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Clinton Gives Obama High Marks, Blasts Bush

Bill Clinton praises Obama, urges him not to get depressing

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Feb 20, 2009 9:00 AM CST

(Newser) – Bill Clinton knows a thing or two about dealing with recalcitrant Republicans, and he has some advice for President Obama: "It takes two to tango." The ex-president tells ABC News he gives Obama an “A” for his performance so far, along with a warning about appearances. “I just want the American people to know that he's confident that we are gonna get out of this and he feels good about the long run,” says No. 42.

Clinton lays the blame for the mortgage meltdown squarely at President Bush's feet. "If we moved aggressively on this home problem a year and a half ago, even a year ago, as much as 90% of the current crisis could have been avoided," he says. And which Obama move gets Clinton’s highest praise? “I give him a high rate for his choice of secretary of state. That’s an A-plus-plus.”

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (2)]

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and her husband, Bill, acknowledge guests before her ceremonial swearing-in at the State Department, Feb. 2, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

Former President Bill Clinton speaks during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, in Beckley, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Jon C. Hancock)

Barack Obama and Bill Clinton appear together at a rally at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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In an interview at the Arkansas Capitol, President Clinton discusses President Obama's stimulus plan. (JasonTcpa)

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Look, the American people, I think, know the president has tried to reach out to Republicans. And it takes two to tango. I think there are some of them who really believe that just-say-no politics is good politics. - Bill Clinton

I like trying to educate the American people about the dimensions and scope of this economic crisis. I just would like him to end by saying that he is hopeful and completely convinced we're gonna come through this. - Bill Clinton

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Clinton Gives Obama High Marks, Blasts Bush