Blood Feud Summary

Politics is a blood sport, and the feud between the Clintons and the Obamas proves that even allies can be bitter enemies behind closed doors.

1. The Roots of the Clinton-Obama Rivalry

The animosity between the Clintons and the Obamas began during the 2008 Democratic primaries. Hillary Clinton, once the presumed frontrunner, faced a surprising and formidable challenge from Barack Obama. The campaign quickly turned personal, with both sides trading barbs that left lasting scars. Bill Clinton, in particular, felt slighted when Obama implied that Ronald Reagan had a more significant impact on America than he did, undermining Bill’s legacy as a transformative president.

The feud deepened when Obama’s campaign accused Hillary of being untrustworthy and politically calculating. These attacks not only damaged her reputation but also fueled resentment within the Clinton camp. Bill Clinton’s anger boiled over when he felt Obama’s team had painted him as racially insensitive, a claim he vehemently denied. This accusation, combined with Obama’s refusal to seek Bill’s advice during his campaign, solidified the Clintons’ disdain for the Obamas.

The Obamas, for their part, viewed the Clintons as morally compromised and overly ambitious. Michelle Obama, in particular, harbored a grudge against Hillary for her aggressive tactics during her college years. The tension between the two families was not just political but deeply personal, setting the stage for years of mutual distrust and backstabbing.

Examples

• Bill Clinton’s outrage over being labeled a racist during the 2008 campaign.
• Obama’s comment that Reagan had a greater impact than Bill Clinton.
• Michelle Obama’s criticism of Hillary’s past behavior at Wellesley College.

2. Obama’s 2012 Re-Election Hinged on Clinton’s Support

By 2011, Obama’s approval ratings were plummeting, and his chances of re-election looked grim. Independent voters who had supported him in 2008 were turning away, and even Oprah Winfrey, a key ally, withdrew her support. Faced with these challenges, Obama realized he needed Bill Clinton’s help to win over skeptical voters.

Despite their mutual dislike, Obama reached out to Clinton, knowing his popularity and economic credibility could sway voters. Clinton agreed to help, but not without extracting a price. He saw this as an opportunity to position Hillary for a 2016 presidential run, leveraging his support to secure Obama’s backing for her future campaign.

The decision to enlist Clinton was controversial within Obama’s team. While some advisors argued it was necessary, others warned that Clinton would use the opportunity to advance his own agenda. Ultimately, Obama chose to prioritize his re-election, even if it meant making a deal with someone he didn’t trust.

Examples

• Oprah Winfrey’s decision to withhold her support in 2012.
• Bill Clinton’s agreement to campaign for Obama in exchange for future support for Hillary.
• Internal debates among Obama’s advisors about the risks of involving Clinton.

3. Bill Clinton’s Campaign Efforts Came with Strings Attached

Bill Clinton played a key role in Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, using his reputation as an economic expert to defend Obama’s policies. He argued that the slow economic recovery was not Obama’s fault, citing historical examples to support his claims. His speeches reassured voters and helped shift the narrative in Obama’s favor.

However, Clinton’s support was far from selfless. At the Democratic National Convention, his speech subtly promoted his own legacy and Hillary’s future candidacy. By portraying Obama as a centrist Democrat, Clinton drew comparisons to his own presidency, implicitly suggesting that Hillary would continue this tradition.

Critics noted that Clinton’s speech, while outwardly supportive, contained veiled criticisms of Obama’s leadership. By emphasizing his own successes and bipartisan approach, Clinton positioned himself—and by extension, Hillary—as the true standard-bearers of the Democratic Party.

Examples

• Clinton’s defense of Obama’s economic policies during campaign stops.
• His speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
• Analysts’ observations of the implicit criticisms in Clinton’s remarks.

4. The Benghazi Scandal Fueled the Feud

The 2012 attack on the US diplomatic post in Benghazi became a flashpoint in the Clinton-Obama rivalry. As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was in the spotlight, and the Obama administration’s response to the crisis put her in a difficult position. To protect his re-election campaign, Obama pushed a narrative that the attack was a spontaneous reaction to an anti-Islam video, a claim that was later debunked.

Hillary reluctantly went along with the cover story, knowing it could damage her credibility. Her testimony before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, where she dismissed questions about the attack’s cause, further hurt her image. The Clintons believed Obama was using the scandal to shift blame onto Hillary, undermining her chances for a 2016 run.

The Benghazi controversy highlighted the lack of trust between the two families. While Obama sought to protect his presidency, the Clintons saw his actions as a betrayal, deepening their resentment and fueling their determination to strike back.

Examples

• Obama’s insistence on the anti-Islam video narrative.
• Hillary’s controversial Senate testimony about the attack.
• Joe Biden’s comments during the vice presidential debate, which placed blame on the State Department.

5. The Clintons’ Revenge During Obama’s Second Term

As Obama’s second term unfolded, the Clintons began to undermine his presidency. They seized on his missteps, such as the botched rollout of Obamacare and his inaction in Syria, to highlight his weaknesses. Bill Clinton, in particular, was vocal in his criticism, using interviews and public appearances to draw unflattering comparisons between Obama and Hillary.

The Clintons’ strategy was clear: weaken Obama’s legacy to strengthen Hillary’s position for 2016. By portraying Obama as ineffective and indecisive, they aimed to position Hillary as a more capable leader. This calculated campaign of criticism further strained their already fraught relationship.

Despite their efforts, the Clintons’ actions also carried risks. Their attacks on Obama alienated some Democrats and raised questions about their loyalty to the party. However, they were willing to take these risks in their quest for power.

Examples

• Bill Clinton’s comments about the failures of Obamacare.
• His criticism of Obama’s handling of the Syrian civil war.
• Hillary’s remarks about the need for more decisive action in Syria.

Takeaways

1. Political alliances are often driven by self-interest rather than genuine loyalty. Be cautious when forming partnerships, as hidden agendas may come into play.
2. Effective leadership requires balancing personal ambition with the greater good. Prioritize integrity and transparency to build trust and credibility.
3. In any conflict, understanding the motivations and perspectives of all parties involved can help you navigate challenges and find common ground.