for cocaine and sinus problems? What happened to all of his bodyguards?

[sharonh]

Onanistic bloviator? Speaking of college gabfests.

[FogBelter]

I think it is dawning on Bill that he has a bigger problem than Obama or Hillary losing the nomination. I'm sure Bill saw Hillary's Presidency as a chance for him to rehabilitate his reputation and this election cycle has changed the narrative. To those who admire Bill and view him as a Great President they should remember that if the United States lasts another hundred years or so, Bill will be reduced to a footnote of Presidents who were impeached, along with Andrew Johnson.

So, as much as Bill would have probably loved Hillary to have won this time around just for the sheer appreciation of her achievement, he also has to recognize now that in wake of the hostility and bad feelings that erupted during this primary season, he will probably find himself with a limited role in an Obama Presidency, and he realizes he is marginalized. That would kill his enthusiasm for Obama I would think.

[barackobama4prez]

Too bad he didn't encourage his wife to run in 2004. that was her year. she missed her moment.

[mergina]

If i was in Clintons shoes, i would NOT help obama, nor would i HURT obama. Let's see what he's got on his own, which seems to be fizzling out and moving towards the bought and paid for Washington mold day, by day, by day.

[dct1999]

Stupid, stupid, stupid misleading headline.

Bill Clinton does not have to discuss Obama at every event he attends.

The POW comment appears to be directed at John McCain and his infamous temper.

[personalpolitical]

Of course he didn't say anything about Obama, he still hasn't endorsed him, and he isn't going to do anything to help him, because he is a petty, shallow, bitter, vindictive child-president. He can't swallow his pride after Obama came from nowhere and kicked his ass, against all odds and all of the Clintons' advantages, and so he will continue to pout.

And you know what Bill? No one cares, because Obama doesn't need you, you are worthless, you are the old, you are the past, you don't count for anything anymore. You trashed your reputation with your angry outbursts and your pathological lying. So good luck with that pouty bit.

[leftintheoven]

Exactly.

[leftintheoven]

I agree. When Barack Obama becomes our next president without any help from B Billy, Clinton's legacy will have crash landed into dust. That is what Clinton is gambling on. He mistakenly hopes Barack loses so he still has a shot at being the First Man of the White House. His wife has to show support for Barack or her career could be over if he were to lose. But B Billy has nothing to lose except whatever respect he has remaining from a select fewer number than at the start of this year.

[sharonh]

Obama did not "come from nowhere". The Clintons campaigned vigorously to help him gain his Senate seat. What you say about being old and worthless is ridiculous. As for angry outbursts, re-read your post.

[mergina]

Why should he endorse his royal highness Obama. He does not need Bill, right? He is graying on his own just fine thank you.........is that a dye job?

[whizkid]

The Bill haters here had to be nine or ten when he was our last great president.

[leftintheoven]

Sorry, but I was in my forties. I didn't have an issue with Bill in 1992 or 1996. I fully supported him, even through the Lewinski attacks from rightwingers. But B Billy lost my respect during this campaign season. He was a loose cannon and wanted the spotlight even over his wife. Fairly tale comments and Jesse Jackson references didn't do much to help him.

[jupitor]

I completely agree with you leftintheoven. I too supported the clintons for some time. They were right for the 90's. They did some good, and some not so good. This time around he did distroy her chance's. I think she was strong willed enough to rule, and get by the special interest groups given a chance. But she came with the Ron Paul thing still on her back as well as with a lobbyist problem to shake off. Bill did her no favors, and I think when the time is right, they will give him a place to be and a speech to give! They both will support Obama in the long run. Right now he can take jabs at Mccain here and there and cause people to take a second look at Mccain, and than build up slowlly from there. But he fire cracker will come back, and will be checked and balanced where he can do the most good for the party! So let's get off of this none story and move on to some real meanful issues, shall we!

[barackobama4prez]

I was 18 and remember it well....I still don't care what he did back then. The true test of his character will be what he does NOW.

[bascombe]

it's really OK!

the less we hear from bill, the better!

[Sarahjan]

steamboat

I am African and Bill Clinton has done every little for Africa, Africans are not hapless lot waiting for the "help" of Bill Clinton. African activists have been on the frontline in researching and reporting on causes of HIV/AIDS. Bill Clinton had been and still is party of globalizing G8 western powers who brought unjust or un-free trade to Africa and that HIV/AIDS is the by product of poverty, malnutrition and lack of infrastructure linked to unjust trade policies.

HIV/AIDS is the product of neoliberal globalization which is supported by Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton needs Africa more than African needs him; he has been collecting millions of dollars in the name of HIV/AIDS. This is good PR politics, but for the rest of ordinary Americans they need to worry more about the crumbling American cities which are becoming breeding grounds for resurgent diseases and new diseases. American can help their country and wider world including Africa by learning the harm their country has done and is still doing to other societies and demand different policies from their elected officials. Barack Obama, in my view will make better president than Bill Clinton. Let us go beyond the days of Bill Clinon, please!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25352442/
http://www.livevideo.com/video/99EB7D858AD94B5F801F5D02E34159FA/.aspx
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/277.html

[steamboat]

I agree Clinton was MISERABLE on Africa. BTW, in the past I've SAID SO. No intervention or pressuring in Rwanda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan.....But hey, what about the UN? You saw what happened in Rwanda. As soon as some mischief started, those european UN peacekeepers, mainly Belgian, took off and let a million people be slaughtered. What about Black Leaders in America? The Congressional Black Caucas NEVER its mouth on Rwanda. Jesse Jackson wined & dined at banquets and took donations from Charles Taylor. Farrakhan backed the arab Sudan govt. over the black people in southern Sudan. Explain that one?...........all I'm saying is that since he's become a private citizen Clinton has finally poured out his heart on charity issues.

[mergina]

Africa has done very little for Africans. Whenever someone tries, some general despot takes it all and starts murdering everyone.

[whizkid]

This is Huffpo.
The headlines and the articles don't match.

[kevenseven]

Don't like it?

Then bugger off to some other site.

[whizkid]

keven
See you in Denver.
Mom hates you too.

[yeswecancan]

I agree with others -- the POW anger comment is clearly a shot against McCain. And I don't know why anybody is still parsing Bill Clinton's words -- he's not on the campaign trail and it's his wife that matters in this campaign. I've stopped holding my breath to see what Bill has to say -- he's a private citzen, he can say or not say what he wants -- it doesn't matter anymore. The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.