Bill Clinton tells Democrats to “chill out”
Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Chill out. That's Former President Bill Clinton's advice to Democrats who think the race between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has gone on too long.
He says that letting all of the voters have their say will actually strengthen the party.
This comes on the heels of two senior senators, Patrick Leahy and Chris Dodd, themselves Obama supporters, calling for Hillary Clinton to pull out of the race - something she says she won't do.
Clinton told the Washington Post that she would take her campaign all the way to the convention floor if need be.
Barack Obama says that Clinton has every right to stay in the race as long as she wants to.
Meanwhile - Obama picked up an endorsement today from Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota... he's also expected to get the backing of North Carolina's seven Democratic house members. Party officials say that Klobuchar, like her colleague in the Senate, Bob Casey who endorsed Obama on Friday, had planned to remain neutral. Klobuchar is also a superdelegate whose vote could help decide the fate of the democratic race.
Another good sign for Obama is a new Gallup national tracking poll shows him with an eight point lead over Hillary Clinton, 51 to 43 percent. Over the weekend, Obama topped Clinton by ten points which was the first double digit lead that either candidate has had over the other since February when Clinton was leading Obama by 11 percentage points. A new pew poll out today also has Obama up by ten points.
Here’s my question to you: Bill Clinton says that Democrats need to "chill out" and let the election process play out. Is he right?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dave from Iowa City, Iowa writes:
I would tell Bill to wake up. The election process has played out. It is virtually impossible for Hillary to win, it’s over.
Bill from Quarryville, PA writes:
I would like to see Hillary Clinton get the nomination. But I cannot help wondering if the roles were reversed and Hillary had the lead that Obama has now, would her husband still be saying the same thing? I doubt that he would. I think it is time for the Democratic Party to step in and announce Senator Obama the winner.
Jane from New Hampshire writes:
Bill Clinton needs to get over himself. The wife isn't entitled to be president just by her name and she's losing the race. He's starting to sound like a used car salesman.
B. from Baltimore, Maryland writes:
Hillary Clinton has every right to stay in the race as long as she likes, but she should consider the consequences to her future, both nationally and in New York. If she hurts the party to the point of a McCain victory, NY dems may be out to elect anyone else. Ed Koch doesn't seem to be too busy. Or Eliot Spitzer for that matter...
Rick from Decorah, Iowa writes:
The Clintons are saying that everyone in the next 10 primaries deserves to have their votes counted and in the next breath they say the superdelegates should be able to override the will of the people. More Clinton doublespeak and who are they really looking out for?
Kay from Pennsylvania writes:
Heck yes. Let it play out. I'm from Pennsylvania and I hear lots of election talk. People are really excited about the primary for the first time in my voting lifetime. I'm for Hillary but after it's over I'll vote for anyone who stands against the abomination that has been with us for the last 8 years.
John from San Diego, California writes:
Jack, Bill isn't "black enough" to be telling Democrats to chill out!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Well IMO if hes going to TELL people to CHILL OUT he should do so himself.... People wonder why Clinton has a more negative rating, well this could be part of it.
Obama 08
Austin Texas
Bill Clinton telling me to chill out is like a doctor in a horror movie telling me I won't feel a thing before undergoing an operation about to go horribly wrong. It scares me to death what he doesn't want me to know.
Bill is spot on. Everyone needs to chill out when it comes to politics these days. Politics is safe and boring, but I've heard the media and politicians describe this race as being a blood bath, an earthquake, the great dividing, a death match, cage fighting, and even a "violent struggle to the end". Well, I don't know about you, but I've seen no blood, violence, or any injuries. I think we're taking this a bit too extreme.
As usual he is right. He is one of the best reasons to vote for Hillary, unless you hate prosperity and love the mess we are in now. I hope people wake up before it is too late.
Yes Jack, Bill is right for a change. Let the democratic process play out and the pundits should just shut up for a change. Take a chill pill and lets just decide it on the convention floor.
Why is Bill Clinton getting so much coverage? Is he running for President again and nobody told us?
He needs to chill out. OUT being the operative word.
Chill Out??? I think that they have done enough damage as it is....and the solution is not to "chill out". If the democrats want any chance in this election, they are going to have to start on some repair maintenance. So far they are just going ahead of McCain, laying down the golden road to the white house!
what a surprise that Bill wants everyone to "chill". Had Hillary won all the states Obama had, this race would have been over in March because the Clintons think they are entitled to win.
What should really be of a concern to the Democrats is that the Clintons can't count. Now that is scary–a presidential candidate that can't count. If they loved this country as much as they declare they do, they would have her say enough is enough and work at pulling the party back together with the infusion of Obama supporters. No one can deny that his presence in this campaign is a HUGE factor in the overwhelming voter registration.
Well if I was in one of the states that hasn't voted yet, I would be angry the question is even being asked. Why do you guys even care what Bill thinks? Didn't you toss him out on his butt for messing with Monica on company time?
I do not think Bill Clinton is right. Bill is making Hillary become the Huckabee of the Democratic party. She will not be able to beat Obama in pledged delegates.
It seems the Clinton strategy is a self-serving strategy being clothed in letting the process play out. The Clintons themselves are played out and need to accept reality. The Clintons are trying to force themselves on this nation once again. Once was more than enough.
I think that Mr.Clinton is right. If Hillary doesn't win the Pennsylvania primary , I think that she may rethink her decision to stay in the race. She is trying to stay positive despite what the polls say. Good luck Mrs.Clinton . Tracie, Macon ,GA.
Bill Clinton said something else? Sorry Hillary, that's an automatic 3 percentage points drop in the polls.
Hillary's number started declining after Bill Clinton's remarks in South Carolina. Every time he opens his mouth, her numbers fall.
You would think they would have figured that out by now. But since they don't have that kind of judgment, they sure don't belong in the White House.
He is right, but ironically it's his wife and her strategists that need this advice more than anyone. If everyone chilled out, then people would realize once and for all that Obama is and will always be leading in every possible way and that while Hillary should stay in the race, she should also recognize it's more symbolic than anything.
Brian
Idaho
He's right. I'm an Obama supporter, and I think that Hillary should fight on. It makes Obama stronger when he beats her fair and square. If she just picks up her marbles and goes home, there's no way to tell if he's strong enough to beat McCain. So let the games continue.
Jack,
What Bill really means is "give us (Clintons) more time to think of ways to steal the nomination.....and make everybody like it.
Ask yourself a question: "if I were Hillary, would I drop out now" If you say yes, your kidding yourslf. Time to get over this attempted harassment – it won't work.
If Hillary loses PA, she may think about it. If Obama loses most of the remaining primaries his claim to th nomination would be in serious jeprodary.
No he is not. The Democrats need the primary resolved as soon as possible to prepare to win the General Election. Since the Clintons are self involved and do not care about the best strategy for the party right now , the race must go on .
Obama will wrap this up by May 6th or the Clinton camp will be broke which ever comes first. Time waisted but any nagging complaints from the Clinton's that could further divide the party will be put aside so the party can move on for the win in November.
Tosha-Atlanta, GA
Jack,
It is not fair to hard working Ameicans to continue to contribute to campaigns that are based on alot of if's. Hillary is losing in the popular vote, number of states won, and pledged delegates and she is begging voters to give money so she can reached her three million dollar mark by April 1. I think this is un American and down right selfish to ask voters to put up cash in these hard economic times. This is not about all people voting if it were the Republicans should be outraged. The Clintons are determined to change the rules and destroy the Democratic Party. If it talks like a Republican and acts like a Republican then we have to ask are the Clintons really Republicans? The Clinton's should Chill Out and salvage whats left of their name.
Bill Clinton has tried to use his considerable weight to his wife's advantage and this is just another form of it. Telling people to chill out when the footage of him red faced, making racist comments and calling Obama a fairy tale are all over the net. He has lost any credibility he had with the majority of the American public as evidenced by the polls.
I would agree with the X- President if I thought Senator Clinton would not take this all the way to the convention. I believe she has every right to stay until the North Carolina primary. If she loses North Carolina and her chance of winning becomes so small that her only alternative is a brokered convention, then its time to look at what is best for the democratic party.
Michael
El Segundo Ca
yes. he also should chill out. she is doing enough lying and bullet dodging to disgrace herself.she does not need a impeached expresident to help.
Absolutely, not! But I would like to see more Democratic Brass out helping Obama to campaign in Pennsylvania. What happened to Ted Kennedy, etc..? What's stopping the superdelegates from states that he has already won from coming out now for Obama. That might help to shift the mood in PA.? Clinton has the added trumps of Bill (former president) and daughter, Gov and mayor of PA. Talk about stacking the deck. Why would anyone want to vote to a candidate who would blantly lie to them about her 'sniper attack' on her trip to Bosnia. What else would she lie about once she became president? Could we ever believe her on the important issues? I don't get it!
I think he needs to tell his wife to "get out". She's lost her bid for the nomination. She wouldn't be in this thing at all if not for her temporary Republican "constituency". Ms. Clinton and her DLC supporters are not, and have never been, helpful to the Democratic party.
Hey Jack, your questions are getting too easy. I dont think Bill would be saying that if Hillary was ahead like Obama is right now. If hillary was ahead, Bill would tell Howard Dean to inform Obama to get out.
Yes, Because we still haven't finished all the primaries yet. So we need to wait until the primaries are done to make up our minds.
I don't know what the effect of this statement will be, I know I am wondering who Barack Obama is running against. You know what a Clinton presidency would be like when he makes a statement like"My family are not quitters" he really wants a 3rd term. Barack is running against Bill, Hillary and McCain.Bill spends his time making veiled innuendos, he has lost all credibility and respect.
Joan North Carolina
Jack, . . . Hillary is behind in the delegate count, the popular vote, and
number of states won. Bill Clinton's trying to talk hip won't change that
fact.
Jack, Long or Short version. Long...Yes. Short...Yes. Do you really think their gonna blow off Michigan and Florida?That would be Democratic Electoral Suicide. Let everybody vote and if the "Superdelegates" end up deciding it, so be it. Its all about the Electoral College and who has the best chance of winning those numbers. The Rev Wright thing really did wound Sen Obama out here in Ohio and Michigan. We never seem to get those "Polling" phone calls.I'm hearing alot of it. May not be news worthy out there... but its still buzzing out here in a big way. 20 years is alot of association. We all need to collectively "Chill-Out". I'm one of those Dems that may switch partys come November. Call us once in awhile. We'd like to get "Polled".
Sure he's right. Why is everyone in such an all fired hurry? Is it that they don't want the other states to have a say in who runs the country, or are they are afraid that the tide might just be turning against their preference for a nominee? You know even a horse race has a starting place, and a finish line, and as long as a horse has four good legs they can keep running until the end, just in case the leader of the race falls down, and that happens more time then you would think. So just hold onto your horses, and wait for the finish line.
Yes. Florida and Michigan have already been disenfranchised. The rest of the states who have not had their say yet, deserve to have it. It needs to play itself out.
Bill couldn't speak to the people on their level so he resorted to a 1990 catch phrase. Apparently he is still living in the 90's. Bill needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Hilary can not pay her campaign bills and is over 2 months behind on simple things like rent payments and paying medical insurance premiums for her staff. And Hillary wants to be the guiding light for healthcare reform again? Please..... Just pay your damn bills and move on. Over 6 million in campaign debts and can't pay. Does that sound like someone we want running OUR economy? I don't think so.
Yes the process should go on;dispite some DNC folks who seem to want to invalidate the primary process
It needs to play out to the extent that all of the primaries need to get their votes in. However, once that's done someone will have more votes/delegates and whoever that is should be the nominee. And please, enough about Michigan and Florida, their votes don't count, they knew their votes wouldn't count and the only reason Hillary is so interested in their votes counting now is because she didn't have the landslide victory she originally predicted. Trust me, if she were in Obama's position and he in hers, she wouldn't care one bit about those votes. So, play it out to the end of the primaries but don't carry this on to the convention, I've had enough of it all ready.
I would say to President Bill Clinton that he needs to take a dose of his own medicine and also "chill out". He reminds me of a used car salesman trying to sell "old nelly", Hillary. Gail – Amherst, NY
Jack, I have a suggestion. Someone needs to host the Cafferty file on the weekends to allow those of us that are enjoying the battles and reading other peoples opinions. I'd apply to have it live from Georgetown, Texas and if you wanted to take a few days off it wouldn't be a problem. I would also petition Ted Turner to give you a raise and the credit for the show since it would have your name in the title. We could call it :"The weekend edition of the Cafferty File". After all Wolfe has specials on the weekends. Just a thought at least until after the election is over and the new president is sworn in.
Bill Clinton must be insane for allowing Hillary to drag his good name to mud just because she wants to win the nomination at all cost despite the possible outcome of handing the republicans the whitehouse in November.
Chuck,
Vancouver Canada.
He's right. There's way too much animosity between the two democratic candidates camps. Maybe he can help us chill out by going into long vacations. We need to refocus on the real issues and Bill's rethorics are not part of them. He tries to give a good advice when he's part of the problem. Like someone who ask you to stop crying when he's putting fresh-cut onions before your eyes.
Gravel/Powell 08
Take a chill pill, Bill. The public knows the drill. The Democratic voters will vote as they will. Hillary isn't the only one vying for the presidential seal. So stop it already with the frill. Statements like this only add fire to the grill.
I would like to see Hillary Clinton gets the nomination. But I cannot help wondering if the roles were reversed and Hillary had the lead that Obama has now, would her husband still be saying the same thing? I doubt that he would. I think it is time for the democratic party to step in and announce Senator Obama the winner.
Let's evaluate......Hillary's campaign is financially strapped for funding; she is behind in popular votes; and after the recent results of the Texas primaries, behind in delegates.........chill out and let the process continue..........chilling out is not going to change the results.
She is defeated........Endure, and live with it.
Yes he is wrong to imply that the game isn't over when even a 5th grader can do the simple math better than they can. What is their real motive in staying in, destroy a chance for this country to have a man in office that will do a much better job than either his wife or McCain.
Ahh, the arrogance Jack! Exactly WHAT goes on in the collective Clinton consciousness? And my favorite reason for her staying in the race is to ensure that our Michigan/Florida voices are finally heard. As a citizen of Michigan I can't help wonder where Hillary was when our Democratic-Hillary supporting–leadership came up with the boneheaded idea to move the primary in the first place. Wasn't SHE the heavy favorite back then? Was there NO discussion between the state leadership and the campaign? She didn't have much to say about our possible disenfranchisement THEN but she certainly took advantage of the situation, leaving her name on the ticket and tipping the vote in her favor. So, of course she now wants to see them counted and sadly I fear she won't leave until they are.
The former President just wants everyone else to "chill out" except those in his wife's favour. May be if he had taken a bit of the 'chill pill', nobody would now be talking about ending this race.
Jack, I'm happy to see that the media and everyone else still has blinders on when it comes to Obama. Lets continue the 'love affair' with Obama, no matter the cost to democracy. For God's sake lets dont ask him any questions or try to find out what he's talking about when he says 'change'.
Let's just keep on talking about trying to force Senator Clinton out of the race so you can put the CROWN on his head.
I rather like the fact that the media tells everyone what they should think and how to vote – what a country.
Lets just do away with the voting process and let the MEDIA make the decision about who our next president is.....like you've done this time.
Bill Clinton needs to get over himself. The wife isn't entitled to be president just by her name and she's losing the race. He's starting to sound like a used car salesman.
Yes, Jack, whether the media believes it or not, Democrats should "chill out." Why would Senator Clinton leave this race because Obama's people are asking her to leave. It seems the only people making this kind of noice are the Obama people. The people who count (the voters) want her to stay in the race, and I agree.
This may come as a shock to you Jack but the reality is, Obama cannot beat McCain.
Rev. Ed Loggins III
Waterloo, Iowa
Easy for Bill to say. The Clintons' view is that they might pull out the nomination now if Obama has some disaster, or, at the least, they can weaken him enough so that he'll lose to McCain and Hillary will run in four years. What's there for the Clintons to worry about?They care nothing for the party or the country - their only goal is to get back in the White House. It's the rest of us who have to worry about their self-centered, unscrupulous campaign. Judy on Cape Cod.
Jack,
I would tell Bill to wake up. The election process has played out. It is virtually impossible for Hillary to win, its over.
Dave
they should chill out
this is a DEMOCRATIC process
Hillary is only down 100 delegates
if she onlu had 200 I would say she is a "spoiler", but she's not – she is still a viable candidate
the hysteria will start at the conveniton when Florida and Michigan have a free for all
Hmmm, Jack, well there's no reason to think he would be biased in making his wife's daily destruction of the likely nominee seem positive, right? And that his comments after South Carolina were not racist? Come on! I used to love Slick Willy. Instead of a "chill out," we need a "Bill out."
Yes. The democratic process needs to complete itself. This process certainly isn't demonstrated by political pundits and other politicos bullying Hillary into pulling out of the competition before the official end of the voting. The political climate changes daily, even momentarily. Who knows what will be divulged tomorrow and about whom? Isn't this America?
Jack,
Isn't it a wonderful sentiment?
I'm filled with awe by the former president's special love for the democratic process. It seems to me, however, that President Clinton is, as has been the case so often during this campaign, completely out of touch with the reality of the current political situation. While McCain campaigns for the general election, the Clintons are continuing to insist that they can somehow stage a remarkable coup by toppling Senator Obama's delegate lead. It's mathematically impossible. How many more hints are required for the general public to realize that the Clintons will stop at nothing to secure this nomination, even at the cost of a Democratic victory in November? In the meantime, I'm anxiously awaiting the next story to come out of the Clinton campaign: Senator Clinton risks life and limb, dodges heavy sniper fire, delivering mail-in ballots to disenfranchised Floridians. God bless her!
Christopher,
Rochester, NY
Sure Bill is right, he and the whole family should go on vacation. . . to Guantanamo. See you after the Democratic convention, and don,t forget to send a postcard.
Hiram Rapids, Oh.
I'm glad to see that Bill agrees with me. I've been encouraging folks to support the FULL process for weeks now. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will prevent Hillary from whining that she didn't get a fair chance to run. All Americans should want the process available to everyone. Only Michigan and Florida have fouled their chances, but that was a choice THEY MADE. It is NOT up to the candidates to save their bacon. If THEY cannot propose a re-do in their states that passes muster with the DNC, then we'll just have to choose without them. The candidates DO NOT run the party and should only be asked to APPROVE A final plan accepted by the DNC. Michigan and Florida, and the DNC are trying to make this the candidates problem to solve. Its time for them (the DNC) to get off the dime or shut-up and sit this one out (MI & Fla)! They will have a candidate in the general election for which to vote. They are only being excluded from the convention according to THEIR agreement. Whining should not change that.
Somebody might tell Bill that chilling is a two way street. Perhaps, instead of trashing Obama, his wife could go after John McCain. Now that would be refreshing.
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
Since Hillary's likeablility has dropped to an all time low of 37%, I think the country is trying to tell Bill and Hillary that they are the ones that need to "chill out." I recommend they take a trip to the Antarctic and stay there until after Barack Obama is sworn into office as President in January of 2009!
Hillary defied the DNC and refused to remove her name from the Michigan Primary ballot. Obama and all the other candidates followed the DNC rules and were not on the ballot. A good question to ask is "Should the DNC punish Hillary for remaining on the ballot ?" It seems like she did this to the other candidates with the approval of the DNC.
Yes, Bill is quite right about chilling out. This is an election, and a most important one at that. Our reputation around the world, our economy, our jobs, everything about America is at statke. Let Hillary and Obama continue to express themselves. This is America - or at least it used to be until Bush was appointed as President - and it's only fair that we know all we can about who we are voitng for.
Teresa
Atlanta
No. That's why God invented closed cage bare-knuckled boxing.
Why bother playing the entire Superbowl? Let's call the game in the 3rd Quarter – whomever is ahead gets the trophy.
For the first time in a long time, the entire country gets a voice in the process.
Yes. He is right. We (Democrats) need to chill out. Unity should be our goal.
Hillary has every right to stay in; however, it seems that her motivation stems from political aspirations. I feel that she does not have the Democratic Partys' best interest in mind. She is doing a lot more harm to the party than good.
Obama 2008
Apparently "chilling out" is not producing the results expected by the Clintons. Senator Obama is picking up more endorsements. Maybe "strong arming" superdelegates is a politics of the past.
Jack –
Bill needs to chill out & get OUT of the picture with OUT being the operative word!!
Da Yooper
McCain/Powell
Jack, Hillary has a right to stay in the race I agree, It's the chill out part I have a problem with. Her hopes on winning the nomination, is based on negativity and tearing down her opponent, not the numbers. So for quite sometime that's all her campaign has been doing, and it has raised concerns among party leaders, as a matter of fact if "CHILLY BILLY" WOULD HAVE TOLD HIS WIFE A LONG TIME AGO TO "CHILL OUT " she might have been more appealing to the general public, but since he didn't, polls show that most voters think she's a very negative person.....and it is my belief, so do super-delagates, which in turn means her only chance at winning (super-delagates) is in serious jeapordy....because she wouldn't "CHIIL OUT ". The radiator on the "Clinton machine" is over-heated, and after Pennsylvania, it will be time to pull it off the road and get it repaired, before it does permanent damage to the motor!
One more thing.
"People should just chill....".
Perhaps Bill said the same thing to those business men and women who supplied the Clinton Campaign with goods and services to the tune tens of thousands of dollars? Maybe he told them to chill again after their third attempt to get paid by the Clinton Campaign.
Is this the kind of fiscal responsibility and management that we want for our nation? Is THAT the type of ready-on-day-one we want? NOT ME!
Chill out! I voted for him and thought he did great things "overall" for this country while he was president. Now, I think he's an idiot, what a legacy to be remebered for, all because his wife and power have become more important than the people of this country or the democratic party.
Hillary Clinton is behind in popular votes, delagate votes, and she still wants to stay in until the bitter end. Even if it means she destroys any chances for this country to put a democrat in office again.
And, of course she wants Florida and Michigan to count even though they didn't follow the rules set by the party in their states, but Clinton has continued to show that she doesn't like to follow the rules either. So why not drop out and make this a null and void issue? Because she's all about "Hillary".
I've lost every ounce of respect that I had for either of them, and I think that Barack is doing a great job running against both her and Bill. How many candidates for President have ever had to run against 2 (Bill & Hillary) people for this long just to get the nomination and still be ahead. Doesn't that alone tell you, that if she had to run on her own, she wouldn't be where she is. Bill's coat tails should be tattered and worn.
It appears as though the election process has already played out. Support for Obama appears to be getting stronger daily, and while it's only fair for all people to have their say, when the remainders' votes won't affect the outcome it is only logical to call the process done.
The Clintons'apparent desperation to gain the power of the White House once again is starting to look pathetic & sad. They used to have so much respect in this country, but by the end of this battle, they will only succeed in licking their wounds & retiring into relative obscurity, as no one will any longer be interested in their fabrications & delusions of grandeur.
Bowing out gracefully now may salvage what's left of their reputations.
Maybe the campaign is mirroring the war more and more. Clinton is calling for a "cease fire", the surge is working, stay the course, blah, blah, blah. Let the people vote then we can watch the DonnyBrook at the national convention. Where's my popcorn?
Yes, he is right.
What do you expect he would say? Of course he has to look out for his wife.
What is your next question Jack?
Jack, Bill is right on more than one count. You, jack, should CHILL OUT !!!!
Jack: I get a kick out of all these people who say Obama can't beat McCain, or Hillary can't beat McCain. If that is true, why not stop the primaries and coronate McCain right now and save every body a lot of anguish and spend the money that would be spent on the election on good things like alleviating hunger and poverty. Of course, either Hillary or Obama WILL beat McSame, McCaint, McBush or whatever you want to call him. I hope it is Obama because Hillary has already lost the major issue with me.That is trust. What about Bosnia? What about NAFTA. She does do anything or say anything. I don't want her answering the phone at 3am and saying the wrong thing because she was tired and hadn't had enough sleep like she said about her lie about snipers and bullets.
What Billary doesn't understand is the thing democrat voters find chilling is the tactics of their campaign, not the existence of their campaign. If Billery would just remember that winning the primary is not the prize, winning the presidency is, then the calls for an end to the madness would stop. Having two democrats still in the primary could be a huge advantage if it became a double barrel assault on the McCain camp and and his political marriage to the policies of dick bush and george cheney er ah you know. So Bill You chill out on the mutually assured destruction campaigning tactics and finish the campaign with all eyes on the prize. The voters will let your wife state her case if you just remember that.
"I do not run for the Presidency merely to oppose any man, but to propose new policies. I run because I am convinced that this country is on a perilous course and because I have such strong feelings about what must be done, and I feel that I'm obliged to do all I can."
RFK SAID THAT
how does he dare talk to the america people in the tone the does like he is a mafia don. is he going to wack me if i do not chill out
If Hilliary was ahead and Obama is now, the Clinton's would be calling on Obama to getout of the racet it loud and strong, but since the shoe is on the other feet she is still crying the florida and michaigan votes to be counted. It's time to Bill to go home and Hilliary back to the Senate.
The longer Hillary hangs onto her lifeline, the more time the Clintons will have to try to find a bombshell on Obama to sway the superdelegates. Hillary's done. She is losing credibility as she appears increasingly more desperate! Enough already!
Chill out ! No problem. All who want to vote should have the chance to vote regardless who is ahead at this moment. However, this election season has proven three changes are needed on the Democratic side of the ticket: (1) scrap the old primary/caucas system and hold one national primary so that no state is first or last and its voters disenfranchised; (2) get rid of Howard Dean; and (3) dump the Super Delegates, a bonehead idea from the get-go. I don't think I ever remember a more childish group than the current DNC and its candidates. Golly !!
Jack, Obama is leading a MOVEMENT with momentum. If Obama's pledged delegate advantage is ever overruled by superdelegates, that movement will grow to such proportions and strength that formation of a new political party will be the inevitable result. Not sure if that is what Bill wants?
Hey Jack:
He is right in what he says but he has not acted on his own advice. He has been trying to influence, fan flames, play all sorts of cards and speak for his wife who has had to apologize for him on several occasions. He should chill out himself and not be the arsonist and the firefighter at the same time.
Carmen
Toronto, Canada
Dear Jack:
Whenever I see president Bush on TV sugarcoating the performance of the coalition troops in Iraq and the "progress" the country has made, he reminds me of "Chemical Ali', the former Minister of Information in Iraq who used to do the same at the beginning of the war, boasting about the "successes" of Saddam's army.
Lennox
Toronto, Canada
Jack!! Bill is right!! Democrats are like this,because refuse to accept a woman,and it don't even have to be hillary,their still trying to fix this election for Obama!!They through everything,but the kitchen at Hillary!!! but Yet they rather have people that Dam Amercia,and the ones that arn't proud of this country!!! They make sick!!! I am a vet,who wants to fight for those people!!! Obama wright ticket
I agree! Chill out, people. This is a Primary. There's supposed to be more than one candidate so we have a choice. Candidates have always been after each other in primaries and then came together when one FINALLY won. Then Democrats fight the Republicans. Why should Hillary quit now when she has so many delegates.
Jack, regardless of polls, if any candidate has a chance to win, there should be no pressure to drop out just because they're behind in the polls...
I seem to remember John McCain being written off for dead back in summer...
I wander what he would be saying if the shoe was on the other foot. That is ... IF Hillary was ahead in delegates and the popular vote but Obama wanted to continue a negative campaign against his wife. Would he then be telling Hillary and her supporter to "Chill"? I don't think so.
For the love of God people... can you not see the forest for the trees?
Your only hope for a greater america is Barak Obama hands down...
why even wait???
This is only prolonging the inevitable... and good lord if McCain gains any ground you and the rest of the world will be extremely sorry!
The writing is on the wall......
So please my american friends... wake up and smell the moca!
Cheers!
ray
Bill Clinton is right theoretically, but is he right politically? Yes and no. Although the fight between the two Dems seems bitter and polls suggest the public is weary from it, Hillary's continued campaign inadvertently boosts Obama's image, not McCain's. The longer Hillary stays in the race, the sharper Obama's campaign gets and the more galvanized the Democrats are. While Hillary is behind and may very well be the loser in this race, her continuation is a boon to the Democrats based on the big numbers of voters lining up to get involved. If she drops out, this will end and Obama will be the only one responsible for galvanizing the Party. On the other hand, without resolution, it's hard to settle on a VP, who needs enough time to campaign alongside the Presidential candidate. If Obama wins, I believe his best VP pick is John Edwards, whose voters are the coveted Independents and disenchanted Republicans who Democrats seek, and who already has introduced himself to the country – and who people will find is a perfect balance to Obama.
I think an Obama-Edwards ticket would be the ticket to beat in November. Hillary – stay at it!
Well, Bill could not say anything else. He could not disagree with his wife.That is all He could say: Yes dear!
However, if the situation wrere reversed, Obama would have been already out of the race, pushed out by the big names in the party; after all, she is still in this race because she is a Clinton.
Whoever believe that this bickering will help the democratic party is out of his mind. Only Mc Cain will benefit from Hilary 's ill fated presidential bid.She needs to GET OUT OF THE RACE right now before she made anymore damage to the democratic party.
Yes. I do think Democrats need to "chill out"– including Senators Obama and Clinton and their campaigns. It's hard to stay calm in a race where people are constantly making personal attacks and spinning every word that comes out of anyone's mouth. Somehow, this debate has moved away from how these people would lead the country to some kindergarten game of "I'm better than you."
Jack,
I agree that the democratic process should be allowed to play out on its own, assuming both candidates will focus their attacks on McCain from here on out. I also strongly suspect a personal motive for Bill to say this, it is certainly not for the 'good of the Party'. Perhaps Hillary just wants to call it quits on her own terms rather than being called out to quit. Or maybe she really needs to continue in order to raise enough money to cover her mounting campaign debts. Either way, I don't think Bill telling people to chill is going to influence anyone, especially Hillary and the rest of her surrogates.
This is the glaring example what the founding fathers wanted to avoid. The deciders. The ones who persue the power over the good of the country or even their own party. GW Bush ruled over this country against the wishes of the people and his party as we see with his ratings. Now Clinton wants to do the same. She, BIll and even Chelsea should see that the democratic majority want Obama. These primaries are like baseball season. Way to long and it is just another overplayed process that keeps us from the important work of our government. It is rediculous. The NCAA tournament starts with 65 and whittles down to a winner in weeks. Campaigning and PAC donations is becoming a full time job. Just another waste of time and money for the same clown in a different costume.
Bill Clinton is definitely right. Hillary Clinton has the momentum now. I am appalled that Obama's supporters are willing to disenfranchise the voters in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky. etc. By Obama's campaign not agreeing to a revote in Michigan and Florida, they have disenfranchise those voters. If Obama allows this to happen, he will be remembered as the cadidate who stole the primaries.
Norwalk Ct.
Bill just doesn't get it. Barack supporters are not going to chill. They want Hillary to quit. Their attitude is, screw all the voters in Florida, Michigan, and other states that have not voted. They want superdelegates to kneel at the feet Of Barck, and Hillary to bow out of the race. Unfortunitly they may get what they wish for. Then Rev. Wright will send chills throught the general election, and there will be four more chilly years of Bushism.
Jerry Wilson
Bill Clinton is living in the same delusional fantasy world that Hillary lives in! The longer that the Clinton Crime Family drags this pointless fight out, the worse for everyone in their party, and the better for John McCain! When will the Clintons pull the wool over their own eyes and realize they don't have a prayer of winning?
Randolph
Lexington, Kentucky
On the Huffington Post today it stated "Mrs. Clinton's aides said they could see no circumstance in which she would withdraw unless she lost Pennsylvania on April 22". I think the Clinton supporters in PA who see she has no chance, should swap sides now and vote for Obama on April 22. That it gives Hillary a way out. For the good of the party and so Obama can start campaigning for the presidency. This way the voters decide, not the super delegates.
Marilyn, I don't know which parallel universe you're living in, but the number of delegates that Hillary is losing by is much closer to 200 than 100. So, by your own definition, she is definitely a "spoiler".
Yes, as long as he doesn't mean chilling out the way he chilled out in the White House, with the help of an intern under his desk.
Given the historic nature of this race every American should have their vote counted and recorded. Since neither candidate will have enough delegates to win the elcetion out right, every State, (that actually followed the rules), should be allowed to participate.
Now, having said that, it is Hillary that Bill should be telling to "chill out". Maybe he can make her a cool drink while they are putting the "sink" back in the kitchen.
Andre,
Miami, Florida
Bill sounds more like a republican mole lately, making us wonder if the rumour of the clintons getting in a deal with bush, to get rid of all serious dem presidential contenders, let hillary be the nominee, only to loose miserably to john maccain, and the clintons get some lucrative connections[who funded Bill in recent years?] . But i guess nobody thought about OBAMA, his inspiration to all people, and he beating the conspirators....a MIRACLE from GOD.
It's the media and political pundits that need to "chill out". They have way to much influence over this election and are driving stories that they want, newsworthy or not. Let the voters in the rest of the primaries vote and until June 6 no more stories on "Should Hillary" drop out?
Bill Clinton has no crediblity whatsoever at this point. I think the Democratic Party would be better off without any of the Clintons. It is obvious that they care more about their political legacies than they do about the Party. Since 2000, I have come to see both of them as frauds and liars. The Clintons will do anything or say anything if it keeps them in power. I don't see how any honest person could be a Clinton supporter.
Yes, if Obama wins, its much more impressive, if Hillary drops out because she was beat soundly than if it appears that she was strong armed.
Obama has said that he believes she should continue to fight, which indicates that he is unafraid of the battle.
I don't care who Bill Richardson, Bob Casey or, least of all, Nancy Reagan "endorse".........as if their opinions are more important than any other single voter? I'm with Bill. I am an independent and have waited a long time for Hillary Clinton to run. I don't dislike Obama, but he certainly isn't as special as he would have us believe. He is just another pol. I have briefly considered voting for McCain if Hil' doesn't get the nomination. What a horrid choice.....he is George Bush in military fatigues.
Bill Clinton should "chill out and get out"...... but he can't.... because he owes Hillary the Presidency for what he did in the Oval Office. This is why she didn't leave him when "IT" happened.
I believe Bill is right. The longer this campaign goes on the better Obama will look. Hillary is now 10 points behind in the polls and falling fast. She may win in PA, but has a 0% chance of winning here in NC.
Vince, Wake Forest, NC
Jack,
These two democatic nominees are acting like a couple of speedsters on a roadway... you know the kind... they rev their engines as they speed by you in clouds of dust and exhyaust, only to have you pull up right next to them at the next stoplight. I'm sure John McCain feels the same exact way... only sa he pulls up next to these two muscle cars, he is sitting in his beat up ol republican jilopy and laughing at them both... and when he catches up to them after they've broken themselves down from overheating, he'll be laughing even harder while they're trying to change their melted tires, and calling for a tow truck.
So, while I don't want to see that happen, and I'm not happy that a man as disingenuous as Bill Clinton said it; he's right. these two need to cool their jets. As far as him supporting Hillary supporters in either state. they brought it on themselves, and she was unethical enough to leave her name on a ballot the DNC had marked as breaking the rules. Too bad, so sad, for Hillary.
He is absolutely right. This is what democracy is. I think we should let everyone vote and then decide who is the best candidate. Obama campaign and his supporters come up with all the excuses to stop this race now. What are they afraid of ? I was so glad my vote had a say in Texas and I think people who have not yet voted should have the same rights as we who voted. So I standby what Bill Clinton said.
Nuwan from Houston, TX
Barack Obama says Hillary Clinton has every right to continue with her campaign. I suppose, as long as she can afford to keep throwing away her backers' money and ducking bill payments, she is entitled. It doesn't necessarily entitle her to the job of Commander in Chief, however, even if she thinks she has a nasty trick up her sleeve to steal the nomination from her more deserving colleague, the patient and statesmanlike Mr Obama.
Another Clinton question???? This campaign reminds me of the media's love affair for George W Bush. They allowed him to do whatever he wanted and didn't ask him ANY questions. Now look at the state of our country. Will it be the same IF Obama becomes President? Probably but who knows. I will tell you one thing, I didn't vote for Bush at all in the last two elections so I can sleep at night knowing I didn't attribute to the destruction of our nation and I am definitely NOT voting for Obama. I will not be part of the USA's destruction with Obama as President.
Let's see if this gets posted...Sorry Obama voters only!!
To Jack Cafferty.....before the Clinton/Obama campaign started to get really going, I thought you & Lou were my main reasons for paying the price for my Dish Network each month. Now I am so disgusted with you and your chauvinistic attitude which is so obvious it sucks. If if were not for you and those in the TV media like you, Hillary Clinton would be on her way up as Democratic Nominee for the White House as she should be. Your disgusting biased and ugly insinuations from the very beginning against my choice for the Presidential Democrat nominee have turned me against you from here on out. I damn near thought you walked on the water. I agreed with your comments on just about ev erything on the debacle in Washington. What's even worse, you are just one of the majority of male members of the media who have blasted her fair chances out of the White House before all Americans have rightfully had a chance to even cast their votes for her. You run a close second to the morons in Washington whom the Americans chose for the last eight years.......virginia from Pt. Venture Texas
vote for her.
Clinton's point is valid. Furthermore, despite their support for Obama, I seriously doubt that either Sens. Leahy or Dodd would be calling on Hillary to leave the race before the end of the primary season if VT or CT still had an up-coming primary or caucus. Voters tend to dislike it when their elected officials suggest that their votes don't matter.
I have lost complete respect for Bill Clinton. I did not want to remember his legacy as a whining, instigator, who has turned his back on his former supporters for the sake of his wife.
I'm sorry, but WHO'S the one running for President? Billy Boy is the one who needs to "chill out". He needs to let his wife run her own campaign... even though she doesn't have a snowball's chance of getting the nomination.
Rev. Bo R. Bielefeldt
Frankfort, KY
If the shoe were on the other foot, would I be able to believe that Clinton would take the same approach??
This being a Clinton, the answer would be NO.
Jack,
Bill Clinton needs to butt out of his wifes campaign. If Hilary decides to step down and let Obama take this nomination she will be doing the right thing. Bill Clinton has had his chance and blew it. If Hillary follows in his footsteps, she may as well bow out graciously.
Since when in a democracy do we not count votes, and bully candidates to drop out of a historically close race? Bill Clinton is right, this needs to run its course with the voters. Shame on those in the politcal arena and media who are trying to short circuit the democratic primary system. It is you that may end up being the cause of a split party through stilted reporting and and self motivated manipulation of the primary system.
With all do respect, let the candidates and voters decide this process as it should be in the greatest democarcy on earth.
Patrick Leahy and Chris Dodd, along with Nancy Pelosi are trying to tell their party in a nice way that if they nominate a candidate who received fewer popular votes, fewer pledged delegates and didn't win as many primaries and caucuses, they might as well hand John McCain the keys to the White House. Such a scenario would make the Democrats look worse than the Republicans as a "Good 'ole Boys Club" with their candidate picked in a "smoke-filled room" in a Denver Hotel. McCain and the Republicans could then label the opposition as the "Undemocratic Party" and he could legitimately refuse to appear in a debate with Senator Clinton and say that she was not the democratically elected nominee of their party. The other issue that Leahy, Dodd and Pelosi are trying to get across is that it's quite possible that Obama supporters may not unite behind Senator Clinton if they feel that the nomination was stolen in a "smoke-filled room" and either stay home on election day or, worse yet, vote for McCain out of spite.
Bill, this is my second post on this subject. I think Hillary should stay in, although I support Obama. I do have this question to you, though. Is it true that her campaign is again bleeding cash and that they have many bills unpaid and people angry with them?
I also read that a woman who made a substantial donation found that they kept charging her card over and over and she had to seek help from the police to get her money refunded. is this true?
if if is true then maybe she needs to stay in the race to raise money to pay her bills. if she wins Pennsylvainia as expected, she could count on a large influx of money.
CHILL OUT is an interesting term comming from the campaign that had their candidate screaming Shame on You Barack and sheding tears because well in her words,she cared so much about the country. They have been the poster children of hysteria, jumping on any little tidbit they think could be usefull in winning. I think continuing would be ok if the Clinton's had not already gone nuclear with Scorch the Earth tactics.
Tara
Elmira, NY
Jack,
He's as right as any husband defending his wife. Only thing is, he has too much invested in this process to make his view fair and impartial. The Clinton's want the White House again and will do or say anything to get it. So the right thing to do is to end this divisive campaign and accept the will of the majority and move on.
Seriously, the best way to fix this problem would be for Barak and Hillary to publicly flip a coin for president and vice-president. Just think how many problems would be solved by a no-fault nomination. Then they get on to the real work of winning a Democratic presidency and planning how they would tackle America's problems after that happens.
Although I support Obama, I think he is right. We need to have a longer attention span. This process started so long ago that we think it should be over by now. Add to that the meida impatience, the need to always move on to the next story, which in this case is a Democratic nominee, and we get this nagging feeling that something is wrong, that we should move on. But all things must pass. Obama will get the nomination, the party will unite, John McCain will be exposed to all the ugly truths of his party platform and failed policies. The Dems will rightly attach the Iraq fiasco and the ruined economy to the Bush agenda. The dangerous and fanatic right wing will be driven out, and the consrvatives will get their party back. What's left of it. And the Dems will rule, until they screw up.
.
We should "chill out" and watch the Democratic candidates bash on each other for a few more months while at the same time letting Republican strategists write all the attacks down and using them in November! If Hillary wants to stay in the race then Hillary has to play nice.
If she would drop out, just imagine how bored we would all be, there
would be no new updates and blogs, good or bad. Just McCain and
Obama beating up on each other til November.
Jack, I have no problem with Hillary staying in the race, as long as she stops the attacks. Both candidates should be campaigning against McCain. Democrats have a chance to double-team McCain while simultaneously showing they have the strength and platform to defeat him, which is the most important thing. Then, if by some miracles, she wins - hats off to her. I see no issue with her staying in, though, if she's not tearing down Obama and letting him informally begin the general election.
She has absolutely every right to stay in the race, but its the tactics that she is using that needs to stop!!!
There is nothing wrong with healthy competition, but she is making this race turn so negative, that it is hurting everyone!!!
OBAMA 08!!!
DEMOCRATS 08!!!!!!!!!!!
One might wonder or ponder.....Does Bill think that theirs something in it for him, telling people to chill out?
If the shoe were on the other foot, (Hilliary a head in the delegate count) we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Jack,
You know as well as anyone that “it’s getting ugly.” Is President Clinton right to suggest that Democrats “chill?” Last week, I’d have responded as a party member, but this week I’m an independent Kansan from all-too-Republican Johnson County (think: Orange County, Calif.) And I’ll be independent from now on. Hillary chased me from the party. Oh, I’m still planning to vote for the Democratic front-runner, but I’ll not accept Mrs. Clinton’s description of her fellow U.S. Senator as a man “with only a speech from 2002.” Let civil discourse be our guide, and let us resolve to snub those who are willing to say anything to get elected. Americans are demanding it – except those who don’t read or watch CNN, obviously.
Steve Roberts, Johnson County, Kansas
Yes, he is correct.
Who died and made either the Obama surrogates or the press God.
I know that the Obama camp thinks that their candidate is the second comming,but do give the rest of us a break, from the holier than thou Leahys and Dashiles & Bill Richardsons of the world.
Hillary has already remarked that she will go all the way to the convention.She has herself in mind.Those few supporters like Bill and Carville are obvoius just as selfish as she.How can this negativity not be splitting the party.?
I think he needs to tell Hillary to "chill out" and let the democrats have a candidate already. It's hurting the party that they don't have a one since McCain is out about globe trotting expressing his ideals. With lower delegate numbers and not a chance in sight of catching up, it almost seems a little prideful that she is staying in and not allowing the party have a chance to build strength against McCain.
Jack, I must say I am proud of the Clinstas' they said in the beginning that Obama hadn't been vetted he wouldn't know how to handle the Republican machine. Once he has knsocked them the Clintonian's out he would have done both been vetted and beat the real Republicans Hill and Bill
Jack,
CNN needs to do better than this. His Bill Clinton running to the higher office again? Why is he gettting more coverage than the candidates? Isn't this "Two for the price of ONE"?
Chantilly, Virginia
In a way I think Bill is right. We've come this far, and no one is going to win based on pledged delegates in all likelihood. Why don't we just let all of the states have their say through the primary process, and then the DNC and the superdelegates can (and should) figure out a solution by the end June at the latest.
Don't like Bill Clinton telling me to chill out – but I do agree to let the process run so all voters get their chance to voice their opinion and participate. Obama or Clinton at anytime can choose to ignore one another and focus their campaigns on McCain – thereby eliminating the idea that the republicans are getting a head start.
If anyone needs to chill out it's Hillary. She needs to aim that venom at McCain and not Obama. We are tired of her outrageous lies and "Carl Rove" tactics inside her own party. After two Bush terms the Democrats started out with the easiest job on earth, winning the White House, but Hillary's self- important (I won't say the "B" word) tactics are making that job harder and harder every day.
What I do agree with is that Senator Clinton has every right to keep campaigning. It is supposed to be a democratic process and it is exciting for upcoming primaries to actually be able to contribute.
What I don't agree with is the former president telling Dems to "Chill Out". Somehow the way he delivers his messages just keep harming Senator Clinton.
Having said all that, I believe Obama will probably be the nominee and deservingly so. He has run a great campaign. Let no one forget that.
Bill Clinton has made it clear that he'd rather see McCain become President than the man who had the audacity to challenge his wife for the nomination.
Mr. Clinton actually praised McCain as a "moderate" recently. It is almost as if Mr. Clinton knows his wife won't be the nominee, and he just wants to make Senator Obama suffer.
Clinton is destroying his own good legacy.
ERROR Both Selma and Birmingham was after his birth Since I am a senior, I have a right to a "senior" moment
Bill Clinton is 100% correct in telling Democrats to "chill out." The problem seems to be the superdelegates who said they would remain neutral, but are announcing right and left. It is not yet up to the superdelegates. We still have several states scheduled to vote, and picking our presidential candidate is really the people's business until all states have voted. By the way, I just heard that Senator Clinton has a double digit lead over Senator Obamo in Pennsylvania.
He is right. You are hearing calls for Senator Clinton to quit but all most all of them are from Obama Supporters. If all the contests that Senator Obama won were actually ballot contests and not causus's than Senator Clinton would have the nomination by a landslide. She is very close to Sen Obama even the Caucus's, that clearly favor his type of voters, and she has won the larger states. So I truly believe that She is more likely to beat Senator McCain than Senator Obama is.
Isn't it kind of odd that Senator Obama is saying that Senator Clinton is one of entrenched Washington people yet he is supported by names such as Kennedy, Kerry and other entrenched Washington insiders. Do you REALLY think that Senator Kennedy is going to give up his hard fought power to the New Kid on the block?
CNN should chill out too!
JACK
Only if Bill keeps his mouth shut. Not much chance of that.
Has he run out of issues of any substance. Probably.
Bill needs to chill out. He is not a candidate. Hillary should speak for herself.
Hillary should stay in the race if for no other reason than to deny the Republicans the absolute knowledge of who the Democratic nominee will be. It would be naive to believe that the Republicans will not viciously attack the nominee once he or she is known for certain. Why give them more time? As long as they cannot be sure that it will be Obama, they have to either split their attacks between the two candidates, wasting at least a portion of the effort on the one who is not nominated, or else they have to wait until after the convention. Either way only benefits the Democrats.
Jack,
What is the point of waiting? If the numbers all point to Obama, then lets just end this thing. This is still just the primary and more energy and time will be needed for the general election! So many people have said let the people vote, what about the years when the primary election was decided early on? Were all those people who didn't get the opportunity upset, I think not.
As long as it stays a positive campaign they can continue for all those folks who have'nt voted yet-but if these 2 goofballs go back to tearing each other apart the DNC needs to show some backbone and step in. Why can't these 2 just run together and make the whole party happy? Who cares whose #1 or #2–put then together and we're sure to win the election......And somebody please gag Bill-he just keeps ruining every step forward Hillary takes
Bill and Hill should chill out. They know the numbers are against them but want the presidential power. If they cared about the race they would chill out after Pa. There were 22,00 people at Penn State on Sunday. She will probably win Pa but not by enough to put her over the top.
Chill Out – those of us who still believe in miracles believe Hillary has a chance. The polls may show Hillary down by 10 points, but only the voters who walk into the voting booths really count in most cases (FL and MI excluded). I say the media should stop telling the voters who haven't voted yet that Obama has won. Shame on everyone that keeps calling for Hilllary to quit, you are trying to influence voters that have not cast their votes yet. Give her a chance. The media might be more believable if they hadn't started saying she didn't have a chance after ONE state (Iowa) had its caucas.
Certainly. There are about 1,000 delegates out there when you include Michigan, Florida, the remaining primaries and the super delegates. The national poll at this time is meaningless, she is ahead by double numbers in Pennslyvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. She is also ahead in Oregon. She is one to 18 behind in North Carolina. If you stop bashing her at every opportunity, like you have a woman problem, maybe she just might wind up the nominee.
I think they should take it as far as they feel they need to. If we ever get smart enough to return the vote to the people by eliminating the electoral college, and these delegates (super & so-so), we may be able to have an election that dosen't make us the laughing-stock of the world. At least the republicans can put forth a candidate in a reasonable time, without wanting to re-arrange the rules to suit them.
Bill Clinton says "Chill out". Ha! I know something Hiillary could run for with no opposition. The kitchen.
Everyone is getting sick of Hillary's lies about experience and other things. She has no more experience than any other first lady. She lied about being under fire in Bosnia and other trips. This is what America needs to get away from. Senator Obama has raised most of his money from ordinary people who share his vision for a better America. Hillary needs to drop out. She has used every negative tactic and it's not working.
Jack,
Since neither of the candidates can get to the 2024.........well, let the games continue:-).....I agree with Clinton – let the process go! Kennedy did it against Carter at the convention and no one was asking for Kennedy to leave. I guess some were more adult in those days...........LOL
It is arrogant, whiny and weak of the obama campaign and it's surrogates to suggest Clinton leave the race. The longer Obama is in the race the less lustre his lofty speeches have and the more hisactual record -liberal and thin as it is, can be examined by the American people and reluctantly the press. His ability to produce anything but rhetoric is unknown and his desire to shut down the vetting and voting is unseemly.
There is nothing wrong with chilling! Let the people vote. I though we lived in an democratic society. We are not done , until the last vote is counted!
I wasn't aware Obama was Hillary's campaign manager. Nice of him to tell her she can stay in if she wants. She not only should stay in, she will. NO ONE especially Dodd from my home state of CT who should have gotten out long before he did.
Hillary is a fighter and the pundits have had a field day with her and Obama goes off into the sunset without question and gets the media to stop playing his Rev. Wright's anti American sermons.
We should chill out while Bill and Hillary formulate a scorched-earth "take it to the convention floor" campaign? Why do I get the feeling that is like someone saying, "This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you"?
If it was Hillary at Obama's position, the game would be over because she's a Clinton. She was in second position but campained for the joint ticket before Texas and Ohio primaries. The reason is that nobody can defeat a close relative to a former US President, in the same way George W. Bush won the election. This is in fact Clinton's motivation.
It's amazing how three incumbent Clintons are campaigning against only one Obama, yet Obama is ahead in the race. Imagine if only one Clinton were campaigning? The game would be over.
Yes, He's right. All voters should have a right to have their votes counted, Michigan & Florida included. The race has a long way to go yet & if Obama wins he's in for a really tough time ahead of him. The Republicans will make Hillary's campaign look like child's play. When all is said & done we may see a lot of surprises, so let it play out till the end.
Bill needs to chill out. It seems like the stone age when he was so smart and had those awesome ideas ot save mankind.
Bill needs to chill too. No more "everybody picking on the girl" type comments. How condescending to his wife.
If Bill really means what he says, then he needs to tell Hillary's campaign to not demean Superdelegates who are making up their minds for her opponent, by calling them "Judas" and such. They should be free to make up their own minds, without fear of retribution from him and his ilk.
Yes, "Chill out." What are the Obama people afraid of? If they are so far ahead and so superior, nothing that Hillary Clinton does should bother them. ...And yet it does bother them to be challenged and confronted. Maybe the next advice to the Obama camp should be "Grow up."
Anne
West Lafayette, Indiana
Well Jack the I look at it, according to the math there is no way for Hillary to win. So the Clinton's need to CHILL and bow out gracefully.
Always difficult to convince a Clinton to pull out.
Here's a compromise: why doesn't Hillary drop out to endorse Obama and her supporters can vote for McCain so that she can run in 2012?
SOUND FAIR??
Why not let it go on? Why not let Hillary keep making the case for Democrats that Obama is the best candidate? Her tenuous relationship with truth seems to get deeper and deeper as the distance widens in Obama's lead in the race. It sets Obama in stark contrast and all he has to do is let her do the work of defeating her own candidacy. Chill out, indeed.
It's always right to let the people vote. Everyone is so worried about the party, but the fact is, elections are about what the people want, so let them vote!
I think so Jack, look no matter what happens I think the democrats will be united with a nominee to take on John McCain in the fall, things are very close now and things should just be allowed to play out and will see what happens, and because everyones so crazy about this i think President Clinton is right we should just chill and let things play out.
New York
Jack it's real simple if the shoe was on the other foot would he be "chillin"?
I think Bill Clinton was right, I think all the people esp. the media should just CHILL OUT. Let's let all the people vote, yes the people of MI and FL. Its the democratic way.
Of course the former president wants others to "chill out!" He needs time to make sure "they" have enough superdelegates.
"the election process" that ends in June, yes. The convention in Denver? no. i wonder why the only metric for the winner has become "the popular vote". i don't mind her staying in because she still has some strength, but she's got to be reasonable. we know she's got the ambition, and we're not shocked by it anymore. but at some point, she's got to suck it up and start putting party over personal ambitions.
I think you are not a reporter ,you are just using your position to promote Obama, I would love for either Hilary or Obama to win but CNN is so one sided it is not even funny!
To all those talking TV bobble heads who brought us G.W. Bush, Clinton is right to say chill out!
Hey Jack,
Bill is dead wrong, especially given that Hillary has said she will go all the way to the convention. She also said she will challenge the seating of Michigan and Florida which could tear the party apart at the convention. She will win or burn down the village.
If our forefathers had listened to the royalist side of our political forefathers and not let the discussion continue, then we might still be saluting the English flag. Thank those old forefathers for giving us the right to vote for whom we want... until one side has won. It seems presumptious of some democratic superdelegates to tell us how to vote before this primary is over. Their way is to take away one of the candidates. What ever happened to the people's right to decide?
Obama lost the last three states out of four and that was before the Revered Wright exploded on the TV screens. It seems to me that Obama supporters are afraid to find out how the voters in the remaining ten states have thought about that and are now making Obama look like he is afraid also. Never be afraid of the voters. Thses last ten states have to right to vote and you are just making them turn more to Clinton. I live in Florida. I am voting for McCain.
Bill is right, let the people vote first, I am a Obama supporter, but its not worth the damage to the party by not letting the whole party perticipate in the process, after the last vote is cast the looser should step aside, with the economy going the direction its going by November voting republican will be the joke of the day
I think Billcliton is right . The media has played a very negative roll. Hillary is disadvantaged because of that .Let her go on uninterrupted and she is sure to win. It is her democratic right. and let the two states be given a chance to vote.
Bill is absolutely right. Chill out!!! Let the votes be counted. The arrogance of Obama and his supporters is really hard to take. What are they afraid of? More stories coming out that would damage his chances? The democratic party should thank their lucky stars that Hillary has the desire to fight. The longer she stays in, the longer we have time to make sure we put a nominee up that can win the White House.
I doubt Bill would be saying this if the situation were reversed. Bill should chill out and Hillary should get out!
Millions of peopie have just registered to vote in the upcoming states, and many of these are for Hillary, so I think there is arrogance in to Obama campaign to tell Hillary to quit tis race. This sounds like reverse racism and sexist at its worst.
The Clinton's need to wake up and smell the coffee, it's all but over. If the shoe was on the other foot they would screeming for Barak to step aside for the good of the party. The Clinton's have this sense of entitlement, like the White House is some part of their family trust and nobody else is allowed to have it except them. God help us all if Chelse decides to run for President someday.
Heck yes. Let it play out. I'm from Pennsylvania and I hear lots of election talk. People are really excited about the primary for the first time in my voting lifetime. I'm for Hillary but after it's over I'll vote for anyone who stands against the abomination that has been with us for the last 8 years.
Yeah. We should all chill out. Let people vote. Count 'em up. The dems will end up with a candidate. They always do. Then voters will make a final decision in November. Why is everybody so eager to shortcut the process? The last couple of presidential elections should have taught us that's a bad idea.
"Chill out" doesn't work in these circumstances. It doesn't take much playing with Slate's delegate calculator to recognize – barring a huge scandal for Obama, or delegate stealing by Clinton, that she cannot win.
A recent Gallup poll suggested that 28% of Hillary supporters would vote for McCain if Obama won the nomination. This could just be hurt feelings, and the party may come back together, but continuing the race will just continue to polarize the party, and the closer we get to November, the more chance we have to lose.
Senator Clinton is a sore loser, hoping for a 'miracle,' much like Huckabee.
Bill should face facts and start working on Chelsea's campaign in the future.
Bill Clinton is wrong. He has set a new low standard for ex-presidents. Hillary would be better off without him trying to tell everyone else what they should do. His antics and off the cuff remarks simply add to the negative ratings that Hillary already has for herself for her own misstatements like the sniper fire at Tuzla airport. As we consider who is best qualified to pass the "Commander in Chief Test,” the threshold question should be: who we can trust? Who will tell the truth? We can not afford another Administration that does not tell the truth. Bill and Hillary have both demonstrated that they will say anything to win an election or stay in office. When the phone rings, Americans want more than someone with a fabricated resume to answer the call. We need a Commander in Chief who will tell us the truth. Stay home Bill we don't need you.
The only person Bill Clinton should ask to "chill out" is his wife.
Hillary should stay in the race until after the Pennsylvania primary. If Obama comes close in that state (under 10%) that has consistently polled her with double digit leads, she should admit that she cannot win the nomination and support Obama. If she manages to have a huge victory in Pennsylvania which she hasn't done anywhere recently except Rhode Island, then it might be realistic for her to continue and see if she can win the rest of the primaries (a very unlikely scenario).
If the powerful superdelegates (Gore, Biden, Edwards) come out to support Obama now, since he is winning in each category; then Hillary needs to leave as well.
Yes, he's right. Part of the reason Michigan and Florida are having problems since moving up the date of their primaries is that those two states were afraid the race would be over before the candidates were able to reach them in the elections. After all, this is the first time our state of Wyoming has been recognized by BOTH Democratic candidates since practically the Dark Ages.
No, democrats don't need to chill out. They need to make a decision fast and they need to just choose Obama as the nominee of the party. Its pretty clear that Obama is the strongest candidate and they need to realized that. And Bill should just realized that his wife is not gonna be president; i mean, lets face it, no one wants a liar as the president of this nation that we all love. If she's dishonest enough to lie about the Bosnia incident, what makes you think she will keep the promises that she's constantly making?
I love Bill Clinton but if he thinks that all of the fighting back and forth is going to help the party he is wrong. A matter a fact Hillary should step down not believing that it was a K.O but a T.K.O. Maybe she may be able to still find a place in cabinet. She should endorse Obama today and be proud of herself.
Former Pres Bill Clinton is definitely right. Sen Hillary Clinton must continue to fight to the end. LET THE PEOPLE OF PENNSYLVANIA and voters of other states in the upcoming primaries DECIDE. No one has he right to tell Sen Clinton to quit... Let her continue her crusade.
Jack:
Of course the democrats should chill out and let the race go on. I notice cnn and you never state the obvious that Barack has won mostly caucaus which is not a real reprsentartion of the state. most working people are not going to college were dad and mom is picking up the tab and of course welfare recipients have got all the time in the world. Also it is obvious that a lot of the states he won will never vote democrat such as, Utah, Alaska, Wyomming, north Dokato and Idaho. So let the race go on.
If the Obama supporters had been in power during WW II, they'd probably be telling us to surrender to Japan after Pearl Harbor. After all, our Pacific fleet was all but distroyed and Tokyo Rose was telling everybody we could never recover, let alone win the war! I for one am glad the United States wasn't a quitter then, and I'm glad Hillary Clinton isn't a quitter now.
I'm so tired of the push for Hillary to leave the race. She's not a Mike Huckabee; this race is still neck-to-neck. It's also unfair to the states who have yet to vote; aren't we ALL supposed to get a vote? And I'm tired of hearing about the endorsements from random senators whose names I've never heard about before. It's time YOU heard OUR – the VOTERS – endorsements ... and LET US VOTE.
' Course he's right. The Clinton campaign can't pay it's bils already– in debt $2.7 million. Obama has $31 million in the bank. Let it run, and see how badly she can be beaten. The better she gets beaten, the happier I will be!
I said long before the first vote in Iowa that HILL is not BILL, and as it stands right now, I'm being proven right. Three Clintons campaigning every day for HILL, and Obama is still winning. What should that say to Queen HILL? Is she REALLY that dense?
If she manages to finagle her way to get the nomination, I will consider her as "insignificant" as she said of VA, and stay at home for the general election, the first time in 40 years.
Norfolk, VA
Jack,
I agree we all need to just chill out because it really doesn't matter ! Because everyone I talk to comes to the same conclusion who ever wins the other supporters will not support the other anyway !! I know myself being a Hillary supporter I will never ever NOTE FOR OBAMA I WILL VOTE MCSAME !!!!!!!!! I would rather have another 4 years of BUSH THEN VOTE FOR HIM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Time for Hillary to chill and get out of the race. Why does it seem that her candidacy at this point is not about the United States but all about Her and Bill getting back into the White House? She has lost all credibility with her switching on the Florida and Michigan primary position, and Bosnia war stories.
This is not a Huckabee situation, Jack, where one candidate has stayed on beyond any hope of success. Both Obama and Hillary are still viable, qualified candidates. There is still plenty of time until the convention, and they keep the focus on the Democrats (and away from McCain) while they sort things out.
As a mature Kentucky voter, whose primary ballot has never counted for squat in choosing a Democrat candidate for President, I agree wholeheartly that the remaing primaries should be allowed to play out. We Kentuckians never get to cast a primary vote until late May and I can't remember an election in my lifetime that the outcome of our primaries mattered at all. As late voters, we aren't disenfranchised, we are UNenfranchised. Tell the naysayers to butt out, and let the people of Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, Puerto Rico, and the rest have an opportunity to voice an opinion that matters for once! The dust will settle by July 1 and then the pundits and candidates can duke it out.
Bill Clinton needs to tell his wife to "Chill Out"!! Hillary has been the one doing all of the dirty tricks to make it unbearable to keep her in the race. Or can he tell her to Chill? because he is partly putting her up to all the low-down rotteness??
if polls could tell the future then why is Obama in the lead, Hillary was on top of most polls, should Obama have quit then, where would we be if he had, polls are that just polls, they are never right, polls are just used to give the media things to talk about, votes matter or should we just have a poll in November to pick our president, and what about the states that haven't voted yet, are they not important just like Florida and Michigan, everyone is upset about the super delegates overriding the peoples vote, well if that's the case shouldn't all the people vote or just some of them
Let's let it play out as long as possible. But, let's get them reveal in minute detail how they will dismantle the egregious legacy of the G.W. years. Will either or both of the Democratic candidates pledge to uphold the U.S. Constitution's core value of separation of powers? Each and every day these two continue their sparring affords the electorate the hope of learning important information about the candidates' plans and their character.
Sure, Hillary can stay in till June if she insists, but beyond that she is kidding herself if she thinks that she is in any way helping the Democrats. It is sheer ego to think that states that both she and Obama had agreed would be disenfranchised should now be counted, particularly when Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan and he didn't campaign in either state! You can't change horses in midstream, and you can't change the rules in the middle of a primary election. Personally, I supported Bill Clinton through all his trials and tribulations, but he lost my respect and my loyalty when he pardoned Marc Rich. The Clintons need to chill out and get off this destructive ego trip and accept the inevitable.
Of course he is right. And the media needs to hear that message. I was very disappointed that I was unable to vote for my first choice here in California. Our primary was earlier this year, yet my candidate had already dropped out. Let voters have their say. In the meantime, why don't you in the media pretend to be journalists and concentrate on the issues; there are differences, subtle though they may be. That is the message the voters need to hear.
Pat, Laguna Beach
yes Bill Clinton is right. Why no one sees that Obama is not truthful about anything he says is beyond me. They only see what Hillary says about things that hapeened 12 years ago. Why the press doesn't ask Barak how he will deal with Hammas and the middle East. Will he meet with their leaders and sell israel out?
I am from Florida, this is where the democrats wanted rehabilatated felons to be able to vote. Yet they are not counting the votes that were done here by normal respectable people.The media has pushed Barak to win. I hope he doesn't.
Don't go negative on this because it came from Bill Clinton, but the only rule in Democracy is that people get to vote freely and their vote must be counted. And if they can do it in India and Pakistan, they can do so in the USA.All those important people who keep bullying Clinton to drop out because she cant win, it's not only about who can win,it's also about giving people a chance to vote. That principle is what those kids are getting killed in Iraq for. So please don't let them down.
Everybody needs to chill out. Let the process continue and let Hillary to rough up Obama for the general. McCain won't do it, so let Hillary do it for him.
Since polls don't give a true picture of what people think but votingdoes. Let's have the people vote.
Jack,
I'm so dissapointed with these candidates now that I think I'm going to "Chill Out" and vote for Lou Dobbs. Hiliary is not a quiter but does she and her husband understand when she's not a winner?
Devon
When a couple fights, it can get ugly. In the end, though, the winner will win and the party will have grown as a whole. Bill Clinton's right, here, which is something I haven't seen a lot of in recent months. Not only should they continue, but they should be fighting their hardest. The harder the fight now, the stronger the party will be come November.
Who is worried?
Obama says let Sen. Clinton stay in the race she has right to stay in. Question: What is Obama and Clinton’s numbers were in reverse, would you be pushing for him to drop out? When both the candidates are on the stump, they are both talking for the Democratic party. One in one location within a state, the other is carrying the parties message in another location another state. They both have their own coffers contributed by their private supporters but both working for the Democratic party. It is often referred to as these “two candidates are very close in their ideas on the economy and all the important issues facing this country”, then why would you want to stop the remainder of the states to vote their right? Stop with the media propaganda about these two candidates. This is a good thing. If nothing else to make Obama thick skinned enough to endure the right wing’s voodoo. Let me have the right to at least live in my fantasy world a few more weeks that I as a US citizen have not once again had my rights stripped from me this time by the media and all their propaganda. You are not helping the Democratic party with showing the snippets and not the whole truth. It is in fact called bias and untrustworthy, false truths, Lies. As all propaganda is . Like the Bush administration used in the message of “weapons of mass destruction”. Credibility the media across the board have lost as of now. That is the basic belief of the average citizen when talking around their dinner table or across the table at a senior citizen center.
No. If HRC were in the lead he'd want this race ended ASAP. Next year's dictionary should define the word "Clintonian" to mean "obsessed with winning to the point of destroying one's surroundings to achieve victory."
ENOUGH out of these people!
what's wrong with letting things work themselves out isn't that what democracy is all about? things change pretty fast in politicks we haven't heard anything from michelle obama since the wright contravercy and then theres the resko relationship that goes back since before his run for the senate relax jack the fun's just starting.
To Richard , no wander why peoples are with Obama. He is not the one with a trial pending april 25. Remember paul vs clinton...
Yes !! Its bad enough that Florida & Michigan's voters have been disenfranchized but now we are expected to sit still for Hillary being driven from the race just because a bunch of Obamaites are anxious. Even Obama says she should stay in the race if she wants to... Give it a rest, Jack... Give it a rest.... all you media people. Its a long time in the world of news until 4/22/08
sigh... I feel for you all.... Yeah, right !! mary of Sarasota, FL
That's easy for Bill to say. He is rich and hasn't been negatively affected by the Bush administration. But a lot of other American's suffer from a disastrous war that is ankrupting our economie, war profiteering, gas price raises,foreclosures. Him and Hillary are out of touch and can't relate any longer to the pain Americans feel.
Hillary and Bill, if allowed to continue, will tear the party apart and aoolw McCain to be elected. Dodd, Richardson, Casey, and other who have asked Hillary to stop are right. She has a right to continue, but at least she and Bill need to stop the hostile rhetoric and stop the selfish ego tripping.
Sen Obama lied about his 5 hours of legal work for Rezko. Now we hear – Yeah guess he was fully away or the land deal and giving Rezko's cronie Joseph Aramanda's son an intership in his office. After 20 years of being in a church didn't know his Pastor was a racist, bigoted, America hating preacher.
Come on folks.
IF the media wasn't so in love the Senator Obama, we would get to the truth about his relationship with Rezko and Wright.
Jack, "Chill Out" just means let everyone vote. We have more primaries on the way. Why are we so quick to have Hillary step aside when there is so much support for her? I am sure all of those that have called for her step aside are Obama supporters and/or have already voted. When Huckabee stayed in the race we didn't hear a call for him to quit the race even though he had no chance in Hell. Obama supporters need to let everyone vote if he is to have any validity. (Florida and Michigan included). That is what democracy is afterall, ins't it? John- Goodyear, AZ
I think clintons(both seniors and junior) should chill out ,go on a vacation until the election is over,so a true democrat can win this time.
Jack,
The political process has played out. She lost. I'm telling you now if Hillary is handed the nomination via the super delegates. I a 55 year old life long Democrat will vote for McCain.
A disgusted democrat.
Yes, President Clinton is right. I certainly would be more pissed off if I was in one of those remaining primary states and my candidate was being told to quit before they got to vote. Let the people vote, what is everybody scared of, party divisiveness...whadda load of crap. Anyone who really wants a change from current administration should be happy to have either democratic candidate as President. I want a change fronm what we have, I will support whichever democratic candidate gets nominated.
No, he's not right. This has become a contest of egos rather than an effort to save this nation from the Bush insanity. Too much is at stake. They need to settle it now before we lose more votes to McCain. If one of them would graciously step aside to make sure the Democrats win, he or she would be a hero in my book. Too bad we are sorely lacking in heroes these days.
Tell the Clintons to go home and chill out.. they are has beens and we are sick of them and the .. Bushs and Jack remember you from WHO in Ia.
Of course he is right! Do you not understand that there is less than 5% of the popular vote seperating the two candidates? That niether will reach the 2024 delegates without the help of superdelegates?
YOU may want this race to be over, but it's NOT.
Listen to guest, Super Mario, he makes a lot of sense. Let them fight it out and let the supporters of both candidates know that no matter what, their candidate will be on the ticket come November.
Former President Clinton enjoys the attention and the fight of
a political campaign.
President Clinton wants the White House but he will accept
the VP nomination for Hillary.
The Clinton's staing the course for the VP nomination.
Losing is not in the Clinton DNA. She is so power hungry they will go to any length to try to win. I do not know why America does not see this and vote her out once and for all. She is also very ingenuous and insincere.
Jack,
Bill is Wright for the wrong reason. he believes that the longer this goes on the greater the chance of Hillary winning. Hillary being wrong with the Wright statements, if allowed to continue, maybe given the nomination, but would certainly lose the general election.
Concerning Hillary – it's "mind over matter." Obama shouldn't mind if she continues on, because she doesn't matter any more. She's running out of money, credibility, and the only way she can win is if she "kneecaps" Obama, a la Tonya Harding (as Rush suggests.) He should just be presidential and ignore her.
Jack,
It's not that Clinton and Obama need to "chill out" because they're hurting eachother with attacks. It needs to end because people are tired of it. Both are losing "The Big Mo" because average people don't want to hear about it. And has Clinton answered exactly how she can win this against Obama? Gas, Groceries, Goods, are more expensive and a drawn out tit-for-tat fight doesn't solve it for us.
Baseball has started now, so leave us all alone and call us in the Fall when you want us to go out and vote. Go Indians!
Thanks....
No body LIES LIKE The Clintons- Bush. If Billary's memory gave her visions of sniper fire and running for cover with her head down, thats make her dillusional. Can we afford to have another dillusional idiot in white house.
Ready on day1 to lie.
based upon what i've been hearing in the media, the only person that needs to CHILL is BILL.
No Bill Clinton is not right and I will not vote for Hilary if they lie their way into her being the nominee. Would rather have 4 more years of Bush via McCain.
Vince
The people who need to chill out is people like you and all news people. You and your kind think you are the smartest people in the world and you know just the right answer for running this country. The news media needs to keep there personal views to themselves and let the people make up their own minds.
You people don't like Bill Clinton so you take it out on Hillary. And because she is a woman that makes you even more unfair. You can't stand the thoughts of a woman running this country. You so called men have had your try at it for over 200 years and what a mess we have now. So stay out of it and let the people decide which candidate has the experience to run this country.
Elaine
Jack
is this not what the republican party did before the end of the process ?
please ,we can not let any politicians decide America's right of choice.
A few thoughts:
1. If Bill Clinton wants to run around making comments that could hurt the delegate leader in the race with McCain, then he needs to chill out first.
2. While this is going on, McCain can define himself with minimal contention. Given the money lead the Democrats have, this represents a missed opportunity.
3. If he wants compromise, then how about agreeing to stop after June 10th with the one with the most delegates at that point is the winner.
Putting these together, it is best if it ended now, but tolerable for a while more. However, it would be better if the Clintons agreed to a firm end date and avoided the shots that Republicans can use down the road.
Hillary Clinton ( and every voter who is in her camp ) is entitled to her exhausting every available attempt to obtain the Democratic presidential candidate.
We have no choice but to allow this to follow the full process as neither canidate can win without the Superdelegates. The problem as I see it is there is no historical reference for this election so it is absolutly impossible to predict the damage or helpfulness of this protracted primary. The emotional divide between these campaigns is different than any other and it may be much more difficult to recover than in elections past. I do not beleive that Bill or Hillary is giving that any thought nor do I believe they really care.
I live in Ontario Canada and from the first Primary until the last one in March, I spent every spare moment glued to CNN coverage of the campaigns. I was impressed, until February anyway, at how Senators Clinton and Obama were able to run campaigns with a difference, minimal mud slinging, and a familial atmosphere: Then came March. I am now so disgusted with how the democratic campaigns have degenerated into childish squabbling, I now rarely listen to either of them. If I thought Senator Clinton had a realistic chance, I'd be the first to ask her to stay in the race. However, things being as they are, she is only hurting the parties chances in the General Election. If she truly had the Parties best interests at heart, she would withdraw.
Yes, the primary season should continue until it ends in June. What is wrong with allowing the remaining states and territories to participate in the presidential nominating process? The Democratic National Committee has already disenfranchised the voters of Florida and Michigan. Does anyone believe that the remaining voters would be glad to give up their votes just to make the Obama supporters happy?
Maria,
Texas
Bill should "Chill" Hill should read the writing on the wall and "back out" They have more gall than Carter had "little liver pills."
Bill Clinton is right "chill" if I were in her shoes, I would see no reason to quit at this point. And what do we really know about this guy?? I know all there is to know about the Clinton's and you know what they say, the devial you know is better then the one you don't. Hang in there Hillary!!!!
Dave
Marlborough, MA
Unfortunatley for the Democrats it is the electorate that is being chilled out by this ridiculous campaign.
Bob Fleming
Louisville, Ky
Yes, the democratic party should let the voice of the people be heard and not the elected officials voice. I have been a democrat all my life and will not vote for Obama because of his Reverend's comment and the comment that his wife stated about the first time in her life that she was proud to be an American.
Jack,
Funny how the very people calling for Hillary to quit (all Obama supporters in case you didn't notice) are the same ones saying that the superdelegates should vote according to the "will of the people." I guess they just mean the will of SOME of the people, or the ones who agree with them maybe? The DNC has set up this process with a beginning and an end. It should play out, as so many have before, until the end. Anything less amounts to a trampling of any remaining shreds of the Democratic process left in this mess.
Gee Jack, do you think that Obama will be able to get McCain to back out of the general election, if he gets a few points ahead in the polls?
I'm 51 one years old and been voting all my life, and I have NEVER, ever witnessed what I see before my eyes. Bill Clinton, man of reason, "let my people vote." Right on!
Do the math is RIGHT! 12 out of 50 states have NOT had their chance to weigh in. And since I am an engineer, I can tell you that's almost 25% of the races yet to run.
Do people really think that millions of women who supported Hillary Clinton as someone who really is different (and not just a different color) are just going to fall in to line? Hell hath no fury...
That depends on how Bill Clinton defines the process playing out. If he means when one candidate gets enough delegates (pledged and super) to win the nomination, then yes I agree with him. If however he defines it as being over when something from an Alien movie pops out of the losers chest, then I disagree. Past history encourages us to have him define what "defines" means.
Of course chill out. Clinton has and will win all the major states. Doesn't demographics mean anything anymore. Hilliary's the only democratic shot at the white house. Obama is a bigger spoiler than Nader . Why don't we just hand the election to McCain.
It all depends on what "play" is ! It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt
It's a bit ironic that former Presindent Clinton feels that we should let the democratic "run it's course" now that the math for Hillary's success is seriously in doubt. She's lost the delegate race, popular vote, & overall positive perception to-date & I nor anyone else should force her out of the race in my opinion. But her campaign appears to running low on funds, and credibility.
Obama '08
Jack, as unsophisticated as the former president's phrase may have been, he has a good point. What we all need to do right now is just "chill out" and let this democratic process carry itself out. If Hillary loses, then fine, but at least this way she will have lost fair and square and all the constant bickering can come to an end. If hillary should lose, then sadly, we can look forward to McCain, because although many will not admit it, this country just does not seem ready to have an african-american president.
Having the primary go until all the states participate is a good thing. Every state that participates in the primary will have set up Campaign Organizations that will already be in place to go against the Republicans in the General Election, instead of starting from scratch.
Bill Clinton is wrong when he said chill out.
What the clintons are saying is that if we loose, all Democrats will loose and we don't care.
Of course that's what he's going to say. It's all about spin, baby. What do you think he'd be saying if the shoe were on the other foot? That's right, there wouldn't be any "chill'n out". Neither Hillary nor Bill are going to stop until they ruin the Democratic Party. Hey, wait, that's great! You tell 'em, Bill.....
the voters are "chillin out"; we have no option since the voting process is so spread out all the way to july. Jack you know who needs to do their jobs...the super duper deligates...since they have a super power to vision whats best for the party; they need to act soon and end this process before its too late; its not just about the party it is also about their own credibility to preform their duty. Since they are about 350 of them,clearly it could make a a big difference, even if it was split that would be 10 times better than whee we are now.....super delegates stop chilling out; do what is best for the party.
Sure there will be some damage done with it dragging on, but Bill is right, but beyond helping his wife out, I think it helps Barack too. Character is revealed better through adversity. I think Barack has shown the exceptional character he possesses through all the huge hurtles he has had to get past as of late. The better people get to know him, the harder it is for someone else to get those doubts implanted back into people's heads. Bring it on Bill!
Hi Jack, well if everyone truly feels that Obama is the nominee and will become our next president? why worrie about what Hillary does or doesn't?? Trust me with all the negative news media and your comments of course sharing your own strong opinions about Hillary... well If she can you and all that is thrown at her.. She most certainly has my vote. what is sad is that cnn doesn't understand her supporters will never forget how cnn has been so negative with her. Hillary Clinton 2008!!!!!!!!
CNN best political team should learn to take long and deep breadth.
If DEMS muffia group listen to their own advice, they should not file nomination paper for their next term.
Jack,
Why should Hilliary drop out? Is this a democracy? We here in Oregon
the elections are already decided before we ever get to vote. I am
a life long registered republican. Hilliary has the most experience
Obama has only been there 3 yrs? I swore I would never vote for a
republican again, but if Obama is nominated I will vote McCain. Obama says his minister apologized for his remarks well I never saw
it anywhere in the news. I was raised by a minister and you don`t go
for 20 yrs. to a church and not hear the message. That was hateful
to our country. All of these primaries should be held over a couple
of weeks not 6 mos. How can you say it fair when so many of our
votes will not count. At least the Clintons did something for this country by balancing the budget and paying down the debt. Margaret Wagner
the voters are "chillin out"; we have no option since the voting process is so spread out all the way to june. Jack you know who needs to do their jobs...the super duper delegates...since they have a super power to vision whats best for the party; they need to act soon and end this process before its too late; its not just about the party it is also about their own credibility to preform their duty. Since they are about 350 of them,clearly it could make a a big difference, even if it was split that would be 10 times better than whee we are now.....super delegates stop chilling out; do what is best for the party.
Jack,
True enough neither candidate will obtain the number of delegates needed to win the nomination. However, Clinton won't pass Obama in any respect so one has to question her motives. I support Obama so my opinion is obviously biased but if I may use Geraldine Ferraro's analysis and say that if Hillary was a black man or woman she wouldn't be where she is but because her last name is Clinton she happens to be very lucky. Jack I just started reading your book and I know its gonna be a hit because you are the man! Keep doing what you do!
Damiyon
Montgomery, AL
It's a sure sign of desparation on the part of Team Clinton. And reading all the above Clinton-ites, they are also sounding very desparate. Fact is that Billary cannot, CANNOT, catch Obama, so she should stand aside for the good of the party.
jack i think this is politics let the voteing continue untill their is a clear winner also i think if the super delagates would vote this would come to a finish. question what are they waiting for? i am supporting hillary clinton with my vote and my cash. obama is just to young i am 63 years old i need a mature person to be my president. sam
Bill would be right, if it was possible for his wife and himself to run a clean campaign, but that won't happen. Both sides rely on the others voters to back them in the general election, but the Clintons seem to forget that while her supporters come from the older and more rigidly dems., a lot of his supporters are either new or independant, and have loyalty to the candidate, not to the party. A lot of these would be more comfortable with McCain than with the Clintons, and might not just "sit out" the election, but would vote for McCain.
The last time I checked, this is still the United States, the beacon of democracy. Are you and the Dudds of this great country willing to sacrifice the lives of young Americans overseas for democracy only to deny us that same rights at home? I am a black man and I say let every woman and man vote and why we are at it, please let us not again disenfranchise the peolpe of Florida, yea! let us count Michigan too.
Go Hillary, Winners never quit, and quitters never win!
The media and democrat insiders wanted Hillary to drop out even before people in TX and OH. had a chance to vote. Why even hold a primary? Forget democracy. Just let the big wigs and media select our next president.
Why has the media stopped doing investigative reporting? Myself and other voters would really like to know more about Obama and his circle of friends. Obama shows extremely poor judgment when he associates with people such as Willam Ayers,(former Weathermen founder) Rashid Khalidi (Been accused of having direct ties with the PLO), Rezko who is on trial for corruption of politicians and also has close ties with London-based IIraqui billionaire Adhmi Auchi.
Why does the media not check these relationships out? I fear they will not do until the general election. Then it will be too late and the democratic party will fail again!
PS: I almost forgot Rev. Wright who soon will move into his million dollar home with an elevator, etc.
Phyllis
Media, PA
Bill Clinton said chill out is like telling your family to chill out, Thats impossible. As long as Hillary still in the race not even Bill Clinton will be able to hold her back. Bill and Hillary Clinton are family that tells you every thing.
Where is Michelle O'Bama?
It's the media that needs to "chill out." They have their own vested interest in who is chosen. Doubt it? Take a look at 2000 when they declared Bush the winner of the debates with Gore. So far Gore has become an author, won an Emmy and a Nobel prize. Bush still can't cobble together 3 coherent sentences in his native tongue when he makes a speech. And he still makes up words that don't appear in any dictionary. But he won the debates? Sure he did.
Now it is so obvious that they are giving Obama a free pass because of their dislike for the Clintons, it's just as pathetic. Richardson is going to vote for Obama as a so-called "super delegate" even though his state voted for Clinton. Massachusetts voted for Clinton but Kerry and Kennedy decide THEY get to pick. Why should the people bother to vote if their vote doesn't count? When Richardson was asked about it his answer was "it was so close." It doesn't matter HOW close it was. If it was even ONE vote, that would be one vote he STOLE from that voter. What is this called? A caste system?
The American publics attention span is not as short as you might think it is and come November I WILL vote for McCain before I will vote for Obama.
I'm no fan of Bill or Hillary Clinton, but I think he is right. If Hillary Clinton loses either PA or IN, she will bow out. I have no doubt about that. But creating this whole hullabaloo is pointless until those states vote. So I think we should all just relax and talk about this crazy economy and the war.
I'm sick of hearing all these never-ending process stories.
Alot of us in New York would "Chill-Out" if Billy would take his bride Hilly back to Arkansas and stay there. Couldn't trust him – Can't trust her!
How about chiiling out till the election time, so that the wish of the Clintons' can be achieved after the election is handed over to John McCain. I believe the Clintons' tactice is to make sure this election is lost by the democrat so she can re-run in 2012. I hope democrat elders can come to the rescue on time, enough of this selfish politics. I wonder what the Clintons' take will be, if Hillary is in Obama's shoe.
The only people who need to "chill" are Bill and Hill. Their nastiness and the possibility of a "Tonya Harding strategy" is what started all the calls for her to drop out in the first place. They need to remember that Barack Obama, a fellow democrat, is not the enemy. If they can fight hard without fighting dirty, great. Otherwise, they BOTH need to get the heck off the stage.
Bill Clinton should chill out Hillary Clinton should drop out! The "Dynamic Duo" is doing more to split the Democratic Party than the Republicans.
Hi Jack,
Why should anyone take Bill Clinton's advice on this issue? I think it's pretty clear he's taken a side. I believe that this is part of the Clinton camp's strategy to delay the avalanche loss of support they're going to see once everyone realizes that Obama's nomination is 90+ percent certian given the current delegate map.
The issue is not whether Hillary should drop out. The issue is that the campaigns are now being fought on trivialities instead of the primary issues (healthcare, economy, Iraq, immigration, etc.)
If they could focus on these instead of dithering about who went to what church, who got shot at by snipers, who voted for what 5 years ago and who's more oppressed – things that are SECONDARY to electing a good President – nobody would need to worry about the harm that might befall the Democratic party from this drawn-out battle.
I find amusing the voiced views of Democrats (Leahy is the latest) urging Clinton to throw in the towel before the primaries end and collect the party behind Obama. If consistency of logic is a virtue, what will these same folks say in September if McCain appears to be a few points ahead? Will they say, “It’s time for the country to rally around our next leader John McCain, so let the polls pick the president this year.” I don’t think so!
Obama says he's happy about Clinton's passionate supporters. He can't be much as they seem to be standing in the way of him crossing the finishline ahead of Hillary. Neither of them have won nor can by the pledged delegate votes, and how can we say that the voters have spoken when Florida and Michigan don't ge a say???. Bill is right.
Obama needs to stop whining about choosing not to campaign in either place. It's just an excuse!
Bill Clinton is right. Let the rest of the states vote. If Hillary is not the nominee, then McCain is our next president. It's just that simple.
Jack,
I am so tired of the Clinton campaign and their negative spin on everything dealing with this process. What is obvious to the american people is that the Clinton's will not accept that they have lost or will lose and will stop at nothing to try to make this election all about her. Obama is ahead and neither one will reach the 2024 magic number, so why continue to drag this out. STOP now ! Obama has won, and let us all focus our energy towards McCain and on winning back the White House in November.
What are the Obama Campaign and Supporters afraid of? Some of those youngsters in his camp should listen to their elders.
Bill Clinton was the one of our best presidents ever and deserves all our respect. The way some of these young people live their own lives gives them no right to stand in moral judgement of anyone. They have no solid ground to stand on when judging anyone.
No Way Obama!
God Bless Hillary and Bill Cllinton.
Bill Clinton is wrong. While I think he was a great president, the sense of entitlement that surrounds the Clintons is worrisome and a real slap on the face of American voters. But really, it is time for the Bush/Clinton dynasties to end. Also, just because Bill was a great president does not mean that Hillary will be.
Bill was the best president ever, and the jealous Obama fans, know that Hillary will be just as grerat as he was.
I agree. Chill out. Who would the voter in the other state get to vote for if not for Hillary. They would be no use in voting.
I don't understand all this talk about let the primaries play out; everyone deserves a chance to be heard. In years past, if the canidate had the delegates needed by this time they could care less whether or not other voices were heard. Bill, Hillary you chill, take a seat and let the general election begin.
If Democrats want an answer so badly, why not put some more pressure on the superdelegates to cast their votes?
The concerns of top Democrats regarding the tone and length of this race are legitimate concerns. Over the last month we've watched McCain move up in the polls. Months prior he was behind both Obama and Clinton. It's evidence that this race is in fact hurting Democrat chances in November. Democrat loss in this climate would be devistating and could spell the end of the party. If a Democrat cant win after 8 years of Bush you have to conclude that they simply cannot win. Hillary does need to remove her sense of entitlement and campaign like she is any other candidate. Her sense of entitlement has only hurt her. She doesnt understand why people are drawn to Obama over her. She simply is not that good of a politician. Ten point plans wont get you in the white house. We are electing a LEADER not a bundle of policy positions.
Obama's supporters are looking at being 15% behind in Pennsylvania and trying to find some way to supress the Clinton vote. They will be harping on this for the next three weeks. They are afraid if they lose Pennsylvania big they could lose North Carolina, and they know they are going to lose Indiana. That means in late May the talk could be why doesn't Obama drop out he hasn't won anything in 2 months.
Absolutely. I think that media has tried all along to influence this race with bad reporting. I quite frankly do not understand who they are polling because everyone i know will only vote for Hillary. It is absurd that FL and MI will be left out. Revealing the reverend has opened many eyes. If Obama is the nominee the Democratic party will loose the general election.
GO HILLARY
It is time to chill out. I am fed up with all of the campaigning. There should be no super delegates. They vote the way they want too, not the way of the popular vote. The states that were uncounted need to be. Why try to get everyone to vote when it doesn't count anyway. Most of our representatives vote what they feel is best for us, it all needs to go to a popular vote, a one time thing, No caucus, no campaigns. All of this money spent by these people running for office could have been better spent on helping those of us that need it.
Yes. It's sad to see that the pressure of the majority of a republic is more interested in seeing immediate results when those who have yet to have a voice in the electoral process or may not get one at all way in against the last few states of the country. My state of Oregon is getting the opportunity to weigh in for the first time in about 40 years and everyone wants this race to be over with already. If certain states that violate the rules by moving their state's primaries up to early should have a voice, so should the last states to vote that followed the rules. Hillary is up against impatience now. How can she not be the canidate when she won the swing states? This is not about super vs. pledged delegates...it's about electability in the general election in which swing states, not independent voters, will determine the outcome of this election. The urgency of now is the exact trap that got us into the Iraq occupation in the first place. Bill Clinton has proven to be a true stateman in conveying that patience that the populous needs at this critical point in our history.
i."m a 75 year old oregonian. the thing that concerns me is the notion that the media feels they know more about who should be president than the voters. i think you are the one's that should chill out. in order for hillary to prevail she's gonna have to beat obama and all of you clowns.
I think everyone else should chill out. To ask a candidate (no matter who it is) to quit when voters have not voted is arrogant on the part of the Obama supporters. This is a democracy people! As a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps sometimes I wonder what country I'm living in.
If I were Hillary, I'd stay in the race. It's close enough that a major PR disaster in Obama's camp could tip the scales. But that's really the only chance she has, but it's a chance that can last all the way to the convention.
Absolutley, what is the rush, there are many states to come and they are entitled to their vote.
I do not know where the Obama Camp is with their thinking if they can not stand the heat now, they would be in serious trouble come the election in the fall against Senator McCain. There will be no mercy shown in the general election.
Senator Obama, his camp and surrogates protest to much.
More Clinton doublespeak. First Clinton says she shouldn't concede because the people of the remaining state primaries/causes should be able to vote. Then, she argues that pledge delegates do not have to vote in accordance with the votes received from their constiuents they represent which seems to cut against the spirit of democracy. Its pretty apparent to me that Clinton is more concerned about holding power than the right of people to exercise their voting rights. Sadly, I'm not surprised.
This is the first time many states have been able to vote in the primary and get to know the candidates outside of just soundbites......so, bill is right, let the process play out. more importantly, what i learned this year is that there is something wrong with our primary election process when only certain states may pick the nominee......what makes one state more important than another???
The only reason why he is saying that is because his wife is losing. It is obvious that if Hillary were in Obama's shoes, the race would have been over long time ago. I like Bill, and during his presidential terms, he did a great service to our country; however, it is time to move on. He should not take his wife's loss as a reflection of his legacy. His legacy is unremarkable unless he continues to derail the party by encouraging Hillary to remain in this race. Maybe it is a generational issue, but Hillary just doesn't have the same appeal or political judgement he once did. I am so sorry, but they have got to go away and let Obama go on.
We have waited for the last 8 years for her to do battle and the party had no problem using her name to make the republicans twist and sweat. The media loved putting her out there to keep the ratings up, now you have a whole string of comments you put on air against her. How about putting as many of the comments on this blog that support letting them duke it out! What are the big boys afraid of? Maybe they are afraid of cracking the glass ceiling?? Why not hear from ALL the voters!
Texas
If anybody should "Chill Out" it should be Bill himself. Getting on TV every 5 minutes touting Hillary is not condusive to her campaign, or should we call it Bills campaign.? He has done her more harm than good and in my opinion her chances of getting nominated now are next to nil. Tell him to go home and lecture to himself.
He is absolutely right. By allowing every state and every voter the opportunity to have their votes counted (and that includes Florida and Michigan), then you take away the argument that not everyone got the opportunity to have their say.
This race is so close that there is going to be hell to pay if we don't have a very clear leader when all is said and done.
The only people that want Clinton to drop out of the race are the Obama supporters because they are afraid that Hillary may come back. There is absolutely no damage being done to the party by a continued race. In fact, there are record numbers of Democrats voting this year and getting involved because the race has gone on this long.
3 Points to consider:
1) I agree that the math does not add up for Clinton.
2) More than likely Obama will be the nominee.
3) The true value of this Democratic Party nomination is that for the first time in a very long time, the voters are heavily involved in deciding the nominee. It is refreshing to see involvement in the process and "new blood" coming out to vote.
Every day I perceive 'the Clintons" (yea, all three of them) as looking more and more like George Bush & Company. Fear & lies/half truths/embellishments will get the nomination, or so they would have us believe. Fight to the bitter end, never give up, never compromise...Americans love a fighter...not this American. I am so tired of 'fighting' and I would choose a Peacemaker over a fighter any day of the week! What does 'winning' in Iraq mean anyway? Americans!...no country can fight for or give demoncracy to another country....remember?