The Bill Clinton Effect on the Democratic Presidential Nomination

The Bill Clinton effect in Hillary Clinton's Campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination has yet to be measured but none the less has reaped advantages for team Clinton.

Starting off there is the obvious advantage that comes with having a very popular two term ex president fully endorsing you even if it is your spouse. The fact that Bill's terms as president were so successful and Hillary was an active contributor to that success is a big deal in the minds of voters.

Bill Clinton has been able to stir up the pot and get Barack Obama to roll in the dirt with him while Hilary is able to keep her hands clean. Bill has been able to get Barack Obama flustered with some of his statements. When addressed about some of his tactics being a little dirty Bill Clinton has the benefit of taking the role of the over protective husband while Hillary Clinton has the benefit of not having to take responsibility for words that did not come from her mouth. The Clintons have been able to make this a two person team battling against two individuals making it a two on one race. When you look over the course of a long hard sleep deprived fight for the democratic nomination, you can see where an extra person to campaign and do your dirty work will be an advantage to wear your opponent down. While Barack Obama is busy fighting with Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton is able to focus her attention in more constructive areas. Barack Obama finds himself swinging at a ghost every time he defends himself against Bill Clinton.

ON THE DOWN SIDE:

Some think this strategy will work against the Clintons. Some voters have been turned off by the repetitive jabbing Bill Clinton has done to Barack Obama. While Barack Obama has tried to focus on a campaign of change he has often been derailed by negative statements by Bill Clinton leaving voters forced to focus on the same old negative politics people have grown tired of.

Hillary Clinton was able have her husband Bill Clinton campaign on her behalf in South Carolina allowing her to turn her attention to some of the upcoming states on "Super Tuesday". Being able to clone yourself in such a grueling process is an absolute luxury.