Charlie Rose Science Series
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The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals
by Jane Mayer
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by Jane Mayer
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I voted for Bill Clinton twice, but I have to say he comes across like a big baby in this interview.
Yeah, why hasn't Obama come on Charlie Rose, or did he? I came here to watch one of those totally mythologized moments from the campaign. According to the political spin, Bill was completely unhinged, angry, red in the face, and abusive toward Obama, and in some renditions, because he's black. I watched this, and I see a calm, logical person making the best case he can for a very admirable woman he knows very well to be president. It's right there in the text. You can say that experience doesn't matter as much as judgment, true. You don't have to be persuaded, fine. But to hear the political spin, Bill's being Karl Rove, Simon Legree, and Huey Long, all in one place. That's not happening here, one bit. This interview has become the subject of lies as big as "Gore said he invented the Internet! How crazy is that?" All the former president does here is advocate for his wife. Believe him or not. He's articulated his point of view, and Hillary's. Democrats in particular should rejoice that they have such a high-level choice this season. But please, stop believing spin and just watch this show.
Mr. Rose, I watched your State of the Union show last night (1/28/08) and the discussion that followed about Edward Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy's endorsement of Obama. I must say that I am appalled at the discourse, initiated mostly by Mr. Rose, that suggests a tidal wave force from Obama and his camp- the suggestion of a great orator, a particular moment in history and almost an inevitable outcome. Who exactly do you think you are, how seriously do you take yourself and what separates your punditry from mainstream conservative commentary? We, the individual voters, will make up our own minds who we are inspired and uplifted by, and what qualities will define that candidate. I don't want Ted Kennedy or John Kerry or Charlie Rose to take my process for granted. I am a Democrat and a person concerned with social justice and mediation versus confrontation in foreign policy. I HAVE NOT heard evocations from any camp that remind me of Dr. Martin Luther King or John F Kennedy. It is so early in the electoral process, no candidate has proved anything to me, let alone is there any sense of inevitability- please, I know you need something to talk about but let due process have it's day. I personally don't appreciate projections of conclusions by any "journalists" - left or right, about a process that is just beginning. As a dominant power in the world, reducing an election process to "feeling" seems at the least, irresponsible. Isn't the role of journalists to be the fourth layer of checks and balances... so why don't you all talk about policies and substance instead of leading the fray with reductive evaluations? Numbers and policies may bore people but sometimes we have a moral responsibility and not just an emotional response- we need to teach this to our children, not necessarily respond to their enthusiasm without providing healthy parameters of evaluation. Let the best candidate win but let them deserve the mantle of nominee.
Thank you Charlie. Bill Clinton (who I voted for...twice) just revealed the real Bill Clinton, behind all that charm. Disgusting. This is not who we are as Americans. This in not who what as our leaders. No more Rove tactics. Charlie, it would have been nice if you would have had the courage to stand for truth and honesty. Your always having to make sure you say how every famous guest is your "friend". Charlie, these people...Presidents, heads of States....are not your personal friends. Really. Really. It's OK to stay on your side of the table and keep professional. You'll be respected for it. I'm grateful for your show because you do bring so good people to the table. You just have to get out of the way. Ida Gatwood Palo Alto, CA
It is refreshing to see a positive, inclusive and inspiring young politician succeed so far without having to resort to aggressive negative messages, in contrast to what the Clintons now seem inclined to do. At least, from what we know so far, Obama knows what IS is. ...And there is no hint that he is about to look straight into any camera, finger wagging for emphasis, in any attempt to mislead his wife, people who have put their trust in him, or his beloved country, like some experienced politician, just to hide the number of times he has rolled the dice for some gratification on the side. Also, there is no hint that we will have to deal with bimbo eruptions or little blue dresses during his presidency should the voters choose to elect him. It is perfectly fine to raise questions about Obama who is not as well known to Americans as the Clintons. Increasingly though, it seems the Clintons are more inclined to try using inflammatory negative metaphors and fists in velvet gloves in their attempts to take down Obama. Only a naïve fool would take seriously this self-serving attempt at belittling a presidential candidate. It reeks of an overweening sense of entitlement. It is the same sort of entitlement that this otherwise exceptional fellow was railing against when Bush the son was running for the presidency - Clinton used to deride Bush saying "Elect me because my Daddy was President." Now we are being asked to elect another Clinton because one was President. The irony of it has not escaped many. The drive-by smears of Obama merely reminded one of the less than savoury aspects of the Clintons and their legendary cut-throat political artistry - I mean, how is one able to defy the laws of biology and physics by actually smoking without inhaling? Fairy tales indeed... Give me a break! At least Obama has leveled with the American people and not tried linguistic contortions to deny facts that are fairly plain for any intelligent observer to see. At one level, Obama should thank the Clintons; if he can successfully handle these attacks, then it will toughen him up for the far worse looming GOP post-primary onslaught, should he be the nominee. He should defend himself while trying by all means to accentuate the positive and not let himself get dragged down to their level. He should focus on the issues, particularly the economy, health care, the war, energy independence, climate change, social security, education, etc. There is panic in the Clinton camp and they are resorting to desperate tactics to save the day. The prospect of defeat and a dream slipping through one's fingers can lead to tears and desperate measures indeed. It really looks increasingly like it is more about dynastic power for the Clintons than lifting the nation up to be at its best.
" Oh how I long for the days when a President can actually talk in complete sentences"- Ah, do you long for the days when the President's penis was a national discussion, do you long for the days when women were coming out of the wood work to sue the President for sexual misconduct, do you long for the days when the description and oddity of the President's penis was a international story or if the Presidents sperm could be traced on a dress or what the President does with a cigar while receiving oral sex.
"Old Democrat"- your comments are as oxymoronic as your name ,if you are still a democrat by the time you hit midlife , you haven't gained much wisdom with your age. Now back to your comments " in spite a GOP congress or because of a GOP majority throughout his presidency Bill Clinton was able to witness congress balance the budget, pass welfare reform and pay towards the debt, these weren't and aren't exactly the democrats priorities, that's why the left of the democrats don't want the Clinton's back in the White House because they know he was a sellout to his party and that he didn't enact any of their initiatives. Hilary is just as mush a sheep in wolf's clothing as Bubba. "Hilary as President would be less hesitant to use military power than I had been" - Bill Clinton
its cool
Oh how I long for the days when a President can actually talk in complete sentences (subject, verb, object)for an hour!!! Can u imagine W. trying 2 sell us Iraq for an hour?
I sure like the idea of Eleanor as President. i am thinking we save 25 years on the Civil Rights movement and completely skip Korea. Thanks for the moment!
At the end of the day what I found fascinating about this interview was that it underscored that Bill is still the leader of the Dem party and that he faces a unique former Presidential challenge in our history. Meaning he is walking a fine line being the main cheerleader for his wife's candidacy while at the same time playing a supporting role to all of the other Dem candidates. Can you imagine if FDR had lived and was put in the same position in supporting Elleneor? What is a shame that during the last 6 years we had to endure a President that cannot hold a candle to five minutes with this former President.
Did I watch an edited version? I did not see anything here that was bad at all. I am not a Clinton fan by a long shot, but this interview was not what everyone described it to be. Rose did not do anything wrong either. I think all the comments here are from a bunch of Robots who are programmed to either bad mouth Clinton or bad mouth anyone who dares even as Clinton a question. You are all nuts.
Up until this interview I've always admired and respected CR; however, one needn't have an advanced degree in the behavioral sciences to take note of the fact that Bill Clinton was, if nothing else, goaded by Mr. Rose. Charlie kept badgering and badgering someone whose personality he very well knows is 'short-fused' until he got that 'TV moment' he was trying for. I believe that both Mr. Rose and Mr. Clinton are animus and do not like one another (watch the start of the interview and look at Mr. Clinton's expression and listen to the tone of his responses and the cadence of his speech. This was a moment in time when one adversary, Mr. Rose, could, under the guise of an intellectual discussion, attack Mr. Clinton and be rewarded for it.
it's really amazing to hear about the great man in the history of America (my life),i cherished the lfe style of ex-president clinton and i wish his family should be given a chance,am very optimistic of Hilary perfoming a good leadership better than Charlie am sendind this all from Abuja Nigeria.
yeah there's tons of giving. From the poor to the rich, as a direct result of the neoliberal policies passed under Clinton, such as NAFTA. Income has transfered from the poor to the rich at an extreme level in the past few years as a result of pro-business policy of Clinton/Bush
This show was paid for by the Drug Industry and Charlie Rose sold his soul to pull this off. Charlie the people are not your fools.
Why does no one ask the obvious question, that the Clintons had 8 years to to enact all these policies they profess the American people need. There is a reason the presidency has term limits because absolute power corrupts absolutely, and to me these two want power more than a need to lead America. A vote for Hillary is a vote for a Bill Clinton third term, because I still have not heard one justification that Hillary has the experience to be president, being married to a man having his child not actually receiving a paycheck out side the home does not make you an advocate, working on behalf of people for 35 years, it makes you a supportive housewife. She couldn't even pass her bar exam , in Washington,D.C. For all her supposed intelligence, the only thing that she has relied on to advance herself is her last name and haven't we already placed someone in the White House with a name they relied on.
I praise Bill Clinton for his insightful remarks and priorities for the country. What is wrong with his supporting Hillary ? Is that any better or worse than Oprah campaining for Obama? The problem with this interview was Charlie Rose trying to put words in Bill Clinton's mouth. Well done, Bill!! Go Hillary!!!!
Pam, what high paying jobs are going to china? Without cheap labor our companies would lose their competitiveness internationally. Without cheap imports we would be in a full blown recession due to unmanageable inflation. Clinton and rom brown's trade missions helped open one of worlds largest potential markets for our products. Companies like GM, microsoft, and GE owe a debt of gratitude to clintons trade policies, and our country will bemert as a whole from being more engaged in international markets. Just remember if they aren't doing with us they will do it with the germans or the Japanese.
In spite of having a GOP congress most of their term, the Clinton team DID clean a lot of things up. They balanced the budget, started paying off the national debt, left a surplus -- which Bush Jr wasted. Now they're willing to clean up after Bush Jr. And smart enough to do something about election reform. Making 2020 safe for Obama.
Bill Clinton says candidates should be measured by their record. According to the IRS, the U.S. top 1% share of income when he came into office was 13.8 percent and when he left office it was 20.8 percent. Bill and Hillary are too connected to the super-rich and I wish Charlie had challenged their record in this area. At the other end, I don't think the Clinton welfare reform has been a boon to the poor -- homelessness is up in our community.
I'm pretty young and was a kid when Mr. Clinton was President. I have to say that I was impressed by how smart this guy is. I don't even necessarily agree with everything he says, but I am astounded that, when given the time, he is able to make incredibly sound, cogent arguments for what he believes. He's knowledgeable and just darn fun to listen to. What a great interview, too. I think he kinda overdid it with the criticism of Obama (gee, who's the Clinton campaign gunning for?), but all-in-all it was just an incredibly enjoyable conversation to watch. Finally, someone said above that Clinton sounded like a Republican. It's true. I think that when Greenspan said that Clinton was the best Republican president that we'd had in years he was right on the money. That's the problem with the 'new left' in the Democratic party. They're market liberals, just like Bill Clinton was.
I think it's kiva.org you're looking for, think that's the one he was referring to...
One entire hour with Bill Clinton and he does not mention the war on terror even one time - even when you twice asked him the priorities of the next president. I guess is Hillary is elected we go right back to sticking our head in the sand and pretending Al Qaeda does not exist, just like Bill did with Khobar Towers, the USS Cole, the first World Trade Center bombing, etc. Very sad.
Poor Poor Poor Hillary!!! Bill to her rescue!!! Definitely NOT qualities for a President. A vote for Hillary is another vote for Bill to use the oval office for his dirty tricks again! The world has changed and we need intelligent dashing young people who understand us to run our affairs. My vote is for OBAMA, he alone can CHANGE things in today's America to our favor.
CR, I watched your one hour with BC. Question: Is Bill running for President or is it Hillary? After 8 years in office what will Hillary achieve or "change" now if they couldn't do it in 8 years? Obama is clean and refuses to play dirty with the Clintons - I guess because everybody knows how shameless the Clintons are; it surprises me they throw stones when they live in a glass house. Obama is better than Hillary in every aspect and though I like the Clintons, BC made up my mind now to go all the way for Obama. OBAMA FOR 2008!
Dear Charlie, I was frustrated by you because you didn't do your job. You should have corrected Clinton's false assertion. Obama was an Illinois state senator for 8 years, and by 2008, he will have been a US senator for 4 years. Do that math. That's 12 years--tying him with Bill Clinton's time in elected office before becoming POTUS--which is more than TWICE as much time in public office compared to what George W. Bush had in 2000. Not to mention the fact that, by 2008, Obama's time in elected office will exceed that of both Hillary Clinton (8 years) and John Edwards (6 years). Oh...and did I mention that by 2008, Obama will have also spent more time in elected office than Ronald Reagan did before becoming president? Back in '80, did anyone ever say that Reagan was unqualified? Was the political storyline in 2000 that Dubya didn't have enough experience? No. In addition, I have to say: I have lost lots of respect for the Clintons. I am an African-American. I am politically active, socially conscious, and action-oriented. And I will admit right here, that not only did I vote for Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, I campaigned vigorously for him. I have met Bill Clinton on three occasions, once in DC, and twice in Atlanta. And I have shaken his hand all three times. I, like many African-Americans, respected Bill because he was genuinely comfortable around African-Americans. I believe he is. And most blacks simply gave Hillary the benefit of the doubt. But Bill Clinton's ill-advised comments will most certainly come back to haunt him and Hillary. They will. Bill attacked Obama for not being "experienced" enough politically. But Bill knows better. Bill knows that Obama has written and sponsored more bills in the U.S. Senate than his wife - WAY MORE BILLS. In fact, here is a sample of what Obama did as of January of this year: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&add ress=364x3132998 I'm sure Bill Clinton also knew about the chart in the New York Times summarizing the more than 800 bills Obama sponsored in the Illinois State Senate from 1996-2004: http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_ GRAPHIC.html And I'm sure Bill Clinton knew that Obama's first law in the US Senate was passed with Republican Tom Coburn. Its a measure to allow everyone to go online and see how and where tax dollars are spent. Check it out at http://www.usaspending.gov So why go on TV and lie about Obama, and, and, dismiss your wife's childish attack on Obama's kindergarten essay as "outsized ambition"? No, call it what it was: sophomoric, feeble-minded, juvenile, petty, and incredibly stupid. Blacks would vote for her if she were the nominee, but this nonsense about "Bill Clinton - first black president" is coming to an end. The love affair with Bill is about to take a hit. As many above, I ask for equal time for Obama.
To ERG I believe Clinton mentioned Kiva.org. You might also investigate CARE.org - another organization that supports small business of women around the world.
what is that organization that bill clinton mentions at the beginning where you can donate half a world away? I've been searching for that organization for MONTHS and MONTHS AND months. please help. I need the spelling of it....
well Pam clearly you do not so I am afraid we will have to hit the buzzer on your post. Thanks for playing and collect your door prize on the way out.
I had to stop after the first 19 minutes of Bill's speech. Who made all of the deals for trade from China to this country? Who let all of the "good paying" jobs go to China? Now he criticizes what has happened to the middle class over the last 6 years? He set into place what we are now dealing with. He inherited a good economy and enjoyed the stock market run up. He is slick, but not so convincing if you have any kind of memory.
I respect Bill Clinton and his views, he was, I think, very open on suporting any of the democrat candidates who is nominated to run in the general election. Of course he is going to plug Hillary as the best to lead the country, and I happen to agree. Would you expect anything less? I did not feel he was critical of any of the candidates. He was expressing his own views. Keep up the good work.
make his a DE-caf
I think that Charlie did a good job giving Bill enough rope to hang himself. Of course he wanted to bring Hillary to the table, personally I was repulsed by Bill's commentary on "giving". I would never want to knock all the good that he's done, and certainly believe that he is making far better use of his post-presidency time than our current cowboy will, but I thought that many of his views came off as Republican if anything. He touts universal health care, but then promotes NGO's (again, most certainly not discrediting them at all, thank whatever you believe in that they are doing what no one else will), but to hear a former democratic president taking the responsibility away from the government to take care of its residents in need and placing it upon the shoulders of individuals, I find this to be one of the problems with America. The government should set an example for its people of caring for others, and if some of the funding for this has to come from that which we've already earmarked for military spending, all the better. I, personally, would love to redirect the portion of my taxes that go towards the war to welfare, social security, anything.
JDS you sound so bitter. Who do you think isnt getting enough airtime - that deserves it, I mean?
I have been a great fan of Charlie Rose and probably will continue to be, but Boy! did you let Bill Clinton give a stump speech almost unchallenged. The SPIN doctor in chief went on no zero impunity. Come On! Charlie even in your quest for keeping Bill in your good books, you went overboard. A little more objectivity next time around! Please.....
"Change other people's lives?" he repeats. So if that is the reason to vote for her, where is his proof that ALL of the candidates have not been responsible for changing others' lives? I am sure they all have although, clearly, the only person he was referencing was Obama. Clinton was as weak sounding here as when he was denying all of the allegations by all of the women. The time given to him for this interview is owed to comparable advocates for all of the candidates--but that is not possible because no one else is running because they have a spouse who was once President.
Americans remember we have a messed up situation with the war, the economy, and our gobal reputation as a bully. Obama will be able to change that? This is a pretty big steak to chew. On the other hand imagine Bill in the whitehouse with Hillary, what a great experienced sounding board she'll have. I want our country to be run well. To put obama in for practice, there are too many lives at stake. I believe that a well run country, one that is running smoothly, is a better time for an obamba to take the reins. Its a little too much for him. To vote just for a Black man, because he is black, is just what we have been working against for the last three hundred years. Skin color prejudice, no sir, I won't do it! Sincerely An African American
the funny part is I havent decided who I am going to vote for - most of the supposed news reporting is just gossip to fill coctail hour for the "pundits". Hardly useful. and the Obama supoorters come across immature - which doesnt do much to represent a truly great guy.
Hah! Buzzer. Clinton said Obama had been a Senator one year before he started to run for President. Big diff.
Bill Clinton should be ashamed of himself criticizing someone for not having enough experience. Barack Obama has more experience than he had when he ran for President. Hillary has only been a politican for seven years. I don't consider being first lady an elected political position. I think that they are running scared and Bill is making himself look foolish with his comments on this show. Mr. Rose, Senator Obama deserves equal time.
What ever you think of Bill Clinton and I never voted for him, you can not fail to be impressed by his intellect, his clear grasp of the issues, his political skills and his charm. Unfortunately, his wife despite having many qualities lacks his natural political skills and does not have the natural charm needed to win a general election. She is appears stiff in front of a camera, lacks any a degree of authenticity and seems to be tone death when trying to relate to ordinary people. She is just not a natural or gifted politician. I have a suspicion that her stiff strident public persona is not who she really and is the results of a candidate being so tightly controlled and over scripted that all her humanity has been drained from her public persona. I remember when they had an Inaugural reception in the white house where the public was allowed to greet the new president and first lady and how warm and spontaneous they both appeared and how when the children came buy she would squat down to be at their eye level so as to engage each and every one of them individually. I have heard her speak on child care when she was first lady and thought she was articulate , passionate and precise and a much better speaker than her husband who has a tendency to meander and get off topic. Mitt Romney talked about religion and for a very brief moment we got to see the human being behind the Ken doll. I don't need warm and fuzzy but I do need to see something authentic.
hey TC - tell it to the nitwits here who are fighting against Hillary using a skewed viewof the 90s.
I voted for Mr. Clinton, but a vote for his wife is not a vote for him. I hope that people can remember that, who view his time with misty-eyed glee. As for the women vote, I do not think Mrs. Clinton has it in the bag, for a number of middle-and upper-class white women are stil smarting that Hillary did not toe the feminist party line and leave her husband. They did not care that he has been cheating since forever but that since it was in the natiinal stage, that she did not formally 'separate'. I hear the same complaint about her staying all the time. I do not disregard it for one minute.
I wonder if people would be writing this junk about change if Gore were running. I mean, Gore has even more experience that Hillary - wouldnt that make him "same old"? Hah.
His reasoning is not the reasoning most Americans have, he's not objective since he's married to the lady. Equal time for Barry, c'mon Charlie
In other words if you take what he says seriously about the need for real change and the major question hinging on the idea of what a President should do as President, it all bespeaks in favor of Ron Paul hands down. Especially when you look at what Paul is ready to do practically, instead of his cautionary rhetoric warning against a system so loop sided that it's about to topple over. Now I realize my comments may very well be unpersuasive to many people reading this board because of likely hood that those who come don't really understand what Paul is advocating, in fact. However, by Clinton's own stated priorities, Paul should be President-- and certainly not Occupation of Iraq voting, Patriot act voting, War with Iran voting Hillary Clinton. I agree with him that if she wins the Democratic nomination and anybody besides Paul wins the Republican nomination then she will easily win the White House, and we're end up with four more years of basically the same thing. Hillary is really no change at all.
In other words if you take what he says seriously about the need for real change and the major question hinging on the idea of what a President should do as President, it all bespeaks in favor of Ron Paul hands down. Especially when you look at what Paul is ready to do practically, instead of his cautionary rhetoric warning against a system so loop sided that it's about to topple over. Now I realize my comments may very well be unpersuasive to many people reading this board because of likely hood that those who come don't really understand what Paul is advocating, in fact. However, by Clinton's own stated priorities, Paul should be President-- and certainly not Occupation of Iraq voting, Patriot act voting, War with Iran voting Hillary Clinton. I agree with him that if she wins the Democratic nomination and anybody besides Paul wins the Republican nomination then she will easily win the White House, and we're end up with four more years of basically the same thing. Hillary is really no change at all.
It sounds like Bill Clinton supports Ron Paul.
Bill Clinton comes on Charlie Rose to talk about his book and tries to hijack the conversation to support his wife. I have now been totally alienated by Bill Clinton's totally disingeniuous treatment of Barack Obama: Bill Clinton knows Barack Obama has more than a decade of publicly elected government experience. He knows Barack Obama has a law degree from Harvard and taught Constitutional Law. He knows that in Illinois Barack Obama passed legislation that gave $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state and pushed through an expansion of early childhood education. Clinton knows that in the US Senate Barack Obama is known as the 'go to'guy if you want to get something done accross party lines. He knows Barack Obama wrote a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent. He knows Barack Obama is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Bill Clinton knows Barack Obama is highly qualified to be President- yet he looked Charlie Rose in the eye and with a slick little smirk, told Rose that 'any good broadcaster' was just as competent, minus a year in Washington. Bill Clinton had NO Washington experience when he ran for President. Now he has shown just how low he is willing to go to get his wife, and himself, back in the White House. I'm tired of politicians who lie. No, Bill, we need real change, and you have just proved with you and Hillary in the White House, it will just be more of the same slick devious devisive, tactical politics. My vote goes to Barack Obama. And by the way, Mr. Clinton, I have just donated to Obama's campaign in honor of your little escapade.
This conversation was more than any of the recent conversations Charlie has done. Charlie you held Bill Clinton's behind on the grill long enough to make him stutter to the point of a speechless, and I have never seen Bill Clinton speechless. Bill is a master in "dodging" that he managed to dodge some of the questions without answering them clearly. However, he fascinats with his ability to pass the main message why he came to Charlie's show, i.e. Hillary is the best candidate of all and we should all vote for her. Who would hate Bill Clinton??? Show me someone who hates Bill Clinton, and I will show you a flying man. I am not sure though Bill painted Obama the color he reflects to the public, because at this moment he is so bright in the eye of the public they are not going to listen to Bill or anyone, the public is in love with the idea of FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE, not symbolic change. Obama defines that FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE in the eyes of majority of the young and the wearry. Hillary has managed to secure many of the female electorate's voice and she should stay with the message of attracting more and more female of all voting ages. Bill, let me suggest what you should do: continue to appear sympathetic with women issues. After all, you may need to develop a rapport with women now for your wife and later for your daughter Chealsie's presidential race in 2020. Recently, the other candidates ganged up on Hillary for having to capture many of the female electorate's support, despite what they say she should continue in catering for the female voice she must not shy away. Bill, one more thing; stop belittling your wife's opponents and stay with the positive message to cater for the female electorate more than attacking Hillary's opponents, stay positive. Positive campaigners always win, you know this more than any other person; because you have been thru it before. Right at this moment I would like you to know that focus on Edwards more than on Obama. Because it will be Edwards that will get the nominations at the end of the day not either one of the front-runners. While Hillary and Obama represent the least represented sector in the American political sphere, but ultimately it is another whiteman that will get the main door key for the white house, i.e., John Edwards. After Edwards is nominated, he will tap Obama as a running mate, and he will get all the necessary experiences as a vice president to get him ready for his 2016 presidential race. However, Oprah's recent endorsement may change the equation of the calculation, she has power that no other politician has in bringing more women to the table for Obama. The other problem is, Democrats have been banking on the African-American votes and Republicans have given African-Americans the closest seat to the power of echelon, two Secretary of State positions and one NSC position. This has never been the case with the Democratic Party; if they do not give the African-Americans something better than Secretary of State then the African-American electorate monopoly may vanish into the thin air making the Democratic Party more radical toward African-Americans than the Republican Party.
Here here! Equal time for Barack Obama! It is only fair.
God he is shameless! You never saw Bush Sr. criticize, disparage, badmouth (what ever he thinks he was doing) other republicans or even the democratic candidates when his son was running for the presidency . George Bush Sr. has class and takes being an ex -president as something you hold with honor and respect that the American people choose you to lead them and now your time has come and passed. Do you hear that Bill, come and passed! Step a side for the younger generation to lead, we already have had your brand of politic it's called the 90's, were looking for a twenty-first century leader.
Dear Bill Clinton, Thank you for bringing up the issue of "rolling the dice" when voting in this year's election. Unfortunately, your aim is a bit off the mark, Mr. President. Among the long list of silly remarks you made during your Charlie Rose interview, this one was by far the most comical and ironic. Yes, voters must be wary of rolling the dice and casting a vote for a candidate who's brief experience as a public servant has left us with more questions than answers. That is the candidate who enthusiastically supported NAFTA and CAFTA before she opposed them. It's the same candidate who voted to authorize a hasty war of aggression and corporate greed, only to vehemently speak out against this same war in Iraq when it became unpopular. The candidate who could not state a clear position on torture, social security, or driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. The candidate who claims to desire a "conversation" with America, then hides from the media and plants questions in the audience. The candidate who believes lobbyists represent "real Americans." The candidate who believes the "fun" part of a campaign involves calling the first viable black candidate for President a drug dealer and searching the dumpster for dirt as far back as kindergarten. I agree with you, Mr President. The American people cannot take this chance. We want a candidate who is consistent and candid. We want someone we can trust not to waver back and forth wherever the political winds may blow. Someone who will be open with us and not get nasty and resort to rolling around in the familiar gutter of politics-as-usual when the going gets tough. In short Mr Clinton, to borrow a phrase from your '96 campaign, we don't want to build a bridge back to the 20th century. We want to look forward. We want to feel good about our leaders again. We want purpose. We want hope. We want Barack Obama. Sincerely and Respectfully, The American People
I'm surprised he didn't accuse Obama of taking his campaign slogan from him, since Bill's from HOPE, Arkansas. That would have had as much validity has his arguments on why someone should vote for his wife instead of the other candidates. It's about experience, no it's about change, no it's about experience in government, no it's about a vision, just vote for Hilary for dam sakes!
This is not a post about the actual interview, even if I think Bill Clinton seemed desperate to make political points instead of talking about his book on "giving", I won't state the obvious irony. After watching the interview I decided to read some of the posts and what I concluded is this, Cookie get a LIFE, make some real friends instead of writing on the Charlie Rose wed site, you seem sad and lonely, and here is a piece of unsolicited advice, why don't you see about working on the Hilary for 08 campaign you seem like just the person they need, don't talk about your candidate just deflect, loyal to the point of stupidity, and work for free, unless I'm mistaken and someone is paying you to monitor the site and write your posts hour after hour. Please do me and the views of this website and don't respond to my post. Thank-you
"Rolling the dice?" Rolling the dice is having an affair with an intern when you are President of the United States. Mr. Clinton was a capable president. But he was irresponsible gambled with his own ability to credibly push policy.
As someone who emphatically believes that Obama is your best hope to avoid self-immolation (no, I'm not a national), I thought Clinton acquitted himself rather well. Invest too heavily now in a prospective candidate and you run the risk of splintering support in the general election. Which, in case you haven't been paying attention, could have disastrous results. Results from which I honestly doubt your nation could recover. "Now is the time for all good men..."
You know when Bill was our President, we had to listen to him, to his junk, knowing we could do nothing about it. Now the table's turned. We don't have to hear him any longer, nor his wife. They're in the past. They are the past. A new generation has grown up of young people unable and unwilling to put up with the things we had to endure. Our children and grandchildren are far smarter than our generation.......... Thanks gk
CR, the number of times you interrupt your guests is astounding and annoying. You are more interested in your questions than the answers. I suggest you view your interview with Bill CLinton and count the number of times you interrupted before he had a chance to answer. It's one thing if the guest is going off on a tangent. But that's wasn't the case with Clinton. You just can't wait to get out your next question.
Charlie, you set out to offer the Clintons the choicest of showcases- an hour for Bill to be himself, talk about his book "Giving" at Christmastime, and maximize the impact of their message just in time for the Iowa caucuses and BOY did it backfire! Rather than harkening us back to the golden '90s, in this interview you unwittingly pulled back the veil and laid bare the manipulative, talk-out-of-both-sides-of-your-mouth blind ambition both Clintons share. Watching Bill squirm brought me right back to the impeachment hearings (he kept mentioning them, for goodness sake) and reminded me again why Obama, whose judgement has never faltered, is the right choice for the nomination. What kind of leader will Hillary make if she makes choices like this- calling on her husband to trot out his experience in the eleventh hour in a desperate attempt to bolster her failing poll numbers? I finally read Obama's book after all this talk of his drug use to find he left Harvard Law School and went back to the slums of the South Side of Chicago when he could've chosen, as Hillary did, to make a fortune practicing in a fancy firm. Then, while she was hand in glove with Bill climbing the political ladder in Arkansas, Obama was teaching the Constitution to young folks at the prestigious University of Chicago. This has been an excruciatingly long campaign season but the cream seems to be rising to the top. The more we look the more we see. Thanks for putting the Clintons back under the glaring light, Charlie- the rosy glow the Bush administration had cast on them was just a stage filter.
hey.. i dont understand what president clinton said..president alone can do good to other people why he needs to that..
Hi everyone, just encase you need a great laugh watch the Don Rickles interview. I just spent 52 minutes laughing with these 2 gentlemen. Have fun and forget Bill & Hillary for awhile. 118 comments at this time, do they give these to Mr. Rose to read, if so when does he have time to work. I know I have a couple of those 118, isn't that correct Cookie. Hope this was a good Sunday for all.
he "wreaked"? Hilarious. Cut that out!
Charlie Rose great interview, you are one of the best out there. Few could have made Bill Clinton's contradictions as obvious as his bias.
I lost some respect for him during that interview ;he was obviously and palpably desperate .He wreaked of the desperation of a used car salesman during a slow sales month . His major feats in office , NAFTA and WTO expansion have left the nation worse off economically .Had he pushed heath care as hard as he did NAFTA or used NAFTA as a bargaining chip , he could have passed health care . I've seen enough of Senator Clinton to know she is from the same camp . That's a non-starter for me .
PS - either Obama or Clinton - the Democratic candidates - can beat the pile of cheesey GOP options. Huckabee? Romney? Pathetic.
hey Julz - hint - dont prewrite your post in word or it gets garbeled when you cut and paste.
I think Obama is pointing out how the Clintons have made an Art of Lying and bending the truth. When Bill Clinton said he didnâ??t inhale and that answer we all knew was bull crap. Anyone who has spent time in a University knows they have tried things to expand their minds especially those who grew up in the 60â??s. Clinton lied about his affairs, what does she feel about all of that? We donâ??t know but wonder about her truthiness (We have had enough of that with Bill and Bush). Bill was impeached for lying and she stands by him??? What does that say about her character? I think Barack is using this as an example of his honesty, and he shows in his books how he time and again as a youth had to overcome much adversity and has prevailed. He shows you in the way he is leading his own adult life. That family unity is an important thing that is lacking in most young peoples lives, and why many turn to drugs. Drugs mask issues of hurt and he wants to address the needs of children to get them straight. I think it is wrong that you are trying to paint the Black man as the drug dealer but that is the medias tactic to keep a person down. Your wife isn't good looking enough and her cackel of a laugh is annoying. The GOP wants her to will because they can't wait to attck her on all her hypocitical views.
Who is better than Bubba at giving back handed compliments, even Charlie Rose was wondering what hell his he was talking about, besides vote for my wife
Why did she move to NY and Run for the senate?? She was positioning herself. Bill is back pedeling and in hind sight he did everything perfect?????? He is a king manipulator, slick rick.
He is so desperate for his wife to win, he's willing to lose any credibility he had, it's actually quite sad to watch this interview, this coming from someone who had really liked him as a president.
I dont think Bill Clinton would say the GOP wrecks things "like kittens with Christmas ornaments." Just guessing.
You think I'm Bill? Heehee. Thanks! Shucks. He's a Rhodes scholar! I feel quite delighted right now and will leave the field feeling rather good about myself. Thank you. :-)
What has hillary done for people? She hasn't done anything for NY that I know of. She has riding on your back to be president. Can't do it on her own????? Bill are you going to give the country another scandel to distract us from important issues. Don't let your children intern if she gets into office.
What has hillary done for people? She hasn't done anything for NY that I know of. She has riding on your back to be president. Can't do it on her own????? Bill are you going to give the country another scandel to distract us from important issues. Don't let your children intern if she gets into office.
Cookie............... We know it's really you Bill, don't worry people don't really believe all the evil things the vast" right wing" machine say about you, you were the bestest president in the whole wide world, for now and ever ever ever!
in case any slow people are confused - Rudy went on Teevee and announced his was divorcing his wife. First time she heard it. Only an arrogant nasty creep would do something like that.
Wow, what vitriol. For all the talk from the right about principled presidencys, you have to wonder why such principles seem to evaporate when Republican presidents leave the echo chambers of the presidency. Carter and Clinton must have had something they believed in to propel them into the impassioned work they have done since leaving government.
whaaaaat? He went on teevee and humiliated hsi wife while the public was paying for his mistress and her pals to get cop care rides and secret apartments? Give it a rest if you think there is ANYTHING positive about a sleaze like Rudy who rips off taxpayers to fund his sexual pleasures. NO comparison with the Clintons. How do you know what is between the Clintons? You dont -you assume based on your own disappointed views. Are you channeling that toxic spill, MoDo? (I admit I stole that from James Wolcott)
Cookie ... you just made my point, when Rudy had an affair he didn't stay married to his wife even if it was better for him politically, especially being in the republican party. What the Clinton's do personally and professionally is all about power they'll stay in a degenerate marriage just for political reasons because their stronger as a political couple together than apart , it's not like it was one affair, it's been affairs continually throughout their marriage. Let's not talk about corrupt politicians, or your Clinton's would be at the top of the list, LA Times just did a article on how Hillary Clinton has been getting hundreds of millions of taxpayers money in earmarks for her state and that the money some how goes to pet projects and companies of people who donate to her campaign, least we forget the Lincoln bedroom rental that they had going on in the White House, which was just one illustration of their corrupt money deals.
MAH - that is the same thing everyone wants to ask Brad Pitt about Jennifer. So glad it has political import for you.
hey teresa - you might want to check this out: under what administration did the US give arms to the mujahadeen to fight the Soviets? I'll help since you may not know how to google it. It was REAGAN. It was thus our dear thoughtful GOP and Not Clinton who started the mess and every time those idjits get in office they make it worse. But I am sure a whole lotta arms dealers did just fine.
If Hillary is soo good to you, why did you cheat on her, Bill?
I think Bill Clinton, much as I respect him, made some large contradictions in this interview. He several times stated that despite his position as Governor of Arkansas when he was elected President, he had the appropiate 'vision' and worldview which is as important as tangible experience, to become the Leader of the Free World, dealing with foreign nations, etc. He then went on to state how Hillary Clinton's experience trumped Barack Obama's more 'Vision' based campaign- which to me seemed like a direct "it's-okay-for-me-but-not-for-you" type of argument. Secondly, I still don't understand why everybody, Mr. Clinton included, are making such a huge deal about Hillary Clinton's 'experience' as a politician. Whenever people bring up, say, Barack Obama's years as a community organizer and civil rights lawyer, they dismiss that as "not as important" as getting elected to public office and doing all the supposedly important, 'Presidential' type things that happen in elected office. So I say, okay, let's do a statistical poll of exactly how many years all of the Democratic Presidential candidates have served in government or political office. (Elected or appointed) If that's what's most important, then let's go down the line here. Looking back from January 2009, when one of these people could be sworn in as President: Hillary Clinton would have been in government for 8 years. Obama, 12 years. Edwards, 6 years. Richardson, 26 years. Biden, 36 years. Dodd, 34 years. Kucinich, 26 years. Gravel, 16 years. Those are the facts. If sheer number of years served are the most important things for a voter, then why isn't Biden the most obvious choice? Thirty six years straight is a long time. But after all, that's all been in only one place- the U.S. Senate- so perhaps length of service PLUS diversity of positions held is the key. In that case, none other than Dennis Kucinich should be your man, having served as a City Councilman, City Court Clerk, Mayor, State Senator, and Congressman, all spread out over (by 2009) 40 years in time. That's right- Forty years. But everybody seems to think Kucinich is silly for some reason, so you could fall back on Bill Richardson, who's been in Congress, served as Ambassador to the UN, Secretary of Energy, and Governor of a state. And then John Edwards- who I genuinely like and respect- who's being touted as the third 'major candidate' has only one scant term in the Senate, which is admittedly short if experience in government is what you want. And yet Richardson and Kucinich- or even old coot Mike Gravel- aren't put up as frontrunners. Why? Because the major media have already decided the narrative and political soap opera that they want to take place, and there's only so many characters they can squeeze in. All of this goes to show that A) you have to dig a little deeper if you want to find the real story on concepts like 'Experience' and B) this, at least to me, proves that having the title 'Honorable' next to your name, and getting a government pay check isn't the only thing that makes a leader, and indeed at times may be detrimental. I.E., a person should be judged by all of their experience in LIFE, not just sitting at an office and supposedly gaining some sort of wisdom by doing that. You need to look at the whole person- the good, the bad, the ugly, the heralded, the unheralded. While some people think it doesn't really matter, to me the fact that Barack Obama's father was a Kenyan man he never really knew, that he grew up self-consciously black yet raised by white people, that he lived in Indonesia as a child, that he spent most of his formative years in the majority-minority state of Hawaii, which is neither majority Caucasian nor African-American but Asian-American- to me all of that stuff MATTERS. It certainly isn't all that matters, or the most important thing, but it's part of the mix that makes a person who they are and needs to be considered along with everything else. To me the fact that Dennis Kucinich grew up in pretty dire poverty, having to live with relatives when his parents didn't have a home and at certain points having to live in a car, something he doesn't talk about very much- certainly in terms of poverty issues, that matters quite a bit if you consider his worldview. Bill Richardson's childhood- despite his very Anglo name- as the son of a half-Latino American diplomat and a Mexican woman in Mexico City, speaking two languages and surrounded by multiple cultures, obviously had a major affect on him and how he interacts with others, particularly in his experience as a diplomat. All of these are examples of how a person's Character is simply the synergy created by all of the parts of their experiences in life, and how each part adds something to how that person thinks and relates to others. Just my two cents- and a reminder to those still supporting Hillary Clinton to be somewhat skeptical of her much-touted 'experience' in light of the whole Presidential field.
He had no national security experience 1992, but he had "vision" for a post cold war world..... ah.. what was that to create Bin Laden and a new kind of terrorism. Did you see how he tried to back track on his argument when Charlie Rose came back at him with " so it's more important to have a vision than experience" .
hey santina - I look forward to your comments about Rudy when he is on next - I didnt see your comments on this the last time he was on. No doubt you will call him on his many wives and cheating and getting taxpayers to pick up the bills for his mistress? Or is it just Democrats you go after?
Hypocrite Clinton. These people thought that people would believe whatever nonsense they says... Please watch... http://youtube.com/watch?v=eMlrSG1xb5k
Jm get your head out of your ass! The reason that governor Splitzter changed his mind on drive licenses for illegal immigrants was because the Clinton camp forced him to, even the liberal blogs write that Hilary Clinton put pressure on the governor to drop the issue. If you knew anything about foreign policy you would know that when you are the only superpower the worlds problems are your problems, or else American troops and bases wouldn't be in over 70 countries around the world, with billions of American money going to countries like Egypt, Israel, Pakistan, Lebanon, Sudan just to keep stability, not including the billions given for aid. When you are the richest country in the world and there are millions of people dying from a preventable disease it's not just a moral obligation for you to help it's in your strategic interests too. I thought even someone like you would have figured that out after 911, when a couple of people sitting in a cave with a plan could kill over 3000 Americas on your soil within two hours time. Bill Clinton is amoral not just because he has continually cheated on his wife with other women, even some as old as his daughter and some who didn't even want his advances, no he is amoral because he his a corrupt man with no true beliefs, except the belief in holding on to power.
I don't know where this is coming from, but as far as I know, the president can [i\influence[/i\ the stock market and economy, but in now way can he control it, and neither should he be blamed wholeheartedly for it. And if Clinton was all that bad, look at all the money Bush Jr is spending on the war, you like that? Also, he does take credit for what he has done right, but in the interview, he specifically says that he values failure, perhaps just as much because it is a valuable learning experience. He did leave the country in a recession, but understand that most presidents leave with their work unfinished. PRESIDENTS DON'T GET TO CHOOSE WHEN THEY LEAVE OFFICE.
Firs of all, try to make sense: what is an "unlettered" justification? As for calling me childish I have to laugh. Your posts are nonsense dredged up from pathetic losers on the right whining about the cLinton years because they were so succcesful versus the enormous disaster this current administration has been. You say absolutely nothing remotely useful or accurate but by all means keep going! You make the Clinton's look better all the time! Just keep the thread a-building!
This guy is unbelievable, when he left office America was in a recession, everyones life saving and worth when up in flames with the stock market bubble, and Bin Laden was out there ready to finish off America. Everyone knows in their "BONES" this guy is full of bullsh*t. It was embarrassing to watch him try to justify with his convoluted logic why America should pick his wife for the president. Is it just me but does he not take credit for everything that goes right in the world, I know they say that you have to have a huge ego to want to be president of the United States but he takes it to another level.
Cookie: I am getting tired of your rather childish and empty-headed nonsense. Compromise is fine, but you can't do such a thing without a core set of values that are uncompromisable and that guide your actions; that is if you wish to retain any dignity of which Clinton has none. I would also like to make you aware of other Democratic candidates that possess far more propriety than the dastardly Clinton pair. You might wish to read some of the literature on these candidates rather than offer tiring and unlettered justifications for the immorality of the Clintons.
asman - It's called COMPROMISE. And the bulk of the American people remember it and want it back. Like they want jobs back and some form of economic security. I appreciate the sad need of the GOP to refight the 90's - I mean, what right winger actually wants to stand on the lump of fetid garbage this administration has to offer? Unless you are an imbecile like Romney or Huckabee.
Simon: Could you inform us of what "beliefs" Clinton rallies behind? I don't thing you can. He did nothing but pander to special interests in his adminstration, and he made a mockery of his Democratic consitutents by consistiently and cynically triangulating between the left and right wings. Rather than stand for any core principles, he watches polling data and goes with the flow. For only one example, he sent to death in Arkansas Ricky Ray Rector, a mentally disabled criminal unable to understand his imminent death. Clinton offered this human sacrifice as Governor to convey his "law and order" credentials in his 1992 campaign. Clinton supporters should be ashamed of themselves for endorsing the machinations of such an utter fraud and immoral liar as this gentleman.
*like people team up on players on a basketball court.
Santina, do you realize what you're saying? Have you followed the campaigns at all? The nominees gang up on her like they did to Shaq on the basketball field. Also, who are you to say that Bill Clinton is immoral? Who are you? Bill Clinton's job as the president of the United States was to take care of the United States, not an epidemic in Africa. Do you understand what the title, the president of the United States, means? Really, now, really. I think he's right to finally strike back at his wife's opponents, because they've been doing it for months, and she's just ignored it. And to point out, the license issue in New York was initially backed by the governor of New York, but when he pulled out his support, was she supposed to stay with a hopeless cause or move on. She cut her losses and ended up being berated for being inconsistent, when she is the most consistent candidate out there!
It seems to me that Bill Clinton and Hillary CLinton are mad with the fact that Sen. Barack Obama is running at this time in our history. I wonder why??? humm I do not blame Bill CLinton in supporting his wife for the presidency, that is his choice. But twisting facts just for the sake of electing his wife is not Presidential, in his case. He is putting his name on the line here. I guess they may have made a decision on that already. Sen. Obama has 11 years of ELECTED OFFICE in the government - state level and Federal level so far. And more than 25 years of public service. So, if this kind of expereince and an enourmous talent and politila skills do not prepare you for presidency, whay can it be? Besides, in Bill Clinton's word when he was running for president in 1992, he said - rough translation- there is a right kind of experience and wrong type of experience, mine is the one that is relevant to the people's lives" and we say, Sen Oabam's experience of first as a community organiser,Civil rights Lawyer, Constitutional Law Professor, state Senator, and US Senator has prepared him to be the right kind of President at the right TIME in out History. So, I would suggest, before the American people discard Bill and Hillary for their lie, they would be better run on their track record, not based on false facts and perceived inevitability.
Reading and listening to opinions and stances across the board, I would never elect a female president based soley on gender, nor would I tarnish a man's political career because of infidelity. This page, this long list of derision and bantering, is a painful reminder that eloquence and character are often looked upon as dubious in our country. I love watching Hillary chew up her opponents, and I dearly enjoyed watching Bill support and defend her. He does so with wit and humor, yes, but with an intolerance to uneducated or insensitive jabs. He led the country to an economic surplus, one that was quickly sqandered by the current administration, and he knows that the candidate he supports is the best person for the job. Criticizingjim for rallying behind his beliefs, his wife, and his choice of elected official, is missing the point.
santina - try finding out what the book is about.
Only he could sit their with a straight face and imply that the surge was a democratic success with his wife instrumenting it. People say Bush lives in his own world, this guy is either delusional or the best liar out there. To hawk a book about giving, when under his administration the American