Rumor - Microsoft hiring Bill Clinton?

VoIP Watch ^ | January 6, 2005 | Andy Abramson

[HAL9000]

Clinton in Redmond..Is Ballmer Stepping Aside

There are some rumors circulating that Steve Ballmer is about to step aside at Microsoft as its day to day operations head to make room for another president. Ken and I reported on this on KenRadio's World Technology Roundup earlier today.

Bill Clinton.

Here's what I know. Sources near Microsoft headquarters report that over the past few months the ex cigar smoking prexy has made trips to Microsoft headquarters and has been interviewing for the top slot as the company looks at ways to transform themselves for the future. Given the global implications of technology, having a leader that is an ex country president would be massive.

Why now? Well Ballmer has driven the company. His hard charging sales leadership style helped Microsoft during a time when that approach was needed. But Microsoft folks I've talked to admit those days are over and a new style is needed to be more change oriented.

Given Clinton's global stature and statesman status just imagine the possibilities of what that would mean to Microsoft.

But this is only a rumor now, and no one at Microsoft would dare to comment on this one, so why bother asking...if true, you can say you read it here first.

UPDATE--Some readers and other sources say Bill's visits to Redmond have had more to do with being on the Microsoft board than anything else...stay tuned.

[HAL9000]

A friend of mine gave Bill Clinton his first computer lessons. He said it was hopeless, Clinton just doesn't get computers - which would make him the perfect choice for Microsoft.

[atomicpossum]

Why would they hire someone who's never had a real job?

[So Cal Rocket]

Or hire someone who tried to kill the company with anti-trust suits.

[ken5050]

Can't happen....it would cause too many problems if Hillary runs for the WH..too many conflicts of interest..

[xrp]

Since Clinton doesn't know a thing about computers or running a business, why do you think he's the perfect choice for Microsoft?

[Zuben Elgenubi]

It was Clinton's Justice Department under Reno that sued Microsoft and almost forced the breakup of the company. Gates has got to have some memory of this.

[Ciexyz]

Most interesting.

[KarlInOhio]

A friend of mine gave Bill Clinton his first computer lessons. He said it was hopeless,

Was XXX-42's first question "How do I get to the porn?"

[bmwcyle]

And ALGORE invented the Internet and they hire Bill. Al isn't going to like this.

[billhilly]

Here are my suggested new names if BJ gets the job.

Microsux, Microhard and Microgone.

[G Larry]

Let's see....Gates wouldn't contribute enough to Clinton's campain, so the Clinton DOJ drags MS through the courts...and now we're supposed to believe that Gates is hiring Clinton?

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Bill shows interest in a Microsoft programming intern

What private company would hire this guy? Liability insurance, whoa!

[lilylangtree]

Why not give ole Bubba a chance to bend over those computer programmers. DemoncRATS Bill Gates and Paul Allen gave enough money to get Bubba elected as prez twice. Now they can give him a job.

[Jumpmaster]

Microbent!

[HAL9000]

It was Clinton's Justice Department under Reno that sued Microsoft and almost forced the breakup of the company

I opposed a forced breakup of Microsoft, but it would be a smart move for Microsoft to split itself into three or four separate companies now. It would be a huge win for the MSFT shareholders.

[Vicki]

This will not happen. Working at Microsoft is not high profile enough for Bill Clinton. He wants to head up the UN.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

MFST two year average vs the Dow bears you out. And all that cash Gates is sitting on.

I'm not favored to a forced breakup either.

[billhilly]

Good one.

Microweenie works too, from what I've read.

[Grut]

Microhard!

[billhilly]

My post #10