Long time observer David Maraniss: "Bill Clinton 'Frail,' 'No Gleam,' 'No Electricity'"

www.weeklystandard.com

Longtime Bill Clinton observer David Maraniss saw the former president campaigning in New Hampshire and shared his thoughts on Twitter.

2) It was odd, when BC was introduced and stood on stage w/ Chelsea, he showed nothing on his face, mouth agape, eyes seemingly blank..— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

1) For what it's worth, seeing Bill Clinton for the 1st time in quite a while at campaign rally in Manchester NH...— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

Clinton is "frail," the biographer noted: "no affect at all, just frail, like he had to conserve every ounce of energy. No gleam in his eyes, no electricity, muted."

He continued,

He lit up only when Chelsea talked about him. Then when it was his turn to talk a little bit of his old self came back, but not much.Again there was not much electricity, the same hoarse voice and some familiar sentence constructs, some old synthesis......but not as evocative as it was even 3 years ago at the DNC in Charlotte when his words bailed out Obama...Hillary on her new riff IMAGINE had more energy and staying power...but then...

3) no affect at all, just frail, like he had to conserve every ounce of energy. No gleam in his eyes, no electricity, muted...— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

4) He lit up only when Chelsea talked about him. Then when it was his turn to talk a little bit of his old self came back, but not much.— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

5)Again there was not much electricity, the same hoarse voice and some familiar sentence constructs, some old synthesis...— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

6) ...but not as evocative as it was even 3 years ago at the DNC in Charlotte when his words bailed out Obama...— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss)February 9, 2016

7) Hillary on her new riff IMAGINE had more energy and staying power...but then...— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

8)...at the end when they worked the ropeline he was in his element and almost restored as though he had been given an IV...— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

9) The Big Dog was barking again, however briefly.— david maraniss (@davidmaraniss) February 9, 2016

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