Obama: I am going to need Clintons

[rodeodance]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/24/obama-i-am-going-to-need-clintons/

Obama: I am going to need Clintons
Posted: 06:16 PM ET

From CNN Political Producer Alexander Marquardt, CNN Political Producer Chris Welch
.
Obama praised Bill Clinton in an interview with CNN.

(CNN) – The same day that Bill Clinton’s office issued a statement saying that the former president is “committed to doing whatever he can” for Barack Obama, the Illinois senator told CNN that he and the Clintons will be “working closely together over the next couple of weeks to put together a plan.”

“They’re going to want to campaign actively on behalf of the Democratic ticket,” said Obama, “I am going to need them.”

“Bill Clinton is one of the most intelligent, charismatic political leaders that we have seen in a generation and he has got a lot of wisdom to impart,” he added.
...............
“ going to be a force to be reckoned with not only in the Senate but hopefully if I'm successful in the White House she's going to be one of my key partners in making sure that we’re moving forward on issues like healthcare that she cares so deeply about.”

[rpannier]

1. It's time to move forward

Obama and Clinton realize this.

I only hope their supporters (both Obama and Clinton) get on the train soon.

[RichGirl]

47. Yeah...let's get on the train.

And let's remember who the conductor of the train is. Who Obama wants to move forward with is up to him...not us.

[Cali_Democrat]

2. The primaries are over

lets move on

[MonkeyFunk]

3. Isn't that the point of the OP?

:shrug:

[Cali_Democrat]

6. It is true that Obama needs Clinton and her supporters

But I just don't think there's a need to come out and post about it. It's rather obvious to anyone following politics.

I just hope the OP realizes that this post could rehash primary battles, something we really don't need.

[rodeodance]

8. I am hoping that peop;le will self -disciplines themselves not to rehash the primaries. And

its news. so I posted it.

[barb162]

37. And you're right to post it. K&R

I find it interesting a few here think you shouldn't post it.

:hi:

[MonkeyFunk]

9. So you'd prefer no mentions of Clinton

even when there are news stories about her and her role in the presidential campaign?

[Cali_Democrat]

10. Not at all

I just thought that this particular post could lead to some Obama supporters saying we don't need her and yada yada yada.

I guess I was wrong because this thread seems to be going ok, I guess ;-)

[MonkeyFunk]

23. Yeah

I think, largely, things are improving.

[Bake]

27. There were plenty of posts yesterday to the effect that "Obama doesn't need Bill Clinton"

Fortunately, Obama is wiser than some of his supporters, who can't stop bashing Bill.

Bake

[polmaven]

33. It isn't the LEAST BIT

obvious to many of the regular posters here at DU. Have you seen some of the very recent threads still bashing both of the Clintons?

[JoFerret]

46. It doesn't need to do that

re-ignite bad feeling I mean.

After all - it's just a plain fact of politics that alliances are necessary to win and Obama does need Hillary to win in November. And she will help him do it.

[barb162]

35. Wow, thanks for that tidbit

:eyes:

[BlackVelvet04]

4. All I can say to this is...

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[NYC_SKP]

5. Yes, they could be helpful but mostly he needs them to not interfere.

It was very nice of Barack to say those things, and clearly he and Hillary are working nicely together.

But Hillary is not the keystone to his victory.

He's quite a powerful and persuasive figure without the Clintons around him, some would say that he's more powerful that way.

Nonetheless, more heads and hands can never hurt.

So, all hands on deck!


:kick:

:patriot:

[Colobo]

7. Democrats are united. This is proof of it.

[Name removed]

11. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cboy4]

12. This will not go over very well among some here at DU.

K&R :kick:

[karynnj]

18. Why - it is standard

Look at 2000, Gore had some nice words for Bradley when he conceded. Kerry gave EVERY one of his competitors a speaking slot at his convention. As each conceded, there were joint appearances - with BOTH saying nice things about what the other brought to the process. In 2004, in addition to the various times Kerry said good things of his previous opponents - there was a prominent dinner event where Bill Clinton extended praise to every one of the primary losers - ending with Dean, who he praised effusively. For the winner NOT to compliment the loser, after they really conceded, would lack graciousness and would be counter productive.

Why would anyone object to this?

[mcctatas]

13. And water is wet....

of course he is, and the fact that he acknowledges it raises my opinion of him....
(not that it needed much raising;) )

[woolldog]

14. Too many cooks spoil the broth.....

so to speak....

[LanternWaste]

34. On the other hand...

On the other hand, two master chefs can make a helluva good meal...

[Raster]

15. Thank you Senator Obama! The primaries are over and it's time to focus on the fight ahead!

Senator and President Clinton are bright shining stars of our party and definitely needed if we are going to put Senator Obama in the White House. It is time--long past time--to put our egos and petty differences aside. I truly look forward to many years of continued public service by the Clintons, and believe their best may yet be ahead of them. At this most precarious time in our nation's history, we are truly blessed to have leaders the caliber of Senator and President Clinton and Senator Obama. And believe me, it's going to take EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE to correct these hideous eight years of cheney*/bush*.

[JVS]

16. He's just being nice. Don't read it as some indicator that the Clintons hold all the cards

[greguganus]

19. Obama likes to keep the peace. n/t

[bunnies]

25. Agreed. Its very PC. Nothing more. nt

[JohnnyLib2]

17. Obama is setting a good example with this.

Good for him.

[Danger Mouse]

20. Well, yeah, I think they'd be very helpful to him...

and Obama isn't interested in burning any bridges.

[SeaLyons]

21. K&R

:kick:

[dogday]

22. United we stand, divided we fall... It is time to take it to the

Republicans with everything we have...

[JimGinPA]

24. I Wonder What The Clintons Are Going To Do About Their Statements That Are Now Being Used In GOP Ads

[clevbot]

26. good question

I think they'll find someway to overcome these comments, especially if Hillary and Bill can get some attacks to stick on McCain. Simply Hillary will be used to court women and Bill will be used to court males and the rural vote. I think the Clintons, despite my ideological differences with them, will undoubtley play a huge part in electing Obama.

[liberalfella]

28. Progressives are more united than ever

It is our unity that has helped our candidate take a double digit lead against the backwards John McCain. Let's hope the harmony is not interrupting by intra-partisan bickering again.

[book_worm]

29. Sure and Obama has said that repeatedly, just like Bill needed a united Dem party in '92

now the torch is being passed.

[iconicgnom]

30. Obama needs all the Dems. Of course.

To say otherwise would be idiocy. He needs Carter. He needs Kucinch. He needs Edwards, Elizabeth too. He needs Dodd, Boxer, ... And he needs all their campaign workers, the ones case hardened from working in the trenches. The ones who've learned from the job.

He doesn't need Lieberman, tho'. I rather doubt you'll ever hear him or his campaign saying anything about his needing Lieberman. Nope, not that bloodsucking parasite.

Because there really is two sides, there clearly is a division, and just as Obama needs the support of all Dems, all Dems need to support Obama. Simple, isn't it?

[cbayer]

31. This is such unbelievable strategy

and will benefit Democratic contenders across the country. I have always felt that even in the heat of the primaries, Clinton and Obama truly like and respect each other. I think they will be a formidable force.

And a message to you deadender Clinton haters out there, many of who have already replied here and many of whom will before this thread is dead. You are beginning to stick out like sore thumbs. You look increasingly juvenile and desperate. Why don't you get on the train with the rest of us? We are going great places and would love to have you along. In the meantime, you are just a drag.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[polichick]

36. Obama's being polite, trying to include them - imo he doesn't really need them.

[GoldieAZ49]

38. so if they just release statements saying yeah sure gobama etc etc

and do no campaigning you will not mind nor complain.

good to know.

[GoldieAZ49]

39. Of course he does, Bill is the only 2 term dem president in the past 40 years

"whatever he can do" for Obama is needed

[yourguide]

40. The primaries are over.

Period. It's done. She's not going to be VP.

It's time to move on.

[shadowknows69]

41. And?

Who the fuck cares?

[GoldieAZ49]

42. Obama cares. That is why he also asked his donors to help reduce her debt.

:hi:

[grantcart]

43. All together for the GE only 132 days left

[JackORoses]

44. and I thought I'd seen my last Rodeo...

Let Bill and Hill campaign in Arkansas, maybe they can turn it Blue.

[FourPieRun]

45. when he bashed the clintons he undermined his own chances of being elected, because he was essential

essentially bashing the democratic party (which a former president is certainly considered an official representative of).