posted on May 8, 2001 10:16:19 AM
I may not think a lot of the "duh - that depends on what the meaning of is, is - did you mean that a b-job is considered sex, duh?" former pres... but he does have a reputation as one of the most savvy political leaders of the century.
That's why it was refreshing to read his recent take on Bush:
"Mr. Clinton has told friends and associates that he thinks Mr. Bush is a formidable politician and far shrewder than many Democrats credit him with being. Mr. Clinton has told people that when he met with Mr. Bush during the transition he was impressed that the incoming president told him he would not repeat the mistake his father made by neglecting domestic matters.
"Mr. Clinton, who seemed incapable of starting (or concluding) a meeting on time, speaks admiringly of the discipline of the Bush White House. In fact, several people who have chatted with Mr. Clinton said he did not stew over Mr. Bush or belittle him and was not stingy about noting his strengths.
"'The thing that struck me the most was he said, "Don't underestimate President Bush; he's a formidable force,"' said Llewellyn Wells, the producer of 'The West Wing,' who dined with Mr. Clinton here on Monday, along with other executives from the television show. Mr. Wells also quoted Mr. Clinton as saying of Mr. Bush, 'He's a strong-willed and focused politician, and he knows how to build coalitions, and he knows how to get elected.'
I admire Clinton for his honesty. IMO, when a person takes the time to notice and point out the strengths of a man, I tend to pay a little more attention when he/she wants to discuss the weaknesses as well... otherwise it just sounds like sour grapes.
posted on May 8, 2001 10:37:06 AM
Hi mybidd!! Clinton's a smart cookie. If he had've said anything less (whether he believed it or not), the reflection would have been on himself and he's too smart for that.
posted on May 8, 2001 10:41:50 AM
If nothing else, Clinton is definitely a smart man. Maybe he knows something about Bush that we don't know.
"when a person takes the time to notice and point out the strengths of a man, I tend to pay a little more attention when he/she wants to discuss the weaknesses as well... "mybiddness
posted on May 8, 2001 11:40:09 AM"Don't underestimate President Bush; he's a formidable force" may look complimentary by itself, but when added with the next quote "He's a strong-willed and focused politician, and he knows how to build coalitions, and he knows how to get elected." All those are subtle insults, the kind that he likes best, becauae he is the master of subtleness. For instance his comment: "I did not have sexual relations with that [Monica] woman" is technically correct according to any dictionary and not a lie, although it is deceptive for which he later apologised many times more than Pat Robertson ever did for his sexual transgressions and Bush Sr with his mistress in the White House giving him blo-jobs there never apologised even once!
posted on May 8, 2001 04:37:29 PM
Actually, I think that Clinton and Donna Brazile are both trying to send a warning to the Dems to quit underestimating Bush... that seems to be a common theme lately.
Even as much as she detest Bush, Brazille makes a valid, keen observation that dems would do well to quit ignoring.
"There's this perception that the president is not a very smart and capable fellow, but he is," Brazile says, describing how the Bush campaign was able to lower expectations during the presidential debates. "He's very smart and very shrewd. He understands politics and he is a very educated man."
Borillar My quarrel with Clinton had nothing to do with his immoral sexual behavior. That was his failure as a man, as a husband and as a father - not as a President. My problem with Clinton was that he had the audacity to pretend that he didn't know what the meaning of is is... and that he didn't realize he had had "sex with that woman. " So, did he expect us to be stupid enough to believe either of those statements... or did he imagine that we would know that he was lying but that it wouldn't matter because "he is the master of subtleness."
As you may or may not know, I'm quite convinced that all politicians have "truth" problems to some degree. But, to completely villify any politician without ever also acknowledging his strengths is a sure way to dillute your message, imo.
posted on May 8, 2001 05:08:16 PM
I agree, mybiddness. Virtually all my friends are liberals. We have actual, reasonable discussions, and sometimes sway one anothers opinions on specific issues. Yes, it's true. There IS rational life outside the RT...
However. When someone is continuously foaming at the mouth...I pretty much have to discount what they say. There's no communication possible with someone who will not even consider another POV. They're too busy composing their next diatribe to hear, anyway.
posted on May 8, 2001 08:25:00 PM
Hi Toke It's nice to see you again.
We have actual, reasonable discussions, and sometimes sway one anothers opinions on specific issues.
IMO, that's what makes these type of discussions worthwhile. Otherwise, it's just trying to out-yell each other... all for a politician??? Naaahhhh. There's not a politician on the planet that's worth that kind of aggravation.
