Bill Clinton: Presidents should be able to serve three terms

By: Lucy Madison
Topics: White House

Former President Bill Clinton on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Nov. 8, 2011.

(Credit: MSNBC)

President Bill Clinton says he thinks that in the future, presidents should be able to serve a third, non-consecutive term as president - though he emphasizes that he doesn't think that such a rule should apply to himself.

In an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," the former president, who was promoting his new book "Back to Work," said he thought he'd "always thought" a former two-term president should be able to run again after having taken some time off.

"I've always thought that should be the rule," he told MSNBC's Joe Scarborough. "I think as a practical matter, you couldn't apply it to anyone who has already served, but going forward, I personally believe that should be the rule."

"People are living longer, people are developing greater capacities, so I've always thought that should be the rule, not to affect me or anyone that's served, but going forward," he added.

Clinton, who also appeared on NBC's "Today Show" Tuesday, declined to say whether or not he thought his wife, Hillary Clinton, would have outperformed President Obama had she been elected in his place.

"I don't think about it," Clinton said, adding that, "I deal with the world as it is. I think [Obama's] done a better job than he's getting credit for."

The book, released Tuesday, outlines his strategy for improving the economy and creating jobs, brushed off the idea that America would not be able to turn around from the economic downturn. He argued, however, that Americans need to be patient.

"Americans hire presidents to win for them. He understands that, but they just need to understand that this is going to take some time to get out of and we need to begin," Clinton said. "We can get out of this."

Lucy Madison
Lucy Madison is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by itsmeinks November 16, 2011 12:12 AM EST: euge005....just remember that it was a dem congress and senate during Bush's laste 2 years in office. They were the ones that voted for decreased oversite for Fanny and Freddy, they were the ones that voted for decreased oversite for morgage companies. Obama himself as a senator voted for this. The rep wanted more oversite but they were voted out. Now lets talk 9/11 increase security money was spent on that and yes there was 2 wars. Lets also talk about drug prescription....I am sure you and yours have enjoyed the 4 dollar scripts. Now lets talk about Obama.....4 trillion + in 3 years. What a loser he is. The one who is a criminal...is Obama by far. He has divided this country like no other. They are to unite like what Bush did with 9/11. I have no respect for what Obama, Pelosi, Reid and the other Dems have done. EVIL!; Reply to this comment


by Overturn_legallized_theft November 13, 2011 4:59 PM EST: Just don't eat or drink anything from China. Remember Bill you have a bad heart.; Reply to this comment


by Kenny777_y November 11, 2011 12:12 PM EST: heres an idea,,,, lets not have a president. just take all the C.E O of all the major companys, they know how to fix the economy, create jobs, thats what they do right. then the one who creates the most jobs. and brings back a strong economy. he or she is LEADER for life. who says a politition has to run the country anyway who made that rule up.; Reply to this comment

by sinecure60 November 10, 2011 5:42 PM EST

Some should not even get a full first term, like the unqualified British/American in our white house now, and, not mentioning any names, but the one (guess who) who put NAFTA, GATT and the PERMANENT CHINA TRADE PACT (pacts do not require congressional approval, btw) into effect and sold usa down the river for jobs and fair trade.

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by lexingtonlady November 11, 2011 3:01 AM EST: And that guy that started wars, ran up a massive tab, gave huge corporate welfare to the pill industry, and blew up the economy.


by euge005 November 10, 2011 6:52 AM EST: Terrible idea. The problem is that they have to raise money while in office. I would allow any number of terms, just mot allow it to be in the same office two terms in a row. Then they would not have to play politics to get re-elected when they should be serving the 99% of us. Imagine a bought and paid for shill like Bush or a burnt out old man like Ronnie with 3 terms? I would want to be in the part of the country that joined Canada after the federal gov here ended.; Reply to this comment


by Ceres6 November 9, 2011 1:21 PM EST: What a beautiful idea. Why not go all the way. Why we don't let people like George Bush to be president forever. In that way, at the end of their lives all the people in the country will be enjoying the comforts of the stone age.; Reply to this comment


by Bojax39 November 8, 2011 10:29 PM EST: No, Bill. Two terms are enough and at times are too many. Now if you were to suggest term limits for congress, on the other hand, you'd get some support! :-); Reply to this comment


by catdayz100 November 8, 2011 10:03 PM EST: Two terms is bad enough you idiot Clinton!; Reply to this comment


by formerusmcsgt1 November 8, 2011 9:46 PM EST: One six-year term and out for Senators and the prez.

One 4-year term and out for Representatives.

No incumbents running for office while on our dime.

No life-long professional politicians.; Reply to this comment