It’s true that Bill Clinton isn’t the most disciplined political spouse and that he caused problems for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. There are still some lingering bad feelings about it in the African-American community. More than that, though, simply by virtue of being an ex-president, Bill Clinton presents some weird and awkward possibilities. And then we can add the prospect of having for the first time a First Man, rather than a First Lady. There’s nothing normal or routine about any of it.
But Bill Clinton is Hillary’s greatest asset and there is simply no denying it. If we can point out some downsides to their relationship, it all pales in comparison to Bill’s ability to compare his presidency to the two Bushs’ presidencies. His record may be flawed, but it trounces the records of the most recent Republicans presidents. The connections the Clintons have, the experience, and the good will they enjoy with a wide swath of non-Obama voters all add up to a massive advantage over any Democratic alternatives, and certainly over any prospective Republican candidates not named Jeb. And, frankly, Jeb is not only saddled with the records of his father and brother, but also lacks the same kind of cross-over appeal with non-Romney or non-McCain voters.
People will write and write and write about Bill Clinton because he’s interesting and because he’s controversial and because he’s going to be in such an unusual and unprecedented position. But anyone who writes that he’s a liability is just wanking.
And I am not even a fan of the former president. I still resent him for his personal failings, his policy shortcomings, and some of his behavior during the 2008 primaries. But I’m not an idiot. Or a wanker.
