NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2008

Bill Clinton Understands Palin's Appeal

Former President Says People In The Heartland Can Relate To Her

  • Former President Bill Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last month. Photo

    Former President Bill Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last month.  (AP)

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  • Photo Essay Sarah Palin

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(AP)  Bill Clinton said Monday he understands why Sarah Palin is popular in the heartland: because people relate to her.

"I come from Arkansas, I get why she's hot out there," Mr. Clinton said. "Why she's doing well."

Speaking to reporters before his Clinton Global Initiative meeting, the former president described Palin's appeal by adding, "People look at her, and they say, 'All those kids. Something that happens in everybody's family. I'm glad she loves her daughter and she's not ashamed of her. Glad that girl's going around with her boyfriend. Glad they're going to get married."'

Mr. Clinton said voters would think, "I like that little Down syndrome kid. One of them lives down the street. They're wonderful children. They're wonderful people. And I like the idea that this guy does those long-distance races. Stayed in the race for 500 miles with a broken arm. My kind of guy."

Palin, the governor of Alaska, became an overnight star when Republican presidential candidate John McCain tapped her for his running mate. Her family, including her Down syndrome baby, Trig, her pregnant 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, and her husband, Todd, four-time winner of the 2,000-mile Iron Dog snowmobile race, have garnered intense media interest.

"I get this," Mr. Clinton said. "My view is ... why say, ever, anything bad about a person? Why don't we like them and celebrate them and be happy for her elevation to the ticket? And just say that she was a good choice for him and we disagree with them?"

The global initiative, a project of Clinton's foundation, will hold its four-day annual meeting in Manhattan starting Tuesday.

After that, Clinton said he will be busy campaigning for the Democratic ticket of Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

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Add a Comment See all 52 Comments
by urnot September 23, 2008 11:51 AM PDT
Bill Clinton is such an a sshole. He%u2019s through with his obligatory support for Obama and is now working full time to position Hillary for the 2012 elections. The power hungry Clintons operate from pure political calculation, nothing else.

Posted by heuristic1 at 11:35 AM : Sep 23, 2008
--------

Thanks for writing that. Saves me the time.

Clinton has become transparent. All he talks about now is "Hillary supports this..." He''s completely in the tank for McCain, hoping that he can get Hillary nominated in 2012.
Reply to this comment
by nirak2-2009 September 23, 2008 11:59 AM PDT
Palin must be appealing to Bill.
Why shouldn''t anyone go after her, geez she would be a heartbeat away from sitting on the Throne, but maybe that is his thinking.
I doubt so she would sit under the desk for Bill. LOL
Reply to this comment
by macamaca-2009 September 23, 2008 12:20 PM PDT
"I get this," Mr. Clinton said. "My view is ... why say, ever, anything bad about a person? Why don''t we like them and celebrate them and be happy for her elevation to the ticket? And just say that she was a good choice for him and we disagree with them?"


bill is 100% correct!
but I disagree with Obama & will see Sara as the next VP because I agree with her & Johnny Mc.
Reply to this comment
by jackp32 September 23, 2008 12:58 PM PDT
Bill has the hots for Sarah and does not care who knows. Go Bill!
Reply to this comment
by easeup-2009 September 23, 2008 1:09 PM PDT
He''s just trying to tap some of that! Can you blame him? I couldn''t imagine coming home to Hildabeast every night!
Reply to this comment
by gemologist2 September 23, 2008 1:18 PM PDT
Sure, she connects with the american people, but she will never get into office unless McCain''s ads start focusing where they need to be, at his shady dealings with shady characters, at the fact that now he too is agreeing with bush, when he just got done bashing mccain for doing the same thing, the fact that "community organizer" is code for someone who stirs up complaints, in fact he needs to take a nod from this anti-obama site and steal some of this guys stuff.
http://www.Obama-Biden-Laden.net

Reply to this comment
by nextgenman September 23, 2008 1:20 PM PDT
And Clinton is right.
Palin is a strong and intelligent and independent women.

Posted by Charlie1000 at 01:14 PM : Sep 23, 2008
-----------

That is when she has her Majic Witch Hunter Pastor "laying hands" on her....HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Reply to this comment
by yongamerica September 23, 2008 1:22 PM PDT
Palin is a strong and intelligent and independent women.
- Charlie1000

She is everything but that. She is a redneck Alaskan hick with no understanding of worldly ways outside of her home town. She has tried to censor libraries, fire people based on their religous beliefs and hired friends into office that have NO, ZERO education or experience in their field of work what so ever.

Do you really want someone like this Caribou Barbie answering the Red Phone during an international Nuclear Crisis?
Reply to this comment
by saj210 September 23, 2008 1:51 PM PDT
Bill Clinton has a real problem. He is still fuming over his wife''s loss. He really wanted to occupy the white house again! Hmmmmmmmmm......

As for Palin, Clinton knows she is an "airheaded hockey mom"! All he see''s of Palin is what is on the surface. That''s all the REpublican''s see and they are okay with that. How shallow can you get????!!!!!

All they want to talk about is her looks and her "hunk" of a husband. Republicans there is more to it than looks. How low can you go?????????????

Who gives a care about her husband??? GEEZ You Republicans are real works of art!
Reply to this comment
by mswolfestock September 23, 2008 1:52 PM PDT
Caribou Barbie, OMG, yongamerica - you''re priceless!!!!!! When I can LOL it keeps me from being terrified of the thought of this whack-job being in the White House.

This lipstick-wearing pit bull needs to stay in Alaska with all the rest of the nut cases.

Reply to this comment
by xalen54 September 23, 2008 1:52 PM PDT
& just look at all the narrow-minded idiots posting on here! Clinton is absolutely right. The only reason why our country sucks is because everyone is a shallow *******.
Reply to this comment
by pmsnbc1 September 23, 2008 1:54 PM PDT
She is everything but that. She is a redneck Alaskan hick with no understanding of worldly ways outside of her home town. She has tried to censor libraries, fire people based on their religous beliefs and hired friends into office that have NO, ZERO education or experience in their field of work what so ever.

Do you really want someone like this Caribou Barbie answering the Red Phone during an international Nuclear Crisis?


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Posted by yongamerica at 01:22 PM : Sep 23, 2008




Well, i wasn''t sure but now that I can see the HATRED coming from the obama side, I think I will vote for Mccain. Less Hate is better.
Reply to this comment
by mandalay-bay September 23, 2008 1:56 PM PDT
Uh yeah. My Mom is a nice lady and a intellegent hard worker. That doesn''t mean she''s ready to be vice president of the U.S.


wow.....
Reply to this comment
by barrylies September 23, 2008 1:57 PM PDT
Help a brother out:

http://www.helpobamasbrother.org/
Reply to this comment
by mswolfestock September 23, 2008 1:58 PM PDT
Please don''t forget Rush Limbaugh''s response to Sara Palin being placed on the ticket:

"We''ve got a BABE on the ticket!" - he growled (and probably drooled too).

Now THAT is shallow, by goodness, and it really sums up how Republicans will always view all women.

A vote for the old wrinkled white guy and the Caribou Barbie will set back women''s issues to the Stone Age.
Reply to this comment
by cncrndctzn September 23, 2008 2:00 PM PDT
I feel the same way about Palin. She SEEMS likeable enough, although I think she has a ruthless streak too. My objection to her is that she is not qualified to run this country if that duty befalls her. I am not comfortable with on-the-job training for someone in such an important position.
Reply to this comment
by jsilver2th September 23, 2008 2:02 PM PDT
We know what Clinton likes
Reply to this comment
by glenda743 September 23, 2008 2:10 PM PDT
It really doesn''t take a rocket scientist to know that Bill and Hillary ARE NOT FOR OBAMA.....Some of these idiot Democrats needs to wake up and read between the lines....Wake up America...
Reply to this comment
by Keypinitreel1 September 23, 2008 2:14 PM PDT
**********REPUBLICAN LOGIC 101**************

*If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer,become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review,create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor,spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state
Senate''s Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran''s Affairs committees, you don''t have any real leadership experience.
*If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you''re qualified to become the country''s second highest ranking executive and next in line behind a man in his eighth decade.
Reply to this comment
by glenda743 September 23, 2008 2:15 PM PDT
to cncrndctzn....In the two hundred and thirty years we have had presidents there has not been "ONE" not even one who had "President on their resume when they took office.......DUH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most all things concerning our country are decided by Congress...not just one person.... Dont be stupid to believe that Obama can do any of the things he keeps talking about and besides that...just this very morning he''s already weaseling out of all the *** that he''s been saying....Wake up America...
Reply to this comment
by dgammons September 23, 2008 2:16 PM PDT
I don''t care who''s running for office...if you want Republicans back in the White House...vote em'' back.
Reply to this comment
by Keypinitreel1 September 23, 2008 2:16 PM PDT
*******Republican Logic 101**********

*If you grow up in Hawaii , raised by your grandparents, you''re "exotic and different."
*If you grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, You''re a quintessential American story.

*If your name is Barack you''re a radical,unpatriotic Muslim.
* Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you''re a maverick.

*Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
*Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you''re well grounded.
Reply to this comment
by Keypinitreel1 September 23, 2008 2:19 PM PDT
******Republican logic 101*******

*If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you''re not a real Christian.
*If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress,and then left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you''re a true Christian.

*If you teach responsible, age appropriate *** education,including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
*If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in *** education in your state''s school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you''re very responsible.
Reply to this comment
by egresor September 23, 2008 2:20 PM PDT
keypinitreel

exactly!
Reply to this comment
by barbaraf4 September 23, 2008 2:21 PM PDT
Clinton is simply acknowledging a future conquest.

Joke: Why do men kiss with their eyes open? They are looking over your sholder waiting for a better offer.
Reply to this comment
by milcrow September 23, 2008 2:23 PM PDT
Bill, you dog! We know exactly where you''re angling. Watch out though. Todd has a lot of guns.
Reply to this comment
by Keypinitreel1 September 23, 2008 2:23 PM PDT
*****Republican Logic 101********

*If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family''s values don''t represent America ''s.
*If you''re husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn''t register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now. Got it.
Reply to this comment
by bernard1012 September 23, 2008 2:23 PM PDT
Very neat Bill, and it could help a raving fundamentalist
into the WH, a woman that stands for everything you are against. Of course, when she, and 900 year old McCain get in the only person that can rescue the democratic party will be Billary, with democrats like Clinton, who needs rupublicans?
Reply to this comment
by milcrow September 23, 2008 2:28 PM PDT
"In the two hundred and thirty years we have had presidents there has not been "ONE" not even one who had ''President'' on their resume when they took office."

What about Grover Cleveland?
Reply to this comment
by advanceus September 23, 2008 2:39 PM PDT
I don''t think Bill Clinton has a clue on how I feel about Palin and I live in the heartland - Also, when their polls show how each candidate is doing - they haven''t ever asked me!!
Reply to this comment
by rktsci3127 September 23, 2008 2:51 PM PDT
keypinitreel...you forgot...if you represent and "community organize" an area that remains one the highest in crime, welfare, murder rates and taxes...you are Obama.
Reply to this comment
by codymac4 September 23, 2008 2:53 PM PDT
& just look at all the narrow-minded idiots posting on here! Clinton is absolutely right. The only reason why our country sucks is because everyone is a shallow *******.

Personally, I don''t care who you vote for. I''ll go McCain. I do have a problem with people saying this cuntry sucks. If you do not like it hear, move somewhere else. Wait a few years, and you will beg to come back. Have a little pride.
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Posted by Xalen54 at 01:52 PM : Sep 23, 20
Reply to this comment
by misspp-2009 September 23, 2008 2:53 PM PDT
Clinton is a despicable human being. He is so transparent. He cares about no one but himself. He doesn''t really care about Hillary. He was merely using her to regain the spotlight. He''s hoping that McCain wins, messes up and then Hillary can run in 2012. He doesn''t seem to realize that a lot can change in four years. Also, his over-the-top compliments about Palin are kind of creepy. It reminds you of what a jerk he really is.
Reply to this comment
by codymac4 September 23, 2008 2:56 PM PDT
I didn''t post the first paragraph
Reply to this comment
by jmurrieta11 September 23, 2008 3:04 PM PDT
One thing about the Clintons--it''s always about them. Just ask them.
Reply to this comment
by singlasalil8 September 23, 2008 3:05 PM PDT
Here is a great resource about Sarah Palin - the most comprehensive page of information on her record and policies available on the Internet ... including videos of her saying her proposed $30 billion pipeline is the %u201Cwill of God,%u201D her saying a month ago she doesn%u2019t know what the vice-president does, and her complaining four months ago that Hillary Clinton was whining about %u201Csexist%u201D media coverage -

http://dailysource.org/palin

It has in-depth research, audio clips, videos, and links to hundreds of articles, including many from newspapers and TV stations in Alaska. It has rare footage, including her telling the %u201808 convention of the Alaska Independence Party, whose aim is to give Alaska a vote on seceding from the U.S., to %u201Ckeep up the good work.%u201D

The level of research is tremendous. The site%u2019s editors and volunteers include an Emmy-award winning CNN reporter, the former operating editor of the Christian Science Monitor%u2019s web site, the former head of NPRs News Blog and the Executive Director of the Online News Association -

http://dailysource.org/

Please tell anyone about this who might want to know more.
Reply to this comment
by wlmrtpatriot September 23, 2008 3:17 PM PDT
At least Clinton is aware of how to ''charm'' people.
Something the rest of the DNC lost a long time ago.
Former DNC''ers appreciate what you said Bill, even though we wouldn''t have voted for you again. Say hello to Hillary for us.
McCain/Palin08
Reply to this comment
by notopennshut September 23, 2008 3:18 PM PDT
Bill can just disappear from the scene and it wouldn''t make a difference! He''s hoping that Obama loses so that he can recover and regain some semblance of respect for all the dumpster-diving that he did over the last year. Sure he knows all about Palin - she wears a skirt doesn''t she? He has lost the respect of almost all of us, and if he thinks he can hang on to Hillary "skirt-tails or pants-tail" in 2012, he might as well forget it NOW, for there is no way she will win the support of democrats again after what was done to fracture the party and the lukewarm token of support now. They are FINITO as far as we are concerned and the less said by him, the better the democratic party will be. You are what you "eat" Bill, and so just accept it instead of spewing more rubbish.
Reply to this comment
by pastdue1 September 23, 2008 3:28 PM PDT
I have long been a fan of Bill Clinton, but his effort to help this country out of our present dilemna is making me reevaluate my opinion of him. He, more than anyone, should be fighting to keep palin out of the white house. He knows the complexities of being president and he has seen along with the rest of the populace what can happen when someone who is ignorant, not dumb, but without knowledge, gets esconched there. palen may be likeable and just like "us", but most of us realize that taking on the challenge of the vice presidency or the presidency is more than just "not blinking". I am disappointed that he is not putting forth more effort for the country''s survival.
Reply to this comment
by tammyr7 September 23, 2008 3:42 PM PDT
This election isn''t about Sara Palin''s 17 year old daughter. This is about who we want to vote for President. We''ve all had some kind of problem to deal with in our lives similar to this. Why can''t we take the media away from her daughter? It isn''t any of our business... I wish her daughter the best of luck! And who cares if she marries the baby''s daddy? I''m sure she has plenty of support at home. Ands cutoes to her for having a child with special needs. I personally know how it is to raise a special child. It is tough, but you learn to be the best parent to every child with or without special needs.
Reply to this comment
by easeup-2009 September 23, 2008 3:44 PM PDT
They took Palin on a field trip today to meet nine heads of state plus Bono. When her field trip is over, she will be a bona fide expert on foreign policy. She will add this experience to the experience she gained by looking out of the window to one of the Russian islands. When all this is done, she will be equipped to lead the free world. Isn''''t that special?

Posted by Salih-Ibn at 03:32 PM : Sep 23, 2008

You could say the exact same thing about the street activist.
Reply to this comment
by jack19452 September 23, 2008 3:53 PM PDT
I just bet good old Bill thinks moose barbie is applealing. He''s probably thinking BJ
Reply to this comment
by kuei12 September 23, 2008 4:20 PM PDT
"I just bet good old Bill thinks moose barbie is applealing. He''''s probably thinking BJ "

I know I am.
Reply to this comment
by marbru-2009 September 23, 2008 4:20 PM PDT
"I get this," Mr. Clinton said. "My view is ... why say, ever, anything bad about a person? Why don''t we like them and celebrate them and be happy for her elevation to the ticket? And just say that she was a good choice for him and we disagree with them?"

Amen, President Clinton - We don''t have to agree on everything and we don''t have to HATE everything or everyone that doesn''t necessarily agree with what we believe. All the liberals out there like to cry "tolerance" but they have no tolerance for anyone who disagrees with them and spew hatred everywhere. Seems pretty hypocritical to me.
Reply to this comment
by rushlimpdrug September 23, 2008 4:28 PM PDT

Bill Clinton.

barrack obama.

Hillary Clinton.

Sarah Palin.

Joe Biden.


Honestly, which can you relate to?

Reply to this comment
by wlmrtpatriot September 23, 2008 4:54 PM PDT
"They took Palin out on a field trip today"??? Where did they take the ''annointed one''?
Reply to this comment
by wlmrtpatriot September 23, 2008 5:08 PM PDT
marbu: THATS what I mean!! Exactly. That''s the thing the DNC has lost. Charm and any substance. In defense of a good Democrat. I would like to say this about our state''s Dem. Represenative. He is a good person, His office is helpful and you do feel free to call on them. Some of you people have acted like sociopaths to anybody who disagrees with your point of view. eg: Compromising Palin''s e-mail, then blaming it on her. ''gag''
Ms Palin doesn''t need to lead the world. We have councils on foreign relations to advise her. That''s what they are for.
Reply to this comment
by September 23, 2008 7:43 PM PDT
These sound like the lines Bill used to seduce Monica. Maybe "First Dude" should be on the alert that the wolf is on the prowl once again?
Reply to this comment
by payasyougo September 23, 2008 9:39 PM PDT
"Bill Clinton Understands Palin''s Appeal"
----
But Bill, the topic was politics.

I understand Bill Clinton was attempting to contact David Kernell to see if David was any good cracking phones...
Reply to this comment
by sallievoter September 23, 2008 10:06 PM PDT
TThe MEDIA SILENCE from Ms. Palin has been deafening. It appears to many women that the GOP campaign has restricted her from speaking unless they write it and unless they give her permission to speak. This is not the model anyone was hoping for in a female candidate for the office of Vice Presidency. It is essentially a message from GOP that women should be controlled and used and then silenced when told to be quiet by men. Why has a GOVERNOR OF A US STATE complied with this disturbing mandate from a group of male politicians. Is that what Palin and McCain envision as the role of women in the government? to be obedient and quiet? Are ALL WOMEN supposed to just shut up and go vote for the GOP, and then fade away? This is a really disturbing insight into where women stand in the GOP. They handpick a woman%u2014a GOVERNOR, NO LESS%u2014- and then muzzle her while they feed her the party line. Then%u2014and only then%u2014will she be allowed to speak her mind. This is what WOMEN MEAN TO MCCAIN AND THE GOP. KEEP YOUR PLACE, WOMEN. SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND BE QUIET. YOUR VIEWS AND OPINIONS ARE NOT WELCOME UNLESS THE GOP CAN SCRIPT THEM FOR YOU. WHY IS PALIN GOING ALONG WITH THIS?
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