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Bill Clinton on TODAY

Posted: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 9:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

It's hard to know exactly what else to say at this point about President Bill Clinton. His supporters call him a "rock star," a keen political strategist and his wife's best asset in her campaign for president. Detractors, of course, point to his impeachment and the array of scandals he faced while in the White House, questioning not only his politics but also his conduct.

But whether you agree or disagree with what he says, it's hard to not find him an engaging speaker. If you missed it this morning, check out Matt's interview with him. WATCH VIDEO

I'm not going to wade into Clinton the political being. There's not enough space here to try deconstruct him as a politician or as a man. But I will say that after reading his book, it's hard not to be inspired to act -- to give -- to try to make the world a better place.

The book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, outlines five ways that people can give back to the global community -- they can give money, give time, give things, give skills and give gifts of reconciliation and new beginnings.

He points out that you don't have to be wealthy like Bill Gates, famous like Bono or powerful like President of the United States to make a difference. You can be a 6-year-old girl, like McKenzie Steiner, who gives time to clean up beaches in California. We profiled her this morning. WATCH VIDEO

You can organize a group, like PeacePlayers International, to give a gift of reconciliation, bringing people together from different cultures to better understand each other.

Or as I wrote on Monday, you can give money, making small loans to help people run businesses -- and improve their communities -- in developing countries where capital is scarce.

Whether it's tutoring a kid, donating books to a local library or school, giving an aspiring musician an old instrument, there's really no shortage of ways to give.

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I cringe thinking about the upcoming elections.  With all the candidates we have (Republican or Democrat) it's like the who's who of politics.  I get a sick spot in my stomach thinking about who could become president.  I feel their is no one I would trust to defend this country and our way of life.  I am tired of being lyed too by everyone campaigning in one form or another.  I know it's standard procedure for stretching the truth but it's time to STOP!  Ms. Clinton Scares me and it's not because of being woman but her ideals and getting away from what made our Country great.  The same goes for everyone else.  Maybe we need to send the White House to Hollywood since they are making the politcal changes for us on who we can vote for. Since when do I have listen to "Hollywood" too see who I can vote for.  Both parties are at fault for bringing lies and distrust to our beloved way of life.  It's pretty sad when our Service Men and Woman are not getting enough pay but our Congressman can give each other a nice pay raise every year.  Don't get me wrong our polictical system is the finest but we need to get back on track.  Dear old Abe would be turning in his grave if he saw what was going on.  You need to set up debates in the near future with all candidates.  Instead of the usual you need to have the American public ask the questions and not the usual representitives from the news, no teleprompters for candidates to read from, no ear pieces so someone can tell them what to say, they would have to answer the question truthfully without the usual polital reterect and the monitor would be some neutral from politics.  I could see Matt doing this:)  The only catch is they have three strikes to answer the question and if they tried to hedge the question a strike would be called and the third they would be removed from the debate.   It's time they are reminded who they work for and I am not just talking about Preident Bush!  I am sure you will not read this but I had to vent.  Bring back my Country that believed in God, the Flag, and American Pie!!!!   Now I know it won't be read I said God:(   Maybe I should have said Barbra Steistand!
Though Clinton is an engaging speaker Matt gave him a crazy amount of time. Felt like there should be a republican response.
For those who miss Bill Clinton and wonder how much of Bill's influence and "presence" we may get with Hillary as president. He would be wise to respond with how much of Hillary's influence we had when he was president.
This is one of the best interviews I've seen Matt perform! Keep them coming Matt.

On another note, David Gregory is a fabulous stand-in for Matt when is away!  He's too funny!  Works well with Meredeth too. He works well with all of them.
Great interview Matt! Walk like power,Dress,like power, Act like power. Clinton is Power!
Was Matt Lauer searching for political insight or giving us his "take" with those constant referrals to "your wife" in the interview with President Clinton.  Yes, Hilary Clinton is Bill Clinton's wife.  I could as easily and truthfully refer to "that little guy" who interviewed Clinton this morning, but what understanding would that further?  
The Clintons are both scary. I am ready to move to another country if she becomes president. Did we not have enough of them in the 90s. I was once a republican but am now an independent voter. And although I am angry about the war in iraq and the no end in sight, I am ready to vote for a republican again if Hillary is the nominee. I pray that Barack or Edwards win the nomination. But I am sure the ethics of the Clintons will make sure that happens. Its obvious that Lauer and Viera are pro-democrat.
I am rarely disappointed when watching Matt interview, but this morning I felt he lost focus of the reason President Clinton was on the show. I expected to learn more about his new book "Giving" and instead sat through another political discussion. I think the work that President Clinton has done since he has left office should be talked about. Fortunately, I had Tevo'd a interview that Oprah had with the President, so I turned off the Today show, and learned what Clinton's book was about. Thanks Oprah.
Im on the fence as to how I feel about Hillary Clinton, I feel she is smart, and would change things but I dont like that she voted for the war to start with.
I understand that at the time it seemed the appropriate thing to do but I still think it was a bad descision.
No the real reason Im on the fence about Mrs Clinton is the Voters of the United states.
I feel that there is a definite hypocrisy in play.
They did a study that said most Americans dont read books, and of those that do its fiction and religious material, So although it dissapoints me when I read or hear that america is getting off path, is not as it once was, that our way of life is at risk, I feel a sense of impotent rage.
First off, the founders of The constitution were very clear about a seperation of church and state, they had dealt with first the Pope and then the church of England getting into the middle of everything for centurys. Seriously read the Fedralist papers, or anything by Benjamin Franklin.
Very few of the the founders felt that God belonged in the middle of running a young country.
Secondly, Our way of " Life" included poverty hatred of anyone who wasnt white, child labour murdering women and children because they were in the way.
having to take beatings to get anything as menial as a fare wage, weekends off children out of the sweat shops.
Oh by the way that happened in this century so no one can say thats ancient history.
As far as I can tell America is not off "path" its never been on path and is now sliding back to the days when we worked worked all day and maybe made enough to live off of, its a country were only the rich or well off can have health care, or education.
We leave our seniors (you know those folks who lived through the Two world wars a depression a dust bowl and labour strikes.)In poverty sittuations deciding on weather they eat or pay for medicine.
Some of us dont even pay attention to them at all so they fall off the radar.
We had a point in our history that we were trying to fix things, thats the path we have gotten off of.
As far as Im concerned if Clinton can change things, get us out of the war, affordable health care, a distibution of wealth that can up the odds for people who are often overlooked, fair labour laws, heck for that matter good paying Jobs and the education to do them, a womens right to decide what is the best for her, accountability, and last but most certainly not least, that Americans will get over this right left red blue, christian heathen thing, thats a waste of air and time. Then she has my vote, and I would Vote for Jimmy Carter in a heart beat, that to me is a true Christian, he walks his talk not like Bush not like Cheney, and not live Carl Rove.
 
I missed the interview and would love to see it. The video is not working. Will this interview repeat in another venue?
In your opening:

Detractors, of course, point to his impeachment and the array of scandals he faced while in the White House, questioning not only his politics but also his conduct.

Whatever Bill Clinton's defacts are, pale in comparison with 8 years (one more to go, I do not think Bush did anything this year either) of Bush administration's incompetency on the War, Katrina, Economy, Foreign & Domestic Policies.

I have confidence in Hill & Bill to give us back the wonderful USA we had before Bush diminished it to a global laughing stock.

I was in Europe last year, on the train, a gentleman asked my 7-years-old boy, whose Brain is more valuable, Bill Clinton's or George Bush's?  The answer is George Bush's brain worth more since it has never been used.

With Larry Craig kinds of republicans trying to comment about Bill Clinton's past, I believe the citizen of this country has more intuition than the republicans think they have.
And, dear mr Clinton, what about Giving Honesty, morality, and trust? He speaks of monetary things, money, time, skills, and gifts, but does he speak of GIVING of Self,? No.  The reality of change only comes when we can see who you really are, not who you are not.
Bill Clinton deserves the same treatment Larry Craig is receiving for the same behavior, why is it that the democrats think his actions are ok?
I can't say that I liked Bill Clinton in the past.  However now I like him tremendously.  He displays a worldliness and a kindness shown by no others. He has matured into a great statesman for this country. His intelligence is so refreshing.
As for Hillary...... whether or not you like her, I believe so strongly that this woman was BORN to be President of these United States.
Gina, Your 7 year old is a child, and his response to "whose brain is being used" is as ridiculoous as this article. Time for you liberals to get your head out of the sand so your a-- doesn't get kicked so bad you don't know which end is up!  The Clintons are history and you all will be standing there with your mouth open as you did when Kerry lost.
I like to see more involment in the US kids.  I like to help the world, but our kids are loaded with everything and they are not appreciating what they have and not performing the way they are blessed.  This has to change in some way.  Bill Clinton is great I really wish if they can do something for the US kids who are not motivated.  I see everyone helping the kids abroad.  There is poverty in the US as well.
If Americans were less interested in each other's private lives and more interested in how their country is run and viewed in the rest of the world, then Clinton would be seen as a man who did wonders with the mess he inherited. They don't need hyprocrites espousing God fearing rhetoric that human beings dont have a hope in hell of living up to.  America needs a leader, someone who understands the rest of the world and knows how to keep what is truly american alive and well, in spite of all the stupid "political correctness" that is going around.  Thank God I live in Canada, a sane country that is loved throughout the world.    
As a US Govt. Teacher and a retired Navy Chief, I have had the opportunity see first-hand different types of govt.s. I'm reminded by the replies of how fortunate we are to voice our beliefs without reprisal. President Clinton keep up your caring ways for human kind. And please, Senator Clinton STOP the Beltway MADNESS, which affects us Teachers and their students, our military (God bless them and their families), and hopefully redistribute the wealth to help those of us that give of ourselves and families to help others.
would have been nice if Matt had asked more questions about the book and less about politics.  The point of the interview should have been to talk about the book and the importance of giving not inane political questions.
Bill Clinton is a good one to talk about Giving. We all remember  NAFTA during his administration when big corporations out sourced all these jobs to the third world countries. They went in and setup slave labor camps with starvation wages and no benefits. His idea of giving is to give to some big corrupt corporation. I've voted Republican and Democrat it doesen't make any difference.
Aids is a totally preventable disease caused by promiscuous sex.  There is no cure because it is a virus.  Elton John, Bono and Bill Clinton are shuffling billions of dollars out of the USA for a sexually transmitted disease, while USA children with cancer, autism, cerebral palsy, etc. have to set up lemonade stands to get any kind of research money.  How about Bono and Elton John get the money from their respective countries for aids and Bill Clinton give the money for sexually transmitted diseases instead to children's cancer research, or juvenile diabetes.
Nice interview Matt. Though I am not a big fan of Bill Clinton, I would love to see Hillary become President. May be she would handle things differently
I am as far right as one gets. HOWEVER I thought Bill Clinton was marvelous this morning and find myself inspired by his words.  He seems to have depth within every topic; although every time he had the opportunity to boost his wife, he spun it on himself and said "when I was in office, I". When Matt asked him if he could stay for another two hours because he had a lot more questions I wanted to be there. If Hilary had any influence on Bill during his Presidency, I would serioulsy consider voting for her.  In the mean time I am 100% Mitt Romney, because of his faithfullness to his wife, his stability, his experience and integrity.  Bill you were fantastic. Matt, well,,, you were transparent. ("_')
Joan from Canada - you rock. Thanks so much for expressing the truth. Truth is that in these United States we must point our fingers or feel that we've accomplished nothing today. So, as I close this posting spot on that note, there's no doubt that someone in this cyberspace world is pointing their finger and wagging their tongue about my comment.
Get real people... if God was perhaps involved in ANYONE'S life like He would like to be, there'd be NONE of this garbage going on. Hence - "Creator"
If Clinton did such a horrid job then why do I hear, "Man, I wish Clinton was back in office! At least there was money and an economy!" Finally, making comments about your leadership is not only wrong but uneducated. If you were the owner of a business and someone that was under you constantly slammed and spit on your name (how you do things) would you want to help them? NO. If you're not satisfied, respectfully write a letter and send it. Whether or not yours gets read is one thing but how many americans COULD do that if they just WOULD...
Peace~
I applaud Bill Clinton's message, but it's not a new concept.  It's our individual responsibility to help and give to others--not the government's.  His message is actually more in line with conservative and Republican thinking.  
Matt's interview with President Clinton was all about him (the interviewer) and his own agenda.  Matt seemed to be more interested not only in politics as some bloggers have mentioned, but in gossip and innuendo than on Clinton's book.

Doesn't he know that viewers and voters are tired of interviewers and interviewees alike being on the offensive all the time.  What is not needed is a republican response (as a blogger suggested), but a real "journalist" with a focus on the interview topic and not someone who is trying to make the time "interesting" by constantly attacking a person who is there to talk about a book.
I am certainly not naive enough to think that politics would not be on the table as a subject to address, but it seems that Matt was a little to full himself and deliberately trying to embarrass his guest.  I have no respect for anyone, especially, a Today Show host, who passes himself off as a serious journalist when he is just out to arouse the ire or negative memories of his audience and not to elicit any new information.
Thumbs down on Matt Lauer's interview with Bill Clinton. I thought he was supposed to be talking about his book, but Matt turned it into an opportunity to talk about Hillary's campaign. I am not a Hillary fan and I think that the fact that she may win the nomination because she knows how to win is a sad commentary on our elective process. I would like to think it is about who is the best person for the job. And I think Matt's questions about the fact that people simply don't like Hillary were out of line and rude. I have always admired Bill Clinton for his intelligence and cool-headedness. It came through this morning.
There have always been two men I wanted spend time discussing the world's wonders and woes, Bill Clinton and Anthony Bourdain, now I want to add a third, Matt Lauer.
It sad to say the US is so lacking in culture and education, you critize president Clinton the most
respected and admired man in the world,I should know as I travel extensively. Abroad they have nothing but praise for him. This president with his global initiative giving hope, saving countless lives,is love everywhere try to emulate him and we all feel better for it.
Say what you will about Bill Clinton but the man is a Rhodes scholar and knows how to speak.  He sure could teach Bush a few things!
Ideology is all the neo-coms have. What a mess!! These "AMoral Majority are the same people that tried to impeach one of the greatest Presidents of the last century.  Mr. Bush will not have a news conference without a military backdrop, as Hitler did, and Mr. Rove got his start under Richard Nixon as did Mr. Cheney. What a crew.                      Whiteagle38
The film clip which showed the six-year-old girl picking up trash on the beach--a point was made that she found small enough gloves to wear but was barefoot!!!  Perhaps she and her mother should use a little more precaution--
They ought to call Bill Clinton "flypaper", because the man is so stuck on himself. The definition of "eternity": how long it would take Blilly-boy to stop talking about himself. If the Today show were a bird, it would never be able to fly because it is so left-wing.
IF ONLY BILL CLINTON COULD BE PRESIDENT AGAIN.  HE WOULD CLEAN UP THE REPUBLICAN MESS AGAIN.  WE WOULD HAVE PEACE AND PROSPERITY AGAIN.

I'M VOTING FOR HILLARY, SHE'S AS CLOSE TO PEACE AND PROSPERITY AS WE WILL EVER SEE AGAIN.
Why do we need to go back in time and try to live as things were 50 or 60 years ago.No one can make that happen.We need to live for today,right now.Maybe no one noticed but we live in a great country and we are proud of where we came from.If this is true we can make today better then yesterday.I will listen to issues that promises to help make a difference for my life today and vote my conscious.I love my country and I still beleive in it.  
BILL CLINTON WAS A LIAR THEN AND HIS A LIAR NOW.  HE LIED UNDER OATH.  OUR PRESIDENT!  I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY ANYONE WOULD WANT TO BUY A BOOK WRITTEN BY HIM.  HE BROUGHT NOTHING BUT SHAME & EMBARASSMENT TO THE OVAL OFFICE.  HE HAD NO RESPECT FOR ANYTHING THIS COUNTRY STANDS FOR & HE DOESN'T NOW.  HIS WIFE IS JUST LIKE HIM.  HER CALLING THE BIBLE A PROP SHE CARRIES IS AMAZING.  
The problem with most ameicans is that we know very
little about our country and practically nothing about
history. We let our emotions control us. We can love
our favorite politians and  HATE the opposition. This
HATE is very intense. Who cares about the world, were'er having too much fun with our LOUD music and
flashing lites, it will cook our brains.


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