How the Clintons fought for healthcare reform behind the scenes

[Clintonista2]

The Clintons and health care: It was their issue, their passion and their failure in the '90s. This time around, both President and Secretary Clinton worked behind the scenes to get it done, giving pep talks and campaign speeches and, in Hillary's case, calling one stubborn Democrat as the clock ticked down to Sunday's vote.

It ended with a hug, Hillary Clinton's arms thrown out exuberantly to congratulate President Obama once the bill passed. The White House made sure to snap a picture and posted it online. But Hillary, and even Bill, were kept out of the spotlight for nearly all of the debate.

Hillary has been almost completely out of the public eye. It's certainly benefited the White House -- which has for months refused to discuss the Clintons' level of involvement -- to keep someone who once brutally attacked President Obama's health care plans out of the debate.

So she extended a hand privately. She was reportedly called in as a closer over the weekend, making last-ditch appeals to difficult lawmakers. She called Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), a surprise holdout who refused to vote for the Senate bill even after a one-on-one meeting with President Obama. (Lynch ended up voting against the Senate bill but for the reconciliation package).

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http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/how-the-clintons-helped-pass-health-reform.php

[lillypaddle]

1. I love me some Clintons

and some Prez Obama! :)

[lxlxlxl]

2. wish they were more visible this week in DC. would have been nice...

i dont think anyone real on here doesnt think the clintons did what they could this year, and were instrumental in keeping the issue alive.

[tallahasseedem]

3. That picture of

Hillary and Barack from Monday was priceless! :D

What a great article. Thanks for the link!

[bigwillq]

7. That picture really was sweet.

:)

[leftofcool]

4. That's my girl!

[Cha]

5. There's a whole journal of pics from day one

in this presidency..of course they snapped the pic and put it online like all the others to be found every day.

I thank Hillary and Bill for helping out behind the scenes..so many worked on this to get it done.

[robinblue]

6. I think they deserve a special recognition for their help.

[Clio the Leo]

8. Kick! NT

[Grand Taurean]

9. K/R

[applegrove]

10. Both Clintons are such wonderful assets to the Obama White House.