<Former President Clinton said Thursday that Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry is smart not to comment daily on every development in Iraq because "he recognizes that he's not the president."
Speaking at his office in Harlem, Clinton said he didn't think Kerry was running "too safe a campaign." Some political strategists have suggested Kerry is failing to exploit increasing skepticism about President Bush's handling of the war, as violence in Iraq escalates and more details emerge about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.
"He's the candidate for president, he's not somebody that's supposed to give day-by-day commentary on events," Clinton said. "He's made quite clear what he believes about the major issues in the news today, and I think he's shown a certain reticence."
The former president said that "given the seriousness of the problems we face in the world today, I think it's been quite appropriate."
Clinton, talking to reporters, said Kerry should be focused on letting "the American people get to know him, who he is, what he's for, what he wants to do, and then clarify, on his terms, the differences between himself and the president."
Clinton on occasion offers advice to Kerry on the running of the campaign. Kerry aides have said the former president will play a prominent role at the Democratic convention, which is July 26-29 in Boston.>
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