Bill Clinton’s Back Against the Wall for ‘Change’

When and if Bill Clinton hits the campaign trail for Barack Obama, the slogan he can use is “Change I Can Sort of Maybe Believe in if I Absolutely Have To and My Back is up Against the Wall.”

Recent statements by Bill Clinton with regard to the Obama candidacy can hardly be described as supportive. On “The View” this week, when asked if he believed Obama was ready to be president, through gritted teeth, the former president responded, “I think he’s ready to be president and I think McCain’s ready to be president and I think you have to decide which president you want.” A test of the emergency broadcast system on the television screen would have done more good for Obama than Clinton’s uncomfortable “endorsement.”

Bill Clinton went on further to explain why he thought Obama would win in November, not why he thought he should win, citing Democrats’ registration efforts and the changing demographics in the country. He also conceded that it is legitimate for people who supported his wife in the primaries to support John McCain now.

The most beloved figure in the Democratic Party isn’t showing the Democratic presidential nominee any love. Undecided voters should chew on this as they weigh the pros and cons of each candidate. While John McCain has been able to find common ground with the various factions of his own party while still maintaining his independent maverick streak and is buoyed by his long record of reaching across party lines for the good of the country he loves so much, Obama can’t get Bill Clinton on his side just six weeks out from Election Day.

In fact, it would appear that McCain’s talent for establishing respectful working relationships with key figures on the other side of the political spectrum has shown itself in the kind words Clinton had for the Republican senator. In a close election, that could make a difference.