Bill Clinton: Conservatives Scare People ‘Around the World’
- Posted on September 19, 2011 at 6:05pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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Former President Bill Clinton on Monday dismissed Republican criticism of a debt-reduction proposal to raise taxes on the wealthy, and predicted President Barack Obama will see greater cooperation in the upcoming election year. Clinton told NBC’s “Today” show that the GOP rhetoric is nothing new and not a deal-breaker for Obama.
“The Republicans in Washington always say the same thing,” arguing that any tax on any upper-income person is bad because it stifles job creation, Clinton said.
“It’s an insult to those people,” he said. “They don’t mind being asked to pay their fair share.”
The GOP opposition should diminish as the 2012 election approaches, just as it did in 1996, Clinton said. His clashes with Republicans in 1995 led to two government shutdowns, but in the 1996 election year he began experiencing greater cooperation, including passage of an increase in the minimum wage.
“We got things done in the election year,” Clinton said.
Clinton also cautioned that increased bickering among ideologues is hurting the nation‘s reputation internationally because the arguments often aren’t based on facts. He said “Democrats are not blameless,“ but he singled out conservatives who take ”the anti-government extreme position” never to increase taxes.
“It scares people around the world,” he said.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Clinton said the nation could be struggling for the next five years or more to emerge from its economic slump. But focusing on mortgage debt problems could help the recovery.
“I think the quickest thing we could do to move out of this would be to clear this mortgage debt more quickly,” he said.
He called for providing relief to homeowners with mortgage debt greater than the house’s worth, either by reducing the amount of debt, adding years to the payoff to reduce monthly payments or converting the loan to rent payments so people can remain in their homes.
Former President Clinton’s complete interview on Today Show:
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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Jenny Lind
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 11:20amBill, Bill, of course we scare them. We ask for personal responsibility and that is truly terrifying to those who do not want to care for themselves. They have never known the joy of being in charge of their own destiny and the satisfaction of depositing a check they worked for. We want to help those who can’t take care of themselves, but the rest , not so much. The lifetime takers are afraid of those who get control of the purse, and may pull the strings tighter. We believe in getting to keep what you earn, and deciding for ourselves how to help the helpless. We are not socialsts, we are good decent people, who believe in the work ethic. You are rich, you want to write a check? Be my guest.
Report Post »MUDFLAPS
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 9:15ameat some more burgers and fries.
Report Post »DrFrost
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 10:34am1) The left uses the same old class warfare rhetoric as well.
Report Post »2) The left‘s record for violent rhetoric is actually worse than the right’s.
3) Bill Clinton lied and cheated and showed absolutely no remorse. I assume anything out of his mouth is a lie.
MUDFLAPS
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 9:15amawwwww go smoke a cigar you old turd. You are an embarrassment where ever you go. you are just to stupid and self centered to know it.
Report Post »gwssacredcause
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 8:52amIt is interesting that former President Clinton believes the American public will believe what he says is the truth when he has a record of making false statements about so many other things. When will he learn that most of the ignorant people are in Europe, the Democrat Party and Hollywood? The rest of us live in the real world, we want freedom and the duties that go with it.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 7:51amBe afraid World! Be very afraid! We have nukes and Budweiser! Bill your the one who scares me (or is that sickens me) Mr. it depends on what the meaning of is is. Evil men like bill will have to settle with the Lord some day soon. Nuff said.
Report Post »wellhangingchad
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 7:48amNo Bill. Thoughts of your wife naked scare people around the world! Now I have to go shower with a sand blaster to cleanse myself of that thought.
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 6:59amclonton stole every dime he has..that is why he will give some away..he will steal more later…he is like a you know
Report Post »HowardSternIsABigot
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 6:16amThe bandits and thieves here the police sirens.
Report Post »Tea party is merely pointing out the effects of liberal policies. They fear because the truth burns like a hot sunny day on a slug. They are melting, the lies are being exposed. The only question can sanity be restored to a brainwashed nation drunk on free free free free free racism and sexism. How you gonna gert them back on the farm after being convinced you can masterbate your way to success. Hard work is probably frightening them.
Pokerjoe
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 10:47amYep. Your right on. I was going to wright somthing just like yours but yours is better. All the want is someone else to pay there way. How did we get this way? I think if you give someone a passing grade they think there smart. Well hard work and pay your dues will work every time. Paying your dues takes time and sometimes it takes years. Climbing the ladder is really whats whats all about.
Report Post »Ron Staiger
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 5:58amBill Clinton is an idiot who denigrated the office he smugly held with his cigar-stuffing antics.
Report Post »louise
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 4:04amThe Truth does scare a liar.
Report Post »Marci
Posted on September 20, 2011 at 3:07amBill scares people around the world. Everyone knows you don’t piss off a Clinton, you’ll never be heard from again. And you certainly don’t get in the way….my classmates Don Henry and Kevin Ives are perfect examples. Grew up with this man at the helm. Talk about a destructive force.
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