In Time's new article on Barack Obama's early political career, Bill Clinton makes an unexpected appearance in the retelling of Obama's unsuccessful 2000 primary challenge against Rep. Bobby Rush:

It fell to Bill Clinton to deliver the coup de grace. The President broke his policy of staying neutral in primaries and endorsed Rush in a glowing radio spot. When it was over, Rush piled up 61% of the vote, compared with 30% for Obama. He lost the most heavily black wards by more than 4 to 1. The race was called before Obama could even make his way to a would-be victory party at the Ramada Inn in Hyde Park. "I confess to you," he told about 50 supporters on a chilly March evening, "winning is better than losing."

Fascinating.

(H/T Ben Smith)