Despite news reports today that Obama talked with Bill Clinton and it was “terrific”, another story about Bill Clinton reports an all-together different attitude.
Barack Obama mus 'kiss my ass'
In the Telegraph.co.uk, Clinton is reported to be still very upset.
Bill Clinton is so bitter about Barack Obama's victory over his wife Hillary that he has told friends the Democratic nominee will have to beg for his wholehearted support.
Apparently Bill Clinton is still so angry that it shocks friends and associates.
The Telegraph has learned that the former president's rage is still so great that even loyal allies are shocked by his patronising attitude to Mr Obama, and believe that he risks damaging his own reputation by his intransigence.
Further, the way the former president is playing this game, making sure it is Obama always trying to contact him and then playing hard to get is consistent with the following comment:
A senior Democrat who worked for Mr Clinton has revealed that he recently told friends Mr Obama could "kiss my ass" in return for his support.
I have often thought that Hillary would play it in a way to make it difficult for Obama to win. Well, it is Bill Clinton who is making his feelings public.
A second source said that the former president has kept his distance because he still does not believe Mr Obama can win the election.
Clinton seems intent on belittling Obama in a way that as a Southerner he knows convey a symbolism of yesteryear.
But his lingering fury has shocked his friends. The Democrat told the Telegraph: "He's been angry for a while. But everyone thought he would get over it. He hasn't. I've spoken to a couple of people who he's been in contact with and he is mad as hell.
"He's saying he's not going to reach out, that Obama has to come to him. One person told me that Bill said Obama would have to quote kiss my ass close quote, if he wants his support. "You can't talk like that about Obama - he's the nominee of your party, not some house boy you can order around.
These comments and other news reports on this very self absorbed man suggested something strange is happening in his head. Self control has been issues forever but now he is damaging both himself and others, particularly Obama.
Joe Klein, the author of Primary Colours, a fictionalised account of Mr Clinton's 1992 election, who has known the former president for 20 years, said he also heard that he was "very, very bitter", from people who have spoken with him.
"It's time for him to get over it or go off and do his charitable work. He knows the rules of the road. What's going on now is kind of strange. I think his behaviour is really, really shocking."
I know the Obama campaign will handle this but this in a classy way. But I think working with Bill Clinton could turn into one of those strength issue. When will he push back? When will he stop letting Bill Clinton set the agenda? For me, Bill Clinton has finally added the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. I didn't jump off the bandwagon all those years that he screwed up. Get lost Bill! Go someplace where you can't be seem or heard.