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Bill Clinton: president, philanthropist, statesmen … diehard college basketball fan.
While President Barack Obama’s love affair with college hoops is well known, his predecessor might just be the first “March Madness President.” While in office, Clinton traveled to the Final Four to watch the University of Arkansas win the 1994 national title. Even with his busy schedule he still makes plenty of time to watch college hoops.
At the end of a wide-ranging interview about youth empowerment, health care reform and the 2012 presidential election that will air Monday on MSNBC 9 a.m. ET, Clinton gave his Final Four winners' picks for tonight exclusively to NBC: Ohio St and Kentucky.
Complete coverage of the Final Four
On the Ohio State-Kansas game Clinton told me: “And the Ohio state, that guy's great – (Jared) Sullinger’s great – but I think I would put Ohio State as a slight favorite, and I would put Kentucky as a slight favorite, just massively talented.”
“But Kansas, it’s a tough call between Kansas and Ohio State because Kansas has actually played better as the tournament's gone on and showed more coherence in their game than they did in, even during the season. But I’d say, I think Ohio State is a slight favorite.”
On Kentucky-Louisville: “I think Kentucky is a slight favorite. I love Louisville, you know it’s a Big East team so I see them and to full disclosure (coach) Rick Pitino is a friend of mine. But I love the team so I wouldn’t be shocked if Louisville won, but Kentucky ... they’ve got big-time talent and not just their player of the year but it’s just a talented, talented team.”
The 42nd president was originally high on Syracuse but thought the loss of Fab Melo hurt the Orange: “I didn’t think that they could get all the way – I wasn’t surprised that Ohio State won without this center. I think Syracuse would if he’d been playing.”
The former president was especially high on one team – Florida. “Even though they were eliminated from the Final Four, they’re a seven seed, they’re really the story of the tournament. They had the most convincing wins, the most solid the most well-balanced team. I mean they just came out of nowhere and played out of their minds consistently.”
President Clinton plans on watching both games tonight. He even scheduled events at his annual Clinton Global Initiative University Conference around the games.
Clinton even weaves bracketology into his initiative, pitting college kids and their social service based commitments against each other in a Final Four-like online tournament.
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Luke -- your daddy is turning over in his grave. He was objective. You are a brown-noser tool for the liberals. What an unprofessional first sentence in the lead. This is a WTF non-story waste of space. Grow up little boy.
Ben-636050, Luke is not the only reason his dad is turning over in his grave. I think it has to do more with the rest of the clowns NBC now has on the payroll. If Tim were still alive, he would have never let NBC allow itself to fall down to the level of garbage journalism. I would have hoped that between Tim and Browkaw, that whoever was still around they would have spoke up and stopped this nonsense. Hard to believe that Tom allows that stuff to happen either. Majorly disappointed.
Poor Ben. Tim would be laughing at you. He talked about his beloved teams all the time. Often ended Meet the Press that way.
But it doesn't fit in your narrow, ugly perception of people just having fun, does it?
Ben,
Sometimes it is good to stop and smell the flowers! take time for some fun stuff, what don't you get
about that? What a sad story you must have!
Slow political news day Ben. They don't have anything new on the republicans for the liberals to trash, so they put this non-story up.
The one striking word in the entire story was where Luke claims Clinton is a philanthropist. He likes to give for sure... just ask all the women around him! ROFL!
BB,
The Clinton Global Initiative does a LOT of good work. Letting your bias show there, my friend. Expected better of you. Even if you didn't like the man as president, he really has done wonderful work since.
phancy - I was kidding around. What other method of picking on Clinton can I use? You should know my sense of humor by now. I don't dislike Clinton... He has a different ideology than me, but at least he wasn't a cold hearted politician like we have in this day and age.
Brianb, why is it so hard to find competent labor in your field? Considering the economy, I would have thought that they would be crawling through the lathes.
BB,
You are getting as bad as the others out here. You used to be a reasonable lad to converse with. And why should you want to go out of the way to pick on someone? Not taking the high road on this, my friend. Sad to see it.
We enjoyed President Bush when he spoke of the World Series or the President's favored Dallas Cowboys. Everyone praised the President for his involvement in sports and we never said why do we care about what he thinks, we had respect for our President. President Reagan a radio broadcaster for Iowa U. and a former college football player always said he would never miss the Rose Bowl. But Reagan was a big fan and Americans liked a President who enjoyed sports. Until we elected President Obama as the hate changed all that. Now if a Democrat is talked about their attacked. Wonder who Bush picks in the final four did anyone ask him?
Same thought I had . . . .why is this in the NEWS section? Can we see what GW's picks are? Or maybe Putins? They NEVER had humanizing stories like this for Bush or Cheney - the last internet era Presidents. . . .
Cheney has a lesbian daughter with whom he has a real relationship - yet - thats ignored because? It does not fit the evil Dick storyline . . .
Luke, use the force and stop pandering to get a job with NBC.
And Jackierawlings - I don't remember it that way- the headlines were always written as if he was being self-indulgent for having interests outside being President - moreover - its they're - not their. Proper grammar makes it easier to understand one as well as being indicative of a person's level not only of educmacation but also their effort. . .
Yo, why does everything have to be a big left/right issue? You all are going to get ulcers or have an early heart attack if you take every single thing so seriously. Chill. Enjoy the weekend.
phancy - I may be just as bad as some others... let's just say I get a little put out with some of the liberal commentary... how many ways can they say they hate Romney, Santorum, Gingrich and other republicans? Every day a story comes out and it becomes an attack fest but for the most part, I let it go. Sometimes I find it to be quite tiring so I interject my views on Obama. When I get attacked, sometimes by many, I find it easy to focus in on the negatives of Obama... Besides the democrats/liberals have spun so many yarns, I am taking them to task on them. That's not the low road... it's standing up for what I believe in. You of all people should understand that I won't back down in what I believe... and I support you for your belief's. Please understand when I find my ideology under attack, who is going to defend it? You and I don't have sour words with each other.
BB
Guess I am in a Saturday frame of mind. We should be concentrating on more important issues than the latest foibles of a particular politician. If the truth were told, and if people would only admit it, not a one of these guys - right or left - gives a rat's patootie about anything but their own money and power. Sad, but true. Shades of the last days before the fall of the Roman Empire. Now, I am going to stop worrying and start enjoying life. Stopping to smell the roses so to speak. Might try it yourself. Will do you a world of good.
I suppose the real question is what were Clinton's picks on March 10th?
Comanchedriver,
I don't know about his, but when NC lost, my sheet fell apart! (Was also a bit surprised and disappointed in Syracuse)
Jackie,
Presidents Bush and Reagan didn't go on ESPN and give a politically correct NCAA bracket, while being afraid to offend any states where he might need votes. A retired Bill Clinton is welcome to give his opinion. And if Obama wants to fill out a bracket, do it at your desk and get back to work - don't go on ESPN to do it. And then he insults us by pretending to care about the women's tournament filling that out on ESPN as well.
Whoopee effin doo! MSNBC What complete waste of space. Who gives a rat's behind what Bill Clinton thinks
Whenever I read about Bill Clinton all I can think is, I sure miss him.
Back to the subject at hand... basketball.
Bill was close. It looked like Ohio State all the way until the last few minutes... timing is everything.
Okay, now who do you like for the final?
I got Kansas. But like in politics, there should be no argument because my opinion is the only correct one and is unchangeable!
WTF???? Who cares???????
mrwarmth...Agreed. This should be in the entertainment section for "fans" of Clinton or in the sports section for basket ball fans.
Dem in Texas-2291575
I wonder if Monica feels the same way?
I FEEL YOUR PAIN
The fifth richest sitting president in history. I doubt he ever felt anyone's pain. I don't give a ff what he picks. This should be in the trivia section.
I thought Billy Bob was a golf nut, not a basketball junky.
Come on, when Monica was his caddy, he always got a hole in one!
Remember, this is the same ex-president who picked Monica Lewinsky over his wife. How did that work out for him?
"Hey Alan, Head is not Cheating"
Go to post #9 !!!!!
I'll choose Monica Lewinsky over his wife every time - to bang or even for Secretary of State.
I'll take a hundred Monica's, actually make that a thousand Monica's to the one complete f-ing disaster that was the Iraq war.
Alan...Clinton picked several women over his wife and daughter.
Patriotic American U.S.A.
That's right Patriot, Billy Bob coined the definition of what sex is! And from the Presidential Office, a new term is identified.
But I do get a tingly feeling up my leg whenever I see Monica smiling.
Ben,
Luke covers Congress. But they all left town for their two week vacation.
So attention turns from politics to basketball. At least he got a ex-president to weigh in.
Do you think the two Bush and Carter will answer their phones today?
Relax Ben, and have a micro brew. It was a hot topic on the last thread.
See you, full of politcs on FR on Monday.
Sorry, Mr. President. While I agree with most of the things you say, the final will be Kansas and Kentucky. With Kentucky cutting down the net. I think the best game will be the UK/Louisville game. The folks in the great state of Kentucky are sure fired up about, from all I hear and read.
Northstar, you are right, as always. Sometimes one needs a break from politics to realize there are more things to appreciate in life. BTW, would have LOVED to seen your neighborhood where you grew up. Sounded great.
Did you hear about the big fight between a UK and a Louisville fan ..... at the dialysis clinic?
Yep, 2 fans hooked to dialysis machines started trash talking, one gave the other the we're number one sign with the middle finger and the old codgers got after it.
You gotta love it.
Btw - Just for the record, please note that I did actually post something that didn't bash Obama or libs ... even had an element of humor, huh?
Bob,
Thanks for the no bashing (except for the fans from UK and Louisville - LOL). I did read that. Those folks REALLY get into their basketball up there from what I understand.
Oh goodie, just what I've been waiting for.
Go Buckeyes!
Phine,
Yes, it was a great place to be a kid. But then children always think everyone lives like you and your neighbors.
I always thought military families , like my aunt /uncle who lived in Europe, were the lucky one, got to see the big world by moving a lot.
I will be rooting for Ohio State, its a regional thing.:)
Have a great weekend.
The closet to regional I have I guess is Kentucky. In a way, more fun to watch when you don't have a pony in the show. Easier on the nerves!
You have a great weekend, too!
That's good former Pesident Bill Clinton loves Louisville. " The Cards have love going for them. Love. You can feel it.
This is a close and caring group. They love the smile (and nifty passes) of Peyton Siva. And they love the
smarts of (if not the hysterical screaming) their coach. And he loves them back.." Louisville Courier Journal
As for me, I love to watch Peyton Siva play basketball; he owns the court. Love conquers all. I am an
eternal optimist.
"When you are Single"
...why should anyone care?
The question is how many cheerleaders has he scored on. Otherwise who cares what he has to say...He just never goes away..
Why do they think we care?
Why Brenda did you want to be one he scored with? Maybe you are jealous also? If you don't like it don't read it and just go away yourself. Also if you do as 1/100 of what he has done for others maybe this world would not be so as screwed up it is. LIghten up, it is great when you can talk of something else than the depressing state of affairs...He would be just the person that I would like to have a talk with.. At least he is educated and is really interesting which some of you just do not have that ability it seems... Boring and jealous, not a good combination.
I can't believe I clicked on this POS story! Maybe to confirm what you folks have already posted.
WGAF!
Ha! Leave it to the ultimate politician to wait until the damn last round to start naming his picks. Which way did you say the wind was blowing?
Or where his finger was when he was picking.
Bill's a day late and a dollar short when it comes to being the NCAA CB picks prez
I admit I was wrong ! The more they come the stupider they get.
Do you think these people are really republicans? The corporations chose the republicans to do there dirty work. They knew they were the easiest to sway and convince. Just keep them on 1 of over 1400 corporate owned stations. Make it simple,say it over and over and over again,and say it loud enough,and they will believe it. (Adolph Hitler) and now Fox news.
Just too bad our country is so uninformed ,or misinformed.
Progressive or death. Probably toxins. LOL, Or not LOL
I am going to play some where else
Great. :Not only is he THE expert on White House felatio, but he's also a basketball seer. Whitewater for Clinton
Oh Bill, wiping the tears from my eyes. We miss you Bill. Balanced budget Bill, BJ Bill,Basketball Bill. We had it all.Republican heads red with anger to the point of explosion.A wife who was articulate and strong willed to expand thier vitriol to titantic levels and a trail of polititions left standing arms akimbo and mouth agape as you deftly sidestepped the next rock hurled at you. Stay thirsty my friend.
crying damn shame this sexual predator with an insatiable desire to grab attention, is even allowed space here, then i consider the source, msnbc.
Did the draft dodger and sexual predator do his picks based on the basketball teams or the cheer leader's abilities to smoke a cigar?
Bill's going to pass out free Cigar's.