Bush's newest tool: Bill Clinton

[SmartBomb]

I'm happy a legitimate American president is involved in the relief effort. Too bad it's another purely political move, calculated to improve the administration's image.

[Skidmore]

1. Not just to improve their image but also

to neutralize one of the few Dems who's been willing to say what needs to said about the junta's policies.

[Wapsie B]

2. Hey what happened to compassionate konservatism?

This should be right up their alley. Send a rwinger over there bearing the gifts. If I were Bill I'd tell chimp to shove it.

Welcome to DU!

[Blue_Roses]

3. yes, I agree

it makes Clinton look damn good:evilgrin:

[skypilot]

4. I think I'm missing some context here.

How is Bill Clinton being used as a Bush tool? Is there an article or news report that I missed?

[SmartBomb]

6. Envoy

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/01/03/tsunami.formerpresidents.ap/index.html

[skypilot]

8. Ah, thank you.

*

[donsu]

7. just standing beside smirk is a slap in the face to us

Clinton could help the Tsunami victums MORE by not working with the criminal bushgang.

but, you know, fear can melt a spine.

[diplomats]

18. The tsunami victins are what matters here

not our sensibilities. The relief effort needs to be coordinated, and this is the best way to do it. And, yes, I'm sure Clinton knows he's part of a political damage control operation. Now they owe him.

[Robbien]

All the news reports are saying Bush is trying to repair his "compassion"

image. This Yahoo story
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050103/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_tsunami

outlines many of BushCo attempts to catch-up. Yes, Clinton is being used as a tool, but after all he is a political man first and foremost.

[frogfromthenorth2]

5. How can it be a political move... Clinton is so HATED by the Right

that any effect it could have would be a neutral one. Imagine how crazy the freepers must be watching Bubba next to the Monkey...

[bryant69]

9. Because of the Social Security Debate

Clinton coudl be a voice on this and other issues, but he can't be a voice because he's out of the country. During an election, CLinton naturally has to be quiet, but this year he can speak out as he likes--so getting him out of the country is probably a good thing, from the Bush's perspective.

That said, I feel more sorry for the people of Asia who are suffering now and will continue to suffer than I feel sorry for the Democratic Party or even America itself. While it is a blow, if Clinton can make a difference in that horrible situation, I'd rather see him there than here.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[frogfromthenorth2]

11. Sorry, but that's total bullshit. First, no one said he would be out of

the country. Second, even if he was he still could be a voice.

[bryant69]

14. He will be focused elsewhere

Can he really be a force on Social Security (or a Supreme Court Justice) and also be focused on helping people in Southeast Asia? I don't see it. I think they are trying to keep him distracted at the very least.

[Bridget Burke]

23. Clinton is not the one who can't eat potato chips & watch TV ....

simultaneously.

He's quite able to multi-task.

[SammyWinstonJack]

24. President Gore is the one we need to speak up for Social Security.

bu$hCo.,INC stole the key to the "lock box" and now looking to steal its contents.

[theboss]

28. He wouldn't be a force in those debates anyway...

Clinton has actually been following the rule that ex-president's don't get involved in current policy debates.

[diplomats]

12. I don't know if Clinton will make any trips there for awhile

I believe his immediate goal is raising money through donations.

[madrchsod]

10. yes,i bet they are..

isn`t it ironic that some of us are saying the same thing as the freepers must be saying??? oh well,politics make strange bedfellows

[diplomats]

13. Sure, it's damage control

But it must've absolutely killed the WH to have to ask Clinton to do this. Remember, they were just badmouthing him a few days ago. A little crow, Mr. Rove?

[soleft]

15. Maybe Clinton will get his shot at UN head afterall

[Be Brave]

16. Fresh from open heart surgery and already doing good for the world.

Sharp contrast to Bush whose priority seems to be vacationing and bombing nations.

[hickman1937]

17. I wonder if bush really wanted to do this.

Or if Clinton basically told him, "I'm taking this over with or without you."

[diplomats]

19. I said on another thread

the WH had to eat crow to do this. They were tastelessly criticizing Big Dog a few days ago.

[hickman1937]

20. Exactally!

Clinton waited just long enough for bush to do the Presidential thing, and when bush failed, Clinton put his own face on the disaster relief effort. He's also the only one who can make it an international effort. bushistas are held in too much contempt by the rest of the world.

[discopants]

22. exactly what happened last week with Clinton

he spoke to the BBC about the need for the US to act quickly with sending aid and Bush later made a cynical "we feel your pain" remark? is that right?

[cruadin]

21. You may have a point---* has taken political heat for....

being insensitive, if he doesn't jump aboard now, with Clinton, he may miss the boat entirely.

[BobF]

25. We heard the same "sellout" claim when Bono met with the Chimp

Like it or not, the Chimp currently holds the 'pursestrings'.

Bill is being pragmatic. Massaging the ego of the Chimp may feed and house thousands. Snubbing the Chimp while standing up for 'principle' could endanger thousands more.

Bill is choking back the vomit while he's keeping his "eyes on the prize"...namely saving lives.

He's doing the right thing.

[onager]

26. Clinton has a long history...

...of making the Bu$h klan look like the ignoramuses, poltroons and mendacious fools they really are.

This will probably turn out the same way. Poopy Bu$h will be sputtering inanities or puking on foreign leaders, and Clinton will be his usual statesmanlike self.

Wile E. Coyote, meet the Road Runner.

[Ironpost]

29. Is it just me,

or is it the Big Dawg always does the right "thing".

[seabeyond]

27. remember the 15m............the rest is illusion, a story created n/t