Will Clinton boost Democrat votes?

The former American president, Bill Clinton, addressed a gathering in Pennsylvania on Monday, in support of Democratic contender John Kerry.

Mr Clinton had a quadruple heart bypass operation seven weeks ago, but decided to cut short his recuperation because the race is so close.

Mr Kerry told American network NBC that he hoped Mr Clinton brought the strength, talent and excitement that he always brings to the campaign trail.

What did you think of Bill Clinton's appearance? Will Bill Clinton's involvement will boost Kerry's popularity? Would it make you more likely to support or oppose the Democrat ticket? Send us your views using the form.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

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Your comments:

If Clinton can't get Kerry in the White House, nothing will. With all the support that Kerry has received from the media elites and Hollywood what does that say? He should be trouncing this president, who has presided over job losses, deficits, an unpopular war and the harming of relations with our allies overseas.
Randolph Rash, Fairfax Co., Virginia

I don't think a single appearance is going to have an impact but President Clinton taking time off recuperating from his extensive heart bypass surgery is appreciated by all Democrats. We hope he'll help tilt the balance in our favour.
Meltem Birken, USA

Bill Clinton may have been controversial but at least he gave the US the feel good factor. Even across the pond he is still admired, something which can't be said about George Bush.
Emmanuel Gibson, Portsmouth, UK

I was at the rally. The huge crowd loved Clinton and he was instrumental in getting people out to listen to Kerry's timely message about the implications of the disappearance of explosive weapons from Iraq - another Bush mistake.
Hueglin, Phil, PA, USA

I have one word for them: Schwarzenegger Matt Ellis, London, UK

Clinton will no doubt increase Kerry's image. Clinton is loved by the American people, and despite the sex scandal which marred his running for the 2000 election I feel that if he had run he would have been voted in for another term. The Republicans commented that he had the Democrats must be desperate to "roll him off the surgery table", I have one word for them: Schwarzenegger.
Matt Ellis, London, UK

Mr Kerry's history in the Senate is lacklustre at best. He would be wise to stay in the shadow of President Clinton as much as possible.
Guy, Newport News, Virginia

Well, as an American I see Clinton as a symbol of the happy years before the age of terror. However, we must remember that he did nothing to stop Bin Laden when he could, did nothing for Rwanda, or took any real preventive measures that could have been during his Presidency that could have stemmed the events that lead to 9/11 and what's going on today. But I still loved him as President and wish he was running... and I'm a Republican.
Mike, CT, USA

Clinton is still famous despite all the mockery he went through while in office. He is indeed the people's man.
Michael, Accra, Ghana

Clinton is by far one of my favourite US presidents and favourite people. He can do nothing but good for any campaign.
Farhad, Burnaby, Canada

Clinton was certainly one of the greatest and most respected Presidents, but as to can he swing the vote, I feel not. The issue here is not what Clinton can do, but what Kerry can do, and I think the swing voters will realize that.
Dan Ericsson, Storrington, England

Clinton fiddled while bin Laden plotted. His presidency was the roaring 20s before the depression. A decade of decadence before the fall. He projected a false sense of wealth and security, while his failures from Rwanda to Osama, left carnage in his wake.
Mary K, San Francisco, USA

Clinton may have been a questionable husband but he was a very good president. America needs him back in office where we had pride, dignity and jobs but most of all we had hope for the future - everything that in four short years Bush has taken away from the American people.
Deborah Frazier, Indianapolis, USA

Clinton has emerged as a respected and admired statesman Eileen Jones, Lawrence, USA

Clinton's support can only help Kerry. Clinton has emerged as a respected and admired statesman. He is more popular now than when he was president. Kerry deserves Clinton's support and will benefit greatly from it. I admire Clinton for joining Kerry's campaign, despite his fragile health. Clinton is truly a great man.
Eileen Jones, Lawrence, Kansas, USA

So what's Kerry going to do if he becomes President? Would we see Clinton hanging around giving advice? No thanks, I'll stick with the man who can make his own decisions.
Roy, USA

It's just a pity Clinton's heart problem kept him away from the Kerry campaign, he is definitely an ace card that the Bush people know can hurt them.
Ross, Scotland

Four years of peace and prosperity? Sure, while our enemies planned our demise, domestic and global terrorism took hold and the internet and stock market eventually fell on their face. Clinton may help Kerry, but it certainly won't help the U.S. in the long run.
Cindy, San Diego

Absolutely! During Clinton's presidency we enjoyed prosperity and peace. He is thoughtful and intelligent - unlike what we have endured for the past four years. Like Clinton, Kerry will not stoop to fear tactics and rhetoric - he will represent all of the people.
Andrea Smith, California US

My dad said something during when I was watching the debates, he said "They'll get the leader they deserve." Which when I thought about it just makes sense. If the majority of voters vote for Bush, who is in my view a poor representative for the people of America. If he can fool so many people to vote for him, well...Poetic Justice? The bad things being his decisions affect the rest of the world. It's quite shocking the way the world has changed since he's been president because of his actions or lack of them.
David, Birmingham, UK

If I were running for president I would not want this man at my side with his reputation.
James, Connecticut

Bill Clinton was an amazingly successful president. His administration presided over a time of economic prosperity and relative peace. Invoking that time will certainly energize and lend credibility to Senator Kerry's campaign. And at the very least, Clinton's support will counter the glut of fear-mongering rhetoric from the Bush campaign.
Sam, Albany, New York

Clinton appeared in Philadelphia today to rouse the black vote Andrew Garden, Philadelphia

Most people commenting here are missing the point. Bill Clinton appeared in Philadelphia today to rouse the black vote. If history is any guide, this will turn out to have been a wise move.
Andrew Garden, Philadelphia, USA

I hope Clinton's appearance motivates supporters to vote as Kerry's election depends on getting out the vote. I walked precincts over the past weekend, and I am concerned by the number of registered voters who said they support Kerry but who seemed resigned to a Bush victory. I wonder how many of them will vote.
Lorraine O, Las Vegas, US

Unfortunately, to be a successful candidate in this country, you have to be able to schmooze. Clinton is a master of the art. I think he can help Kerry, Bill's peccadilloes having been forgiven by most. If one pays attention to the bumper sticker wisdom, there is one that goes, "When Bill lied, nobody died."
Dorothy Rissel, Buffalo, NY, USA

For Kerry fans, he will be an energizing force. However, for some undecided, he may remind them of how he let terrorism fester under his watch.
Andrea, NY, USA

Bill Clinton's general popularity, evidenced by the sales of his recent autobiography, will help bolster support for Kerry. His likeability especially amongst conservative south eastern constituents will also be beneficial to Kerry/Edwards.
Maria Sims, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

America needs to weigh it out, just as Bill Clinton said: a badly needed new face representing the US to the world, stem-cell research and gay rights as opposed to being blown away by nuclear weapons in unchecked cargo, going it alone in Iraq and continuing to give big breaks to the rich. Kerry has definitely got it right. Besides, 9/11 was on Bush's watch, not Clinton's!
Pete, Winston-Salem, NC USA

No-one can give a speech like Bill! Kenneth, North Carolina, USA

The Republican base has been more enthusiastic about their candidate throughout the campaign. Clinton's appearance for the Kerry campaign can boost the Democrats enthusiasm, possibly a whole lot. No-one can give a speech like Bill!
Kenneth, North Carolina, USA

No. He needs Clinton to excite his electorate base. Unfortunately for Kerry, even with everything that is going on with the economy, Iraq et al, he cannot gain any momentum. The real question is why Americans don't trust John Kerry? Why?
Paul, NYC, USA

No, absolutely not. Senator Kerry has done very well without him. Voters particularly the undecided moderate to conservative Democrats and Republicans would like to see the president to be, is not identified with a person who cannot understand what the word "is" is and; the difference between a lie and the truth and adultery. Thank you,
John, US

Kerry is no Clinton. No thanks, I vote to keep Georgie in office.
Ray, Boston, USA

Clinton was a corrupt, criminal adulterer who disgraced the presidency Chrisse, Houston, Texas

I thought Kerry had some good ideas, but if Bill Clinton is campaigning for him then he won't get my vote. Clinton was a corrupt, criminal adulterer who disgraced the presidency. His sole agenda was affirmative action and he was too busy with fundraising to notice the growing storm of al Qaeda. If Kerry is that blind then I don't want him in the White House.
Chrisse, Houston, Texas

Some posters are saying Kerry is weak because he's got Clinton on the trail. Well, Bush is working with Giuliani today and is getting ready to call out the third rate actor Arnold. Who's in trouble?
Tom Nugent, Oakland CA

Clinton is like a superstar for democrats. His presence would boost the morale of the crowd. If we can remember the democrat convention, Clinton's speech was the highlight of the evening. Now he also carries the sympathy vote with him so he will definitely be useful to John Kerry
OB, CA

Clinton invokes the memory of better economic times Greg Rademacher, Fort Collins, USA

President Clinton is an intelligent thoughtful man. His willingness to enter the fray on the side of John Kerry can only help at this point. Clinton invokes the memory of better economic times and a day when America was respected abroad. Bush has divided the country, bankrupted us and our standing in the world has never been worse. Clinton was a shinning star as a President. Kerry with Clinton by his side is boosted greatly!
Greg Rademacher, Fort Collins, USA

It's astounding to see that Kerry's intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, educated, and patriotic image developed over many years of distinguished public service needs Clinton's help to compete against Bush's stumbling smug frat boy malapropisms and Cheney's sneering doomsday rhetoric. Is there something in the water here?
Kevin Maguire, New York, USA

No it will not help at all. The lack of Clinton's integrity coupled with Kerry's lack of integrity will make it clear that the Dems lack any sort of moral convictions, principles or integrity
Ralph Reneson, Rochester, MN USA

As Kerry drove by on his way in, he smiled and gave us the thumbs up sign Barbara, Philadelphia USA

I've just come from the Kerry/Clinton rally in Philadelphia. As Kerry drove by on his way in, he smiled and gave us the thumbs up sign. He looked really happy. It was reassuring, and heartening, to see the vast crowd of supporters who turned out to hear Bill Clinton's ringing endorsement of the candidate. Perhaps there is hope for a return to sanity in this country in the next four years.
Barbara, Philadelphia USA

Clinton's endorsement goes a long way for Kerry. Like me there are many who are ready to take Clinton's word.
Anand, USA

This late in the campaign, I don't see it making much of a difference. Most of Clinton's admirers are already voting Democrat. I also don't think the outcome will be as close as the polls suggest. Bush should win easily.
Rob M, Calgary, Canada

Most of Clinton's speech was about himself and what his administration had done DP, Hitchin, UK

The interesting thing about his speech was that most of it was about himself and what his administration had done, rather than what Kerry could do. Whether you like Bush or not, I think Kerry is just down right scary as no one really knows what he thinks about the future or from his past voting record. Wake up world!
DP, Hitchin, UK

Bill Clinton has been the finest US president during my 70 years of life. He not only repaid the massive debt that Bush Senior incurred, but turned it into a record surplus, only to see Bush Junior exceed those of his father! John Kerry is fortunate indeed to have Clinton's support and America can trust Kerry as much as they did Bill Clinton.
Ray, Wolverhampton, UK

Bill Clinton's involvement is not intended to boost Kerry's popularity, but to energize democrats and independents who support Kerry and increase their likelihood of voting next week. Clinton does not have super-human powers to sway votes. As we all remember, perhaps painfully, Clinton is a human being.
Ryan Mahon, Washington, DC USA

When Clinton was in office Democratic candidates would distance themselves from him Jay , New Orleans, US

When Clinton was in office Democratic candidates would distance themselves from him and a personal endorsement led to many a downfall. It's quite ironic how Kerry is now courting his vote, but I feel it's more of Clinton missing being in the limelight than anything else. Most voters have already made up their minds about the upcoming election including the so-called "undecided."
Jay , New Orleans, US

At this point Clinton's support can't really change anything in the big picture. Those who supported Clinton already support Kerry. I'm not sure that he would have the ability to change the minds of republicans, or republican leaning independents. It seems that while a majority of democrats have given Clinton the benefit of the doubt and forgiven him for whatever blunders he made during his presidency, republicans are not so willing to forgive. The best Kerry can hope for is that Clinton will strengthen the support that he already receives.
Laura, Toronto, Canada

Regardless of his personal 'foibles', Mr. Clinton was an amazingly successful and intelligent president Patsy K, Florence, Oregon, USA

Regardless of his personal 'foibles', Mr. Clinton was an amazingly successful and intelligent president. He should be listened to. Unfortunately, all too many American have been blinded by fear and lies from the present administration. One can only hope we can struggle through, and the 'neo-cons' will get thrown out.
Patsy K, Florence, Oregon, USA

One thing you can be sure of; in America, we love our ex-presidents! President Clinton's appearance will most certainly bolster the Kerry/Edwards ticket. Heck, in a few years, we will view George W, as a loveable goofball who was in way, way over his head.
Ross C. Glen, San Francisco/USA

I think Clinton's appearance will boost the Kerry's campaign and definitely it will help Kerry to get votes from undecided voters.
Ale Raza, US

Of course not! Clinton reminds the majority of people the lack of seriousness in tackling threats during his tenure. Also, history shows his active endorsements in many past key races has not been fruitful.
Mike Chan, Kuala Lumpur

He must really believe we need to get Bush out of the white house Liana Griffin, Miami, USA

Yes, I do believe that Clinton will help boost democrat votes. He is a very smart man and was a great president. We should respect his opinion and believe that he will chose the right man in 2004. If Clinton has given up recuperation time from a heart operation to convince Americans to vote Kerry, he must really believe we need to get Bush out of the white house.
Liana Griffin, Miami, USA

Its a shame that after 4 years of undermining everything USA stands for, Kerry (any candidate for that matter) needs any help. Clinton had a peaceful and prosperous presidency and hopefully that will reflect well with the undecided voters. I just pray we don't get 4 more years of the same.
Bobby, USA

I personally do not think it would be a good idea. Kerry has not been showing any strengths and getting help form Bill Clinton will be another evidence of his inability to manage his campaign.
Mal, Calgary, Canada

Bill Clinton is the perfect last minute help John Kerry needs Jason, New Brunswick

Indeed, Bill Clinton is the perfect last minute help John Kerry needs. His charisma and record in office through election will give a great perspective.....I mean honestly? How often can George Bush say 'terror'?
Jason, New Brunswick

The world used to be much more peaceful during Bill Clinton's presidency. So, if his support of John Kerry means that both guys share same ideas of international affairs then I hope his support will result to Kerry's victory.
Amir, London

I support Bill Clinton's appearance. I think Kerry needs all the help he can get. Anything to get rid of George W Bush.
Alan, Oakland