Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Clinton Blames Blogosphere for Political Extremism
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 19, 2010
Modified Apr 19, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 19, 2010
Modified Apr 19, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yesterday marked 15 years since the bombings in Oklahoma City killed 168 people, and former president Bill Clinton told CNN on Friday that he sees many similarities in the political climate between then and now. Last night he elaborated on his comments on ABC's "This Week," saying the level of political dissent from groups like the Tea Party is dangerous. "We shouldn't demonize the government or its public employees or its elected officials," he said. "We can disagree with them, we can harshly criticize them. But when we turn them into an object of demonization, we increase the number of threats."
Clinton's initial comments drew backlash from Rush Limbaugh, who said, "With this comment you have just set the stage for violence in this country. Any future acts of violence are on your shoulders, Mr. Clinton." Clinton said Limbaugh's response "doesn't make any sense," and said he just realized there were parallels between 1995 and now with regards to feelings of economic dislocation and identity politics. He also spoke against the "blogosphere and the right-wing media...who are saying things like 'if Idaho wants to secede from the union—the militia group out there—we'll back 'em," saying that kind of mentality can prey on vulnerable people looking for an excuse to get violent. At least the liberal media is safe!
However, he did defend the dissenters. "We ought to have a lot of political dissent...nobody is right all the time. But we also have to take responsibility for the possible consequences of what we say." You can read a full transcript of the interview here.
Tagged
bill clinton
blogopshere
oklahoma city bombings
right wing media
rush limbaugh
tea party
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
The NYPD said the investigation is continuing and no one had been arrested Saturday.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Published Oct 10, 2026
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
Remnants of Hurricane Isaias could bring more than an inch of rain, gusty winds and even a thunderstorm Sunday before conditions improve Monday.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
News
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
Remnants of Hurricane Isaias could bring more than an inch of rain, gusty winds and even a thunderstorm Sunday before conditions improve Monday.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Holy civics! NYC schools' own comic books in the spotlight at Comic Con
By
Jessica Gould
What we know about the ICE shooting in NYC
By
Karen Yi
DSA to Mamdani: Fire NYPD commissioner if ICE doesn't leave NYC
By
Elizabeth Kim
,
Brigid Bergin
and
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .