Posted on 3/30/2008, 1:36:18 PM by flintsilver7
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, a noted Republican, says he thought long and hard before deciding against greeting Bill Clinton when the former president visited campus on behalf of his wife's presidential campaign.
Clinton pitched the Penn State ties of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday during a stop in State College, reminding the mostly youthful audience that her father and brother both played football at Penn State. In fact, brother Hugh Rodham, a 1972 graduate, was a backup quarterback under Paterno.
"I had a little bit of soul search I had to do when President Clinton was here the other day," Paterno said Saturday. He said he felt that perhaps he should welcome Clinton out of respect for his status as a former president.
But in the end, Paterno said, "I didn't want to get into that because of my situation, because I couldn't vote for either one of them because I'm a Republican." He later declined to say whether he was supporting Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee.
Hilary Clinton's father grew up in Scranton and is buried there, and the former first lady still has relatives in Pennsylvania. During his visit, Bill Clinton also fondly recalled the "Peachy Paterno" ice cream at the school's creamery during an earlier visit to Happy Valley.
Paterno's son and quarterbacks coach, Jay Paterno, supports Clinton's rival, Sen. Barack Obama, who is scheduled to make a campaign stop at Penn State on Sunday. The younger Paterno said at the opening of Obama's campaign office in State College that his choice was rooted in what's best for his five children.
"The only thing I have for Jay is admiration for him because he's willing to do what he thinks is right," Paterno said. "He's sticking his neck out for Obama."
Jay has the luxury of inheriting the wealth earned by jis father and basking in his refletecd fame.
Its amazing to me too, how the trust fund babies (ie, the Kennedys)are all flocking to a socialist black supremacist hack as an inspirational leader.
These are the very people revrund wright has been telling his congregation to despise for the past 20 years.
If they want “change” why don’t they just give all Mummy and Daddy’s wealth away and don sackcloth?
Pennsylvania isn’t particularly sympathetic to Obama, even if they do reflexively vote Democrat despite being largely conservative. I just don’t get it. (Jay) Paterno has the luxury of Joe’s ridiculously high salary and accumulated wealth - not to mention his own as he’ll probably take over for his father. Obama’s socialism probably won’t affect him much - at least until his taxes quadruple.
Way to go Joe Pa!
Paterno's son and quarterbacks coach, Jay Paterno, supports Clinton's rival, Sen. Barack Obama, who is scheduled to make a campaign stop at Penn State on Sunday. The younger Paterno said at the opening of Obama's campaign office in State College that his choice was rooted in what's best for his five children.
So a socialist racist empty-suit is what's best for his children? I feel sorry for them then!
BHO is not the best choice for the future for my family nor my country!
Then I guess he won't be voting.
Where is freeper “Nittany Lion” to come on here and take a bow?!! Outstanding work Coach Paterno!
We see that Joe Paterno has the same problem with his on that Ronald Reagan had with his two children by Nancy when it comes to politics.
ping
If it wasn’t for daddy, Jay Paterno wouldn’t be making a dime off coaching.
He’s obviously a very clueless man.
I know. I searched for Paterno but apparently only searched keywords, not titles.
Politics aside, this man’s a former president. He should at least show respect for the position if not for the man.
Wow. Wow.
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