Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Houndcat, Bethany, CT — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:48:14 GMT

How is that "Mixed reviews"??? "Unbelievable" v. "great great speech" v. "great job"?? Where's the mix? Fer Chrissake, do you guys read your headlines before you post them?

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

ranta, seattle, wa — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:25:47 GMT

Mixed reviews???

Come on!

"He did a good job", that's what they all said (some in different ways).

You are just trying to create something out of nothing.

How about moving on? huh.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Carl — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:58:38 GMT

Mixed reviews?
The title of this post seems to me to be an unnecessary attempt to appear "balanced." By portraying the reaction to Bill Clinton's speech as "mixed" you have sidestepped the content of your own video which clearly illustrates a largely positive response. Given the acrimony and tension coming into the speech, it is dramatic that the most negative reactions are that one person wasn't "as moved" by it as by Michelle Obama's Speech, and that another expected it to be different because of the negativity expressed by Clinton on previous occasions but thought overall that Clinton "actually did pretty good." To me, presenting this as "mixed reviews" gives a false impression that responses were all over the map, with some feeling largely negatively about the speech and others feeling largely positive. That the actual response is so clearly positive shows that portraying the reaction as mixed misrepresents the largely positive response to the speech.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Walter Yeldell — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:16:52 GMT

So, explain how the word "mixed" got into this story line. My take is that every sound bite within states that Clinton "did a great job." It's a shame that we have to filter our own news to get to the truth.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Bunni, Falls Church, Va. — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:20:26 GMT

The only "mixture" has been good, better, best! I have been so disappointed in the Clintons during these past months. I felt a knot disppear from my gut as each of them spoke.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Judy, MO — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:26:40 GMT

I would feel better about this years election if I thought the Obama's had been any where near as forgiving as winner's as the Clinton's were as losers.
The Clinton's, by their speaches & actions, showed their intelligence and their desire to put their love for country first. If Obama had done the same, Hillary would have been on the ticket.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

wallace of DC — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:45:54 GMT

"Mix reviews" Just another ploy by the media in attempt to tell you what to think about. Typical of our media today to create conflict when there is none and sensationalize a small difference of opinion when it comes to Obama's. Now watch the difference in media response when it comes to John McCain, and the GOP convention, you are going to see and hear nothing but praise, excuses, and request for understanding. That's the reason I advise anyone to ignore the media so called analysis, because they are just like the GOP, "Money First" they will say and do anything to keep the money coming in, whether it means twisting the truth, or out right lieing, what do they care, they are not jounalist, or reporters with some degree of the ethics, they are people like you and I only they get paid for their opinion not the facts, when means their opinion holds no more validity than your own, the only difference we don't get paid for ours.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

JJ, IN — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:25:07 GMT

Both Clinton's did great and no one can ask for more, unless your Barack and need there help. I am getting a little worried just like I did 4 years ago. I thought back in 2004 that there would be no way this country would elect him again after what we seen in his 1st term(I was very wrong, and look where we are now). I feel this way again (that the American people can't be that dumb to continue in the same direction that we have been going the last 8 years), I hope I'm not wrong this time. We need everyone to take this very serious and vote on election day for Barack and get as many of your friends to do the same. The time is now to stand up and demand better for your kids, yourself, and America.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Duffer, Philadelphia, Pa — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:56:49 GMT

Sorry, Bill Clinton is still an impeached president, and as such should have been embarassed to even approach the Pepsi Center. He is still a disgrace to the office and the country. He does give a good speech, if you can believe anything he says.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Nick, USA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:17:55 GMT

Mixed levels of enthusiasm, these people are all democratic supporters so obviously aren't going to bash him. Some were "moved", most seemed to say "Eh he did alright."

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Mickey Spillane, Austin TX — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:24:59 GMT

I think, in general, the media (and MSNBC in particular), which is supposed to be so biased in favor of Obama, is trying so desperately to be balanced and not appear to favor him that they are digging for stories against him where there aren't any, while, ironically, letting McCain off the hook for his lousy family values (dumping his injured wife for Cindy's millions) and ethics (Keating 5, the Georgia lobby connection). It is difficult for people who don't pay close attention to politics to make the right decisions when they are fed the media angle on everything, and it is what helped elect one stupid president. Let's hope it doesn't help elect another dummy in McCain.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Barak, Livonia, MI — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:45:08 GMT

I thought He did a great job and reminded us how to beat the republicans!! I was never very concerned about the things he said on the campaign trail, people gotta realize that when you campaign you take every advantage you can and create the one's that aren't there!!
I hope Obama learns from that cause if He thought Hillary was tough , LOOK OUT!!
I'm a big Obama supporter and I think the Clintons have done a great job pulling things back together.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Paula, Seattle, WA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:07:06 GMT

I LOVED his speech. He got down to the issues and then John Kerry and Joe Biden built on that. We have to continually remind the country about how horrific the last 8 years have been. I thought President Clinton articulated it brilliantly!

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Martha, Pensacola, FL — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:20:59 GMT

I agree with Judy in MO. Hillary should have been on the ticket. There was a clear mandate from the primaries and she clearly had the support of very close to a majority of voting democrats. It was arrogance on the part of Obama to ignore so many of us - he preaches unity but refused to do the one thing that could have unified us and made victory in the general election a sure thing. Both Clintons showed a grace in defeat that would probably be lacking if the roles were reversed.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Cindy, Springfield, Vt — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:47:55 GMT

Were my husband and I the only ones who saw the obvious distaste the first time President Clinton said he was supporting Senator Obama? It was definitly not an easy sentence for him to get out. But having said that, after he got through it once, he gave it all he got. I am a big Obama supporter and voted for President Clinton twice, but am curious of the deal that was cut to get the Clinton's to tow the party line. Debt paid off? Secretary of State? Yes, cynical to my core and ever hopeful that it will end up the way we Democrats are thirsting for.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Daneisha Flannigan, Phoenix, Arizona — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:02:46 GMT

Judy of MO did you miss the part when Bill Clinton said that choosing Biden for the ticket was a great decision? HELLO!!!! Are you one of those Hilary supporters that find it hard to let go of the past? Move on! This country cannot afford folks to continue to hold grudges! The Dems need to come together and get ready to work hard at getting everything back in order!

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

DANIEL,S.NORTH BERGEN NJ — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:16:34 GMT

DUFFER YOUR SO WRONG,CLINTON WAS ONE OF OUR GREATES PRESIDENTS,I AM GLAD HE NOW SUPPORTS OBAMA,OUR CHANCES HAVE INCREASED,THE CLINTON LEGASY WILL SURVIVE////

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Pete Kent US of A — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:23:54 GMT

To Ask the Question is to Answer It

I thought Bill gave an excellent speech last night on behalf of Senator Obama and I think Obama was aided measurably by Joe Biden’s address as well, particularly those warm moments with his mother right up front that portrayed him in a very nice light and made him instantly likeable. More than that the very historic nature of Obama’s nomination has to benefit him as people enjoy being a part of history.

It was unfortunate that Clinton’s speech intruded to a degree on the moment, that there was so much drama and importance attached to it, like with Hillary’s speech the night before.

There is no question that Bill Clinton said all the right things, though one could quibble with his argument.

First, Bill only made the conclusion that Obama was ready to lead after noting that “with Biden on the ticket Obama now has the foreign policy experience he needs”. I am paraphrasing, but it was unmistakable that Clinton was saying without Biden, Obama alone would not cut it. Chuck Todd picked up on this too, as did others. Still, Clinton said it and that is the headline. As I say it’s a quibble. And as been pointed out, using Biden as a bridge is a way of allowing Clinton to transit from his former opinion to his new one.

I think when Clinton used the argument that he too was assailed with this not ready to lead attack by the Republicans, he got in a bit too deep. One could say, “Damned with faint praise”!

First, Clinton took a time to get his sea legs as President and it is arguable if he was ready to lead on day one. The fact that within two years of his election he lost the Congress says volumes about his effectiveness and readiness.

It is wise also to remember how telling those Republican arguments about Bill’s unpreparedness were. Clinton did not get 45% of the vote in 1992 and if Obama can only do that well, he will lose in an Electoral Vote landslide. Recall also that Clinton was far more accomplished when elected than Obama is now and the comparison is neither apt nor particularly helpful.

I could pick a part element’s of Bill’s speech (he tipped off our enemies that with Obama, military force is the last option, for e.g.), but I’ll leave the explication of that to the Republicans at their convention.

As of the polls published yesterday the Dems got no bounce out of Biden and Mrs. Obama seemed to move no one. I think Hil and Bill did a great job, and I anticipate them to generate a bounce for Obama of 3 to 5 pts bw them. So far I am a little surprised that there was only a one point move in the Ras tracker this morning, perhaps this afternoon’s Gallup will show a bigger bounce from Hillary’s speech. With Bill’s, we should see the numbers tick up a few points again tomorrow (full effect of Bill's full throated endorsement). Obama's speech should also net more points.

Net, net Obama should be up somewhere between 5 to 10 pts by the polls published on Saturday. B/C McCain will announce early Friday; his Veep pick will also be in those numbers to a degree. I’d place the under / over at about 7.5%

That said, I don’t expect the bounce to last. I think the Clinton endorsements will only be a temporary palliative to Obama’s problems of lack of leadership credentials and experience.

As I noted above, when it comes to leadership, “to ask the question is to answer it”. If you have to ask and it’s not apparent, you don’t have it. No one is going to have to convince America of John McCain’s leadership credentials next week. And while they will be repeatedly brought up, it will not be to bolster McCain, but rather to draw the unfortunate contrast with Obama.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Garett, Tallahassee, FL — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:15:33 GMT

Bill Clinton is an actor. A bad actor. His interests lie not in getting Obama elected, but rather positioning for Hillary for 2012.

The people who attend these conventions (both parties) are like the fans who paint their faces at sporting events, way too emotionally involved with the players and their families and ready to buy whatever is being sold by the guy (or gal) at the podium.

Enjoy the conventions and speeches for what they are which is political theater and and good reality tv.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Margieb, Marietta GA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:18:59 GMT

Hey, Duffer in PA! Did I miss the empeachment process? I thought both did a fantastic job!I had the same reaction as Bunni from VA. They were a class act! Margieb

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Get-A-Clue — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:30:58 GMT

When did MSNBC become Fox News?

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Debbie — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:50:14 GMT

I have been unhappy about the way the Clintons have not been that supportive of Barack Obama. However, President Clinton, in my opinion, gave the best speech of the convention so far. He did the most to point out the reasons not to vote Republican than anyone has so far. (P.S. John Kerry was good as well).

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Paula Oppermann Seattle — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:49:41 GMT

You know Duffer, I will take Bill Clinton as an impeached president any day. A man that is universally admired all over the world especially compared to George Bush and his buddies. They have lied to us, committed treason by outing Valerie Plame, feathered the beds of their friends, increased the debt, sold the country to anyone who will lend us money, corrupted the JUSTICE Department and the worst is they think they did a good job. Have you been asleep for 8 years.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Just the Facts — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:43:16 GMT

It appears that some people posting do not really know what impeachment is. Yes, Bill Clinton was impeached -- that is to say, accused of misconduct in office -- and subsequently acquitted of all charges. At the time, his job approval rating was over 70%.

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

LaFaye Sutkin, Redlands, CA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:35:24 GMT

I echo the sentiments of those who have questioned the "Mixed Reviews." The only comment that was marginal only indicated that she was more moved by Michelle Obama.
Why would you head the article with "Mixed Reviews" knowing how many people will only see the headline?

Mixed reviews for President Clinton

Dawn Smith Frisco, TX — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:18:30 GMT

There is always going to be political media spin and the true measure of our country's integrity is to get past it...It was clear to everyone who was watching the Clintons speak at the Democratic Convention that they are true Americans and only want the best for our country. No matter what came before the Convention, they are ready to get behind the Obama/Biden ticket and noone should second guess them!