A Lovely Day for a Stroll: Bill Clinton in His Element

[KoKo]

April 8, 2005
A Lovely Day for a Stroll: Bill Clinton in His Element
By DAVID E. SANGER

OME, April 7 - Flying into Rome as a guest passenger on what used to be his airplane, Air Force One, Bill Clinton had this to say about Pope John Paul II, even in death, "The man knows how to build a crowd." At lunchtime on Thursday, at the foot of the famed Spanish steps about two miles from St. Peter's Basilica, Mr. Clinton proved that he still knows a bit about that art, too.

Clearly unwilling to spend a beautiful day in Rome cooped up in his hotel, he went for a midday stroll, stopping in at a few of the luxury shops on the narrow, cobblestone streets off the square, known for its fountain and familiar to film buffs as the backdrop for a scene in "Roman Holiday."

While Romans were unlikely to catch a glimpse of President Bush - he moved only in motorcades and appeared only at a few official events - Mr. Clinton was clearly reveling in the fact that shoppers, tourists having lunch at outdoor cafes and Italian business people walking to meetings all stopped to greet him.

"Isn't this a great city?" he said. Along the streets, people starting yelling "Bill, Bill, Bill," and a few shouted "U.S.A.!" One shopkeeper raced out with a photograph of Mr. Clinton on a past visit.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/08/international/worldspecial2/08clinton.html?pagewanted=print&position=

[Sanity Claws]

1. Great story

Thanks for the link. It's a great contrast to Bush being booed when his face appeared to the people viewing on the large screen.

[adigal]

2. Clinton is ambassador for good will while Bubble Boy

hides in his room and drives around in a motorcade. What's wrong with him???

Can you imagine George and Laura wandering around on cobblestone streets, taking in the local flavor, peeking in shops and being greeted by shopkeepers? Isn't this completely unimaginable? And the worst thing is that Bush doesn't even care - he went to one of the most beautiful cities in the world and hid from its citizens. And many "mericans wouldn't care either - "Why would our prez'dent want to be near them smelly Eye-talians??? Come on back here, comboy, to the good ol' USA, where there's lotsa brush to clear in Crawford, and hawses to ride - oh, sorry, forgot, you are 'fraid of them hawses."

[peacetalksforall]

7. Great question and positioning. I can't imagine the George strolling...

I think Bush will never leave the country again after he's out.

Laura - maybe.

[Ganja Ninja]

3. Clearly they love Bill Clinton but hate us for our freedoms.

:sarcasm:

[montana_hazeleyes]

4. This story

makes me feel proud. I remember what it was like to have a real president.

[etherealtruth]

5. You got it ...

Oh, how I long to not be embarrassed every time the POTUS opens his mouth. Imbecile.

[kenny blankenship]

6. Love to see pics of this

got any?

[KoKo]

8. Here ya go! Not sure it will last as the link is from NYT's...

[jean]

11. thanks for th pic - he looks like he's feeling much better after his heart

procedure. What a human magnet he is!

[solinvictus]

9. That's the difference...

Big Dawg was loved at home and abroad because he tried to make peace, Bush is hated at home and abroad because he's an ass.

[KoKo]

10. I felt happy to post this....for all Clinton's flaws: NAFTA/Media Give

Aways and losing us the House and Senate...he was a better man than that piece of trash and his cohorts who occupy the WH now.

So, to read about Clinton being able to walk the streets without an armed car and just greet folks made me remember better times. It's good he was there...no matter what I think about DLC, etc these days.

Clinton was a better man...and I'm glad he can walk safely where the Chimp fears to tread...

[rodeodance]

12. Bush has no 'culture'--he would not know how to appreciate Rome