The Palin Effect: Bill Clinton Edition

The former President sounds a little smitten himself, as he explains why voters might be drawn to Sarah Palin:

“I come from Arkansas; I get why she's hot out there,” Mr. Clinton said. “Why she's doing well.”

Speaking to reporters before his Clinton Global Initiative meeting, Mr. Clinton described Ms. Palin's appeal by saying, “People look at her, and they say: ‘All those kids. Something that happens in everybody's family. I'm glad she loves her daughter and she's not ashamed of her. Glad that girl's going around with her boyfriend. Glad they're going to get married.' ”

Mr. Clinton said voters would think: “I like that little Down syndrome kid. One of them lives down the street. They're wonderful children. They're wonderful people. And I like the idea that this guy does those long-distance races. Stayed in the race for 500 miles with a broken arm. My kind of guy.”

The comments come only a few days after he offered this tribute to John McCain:

Clinton said: "I've never concealed my admiration and affection for Senator McCain. I think he's a great man."