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Bill Clinton stumps for Obama

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor October 1, 2008 12:42 PM

In his first major stump speech on behalf of Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton praised Obama's "good ideas" for the economy, energy independence, and healthcare.

"He's got a better philosophy, he's got better answers," Clinton told voters at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Between the proposals of Obama and Republican John McCain, "It's not a close question."

"He's got a better vice presidential partner," Clinton added.

Because Obama will need to focus on fixing the economy, the role of the vice president in foreign policy will be even more important, the former president said.

While he didn't mention Republican Sarah Palin and what her critics call her lack of qualifications on foreign policy, Clinton did say that nobody in Washington understands the opportunities and challenges in the world than Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee.

Clinton also vouched for the bailout package before Congress, saying that the financial crisis is hurting average Americans and small businesses and won't be a windfall for Wall Street.

Clinton and Obama's campaign had an on-again, off-again relationship during the Democratic primaries. In his aggressive advocacy for his wife Hillary Clinton, the former president made remarks that many interpreted as diminishing Obama's accomplishments and then accused Obama's campaign of using the race card against him.

Clinton made similar remarks about Obama in a later rally in Fort Pierce, saying, "I believe Barack Obama is the right man for the job."

Since Hillary Clinton dropped out of the race and endorsed Obama in June, the former president has talked up Obama, particularly during a speech at the Democratic National Convention in August.

17 comments so far...
  1. He gave a great speech min front of an enthusiastic audience. Go Bubba!

    Posted by Denise Velez October 1, 08 12:58 PM
  1. President Clinton delivered a very effective speech heartily endorsing Barack Obama today. You can no longer have any doubts, that President Clinton is fully behind Barack Obama. With his total grasp of politics, unequaled by any other
    political figure of today President Clinton rallied the crowd. It will be interesting to see if there is a bump in the Florida polls after todays speech.
    President Clinton is the only Democrat to have carried Florida in 30 years, lets see if he still has what it takes to deliver Florida to Barack Obama.

    Posted by Patricia Hester October 1, 08 01:17 PM
  1. Am I having a senior moment? I heard Clinton rhapsodizing about his own administration and he seemed most intent on giving Obama lessons on what he should do if he is elected, not about how grand it would be if Obama were elected president. His speech didn't really seem to be about Obama It certainly was not focused on him. Clinton referred to Obama constantly as "he" and "his" and "him", seeming reluctant to use his name. The Big Dog has been my hero for years. No more.

    Posted by MARy ALICE RICHERT October 1, 08 02:04 PM
  1. I was watching MSNBC, so unfortunately, I didn't get to see the entire speech. What I heard, however, was fantastic! It brought back memories of the best times this country has experienced in my adult life. He still has what it takes to stimulate a crowd! Obama should feel blessed that he has this great man speaking on his behalf! One great man recommending another great man...that was phenomenal! He mentioned all the points that Americans who want a better, different American needed to hear! His words were electric to the crowd and I hope they do what he asked, go out and tell everybody to vote for positive change...vote for Barack Obama.

    Posted by Myra October 1, 08 02:11 PM
  1. It's about time he praised JOE BIDEN

    Posted by Slick Willy October 1, 08 02:13 PM
  1. good ideas, better philosophy, better answers, a better vice presidential partner....

    Did he ever really come out and say that anyone should vote for Obama to be the next President? Bill Clinton is very careful about his words. This seems like he is tap dancing around something and not trying to upset the party.

    Posted by (...just an observation) October 1, 08 02:16 PM
  1. I was watching MSNBC, so unfortunately, I didn't get to see the entire speech. What I heard, however, was fantastic! It brought back memories of the best times this country has experienced in my adult life. He still has what it takes to stimulate a crowd! Obama should feel blessed that he has this great man speaking on his behalf! One great man recommending another great man...that was phenomenal! He mentioned all the points that Americans who want a better, different American needed to hear! His words were electric to the crowd and I hope they do what he asked, go out and tell everybody to vote for positive change...vote for Barack Obama.

    Posted by Myra October 1, 08 02:33 PM
  1. Where is Hilary? Is Senator Clinton campaigning for Senator Obama and if so why is the media coverage lacking? Or is this just one more slam for Hilary by her own party to have her husband campaign on Senator Obama's behalf in place of her? I understand a former President carries more weight (especially a beloved President) in the polical arena of a Presidential race but Hilary supporters want to see Hilary. Could it be that Senator Clinton is not as enthused with Senator Obama as he would like her supporters to believe?

    Posted by E. Duhan October 1, 08 03:02 PM
  1. The economy is the issue at hand. IMO, this election is not between Obama and McCain, it is between Dems and Republicans. We see where the 7-1/2 years of a republican administration has gotten us.
    I understand there are hard-core Clintonites still out there who do not like Obama. If you can't vote "personally" for Obama himself, then vote for the Democratic party. We've had enough of the Republicans.

    Posted by Gary October 1, 08 03:12 PM
  1. Well, at least he is finally out there. I know that his heart was in Hillary winning, but if he wants the Dems to take back the white house he had better step up his game plan.

    Posted by Wisconsin for Obama 08 October 1, 08 03:12 PM
  1. GREAT SPEECH PRESIDENT CLINTON! Nice to hear you give us all the positive reasons to vote for Barack - and to do it without bashing McCain was a dignified approach! Keep them coming - your style and logic reminds us of better times!

    Posted by Beap October 1, 08 03:24 PM
  1. I happened to watch clips of Bubba's speech over lunch on MSNBC. FINALLY! They brought the big gun out and he did a very good job without going totally negative.

    Conversely, the last thing John McCain wants is a lame duck unpopular sitting president working in his behalf. Come to think of it, I'd like to see Bush, Cheney, and Phil Gramm all out there in behalf of McCain. With friends like those, we won't have to worry about the election. Of course you might see some agressive lynch mobs wherever they were speaking.

    Posted by Mike/MASS October 1, 08 03:35 PM
  1. where is the brains in usa ,they are all GONE,look at the knockelhead u put in the white house FOR 8 LONG years and look where we are, i am ready to leave after 48 years here,I loved Clinton ,he Is SMART ,hope he keeps going and educate this NOW usa,they need to learn,I am Danish,I am upset and worried.

    Posted by Jonna christensen October 1, 08 03:53 PM
  1. He did mention voting for Barack Obama, on more than one occasion. I was there myself. Clinton did "toot his own horn," if you will, but rightfully so. He captured the crowd instantly. Very impressive speech.

    Posted by B-Rock Supporter October 1, 08 04:03 PM
  1. Myra's drinking the Kool-Aid again.

    Yeah, Bill's REAL good at "stimulating a crowd" - just ask Monica. God, I'm still floored at the number of people who pant over this guy!

    Posted by Linda October 1, 08 04:24 PM
  1. It used to be "Where's Waldo?" But now it is "Where's Hilary?" Is Senator Clinton campaigning for Senator Obama and if so why is the media coverage lacking? Or is this just another fine example of Senator Clinton's own party slamming her by having her husband, President Clinton, campaign for Senator Obama in Senator Clinton's place? I understand that a former President (especially a beloved former President) has a lot of pull with the voters in a Presidential Race but you can't tell me Senator Obama believes Hilary supporters don't want to hear from Hilary.

    Posted by E Duhan October 1, 08 04:26 PM
  1. Quit doing this Bill!! We love you and respect you but every time you do this you are undermining Hillary's chances for the White House! There's no way she could topple an incumbent Democrat in 2012.

    Cut it out!!


    Posted by PUMA October 2, 08 03:32 PM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

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