A Former President Steps In Looking at how former president Bill Clinton would affect a Hillary Clinton presidency is compelling (“His New Role,” May 28). The relevant question to ask is: do you feel better about the way the country is going now as opposed to the Clinton years? There is much to be said about the economic expansion and the other accomplishments of Bill Clinton’s administration. Policy matters are much more important than personal issues, and I’d love to go back to those days after what the Bush administration has done to our country. Steven M. Clayton Ocean, New Jersey
Congratulations on a very interesting cover story. I predict that Hillary Clinton will be the first woman president of the United States. And that she will be elected not because of “The Bill Factor” but on her own merits. S.R. Poonegar Karachi, Pakistan
You emphasized the nostalgic “bill Factor” riddle of Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Would he be an asset or a liability for his wife? Could she become the first woman president? If she does, I hope Bill plays the role of “First Gentleman.” However, I think the chances of a woman president, even one as qualified as Hillary, are as limited as those of a black candidate like Barack Obama. Conservative Americans have not forgiven Bill Clinton’s conduct—the ghost of that other woman hangs on in the Oval Office. S.R.A. Shah Vroomshoop, Netherlands
The Clinton scandal has been under the microscope for so long. Let’s move on and find some real reasons to discredit the Clintons. If we want to continue to focus on their personal and intimate relationship, why don’t we focus on something positive? It’s remarkable and unheard of for an ordinary American couple to sustain what the Clintons have and remain together. Regardless of what was right or wrong, how about their ability to endure the global microscope and move on? The Clintons’ strength, resolve and true character have been tested like no others’. They have confessed and endured pain. They have stayed the course maritally and politically and emerged with dignity, respect and continued support from the people. With humanity comes the right to live, let live and have the ability to forgive. Can we leave the Clintons’ personal past out of this political campaign? Cynthia Papa Stafford, Virginia
I am a Democrat, but more important, I am an American. I support a presidential candidate who focuses on bringing America back together, rebuilding from the divisiveness created over the past six years. I remember the ’90s as the longest economic-growth period in U.S. history, with a debt surplus, a stronger middle class, peace and world admiration of our president and country. I remember the Dayton peace accords and peace in the Balkans. I remember peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, with America leading the way. I was in Oklahoma City when the Murrah Federal Building was bombed and I sang onstage during the memorial service when President Clinton spoke to us. I remember our nation coming together and FEMA taking immediate action, and our city and citizens being cared for. This is the era I remember and yearn for again—and I believe Hillary will make it happen, with the help of Bill. This is truly two for the price of one! John Zimmerman Tulsa, Oklahoma
I turned 18 in October 1984 and was very proud to cast my first vote for Geraldine Ferraro as vice president on the Mondale-Ferraro ticket. A short leap from vice president to president seemed certain. I never would have dreamed it would take 24 years for a woman to be on that ticket again. While I certainly believe a female president is long overdue, I am sad to say that I don’t believe Hillary Clinton will be it. While she certainly has the ambition, intellect, political experience and money to win, she also has many polarizing traits. Why should I vote for Hillary? From a feminist perspective, any woman who stays married to a man who lied about an extramarital affair can hardly be admired. What kind of example is that for young women? And from a political perspective, Bill Clinton’s baggage will drag Hillary down. Will every move she makes be compared with those of her husband? Unfortunately, yes. Finally, will voters in Middle America be willing to elect a woman to the White House? From my perspective here in Wisconsin, the answer is yes—as long as she’s not Hillary. There must be, and should be, other qualified women out there willing to run. Noreen Smith Neenah, Wisconsin
Bill and Hillary Clinton are portrayed as together but they are actually on parallel tracks—not the same track—to return to the White House. And they have different goals: Hillary to make history, Bill to return to the limelight and strengthen his legacy. Hillary is described as tough. But she is scripted with prearranged and packaged appearances allowing only pre-approved questions. Tough people are not scripted. They take action, lead others and influence situations through the strength of their personalities. With her scripted style, could Hillary face up to world leaders, a divided Congress or China with nuclear ambitions? Calvin W. Vraa Bloomington, Minnesota
