A candid interview with Bill Clinton always brings insights, anecdotes, and straight talk about today’s biggest political challenges. In a recent discussion with Tracy Smith on CBS News Sunday Morning, the former president covered everything from his own health scare to President Biden’s cognition, Donald Trump’s power, and what really holds the Democratic Party together. Here’s a breakdown of the most interesting moments and takeaways for anyone trying to make sense of current US politics.
Bill Clinton’s Recent Health Scare and His Advice for Aging Well
Late last year, Bill Clinton landed in the hospital after feeling sick and losing his balance. He didn’t brush it off—he listened to his body. Doctors told him he was severely dehydrated, a simple but serious condition, especially as you get older. With prompt treatment and solid care, he walked out of the hospital the next day.
How’s his health now? Clinton says he feels great. Still, he’s clear-eyed about the realities of aging. He stresses one thing: once you’re older, staying hydrated isn’t just a tip, it’s a non-negotiable. “You have to be more careful,” he admitted, offering a reminder that sometimes the basics—like drinking water—matter the most.
It’s a simple lesson wrapped in a personal story. Listen to your body, get checked when something feels off, and don’t underestimate the common sense side of health. For Clinton, smart self-care is part of the job description, especially after a high-profile life under stress.
Clinton’s Honest Take on Joe Biden’s Health and Ability
Questions swirl around any president’s health, and Joe Biden is no exception. Recent news coverage and a book have claimed that Biden’s closest aides spotted signs of cognitive and physical decline. Has Clinton seen any such decline? He’s clear on this.
He breaks it down like this:
- Clinton never saw signs of cognitive decline in Biden.
- He always found Biden well-prepared and focused.
- His only real concern was whether anyone could handle the presidency up to age 86.
- After recent meetings, Clinton believes Biden is “in good shape.”
When asked if he’d ever doubted Biden’s fitness to serve, Clinton flat-out said no. They’d had plenty of long, detailed talks during Biden’s years in the White House, and Clinton never left thinking Biden was out of his depth. He describes President Biden as “always on top of his briefs”—well-versed and locked in, every time.
So, why hasn’t Clinton read the new book that stirs all this debate? With Biden no longer in the Oval Office, Clinton didn’t feel the need. He said he didn’t want to read it because “he’s not president anymore” and he felt Biden did a good job. This says as much about Clinton’s priorities as it does his opinion of Biden—he’s looking forward, not backward.
As America’s presidents get older, mental and physical health will always come up. Clinton respects these challenges but doesn’t buy into all the media noise. For him, leadership is shown in how you act, listen, and stay focused under pressure.
Limits on Trump’s Power: The Courts Are Still in Charge
The discussion turned to Trump’s influence and the checks that keep any single person from holding too much power. Clinton didn’t hesitate when asked if there are limits to what Donald Trump can do as president.
He said the courts—including many judges Trump himself appointed—are a real check on executive power. Even as Trump looks for ways to sidestep or defy court orders, Clinton predicts he’ll have a hard time succeeding. The legal system in America isn’t built to favor anyone, even a president. Every side must be heard.
“The whole purpose of having a legal system is to have both sides be heard.”
That’s the foundation Clinton returns to. He points out Trump’s efforts to block law firms that take positions he dislikes from operating in federal spaces. Clinton calls this move un-American, reminding viewers the legal system is there so that everyone—on any side of an issue—gets a voice.
Clinton also believes Trump’s confrontational style—he described it as “my way or the highway”—has cost him public support. Americans, he says, don’t want a leader who thinks their word alone should become law. The courts are pushing back, and that matters.
The real test for Trump, according to Clinton, will be whether overreaching and name-calling hurt his popularity to the point that future elections swing away from him. Clinton sees the coming elections, including state governorships and control of the House, as essential for rebalancing power in the country. He doesn’t see unchecked executive power as possible in America, at least as long as the courts function as they should. If Trump continues to push past legal limits, Clinton argues it will be his undoing with the public.
What Really Unites the Democratic Party? Clinton Weighs In
Some critics say the only glue holding Democrats together is opposition—or even hatred—of Trump. Tracy Smith asked Clinton if that’s all the party has in common. Clinton disagrees and explains why that idea doesn’t hold up.
He says most people who criticize the Democrats don’t understand just how hard it is to figure out the right thing to do. He recognizes the real work it takes to govern and make tough calls, especially under the kind of scrutiny today’s leaders face. In Clinton’s view, the party is more than just “anti-Trump.” There’s real debate, concern for the country’s legacy, and a drive to build trust.
Clinton’s words serve as a call for something more. He knows people are angry and divided, but he doesn’t think political victory should come at the cost of national unity. He insists the country can’t afford to throw away its legacy or destroy the public’s trust in the system.
He puts it bluntly:
“Damn it what we have in common matters more. We cannot throw the legacy of this country away. We cannot destroy other people's trust in us.”
So, what should the country—and the Democrats—do next? Clinton offers a straightforward list of recommendations:
- Stand up for shared values, not just for opposition.
- Preserve national trust and the country’s legacy for future generations.
- Avoid humiliating opponents, since short-term victory isn’t worth long-term damage.
- Work together to calm tensions and restore respect, both in politics and daily life.
To Clinton, national healing comes from respecting differences while finding ways to pull together around what’s shared. That’s the only way to move forward without falling into endless bitterness and gridlock.
Where This Conversation Fits Into Today’s America
This interview stands out as a rare, honest reflection from a former president on the toughest questions facing America. Sometimes, you have to slow down and listen to people who’ve spent decades in the world’s biggest pressure cooker.
If you want to watch the full interview with Bill Clinton and Tracy Smith, you can find it on CBS News Sunday Morning’s YouTube channel. The CBS News Sunday Morning homepage offers background and more thoughtful conversations, while the show’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter feeds share highlights and updates.
Subscribing to the CBS News newsletter is a good way to keep up with informed political reporting and more interviews like this one.
The Bottom Line: Clinton Wants Civility—And So Should We
When Bill Clinton speaks, he brings history, experience, and a grounded sense of what matters most. He’s seen the highs and lows of politics, survived personal health scares, and watched the country change in ways few others have.
This latest conversation shows he’s still focused not only on the choices leaders face but also on the character and health of the country as a whole. From calling out the need for real debate in courts to warning against only focusing on political enemies, Clinton’s advice is clear: cherish trust, protect the country’s legacy, and remember we’re all in it together.
If the past years have taught us anything, it’s that unity and healthy debate matter more than ever. Maybe it’s time we all take his words to heart—and try a little harder to work together.
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