Bill Clinton is trying to mitigate the "nice guy" effect of McCain.

[Infinite Hope]

He mentioned it, but then always lays out the issues as a priority. It's a way of coercing people to think "Yeah, I do like McCain and he's honorable...but damn, he's wrong on the issues."

As someone who Bill Clinton ticked off during the campaign, it's clear to me that he's doing the right thing here and subtly psychologically coercing those who "like" McCain to think about the issues first.

[knowbody0]

1. that's what makes Bill a pro

two good strokes followed by a BAMB!

[RichGirl]

2. You're right.

Anyone who took just a minute to think about it...if someone bashes your candidate do you stop and think about it. Do you say...hmmm? Maybe Obama is muslim, maybe he is a terrorist. NO...you dig your heels in harder. Like Bill said, he doesn't need to win over those who love Obama, he needs to get to indies and republicans. You can't win over a republican by bashing McCain anymore than they could win over Obama supporters by bashing Obama.

If you love Obama, the just ignore Bill...he's not talking to you.

[Sodan]

3. Just made a similar post :) AGREE!

[Phx_Dem]

4. I might agree with your assumptions if it was only

about complimenting McCain and Palin. It isn't. Bill can't seem to choke out the word "yes" when continuously asked if he wholeheartedly supports Barack Obama. Jon Stewart practically beat over the head about that question and he still couldn't quite muster an absolute response.

"I think he'll win" is not at all the same as "he's the best candidate for the job."

Bill Clinton is a big boy who knows exactly what he's doing; he doesn't need people to make excuses for him.

[ErinBerin84]

5. whatever Bill's intentions are...

I kind of think he has lost his political savvy...maybe it has something to do with his heart operation. I think his point about Bush sending a "clear message" last night about whose fault it was was a bit too far. If your op is right, I think that he might be too subtle, when at other times he should have been subtle this year, he was anything but. Oh well...doesn't really matter to me either way.