Bill: The looming force

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - If Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton runs for the White House in 2008 as expected, her biggest strategic decision will be how to use one of her most powerful campaign resources -- her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Hardly the typical political spouse, the former president is a magnetic presence on the stump, with well-honed instincts and fund-raising abilities. He knows the pitfalls of a campaign and can easily rouse the Democratic faithful to action.

But his involvement also raises plenty of questions. Would his high-voltage style overshadow his wife, a less electric presence on the campaign trail? Would he remind voters of scandals and impeachment, or of the economic good times of his administration?
How does Bill Clinton, a political rock star and constant centre of attention, learn to step back into the shadows and let his wife take centre stage?

"With Bill Clinton, there is always the good and the bad," said Stephen Hess, a Brookings Institution political analyst. "If you are Bill Clinton, how do you operate without smothering Hillary Clinton?"

Doug Schoen, a White House pollster during Clinton's presidency, said Bill Clinton's proven political ability far outweighed any negatives he might bring to the former first lady's White House campaign.

"If Senator Clinton decides to run, Bill Clinton will be an extraordinary asset for her," Schoen said.

"He is brilliant and has a great sense of tactics. They make a terrific team. She was an integral part of his administration, as well as a senator for six years, and they share a centrist Democratic philosophy that is essential for victory in 2008," he said.

New York Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf said the New York senator was enough of a celebrity to avoid being overshadowed by her husband, who could be a powerful fund raiser and offer expert in-house advice.

SMART POLITICAL CONSULTANT

"Bill Clinton is the smartest political consultant around. He understands the American electorate, he is a tireless campaigner and he excites people," Sheinkopf said. But Clinton has never fully recovered from the 1998 Monica Lewinsky sex scandal and his subsequent impeachment and acquittal in a Senate trial. Both he and his wife are still lightning rods for conservative critics.

"There will certainly be some who focus on impeachment and the problems with the Lewinsky affair, but the more conservative portions of the electorate aren't going to be voting for her anyway," Sheinkopf said.

Hillary Clinton says she will announce a decision on a White House bid after the holidays, although she has been putting a campaign team in place and contacting activists in key states in preparation for a run.

Both Clintons have been tight-lipped about his potential role in any campaign, which is certain to be heavily scrutinized like everything else about them.

The former president could have a prominent behind the scenes role and be used for fund-raising and targeted stump appearances, analysts said.

It would be less likely for Hillary Clinton to stress their partnership. During his first campaign in 1992, Bill Clinton briefly told voters they would be getting "two for one" by putting them both in the White House -- a claim that was quickly dropped when it proved unpopular.

Focusing heavily on his achievements as president could be a dangerous pitch to voters in the mood for new leadership. Hillary Clinton's election in 2008 would ensure at least 24 consecutive years when the U.S. president was either a Clinton or a Bush.

While Hillary Clinton would enter the 2008 race as the early Democratic favorite in polls, rising star Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is positioned to offer a fresh-faced challenge if he gets in the race next month.