Update: Bill Clinton Talks "Rules" in Pikeville

Bill Clinton in Pikeville - Photo by Trey Pollard, Politicker.com

PIKEVILLE -- After being introduced by former Governor Paul E. Patton, former President Bill Clinton was loudly greeted by the crowd here in Pikeville. Clinton immediately kicked into a discussion of the politics of the race itself, addressing suggestions that Senator Hillary Clinton should withdraw from the campaign.

"One of the things I like about Kentucky is that I've always found this to be a pretty straightforward and no bull-place," said Clinton. "There have been any number of suggestions by members of the political elite - mostly by the media and people supporting the other candidate - that there is no point in letting the people of Kentucky vote."

Clinton added that this same "elite" also believes "we certainly don’t need to count the votes of those people in Florida and Michigan." Elaborating on the controversy surrounding the DNC's stripping away of delegates from those two states, Clinton continued to push for a reconsideration of that decision.

"Those of us who are really Democrats believe everyone should live under the same set of rules and everyone should get a chance for their vote to count," said Clinton.

"One of best reasons to support Hillary for President is America cannot support its place in the world when there is one set of rules for one crowd and one set for everyone else," Clinton remarked. "She wants everyone to prosper under the same set of rules and if you believe that you oughta support her for President of the United States."

Update - 7:33pm - Mortgage forclosures and alternative energy policy have dominated much of Clinton's speech. Clinton particularly referenced "clean coal" technology - locally relevant in the coal fields of Eastern Kentucky. Clinton further spoke of the potential of biomass fuel production in the state.

Update - 7:38pm - Despite recent reports that Sen. Barack Obama ultimately won the most delegates in the Texas caucus and primary "two-step" system, Clinton remarked that the Senator from New York "won in Texas, even though she was outspent by four million bucks."

Update - 7:44pm - Clinton extensively addressed the repercussions of the invasion of Iraq, touching on potential troop withdrawls and post-traumatic stress disorder among American troops.

Update - 7:54pm - "Im telling you, you will never have another chance to vote for anybody who is better at looking at a problem and seeing how to make it better," said President Clinton of his wife's campaign during his closing remarks. Following the rally, President Clinton will attend a private fundraiser for Senator Clinton's campaign in Pike County.