Whether you like him or not, Bill Clinton's voice was one of calm and reason as he addressed the California State Democratic Convention on Sunday. While others view the race between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as a "bloodbath" and a "civil war" within the party, the former President is telling people to lighten up.
"Don't you let anybody tell you that somehow we are weakening the Democratic Party. Chill out! We're going to win this election, if we just chill out and let everyone have their say!" said Clinton. "There is somehow the suggestion that because we are having a vigorous debate about who would be the best president, we are going to weaken this party in the fall," the former President said.
Democrats are gearing up for another long string of primaries beginning April 22 in Pennsylvania; and Mr. Clinton said this is the time for Democrats to showcase their party, not their infighting. "We are a national party, and we want you," he told the crowd in San Jose.
He is right on some accounts. First of all, the Democratic race is the talk of the nation and is making banner headlines. That helps the fundraising for both Obama and Clinton. It has also knocked Sen. John McCain off the front pages. While he is fundraising too, he has also had to produce and air his first TV ad of the general election, since that's about the only way he can get airtime. That's expensive right now, when he would probably like to have waited until August.
So Bill Clinton actually sees an advantage right now in continuing to let the Democrats' debate go on. That's a reasoned approach. Last Friday Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT) asked Mrs. Clinton to drop out of the race in the interest of party unity. That is NOT a reasoned approach, considering she still has a chance to win. As I said in a previous column, being a quitter is not the kind of quality we want in a President, be it Democrat or Republican.
Of course the Clinton theory could change. Sunday he was the voice of reason, contrasted to the Bill Clinton who spoke earlier this year in New Hampshire and South Carolina, where he was the voice of division (and to some critics the voice of race baiting). That did not help the party or his wife at all. But now he's toned it down and changed his tune! Classic Clinton.
On Sunday part of Bill Clinton's job was to woo 21 undecided Super Delegates from California to endorse his wife. We'll see in the coming days whether his voice of calm and reason prevailed.
I will be on "live" with Ross McGowan Monday morning on KTVU's "Mornings on Two" at 7:45. Check back often at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.
4 comments:
Your reference to Rev. Wright this morning was shamefully fanning the flame 'racial arson', keeping it alive. NO undecided will make up their mind on that issue. ONLY those who weren't going to vote for Obama anyway.
Hmmm, I don't know, I don't know. Oh yeah I remember that Rev. Wright so I won't vote for Obama. Puulease!
There are people who flat out say that they won't vote for a Black man. WHY AREN'T THEY RACIST? Why do you and the media not have the COURAGE to call them that or take them to task? And in that climate Rev. Wright's words are offensive? UNBELIEVABLE.
Got a little swig of the Clinton kool-aide over the weekend huh?
Oh by the way. Anyone going to de-construct, dissect, turn over & over, make reference after reference to Pat Buchanan's comments?
The only reason to avoid it is comfort with the shameless DOUBLE STANDARD at best OR RACIST.
Which one?
Will his comments have legs?
Looking for a little critical analysis & integrity?
Replayed your comments. I noticed a little addendum at the end of the Rev. Wright comment with you saying 'for awhile' so you know, but want to bring it up anyway. According to the polls Obama is trending the other way (his largest lead) so apparently the people have moved on. Could it be that the lie, actual words that came straight out of Hilliary's mouth had more affect than some indirect comment?
Well I LOVE that people are posting comments, whether they are angry or not! That is the purpose of this blog, to hash out all things political. I can't repsond tho, unless you leave an e-mail address, so I will respond here!
First of all, I am not racist and my friends, family and audience know that, so nothing else needs to be said on that regard.
I am asked to be a "political analyst" because my clients want me to explain or put in context, items on the politcal landscape.
Undecided Super Delegates are a big deal right now, because they could hold the kesy to the election.
That said many are looking for reasons (both good and bad) to make their final decision.
So, any controversy that comes along, whether it be Rev. Wright or the Monica Lewinsky mess for the Democrats, or David Duke or Jack Abrhamoff for the GOP, has the potential to sway undecided votes (or even get people to change their minds).
That's all I was saying! In a close race, EVERY vote counts and so the "undecidededs" are critical to both sides!
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