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Only Love Can Break a Campaign

Posted by SHAUN MULLEN, TMV Columnist in At TMV.
Jan 18th, 2008 | Comments

Way back on December 17 – which seems like an eternity in this strangest of presidential campaign seasons — I wrote that:

“Bill Clinton is one of Mrs. Clinton’s greatest strengths – and weaknesses. He was absolutely the most adept politician that I saw on the stump in the eight presidential campaigns that I covered. Had Al Gore not kept him at arm’s length in 2000, he probably would be finishing his second term. That noted, it is surprising that as the Mister stumps for the Missus he seems to be talking more about himself than her. And you can be sure that he won’t alienate his black base by going hard after Obama.”

Given events since then, I take no credit at being prescient.

It was obvious that the Mister had the potential to be a drag on the Missus, but I don’t think anyone could have anticipated what a negative he has turned out to be in repeatedly becoming the story line of the day from the Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign because of intemperate remarks that don’t bring welcome attention to the candidate but distract and detract from her. And boy was I wrong about him not going hard after Barack Obama.

Joe posted a terrific piece earlier today on whether Bill is a drag on Hill, but I’d like to take it to another level, as Emeril likes to say:

If Mrs. Clinton is elected, would her husband be a drag on her administration? Would he quietly retire to the Executive Residence and play with his HO trains or would he have to be shackled by the Secret Service?

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Lynx

Bill as the candidates spouse: He presents and is presented with challenges unlike any other candidate spouse that has come before him:

1. He's harder to control. Campaign staff and the candidate usually can gently or otherwise coax the future first-Lady into saying exactly what she's told she needs to say, and moderating any of the more extreme opinions she might have. Though lately potential first-Ladies are very capable proffesionals in their own right, they aren't usually politicians, so they are easier to manage. Bill on the otherhand can't be sat down and told "now be a good boy, smile and don't say anything funny dear." I doubt he'd stand for it.
2. Unlike others, he can't just hide behind "it's my wife that's the candidate, not me" in discussions on issues. Other spouses get something of a pass if they make mistakes or say silly things in response to issue questions, or don't get asked those questions at all. Bill Clinton was once president, he will not get any passes for saying inappropriate things on the issues.
3. He's been in the most powerful position on the planet. That has to give you a sense of "I speak, others listen". Yes he knows the game, but I bet you sometimes the sheer confidence (or arrogance) that ANY president has, must shine through and he simply will not shut up.

Bill as a presidents spouse: I think he would be a much greater asset than a problem. He is a powerhouse all his own. He could be a tremendous boost to his wifes administration, pulling in his old contacts and favors. Sure he'd terrorize the maids at the White House, but overall, I think he'd be very good. I'm not voting Hillary because SHE'S the candidate, not her husband, and I don't trust her one bit, but Bill is a definate point in her favor.

DLS

Clinton was a liability in the 1990s and remains a liability today.

Anna

DLS:

While I'm not really a Hillary supporter, for a guy who's constantly accusing others of BDS when Bush is questioned or criticized, you sure do seem to suffer from the alternate affliction of CDS (I suppose like many other right-wingers do).

<snark> Heck, you'd almost think people like you would want the Clintons back in the White House to a) have something to gripe about and b) to try to impeach Hillary to see if you'd succeed where you managed to fail before. </snark>

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