Bill Clinton's opening remarks at Hillary event

[Keystone Phil]

I am watching Road to the White House right now. Hillary and Bill are traveling around NH. At this one event, Bill states that he wants to be brief so the people can hear from Hillary but that he wants to "make a couple of points."

He then says that the first thing he says at every rally is, "I would be here if she wanted me to if we weren't married."


Is it really smart to be engaging in that type of discussion? He even said that he says this at ever event that they go to. I'm sure they had it tested by a focus group but I had always thought they that'd want to stay away from the issue of them splitting up.

[Smash255]

I am watching Road to the White House right now. Hillary and Bill are traveling around NH. At this one event, Bill states that he wants to be brief so the people can hear from Hillary but that he wants to "make a couple of points."

He then says that the first thing he says at every rally is, "I would be here if she wanted me to if we weren't married."


Is it really smart to be engaging in that type of discussion? He even said that he says this at ever event that they go to. I'm sure they had it tested by a focus group but I had always thought they that'd want to stay away from the issue of them splitting up.

I don't think its much of an issue.  Its said to show that his support for is political and not because they are married

[motomonkey]

It doesn't seem like much of an issue but I agree that the copywriters could make the same point without the specific reference to "if we weren't married."  It seems he is trying to make his endorsement sound more objective.  Maybe something like this:

"I would be here if she wanted me to even if I didn't get to ride home (or eat dinner) with her..."

This would reinforce behavior that any American husband/wife could relate to.