In some defense of Clinton, I do not believe Predators were armed in any way back then. The addition of things like Hellfire missiles to Predators is a recent modification (and a good one.) So, to take out someone spotted by a Predator would require activating some other forces, like fighters, bombers, or troops. And getting them to the scene quickly, quietly, and without additional political repercussions.

Think along the lines of spotting the Cuban missiles from a U-2, versus getting them removed or destroyed. Not the same thing.

Some stories on this are making it sound like all the military would have had to do is push a red button to take out bin Laden.