The Big Dog Skipping Arkansas event because of Olbermann

Thanks again Mediaite for leading me to Fire Dog Lake for this scoop.

President Clinton to Skip Arkansas Free Clinic, Blames Olbermann for Politicizing Event

Bill Clinton told FDL’s Eve Gittelson that it would be problematic for him to attend a free medical clinic being held in Little Rock, Arkansas tomorrow because MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann had “politicized” the event.” He indicated that some were turning the event into a primary kickoff against Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln.

...Eve ran into Clinton Thursday in the gift shop of the Clinton Library.  She’s in Arkansas covering the Keith Olbermann’s free clinic event, organized by the National Association of Free Clinics.  The former President is in town for the 5th anniversary of the Clinton Library.

Eve had met Clinton before, most recently at the Clinton Global Initiatives event in September, and  President Clinton remembered her.

Eve told Clinton that she was in town for the clinic, which at least 1,500 patients are expected to attend. Clinton said that he had heard about it.

“I really wanted him to come,” she said.  “So I made my pitch.”

She also said she planned to meet with Arkansas Lt. Governor Bill Halter, who had been instrumental in finding a venue for the event.

Clinton responded that  Olbermann was politicizing the clinic, and that it wasn’t helpful for Olbermann to do that.  He said he did not feel he could show up now, because the event had turned political.

and more