Setting aside the many problems I have with Bill Clinton, I think he is by far the most effective surrogate in the country. More than any other partisan commentator, people will listen to Clinton when he takes Obama’s side against Romney and the Republican noise machine. Poppy Bush is aging and frail, and he isn’t remembered fondly by virtually anyone. His son is one of the worst surrogates in the country because his record is so terrible. If there is a dispute and Clinton takes a side, he will have real influence.
For that reason, the Obama campaign should use Clinton a lot during this campaign. I think the best way to use him is as an expert on budgetary matters. Clinton can explain what the Ryan budget really means for average Americans, and why they will be royally screwed if Romney is elected. Obama needs to do this, too. But Clinton will come across as almost an independent authority.
It seems the thinking is that Clinton can help Obama with white working class folks, especially those without a college education. I guess that is true, but only indirectly. What he can do is explain how the Republicans’ plans will screw people, including white folks. The Republicans will try to make it sound like the only people who will be hurt are blacks and Latinos (and sluts) who are sucking at the teet of the federal government. Clinton is great at disabusing people from the belief that they will be spared the abuse.
So, yes, unleash the Big Dog. He will be a great help.
