What Did Clinton Do?

Last night's speech from former president Bill Clinton was according to most press reports "masterful."

It was typical Clinton.  Supporting the Obama agenda must have been hard for a president who knew how to compromise and who was willing to work with a GOP led Congress.  Obama is not and will not.  Clinton succeeded with the GOP.  Obama will not.

Nevertheless, Clinton did his best to spin facts.  While most fact checkers found what he said was true.  Many news organizations found that he left out things that would be harmful to Obama and his chances.  In a nominating speech, you can expect that. 

Clinton did his best, but in usual Clinton fashion, he spoke too long and lost most of the viewing audience by the time he was done.

Yes, Bill Clinton did Barack Obama a favor, but at what cost.  Clinton was one of the most highly respected and popular politicians in the country.  Barack Obama is his polar opposite - not popular and not succeeding.

If there is a bounce after the convention for Obama, it will not be because of his speech, popularity, or policies.  It will definitely not be because the Dems changed the platform to avoid further hilarity on the part of the GOP. 

Any bounce will be because of Bill Clinton.  The question still remains, what does the former president get from Obama in exchange for the speech?