Democrats want a fresh start — so here come Bill and Hillary Clinton

THE DAILY BS: HOW MUCH CAN YOU HANDLE?

SPARE ME THE BS (I’ve got things to do).

Bill Clinton is scheduled to campaign October 20 for Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly, a former Republican congressman.
Hillary Clinton launched a midterm podcast with Kara Swisher on October 14.
Democratic strategist Kevin Walling says the party wants a path to winning, not a “Clinton restoration.”

LAY IT ON ME (I’ve got time).

Democrats keep talking about a new generation of leadership. Their latest campaign strategy? Call Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Bill Clinton, now 80, is headed to Florida on October 20 to campaign for David Jolly, the former Republican congressman running as a Democrat against Byron Donalds for governor. Hillary has launched “High Stakes,” a six-week election podcast with Kara Swisher, and is appearing at Democratic events as the midterms approach.

For a party wrestling with questions about its future, the guest list looks remarkably familiar. Democratic strategist Kevin Walling offered the most revealing assessment: “I don’t believe that Democrats are looking for a Clinton restoration — they’re looking for a path back to winning.” That distinction may be doing quite a bit of work.

Hillary announced her podcast by pointing to grocery bills, rent and healthcare costs. Swisher said she hoped listeners would hear a more personal side of the former secretary of state. Bill’s Florida appearance is intended to help Jolly compete in a state where Republicans have controlled the governor’s office for decades.

There’s nothing unusual about former presidents campaigning for their party. But this comeback arrives as Democrats debate whether familiar national figures help or hinder efforts to reach voters who want something different. The Clintons bring recognition, donors and decades of experience. Whether they bring additional votes is a separate question.

For now, the Democratic Party’s search for tomorrow has produced two of the biggest names from yesterday. And Hillary has a podcast. Because apparently there was one corner of political media that hadn’t yet heard enough from the Clintons.