WASHINGTON -- When word went out that Bill Clinton had been rushed to the hospital, the prospect that he was in danger made me wish that President Obama had spent more time learning lessons that only Clinton can teach.
Yes, Clinton put his presidency at risk over a sex scandal, and his infuriating moments around the 2008 South Carolina primary disheartened even his most loyal supporters.
But Clinton remains one of the most talented politicians in our history, and it's not simply because he feels people's pain or speaks so well that you sit in your driveway to hear the rest of his speech when he's on the car radio.
Above all, he understands how hard it is to be a progressive politician at this time in history. He appreciates how difficult it is to construct a durable Democratic majority. And he knows how focused Republicans get on regaining power whenever they find themselves on the outside.
And so before we got the happy word that Clinton was OK, I realized what a great loss it would be if he and Obama were deprived of a chance to spend significant time together comparing crises and problems. When you look at Obama's political troubles after a year in office, it's remarkable how much they have in common with those Clinton faced at the same juncture of his presidency.
[SNIP]
I am pleased that after the scary tidings, Bill Clinton is doing well. And it may turn out to be providential that he burst into the news at precisely this point. It's hard to escape the sense that a young and promising Democratic president is too closely replaying the opening act of another young and promising Democratic president -- and that Republicans need only recite the same lines they came up with 16 years ago.
Obama needs to rewrite the script. And as a script doctor, Bill Clinton has no equal.
"
More . . . =================== Great read. A fitting salute to the BEST POTUS the country has seen.
__________________
Democracy needs defending - SOS Hillary Clinton, Sept 8, 2010 Democracy is more than just elections - SOS Hillary Clinton, Oct 28, 2010
Excellent, spot-on remarks about the amazing Bill Clinton. This author is also totally correct in her recommendation that Obama create the opportunity to be Bill's student - to learn from the master. While Bill's recovery is wonderful news, it will have no impact on Obama's presidency or the way in which he governs. Obama will never be open to being taught about how to function as president - not by Bill or anyone else. He is less concerned with being an effective POTUS than with doing as he chooses, while basking in the glory of the office.
The country would be infinitely better off if Obama would enlist Bill as a teacher, but, then, the country would be better off if Obama had never been selected.
__________________
It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less. ~Susan B. Anthony
First of all she is as insane as the rest of the media it was OBAMA the ******* who did **** in SC not Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton should tell Obama "FU and give him the middle finger then call him and his wife names then leave Obama crying like the little sissy boy that he is.
The country would be infinitely better off if Obama would enlist Bill as a teacher, but, then, the country would be better off if Obama had never been selected.
That about sums it up.
Oh, E.J. Dionne is a man. Back when I used to watch MSNBC I'd see him there often.
The country would be infinitely better off if Obama would enlist Bill as a teacher, but, then, the country would be better off if Obama had never been selected.
That about sums it up.
Oh, E.J. Dionne is a man. Back when I used to watch MSNBC I'd see him there often.
Well then he is as insane as the rest of the media. I don't want Bill Clinton around Barack the cry baby Obama at all. I mean they were together not that long ago and then Bill had a heart attack all that pretending he actually likes the fraud.
Don't we know how it is when we have our plates full, and don't take care of ourselves, because we put others first. Time for Bill to pay more attention to his self and family. I can't wait for their daughter to marry, and hope the honeymoon produces a baby, that will change things in the Clinton household.
Haiti is a BIG job and Bill will focus on it as evidenced by him talking on the phone about dirty water and germs in Haiti while docs were trying to prep him for surgery
BESIDES ACCORDING TO OBAMA, REAGAN WAS A TRANSFORMATIONAL PRESIDENT UNLIKE BILL CLINTON and if O wants to be a transformational president he should stay away from the only president to give us a surplus, and left office with peace , prosperity and the highest approval rating of any president