Is Bernie Passive-Aggressively Going After Bill Clinton?

[firebrand80]

"I hear what you’re saying,” Sanders responded. “Hillary Clinton is not Bill Clinton. What Bill Clinton did, I think we can all acknowledge was totally, totally, totally disgraceful and unacceptable.

“But I am running against Hillary Clinton. I am not running against Bill Clinton,” he continued. “What we need to do as a nation is focus on the bloody issues facing this country."

It seems that Bernie is saying it won't be a issue, while drawing attention to the issue at the same time.

It fairness to Bernie, it was in response to a question and not a prepared remark, so we don't know whether this is a campaign strategy. It could be that he didn't mean it the way it sounds, that can happen when you speak off the cuff.

[djean111]

1. "In fairness to Bernie, it was in response to a question and not a prepared remark" - bwah!

This has already been the subject of a couple of OPs that imply that Bernie was attacking Bill.
Bernie was answering a question, this was not a campaign ad, and I do not believe for an instant that Bernie salts his audience with prepared questions, although I understand that other candidates have done that.

I think Bill's indiscretions are disgraceful, but that has no bearing on the fact that I do not support Hillary. Actions, history, issues - even the fact that I am a woman does not negate those things.

[FarPoint]

2. Old gossip lacks impact.

Resuscitation of old gossip gives one something to at least talk about. It is Campaign Time...

[Douglas Carpenter]

3. does anyone here think Hillary would feel that the fomer President's past

indiscretions were acceptable?

[reformist2]

4. Just because Repugs made so much hay over this, are we Dems supposed to be forever in denial?

Bill Clinton's personal indiscretions were disgraceful and embarrassing. We may as well say so. In fact, we look ridiculous when we try to dodge such questions, as if we're not ever allowed to admit that our previous party leaders ever had any shortcomings.

[TCJ70]

5. No, he wasn't.

He was answering a question.

[Squinch]

6. Where do you see passive in that?

[RandySF]

7. Sanders proved that, when the rubber hits the road

he's willing to jump into whatever slime he needs to get elected POTUS. He's just another politician.

[Douglas Carpenter]

10. when rubber hits the road, he gives his honest answer - a very similar

answer to what most thinking Americans would give.

[enid602]

11. Jane

By addressing a candidate's spouse's perceived or real indiscretions, he's opening the door for more attention to be paid to Jane's overstatement of assets on a balance sheet to support a loan for Burlington College. She was the President of the college at the time. Bill's peccadillos have already been tried ad infinitum in the press and in the courts. Jane's, not so much. Greed, bank fraud and retribution for Wall Street Execs are major talking points for Bernie. Jane's actions make these talking points seem hypocritical.

[Starry Messenger]

8. He's just not ready for prime time.

[Bleacher Creature]

9. It was actually the very first thing I said after seeing his answer.

It's the kind of thing politicians do all the time. Sanders just wasn't that good at doing it.

[zalinda]

12. LOL This is really reaching.

I'm guessing Hillary is really doing badly and so her supporters are trying ANYTHING to punch a hole in campaign. This whole "gate" is so laughable. Bernie answered a question. It was short, the truth and to the point.

Z