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BY ZACH TOOMBS
A pair of comments dubbed “off-message” from Bill Clinton has pundits pondering whether
the former president is getting a bit too candid. Much of the media has been quick to
jump on Clinton quotes some say contradict President Obama’s own campaign themes.
On CNN, there were these kind words for Mitt Romney’s business record:
“A man who’s been governor and has a sterling business career crosses the qualification
threshold.”
And on CNBC, conservatives took this as support for extending the Bush-era tax cuts:
MARIA BARTIROMO: “Does that mean extending the tax cuts?”
CLINTON: “They will probably have to put everything off until early next year. That’s
probably the best thing to do.”
Although Clinton later clarified that he was aligned with Obama on ending the Bush tax
cuts, the comments have raised eyebrows — especially coming from a former president often praised
for his communication skills. The missteps have produced many headlines like this one
...
From Politico’s Roger Simon, calling Bill Clinton “Out of Control on 2012.” Clinton
responded to that article in particular in an interview with NBC’s Brian Williams.
“Mr. Simon may think I should be an employee of the campaign, but I’m not. I’m trying
to help the president win re-election because I think he’s done a better job than most
people know.”
In a separate CNN interview Thursday, Clinton said he’s “very sorry” for the attention
his comments have drawn. Still, media speculation as to why the former pres might be slipping
has heated up. Many conservatives, including Weekly Standard columnist Bill Kristol, call
it intentional sabotage.
“Bill Clinton is very much in control with respect to 2012: He wants Barack Obama to
lose, and is helping that cause … An Obama reelection loss would leave Clinton as the
only twice-elected (i.e. successful) Democratic president since FDR.”
Speaking to Politico, an anonymous former Clinton aide even referenced his age as a
possible factor.
“...while mentally sharp, [Clinton] is older and a step off his political game, less attuned
to the need for clarity and message-discipline during interviews. ‘He’s 65 years old,’
said one adviser...”
But, for as much media flack as Clinton’s received, there’s also been the blowback
to the blowback.
New York Magazine mocked the concern over Clinton’s age with this Onion-esque headline...
While a RealClearPolitics writer points out Clinton and Romney are comparably aged.
The Wall Street Journal says — regardless of whether he’s causing headaches — Clinton
might be essential for Team Obama this election cycle.
“Mr. Clinton brings needed fundraising muscle and political gravitas to the Obama campaign
operation. But as a popular former two-term president, he speaks his mind and is prone
to wander off script.”