Clinton to Dems: Don't Fear Tough Issues

[MsAnthropy]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1263198

I watched him on C-Span yesterday at the Texas Book Festival and fell in love with him all over again. I could listen to him all day.


Clinton to Dems: Don't Fear Tough Issues
AUSTIN Oct 29, 2005 — Democrats can't be afraid to talk about hot-button issues, including abortion, and should fight back against personal attacks from conservatives if they want to regain power in Washington, former President Bill Clinton said Saturday.

"You can't say 'Please don't be mean to me. Please let me win sometimes.' Give me a break here," Clinton said. "If you don't want to fight for the future and you can't figure out how to beat these people then find something else to do."

Clinton, whose 2004 memoir "My Life" was a best seller, drew roaring applause during his speech from the several hundred people gathered in the Texas House chamber to kick off the 10th annual Texas Book Festival, an event started by first lady Laura Bush when her husband was governor.

The event, which raises money for public libraries, is expected to draw as many as 30,000 people and authors including novelist Salman Rushdie, historian David McCullough and children's author Lemony Snicket.

[Mass]

1. Clinton to Kerry: support anti-gay marriage amendments in Ohio and

elsewhere.

[LSparkle]

2. Yeah, fight the good fight, but let my wife lead it

I WANT to believe Bill (and I think he's right -- we shouldn't shy away from fights on the important issues), but his actions make me wonder about his sincerity sometimes.

[kweerwolf]

6. That's exactly why his words ring hollow on this, Mass.

Clinton can talk the talk with the best of them ... but when it comes time for him to walk the walk, he has to check the wind and the polls to make sure it would be personally expedient.

While there was much Clinton did that I agree with and support, he has done nothing to lessen the cynical view I have of him.

The man definitely has charisma, but I wish it had been used to further the issues he felt passionately about instead of those he felt it would be most expedient to champion.

[TayTay]

7. I wish he had listened to his own counsel before the welfare vote.

That was a tough issue and he punted.

[WI_DEM]

3. Is he giving Hillary this advice?

[LincolnMcGrath]

4. Meh

[ugarte]

5. I want to hear him say, 'It's time to filibuster'...nt