A Master Craftsman

Bill Clinton puts on a political clinic.

By Howard Fineman | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Aug 27, 2008 | Updated: 10:23  p.m. ET Aug 27, 2008

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  • Posted By: timrogers @ 08/29/2008 6:59:32 PM

    Bill can still deliver a line better than anyone. The trouble is we do not believe him anymore. We don't even believe he believes what he says. Bill should not be doomed into being the horny, immoral skirt chaser forever, but it is a little too soon for many of us to forgive the lies. Or to forgive the lost opportunity for his Presidency had he acted in private as decently as he performed in public. Bill was the opening act for Bush and company because of his reckless behavior. I still like Bill but more with the admiration of an ingenious con man than as a person deserving trust or respect.

  • Posted By: loriw @ 08/28/2008 2:14:17 AM

    Check out Obama Anthem on Glennbeck.com or on Youtube. Funniest thing since the JibJab video!
    Russian national anthem with the words changed.

    • Posted By: willnotvoteobama @ 08/28/2008 7:15:53 AM

      THAT IS SO FUNNY !!

      • Posted By: loriw @ 08/29/2008 3:09:27 AM

        But then after you get done laughing...it seems really, really scary!

  • Posted By: FATJOEY @ 08/28/2008 11:36:40 AM

    bubba clinton could talk the clothes off a muslim woman!

    • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 1:26:12 PM

      Yup, a better salesman then, well, Obama.

      • Posted By: loriw @ 08/29/2008 3:05:25 AM

        Obama couldn't sell bandaids to a bleeding man...especially without a telepromper.

    • Posted By: loriw @ 08/29/2008 3:04:25 AM

      He probably has, it just hasn't been made public yet out of respect for the woman.

  • Posted By: Bartie @ 08/28/2008 7:29:05 PM

    Thank you Howard for finally getting it right. It was a truly masterful speech, and reminded us Dems of all the reasons we love Bill in spite of his foibles.

    I was planning on sitting out the vote for President but will now vote for Obama; not because I like him as a candidate (I don't) but because Bill asked me to.

  • Posted By: Omaar @ 08/28/2008 7:06:13 PM

    Bill Clinton did a Great Thing, by saying what his Opposition thought of him and tried to Emphasize about him, that was Supposedly "Being Too Young & Inexperienced" and Bill One Upped their Asses !!!

    He should've gone on Further and say...

    43 Yr old John F. Kennedy was also Mocked by the Republicans and his own Democratic Opposition Lyndon B. Johnson as being "Too Young & Too InExperienced" as well

    Ronald Reagan was Scorned Early on by the Press and his Republican opposition as "Being Too Old & InExperienced and just a B-Actor vying for the White House" and also it was said, "That Running a Single State is not like Running 50 states" but later on one of the Most Beloved Presidents.

    Jimmy Carter was called "Too Southern, Too Out of Touch and He has No National Or International Experience", yet Carter did 2 Great Things in his 1 term as President,

    1. Carter Brokered: The "Middle East Peace Agreement" an Agreement that has lasted to this day, Between Both Israel & Eygpt.

    2. Carter Brokered: The Strategic Nuclear Missiles Agreemnet between Both The USA & Russia. These 2 Agreemenst thus far have NEVER BEEN BROKEN !!!

    Carter did it without BloodShed and Mass Murder or Mass Destruction.

    THINK ABOUT THAT, WHEN YOU CRITICIZE JIMMY CARTER.
    -------------------------------------------

    My fellow Democrats, sixteen years ago, you gave me the profound honor to lead our party to victory and to lead our nation to a new era of peace and broadly shared prosperity.

    Together, we prevailed in a campaign in which the Republicans said I was too young and too inexperienced to be Commander-in-Chief. Sound familiar? It didn't work in 1992, because we were on the right side of history. And it won't work in 2008, because Barack Obama is on the right side of history.

    His life is a 21st Century incarnation of the American Dream. His achievements are proof of our continuing progress toward the "more perfect union" of our founders' dreams. The values of freedom and equal opportunity which have given him his historic chance will drive him as president to give all Americans, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability, their chance to build a decent life, and to show our humanity, as well as our strength, to the world.

    We see that humanity, that strength, and our future in Barack and Michelle Obama and their beautiful children. We see them reinforced by the partnership with Joe Biden, his wife Jill, a dedicated teacher, and their family.

    Barack Obama will lead us away from division and fear of the last eight years back to unity and hope. If, like me, you still believe America must always be a place called Hope, then join Hillary, Chelsea and me in making Senator Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

    ----------------------------

  • Posted By: Amuni @ 08/28/2008 11:50:12 AM

    I said that the republicans are using character assasination. What I didn't say is that they are using Hillary Clinton to drive a wedge that I don't think really exists in the democratic party. The hateful things being said, even in these posts, are not being said by true democrats. I just hope the American public is smart enough to realize this.

    • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 1:25:18 PM

      Well call them out on it then. Don't hide behind the curtain making blanket statements. And I see you are a true Democrat. Now blaming others for the DNC taking a shyt on Hilary? Hilary just couldn't be mad about the whole situation and it not be someone other then the Democrats fault could it? Blame, blame, blame. The Democratic motto!!!!

      • Posted By: Amuni @ 08/28/2008 5:36:52 PM

        I didn't say she wasn't disappointed. I am not her personal confidante, so I don't know what is really going on in her mind. What I object to is individuals stirring the pot when most democrats have already moved on.

  • Posted By: ToadTreeHugger @ 08/28/2008 4:56:02 PM

    This is the first time Fineman said something positive about the Clintons. Funny how these journalists like the Clintons only when Bill and Hillary say what the media wants to hear.

  • Posted By: miltongalfas @ 08/28/2008 4:46:50 PM

    Yes it is a shame that Obama does not measure up to Clinton. The press said that Clinton was too young but not too inexperienced. He was on his second term as governor. Obama will lose mostly because he is in over his head due to John Dean's hatred of the Clintons. If only Clinton had endorsed Dean.

  • Posted By: BJP225 @ 08/28/2008 9:35:27 AM

    I agree with your assessment of Clinton's speech, Howard. he did exactly what was needed and he did it well. I am also very happy he was so warmly received. They showed him a lot of love last night. That had to help with the healing. I wish I could look forward to him doing this on the campaign trail for Obama, but I am still wary of Bill. It would be a shame if he gave this performance, then suddenly became too busy to do too much more. Along with losing her primary bid, I think one of the things that has been upsetting to the Clintons, is that Bill has never been properly acknowledged by the Democratic PArty, for the things he did right, while he was president. That finally happened, thanks to Dean, Axelrod, and Obama. Ironically, these are the very people, Dean and Obama, that the Clintonistas wanted to get rid of! At some point, Bill and Hillary will have to honestly look at what happened during her campaign, and realize that it isn't Obama's "fault " that he ran a better campaign operation. When I look at David Axelrod and compare him to Carville, Lanny Davis and HArold Ickes, it's like they are from two different eras!

    • Posted By: busby @ 08/28/2008 9:58:23 AM

      What planet are you on? The dnc scewered Hillary, Bill and their supporters. And, again, it is not up to Clinton to get Obama elected. Can't he do that for himself? If Clinton wants to go back to his foundation work for aids and malaria, that's his business. He did more for Obama than he needed to. Do you think Obama would have done the same for Hillary if the tables were turned? When is enough for you people?

      • Posted By: raddave @ 08/28/2008 12:38:41 PM

        The DNC didn't screw Hilalry Clinton. Hillary Clinton screwed Hillary Clinton. She went into the primaries thinking she would have it sewn up by Super Tuesday and had no plan for after it. She got it together at the end, but it was too late for her campaign. I do think Obama would have done the same because I think Sen. Clinton would have chosen him as her VP.

        • Posted By: busby @ 08/28/2008 2:36:17 PM

          Since when is taking delegates from one candidate and giving them to another not screwing? Obama could have had his name on the ballot in MI. He should not have been rewarded by not doing so. And, by the way, caucuses should not be counted since people run in and out and vote however many times they want and some caucuses are estimated. No wonder people get cynical. It's bad enough when the other party voids your vote (Gore) but when your own party does it to you (Clinton) both they and you can put it where the sun doesn't shine.

      • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 11:11:25 AM

        It's never enough and failure is never their fault. Last week they were asking for John McCain to endorse him and say how great he was. LOL Basically help Obama get elected. And because he wasn't they say it shows McCain has no class. Go figure, I thought McCain wanted the same job.

        • Posted By: raddave @ 08/28/2008 12:35:49 PM

          That is an idiotic statement.

          • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 1:02:08 PM

            An idiotic statement would be a lie. Shall I find some of the posts requesting McCain to step up for Obama and paste them here for you? Really, you can apologizes anytime..

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 08/28/2008 10:21:38 AM

    HOWARD FINEMAN = THE GREAT CRAFTSMAN.

    LAY IT ON THICK FOR ALL THOSE LOSERS HOWARD, EXCELLENT SHOW.

    • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 11:30:18 AM

      Howard Fineman= a great craftsman? Are you kidding me?The mans an idiot sheep who's leg trembles when he hears Obama's speeches. Did I mention he lacks the #1 need for a reporter? You know , the ability to keep an unbiased opinion and let the readers decide. Howard prefers to tell you what you think. I see why your a fan. Your a follower looking for a leader.

      • Posted By: raddave @ 08/28/2008 12:35:08 PM

        So he suffers from Sean Hannity Syndrome then?

        • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 1:05:19 PM

          Are you commenting on another poster saying SEAN HANNITY= THE CRAFTSMAN as I was, Or are you trying to say it's ok because Hannity does it too? 2 wrongs make a right! I see the light now, Thanks!!!

  • Posted By: Big DDDDD @ 08/28/2008 8:05:39 AM

    The Obama mgic continues!!! Please remember that magic is an illusion/trick. Watchout if he gets elected. We will all be in trouble.

    • Posted By: summer4077 @ 08/28/2008 9:45:15 AM

      That's right...he's the Antichrist! Or wait, is he the Messiah this week? You guys flip flop every week...

      • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 12:58:20 PM

        Kinda like Bill, Hilary, and his VP Biden flip flopped. I seem to remember each one of them at one point in time stating Obama is not ready for commander and chief and that the presidency is NOT a job for on the job training. Who flip flops again? Glad summers almost over, all this hot air is killing peoples braincells

  • Posted By: busby @ 08/28/2008 7:41:17 AM

    As always Bill Clinton showed them how it should be done. Not by just this speech but by the eight peaceful and prosperous years he gave us under constant duress from the republicans. But the euphoria of the obama supporters is a little misplaced. Weren't they the ones who tore him to pieces during the primaries? It seems he only gets creds because he praised Obama. Now let's see what Obama can do on his lonesome. Bill hasn't convinced me - that has to come from the nominee.

    • Posted By: raddave @ 08/28/2008 12:42:09 PM

      There is no convincing you because you do not want to be convinced.

      • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 12:55:00 PM

        Wanna bet? Disagree with fire is HOT. Then go stick your hand over a burner. CONVINCED?

  • Posted By: topcat2001 @ 08/27/2008 10:57:47 PM

    loriw - you are a Republican bot paid to troll and comment on websites from India. we dont want your outsourced policies in this country anymore.

    • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 12:47:59 PM

      And other nations think we're azzhole because of the Republicans, says the high and mighty snob/Democrat. You sure do relay the message of change across the globe well don't you? Ever considered working for the Obama campaign? They're big on hypocrisy too!!!

  • Posted By: amtravel @ 08/27/2008 11:43:23 PM

    The republicans are for the rich and the democrats are for the people Why is it so
    hard to understand this???

    • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 12:43:15 PM

      You actually believe Democrats are not rich? Hey I got some ocean front property going real cheap in Ohio. You interested?

  • Posted By: Fleetside @ 08/28/2008 12:18:17 AM

    Yep! whitey out did the spook again and the demo libs are whinning again.

    • Posted By: ranman1 @ 08/28/2008 3:21:26 AM

      You know it's easy to post the crap on the internet that you would never say to a persons face. It shows what kind of coward you are , and what kind of man you are not. If you had any balls, which I'm sure you do not, you would post your real FULL name, and what city, and state you live in. But you do what all cowards do you hide under a rock, come out in the dark of night and spit racist, ignorant vitriol. When you grow a set, and I suspect that day will never come...man up, and identify yourself, if you are truly proud of your yourself, and really believe in what you posted on here let the world know who you are. Oh wait we already know...a racist piec of ***

      • Posted By: summer4077 @ 08/28/2008 9:47:19 AM

        S/he is just a troll. Ignore it. Obviously this person has no life...pathetic.

        • Posted By: chrisphx66 @ 08/28/2008 11:55:58 AM

          Not only that, but he misspelled "winning"! :)

          • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 12:40:33 PM

            Hey forest. I'm certainly not defending his comments but he was spelling whining. Not winning.

  • Posted By: corevalley @ 08/28/2008 12:41:12 AM

    One of the best speeches I have ever heard. Now I know why I am a democrat.

    • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 12:36:56 PM

      Sounds like an admission that you didn't know why you were a Democrat previously. But keep in mind, it was the Democrats who shyt all over Bill and Hilary in the primaries. I guess a flip flop is in order since they helped Obama.

  • Posted By: cabebet @ 08/28/2008 4:04:15 AM

    'obamayeswecan' - you are so funny! You sound like extreme right wing talk radio. They might not even be that biased. Clinton is not a racist and I don't believe Obama meant to say that. If he did (and I am black and a democrat) I would disapprove. Bill is a great guy and a wonderful American. He was biased during the primaries but what husband wouldn't be? But he is definately not a racist or a bigot and anybody that believes that or promotes that kind of discussion is simply looking to cause division.....nice try but nobody is buying bud

    • Posted By: summer4077 @ 08/28/2008 9:46:12 AM

      Exactly. Clinton was referred to as "The First Black President"--remember? So how would that make him racist? As usual, the right wingers just love to sling unbased lies and insults.

      • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 11:43:12 AM

        You flip flop so much you look like a damn top for cryin out loud. Everyone of you bots said Clinton was the reason Hilary lost her 40 pt lead to Obama because he was a racist. Where was your azz when Rev Wright said Bill did to the black community what he did to Monica. WHERES THE OUTRAGE??????? Everyone of you sheep asked why Bill made so much money (TAX RETURNS!!!!) as if he is not allowed to earn a living now. You change your mind as the wind blows and you have the audacity to kiss azz now that he spoke kindly of your king. What a sheeeeeeep!!!!!!

        • Posted By: chrisphx66 @ 08/28/2008 11:50:41 AM

          Funny thing about republikanischers - they blindly eat up the BS fed to them by their reichsfuhrer. "If Fuhrers Bush and McCains say it's true, it must be!" Then they call us "bots". Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black to me.

          • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 12:34:04 PM

            Well funny how a Obama sheep could actually claim others of doing what they do daily. Not sure if you realize this but, I was commenting on my own personal point of view based off of the last 4 months on Newsweek.

            Hey there's Obama!!! Run and follow sheep, run!!!!

  • Posted By: C. MacLean @ 08/27/2008 11:27:04 PM

    Bill, Biden, Barack - the Killer B's have spoken. Home run hitters, all three of them.

    John McCain might as well head home to Arizona now.

    • Posted By: chrisphx66 @ 08/28/2008 12:04:34 PM

      Please don't make him come back here! On the other hand, we have a suburb called Sun City where all the retirees go to live. I feel nauseous every time I pass by his office building on 16th Street here in Phoenix.

    • Posted By: summer4077 @ 08/28/2008 9:49:11 AM

      Lol that's only if he can find his home...any of them...

    • Posted By: willnotvoteobama @ 08/28/2008 7:17:54 AM

      YEP THE KILLER BABIES HAVE SPOKEN OOPS I MEAN BABY KILLERS !!

  • Posted By: F.A.R. @ 08/28/2008 3:00:47 AM

    It's not about the candidate, it's about what they stand for and what we believe they can accomplish! We vote for a president based on the alignment between our ideas and beliefs and the ones he/she puts on the table. Hillary and Obama are quite similar candidates in that regard. Consider this if you're a Hillary supporter and remember that a vote for McCain, or worse yet a no-show, is actually letting yourself and your ideals down!

    • Posted By: SPORTLOCK09 @ 08/28/2008 11:47:05 AM

      Basically you think Clinton supporters are just plain stupid right? Shyt on our candidate, scream SNIPER FIRE for 3 months while dismissing GOD DAMN AMERIKKA, then have the nerve to beg for our vote when it's convenient for your messiah? I think I'll pass...... But nice try

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