Clinton's ready to campaign for Obama
NEW YORK (AP) - July 17, 2008 "I told him that whenever he wanted me to do it, I was ready,
and so it's basically on their timetable," Clinton said. "He's
got a lot of things to do between now and the convention, of which
this is simply one, so I'll do whatever I'm asked to do, whenever I
can do it."
Relations between Clinton and Obama have only just began to thaw
since Obama defeated the former president's wife, Hillary Rodham
Clinton, in the bruising Democratic primary that ended last month.
Throughout that bare-knuckle race, Bill Clinton had portrayed Obama
as too inexperienced to be president.
Since Obama clinched the nomination, it has remained an open
question as to what role Clinton would play in the campaign.
Just weeks ago, Obama called the former president to ask for his
help in winning the White House.
At a news conference for his foundation's work, Clinton said he
had not thought about whether he would like to be a convention
speaker. Typically former presidents get a prime-time speaking spot
at the party gathering.
Clinton said he had a "good talk" with Obama on the phone and
is eager to get out on the road for the Illinois senator.
Clinton also was asked whether he had spoken to the Rev. Jesse
Jackson regarding the crude off-air remark Jackson made about Obama
in what he thought was a private conversation during a taping of a
"Fox & Friends" news program.
Clinton said he had not spoken with Jackson, but added that
Jackson was right to apologize to Obama for the comments. He also
was a bit sympathetic.
"If all of us lived on live mics, then 100 percent of us in
this room would be embarrassed from time to time," Clinton said.