Fox News Panel: Blanche Lincoln’s Primary Win Means ‘Bill Clinton Is Back’

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by Frances Martel | 12:33 pm, June 9th, 2010

» 7 comments

Fox News’ Bret Baier was doing overtime with his regular Special Report panel last night/early this morning to analyze the incoming election returns, first among those the news that Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln squeaked out a win in a close run-off election with Lt. Governor Bill Halter. While there wasn’t much optimism for Lincoln’s chances in November, there was one thing the panel seemed to agree on: Bill Clinton’s still got it.

Clinton had done some campaign work for Lincoln to help pull her through to a run-off, Lincoln having been assumed office during his tenure. The Hill associate editor A.B. Stoddard, who was not optimistic about Lincoln’s chances in the fall, suggested that the one thing her primary victory seemed to indicate was that Bill Clinton’s influence is still persuasive:

“Lincoln was really hobbled by this process, I just don’t see her winning in the fall. Things could change. This was a big, good surprise for her tonight. It means Bill Clinton is back; it means some other things, I don’t know if it means a victory in the general election though.”

Fox News analyst Juan Williams disagreed with this assessment, suggesting that being a moderate in a primary means that there will be no drastic shift to the center in the general election, and thus a much more stable, difficult-to-attack campaign. But Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol chimed in on the Clinton remark, though less enthusiastically, arguing that he “might’ve helped put Blanche Lincoln over the top.”

Video of last night’s exchange below:

2010 elections, Arkansas, Bill Clinton, Bill Halter, Bill Kristol, blanche lincoln, Bret Baier, Democrats, fox news, Special Report

Liberty – Not Redistribution

Well, I believe that Mr. Clinton is more relevant when compared to President Carter – not sure what that says though. Either way, who cares. He’s got a right to voice his concern and support whoever he wishes. Let’s just hope he keeps it in his pants. Not sure he actually ever left but whatever.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Kam-Fet/572005492 Kam Fet

That was his home state. If can’t win there, where could he win?
The Real Royal King

I think Kristol is correct about this, and Kristol’s accuracy rate is as low as Morris’. Clinton remains wildly popular in Arkansas, and he still has strong ties.
AmericanCowboy

“BJ” Bill sure did a better job than the Commie is doing.

Obama has got to go.
Ination

@AC

I don’t think our country is going to be better off with a Republican in office. They’re all screwing us. They all need to go.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Amy-Dugan/1015920134 Amy Dugan

Well remember when Obama told Rep Barry of AR in the winter that “2010 will not be as bad as 1994 because this time they have me”. implying he has better coat-tails than Clinton. looks like the opposite is true. Bill Clinton is the 1 who will keep 2010 from being as bad as 1994. Check out my Bill Clinton blog
http://adugan-billclintonblog.blogspot.com/
Arkansas Steve

My comments about yesterday’s senatorial election:
(1) Blanche Lincoln is not the devil, but she ain’t much. She is easily swayed by $$ and has been completely converted into a Washingtonian. She is moderate only when compared to her fellow democrats. She totally caved and voted against Arkansas on the ‘health care’ bill.

(2) Bill Halter, on the other hand, reminds me of John Edwards. He is an empty smile. He would be an embarrassment to Arkansas if the LG job mattered. He was only elected because we weren’t paying attention. Our governor, a democrat, is a good leader. Halter is, well as I said, just think John Edwards,
without the sex. Ination, you can pick up Halter and take him to your state…please.

(3) Bill Clinton has very little juice, and it is DIMINISHING rapidly. We’ve come to terms with liking him, but we do not respect him. He’s a putz, but he’s our putz. Just watch as Clinton tries to help Blanche in November and gets nowhere. Arkansans do not like to be told how to vote, especially by other politicians. He didn’t help Obama at all against McCain.

(4) Barring unexpected catastrophe, I predict Blanche will lose her seat in November. I plan to help that happen.