I've had this post in the hopper for a few days, what with all the other issues going on out in the blogosphere. We've touched on it before, but what was originally a mildly distracting concern has blossomed into a very significant problem for Camp Clinton. Former president Bill Clinton's role as attack dog has now found its way into Newsweek's coverage of the campaign. But as Dick Morris, a former Clinton advisor and one who knows him best, points out, this side of Bill is nothing new. Even Christopher Hitchens, with whom I rarely agree, weighs in on this issue.
It seems everyone is trying to muzzle him. And the latest reports coming out of the Camp Clinton are that the strategists there are beginning to recognize the evolution of Bill's role from an asset to a liability. They are now trying to find a different role for him in the campaign. That's quite an evolution when you think of it--that Bill Clinton, who even many of us on the conservative side of the aisle recognize as a phenomenal politician, is now being relegated from his position of strength because of how it may hurt Hillary's chances at election. Wow!
Just this week in an interview with ABC News' Cynthia McFadden, Hillary assured McFadden that she can keep Bill under control. As you might imagine, the blogosphere is buzzing over that claim, recalling the track record in that department with someone who has a confirmed lack of impulse control.
And as we watch this newest strategy for Bill play out, I expect it will be a preview of things to come should Hillary find her way into the presidency. Friends, it is not difficult to imagine what a Hillary presidency would be like with Bill trying his best to stay in the shadows. Just like the first Clinton presidency, we'll be getting 2 for the price of 1. 
UPDATE: Here's Dick Morris' compelling take on the co-president in waiting.
I know another Bill who needs to be muzzled this weekend.....
Posted by: Mandy Leech | February 01, 2008 at 09:23 AM