Has Bill Clinton Hurt, or Helped, Hillary's Campaign?

With the newly announced Kennedy endorsement of Barack Obama, speculation has arisen that the Clintons’ “good cop/bad cop” routine went too far. Since his appearances in South Carolina leading up to the primary, Bill has been criticized for morphing what was once Hillary’s solo campaign into a co-candidacy. Further, after making comments with racial undertones, much of the black middle class and church going residents of South Carolina were turned off from Hillary rallies and events. Furthermore, it can be argued that Bill’s attacking remarks and actions in recent weeks have, unfortunately, put the Hillary campaign on the defensive. In a recent press conference, Hillary noted that it was, indeed, still she who was running for president, and her husband’s abrasiveness was merely the reaction of a loving, protecting spouse.

Personally, I feel that while the Bill/Hillary duo is a strong part of the Hillary campaign, and has certainly helped Hillary in many ways, Bill’s presence has been hindering her as of late for the afore mentioned reasons. Hillary, as a woman, may be unfairly looked upon as an individual who needs her husband to do her dirty work because she cannot stick up for herself. I don’t believe that is the case, but she is the only candidate at the moment who has allowed her spouse to retain such a prominent role in the campaign. Bill needs to gain a hold on his emotions, take a step back from the forefront of the campaign, or at the very least give up his “bad cop” persona.

The Kennedys’ Endorsement of Obama:

The Today Show’s Take on Clinton: