Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Bill Clinton has found the ex-president sweet spot.

His popularity is the highest it's ever been. The public is longing for the flush economy he presided over. And President Barack Obama, once a political rival, needs Clinton's help to win re-election.

Sure, Clinton would still get attention for his humanitarian work or by simply being a former president. But this is the spotlight he wants -- the final stretch of a tightly contested race for the White House.

But the freshly minted political alliance between Obama and Clinton comes with risks for both men. Clinton risks denting his sky-high favorability ratings by jumping back into the political fray. And some Democrats fear the popular Clinton could overshadow Obama.

But Obama aides either dismiss those risks or say they're worth taking.