William Jefferson Clinton

[RedTail Wolf]

The best President we have had in many moons, spoke about embracing religious values today. I agree. We must not let the Repugs take the moral and spiritual agenda from us. They are not the party of God. As Bill said today the Bible mentions about 500 times to help the poor, lift up the sick, and comfort those that need comforting against about 2 or 3 passages about gay issues and anything about abortion. We must fight them toe to toe on this. Whether you are a spiritual person or not it's not my business nut it has been shown that it gets votes. Why do Dem's shy away from the moral high ground. We are more moral than the Repugs that are running this country now! pile it on , cram it down their throats, stop being wussies on this and many other issues, It's time to play Hardball. Put the gloves on, have a unified message, and pound them with it. We must take the high ground on this and other issues. We are the party to help the poor , feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and accept all who share these values. I was inspired by the world's best known sinner today (his word's ot mine). I wish he could run again. Whoever we choose this time we must demand this moral high ground as the centerpiece of all policy debates. It is a winning strategy regardless of how you personally feel about it. The last two Dem Presidents, Carter and Clinton did not shy away from their faith and the role it plays in their lives. Bush is painted in a corner as a liar and in y opinion a bigger sinner against this country that Bill ever was. Bill got blown Bush is blowing people up.
The Democratic Party need to embrace this strategy and we will win. Stop letting them wrap themselves in the flag and religion and painting us as outside of the mainstream on these issues. We must reclaim the high ground and help people, the working poor and the middle class. Rebuild infrastructure, balance the budget, and get out of the war business. If the party does these things with a unified voice and pound and pound away, stay on this message we will win and win big in 06 and 08. Bill always fires me up and gets my Democratic and progressive juices flowing again. thanks President Clinton for the strategy. Now let's hope the party comes together and embraces his vision.


Be Blessed and may the Great Spirit touch your heart

[ShortnFiery]

1. "The best President we have had in many moons"

There are many positive points about the Clinton Presidency. There could be many more, if he could have kept his pants on, but that was almost a 100% successful republican maneuver.

No, he was NOT the best President in many moons due to one very important point:

NAFTA! Clinton, like many in the political class is also, most importantly, a tried and true member of the *investor* class.

How much do US Average Americans have invested in our Stock Portfolios? :(

Politics is just a game to the upper 5% (wealth) in this world.

Separation of Church and State ---> is NOT an empty sentiment but one of THE foundations of our Democratic Republic - don't buy into the Republican's sick-minded blather.

[RedTail Wolf]

2. Not sucked in just a winning strategy and I want to win !

I believe in separation of Church and State that does not mean that our candidates need to be timid or silent about what ever faith or values they have. I think it's a way to gain back votes from the middle class and value voters. That's all.

[ShortnFiery]

3. Ok, point taken ...

However, as much as I love the way "The Big Dog" drives republicans nuts, Clinton counseling us regarding VALUES is sort of like asking a reformed Big Bad Wolf to babysit for our Little Red Riding Hood. In this area - Values - he has Zero credibility albeit we all fully forgive his misjudgments. :-)

The strategy is not winning, IMHO, because it will boil down to a contest. People who truly have Christian Values (Jesuits, Franciscans, Quakers, etc.) make a POINT to not stand out or publicize them in any way.

If we tout our values, we are little better than those televangelists who speak in tongues and heal the sick -

Such attributes are revealed and/or demonstrated through actions, not self-righteous words.

[rodeodance]

13. values-secular conotation--.

[magnolia]

15. I don't think Redtail...

...was saying that dems need to go out and broadcast their religion. We all believe in separation of church and state...but there is also FREEDOM of religion. I want our dems to be natural and honest. In a formal, political speech, I don't think religion or faith should be mentioned. But they can certainly mention morals and values. You can be an athiest and have morals and values. In a casual or personal speech or interview, they can certainly mention their belief or non belief.

[ShortnFiery]

17. Well stated ...

I can concur with all your points above. Ok, Humanitarian but no specific religious undertones is fine by me ... and many :-).

One Important Note: We must stop discussing abortion - specifically as much as possible. Those of us who were actually teens in the 70s know what it was like before women were, at least, on the surface, to be considered as EQUAL to men in the work force.

I submit that the people who are the most RABID opponents to abortion are NOT the ones who genuinely care about the issue, but instead, harbor a very insidious hidden agenda as follows: These Bible Toting' pro-birth preachers really want to take the "family planning" and "birth control" choices away from women. Behind some of the most INSANE religious nut-cases, is an very distasteful fear of all things feminine being valued in society - especially incorporated into our leadership values.

Truth is, the mere notion of mediation is dismissed by the Right Wingers because it is noted as "feminine" type behavior. However, if mediation avoids bloodshed, and is agreeable by both parties, what is so horrid about detente? In essence, the far right considers everything European as mollifyingly <gasp> feminine, therefore patently absurd for the *real swaggering rulers* of 'Merica to consider.

Look how the Right Wing Republicans have trashed both the terms "feminism" and "liberalism"? Both have some very positive contributions to society. We've allowed the corporate media to turn these words into negatives.

We need to take back the language and not shriek from what is right. A sound civilization incorporates the "positives" from both genders as well as balances the scales of political beliefs toward the "moderate," i.e., understanding compromise between the two extremes of the political spectrum.

We're a Nation that needs to re-visit the family values of "Gunsmoke" and "Hunter" not that of "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Dog, The Bounty Hunter." :(

America? We have lost our way. I want us to strive to be the HUMANITARIAN and FAIR MINDED nation I once believed we were. We need fair minded leaders with a understated sense of compassion.

Why have we (as a Nation) allowed The Corporate Media to turn good men like John Kerry, Gen(Ret.) Anthony Zinni and former USMC Major Scott Ritter into "sissy men" just because they would like to avoid the realization of Armageddon?

As a Nation - we must ask ourselves (have a thoughtful debate): What constitutes a TRUE American Leader as well as what Values we wish to promote throughout the World Community?

Until hopefully the Democratic Party helps the American People to define and rally together, we are all left twisting in the wind.

What does America, or being American stand for today?

[AlGore-08.com]

28. You do know this was "The" Dem strategy in 2002 and 2004

It's not a magic ingredient that will cause Democrats to win.

And it's almost laughable to believe that politicians on either side of the aisle have been "timid or silent" about their faith. That's like believing they have been shy about displaying their patriotism.

The idea that pols have been "timid or silent" is a right wing talking point, part of a campaign designed to bully pols into turning the far right's social agenda into law. It is a weapon that has been used to get Dems to abandon abortion, gay rights, affirmative action, public education, and a host of other things Democratic "values voters" support.

When we go to the polls, we're not electing deacons. We're electing a government. If Democrats have the courage to stand for our principles when they're in office, it doesn't matter to the voters whether that Dem is openly religious or not. But if that Dem doesn't have that courage, if they actively work against the interests of the American people when they're in office, all the religious posturing in the world will not help them win.

[wyldwolf]

4. Yes, he WAS the best President in "many moons."

Funny how the people here who don't like Clinton concentrate on things he didn't accomplish, like universal healthcare, or the mistakes he made, but seem to overlook the accomplishments. Guess what?

He didn't cure cancer.
He didn't invent an alternate fuel source.
He didn't reinvent the wheel.

We often criticize the right for "revising" history. It seems some on the LEFT hated Clinton so much they ignore his vast accomplishments, sometimes denying they even happened. Could it be that, just like the right, they can't stand that someone who isn't one of them could be so damn successful?

The Strongest Economy in a Generation. Longest Economic Expansion in U.S. History. In February 2000, the United States entered the 107th consecutive month of economic expansion -- the longest economic expansion in history.

21.2 million new jobs were created since 1993, the most jobs ever created under a single Administration -- and more new jobs than Presidents Reagan and Bush created during their three terms. 92 percent (19.4 million) of the new jobs were created in the private sector, the highest percentage in 50 years.

Fastest and Longest Real Wage Growth in Over Three Decades. In the last 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased 3.7 percent -- faster than the rate of inflation. The United States has had five consecutive years of real wage growth -- the longest consecutive increase since the 1960s. Since 1993, real wages are up 6.8 percent, after declining 4.3 percent during the Reagan and Bush years.

Unemployment was the lowest Nearly the Lowest in Three Decades.

Highest Homeownership Rate in History.

Lowest Poverty Rate in Two Decades. The poverty rate has fallen from 15.1 percent in 1993 to 12.7 percent in 1998. That's the lowest poverty rate since 1979 and the largest five-year drop in poverty in nearly 30 years (1965-1970). The African-American poverty rate has dropped from 33.1 percent in 1993 to 26.1 percent in 1998 -- the lowest level ever recorded and the largest five-year drop in African-American poverty in more than a quarter century (1967-1972). The poverty rate for Hispanics is at the lowest level since 1979, and dropped to 25.6 percent in 1998.

Largest Five-Year Drop in Child Poverty Rate Since the ‘60s. Under President Clinton and Vice President Gore, child poverty has declined from 22.7 percent in 1993 to 18.9 percent in 1998 -- the biggest five-year drop in nearly 30 years. The poverty rate for African-American children has fallen from 46.1 percent in 1993 to 36.7 percent in 1998 -- a level that is still too high, but is the lowest level in 20 years and the biggest five-year drop on record. The rate also fell for Hispanic children, from 36.8 percent to 34.4 percent - and is now 6.5 percentage points lower than it was in 1993.

Improved Access to Affordable, Quality Child Care and Early Childhood Programs.

Increased the Minimum Wage.

Enacted Single Largest Investment in Health Care for Children since 1965.

Extended Strong, Enforceable Patient Protections for Millions of Americans.

An environmental budget that included a record $1.4 billion for Lands Legacy -- a 93 percent increase and the largest one-year investment ever requested for conserving America’s lands.

So much more on the environment, families, the economy, education, crime, etc.

Yes, the BEST president "in many moons."

[ShortnFiery]

5. Well, one out of two ain't bad ...

I don't agree. Why? Did I mention NAFTA? ;)

[wyldwolf]

7. You don't agree with the facts in my post?

I guess the next question is, "who do YOU think was the best president in many moons?"

If you answer is anything other than "no one, because no one measures up to my standards" I'll be disappointed.

[unblock]

6. well said. "best" simply means all the others were WORSE

nafta bothers you about clinton?

fine, try iran-contra on for size, or the s&l megascandal, or the insane budget deficits, or the corporate giveaways, or the megamergers, the list is endless.

clinton wasn't perfect, i like the characterization that he was the "best republican president we've ever had".

but name the last president who was better. you have to go back to kennedy to even have an argument.

[ShortnFiery]

8. With time, this NAFTA, etc. will reveal itself The True Evil ...

Can't you see that politics is "play time" for these wealthy political classes? Clinton doesn't give a damn about the common man. But don't take my word, watch what happens if you take his advice and we end up fighting over the scraps? Don't forget, the vast majority of us represent the non-investor class. How big is your stock portfolio?

[bigscott]

10. my stock portfolio is mid sized

why does that make me evil? Why can't I be a progressive and own stock? WTF? I sacrifice and save for my son's college, and my retirement. I dont have millions to spare but I CAN be considered wealthy. Why does that make me one of them??:wtf:

[ShortnFiery]

11. It doesn't make you evil per se ...

Unfortunately as all our manufacturing jobs get sucked out toward Mexico, India and/or China, there is going to be a disproportionate number of dirt poor people in the USA. Those of us who can scratch to stay in the Middle Class, best have a moderate stock portfolio because our wages are not going up anytime soon.

When Pilots (Delta) and Air Traffic Controllers are being villianized by the CEOs and other big businesses, those of us who are fortunate to remain in the "ever decreasing" middle class best save and beef-up those portfolios.

IMO, if we continue on this path, it will only be those who have solid investments in the stock market, who will be able to enjoy a half way decent quality of life.

It's coming like Ross Perot said ... I'm seeing more homeless in my little part of the world. How about you - fellow owner of a moderate stock portfolio - LIBERAL?

On edit - Clarification: One is, by many accounts, not considered a true member of the "investor class" until he/she has $300,000 invested. Our family doesn't quite meet that standard. :P

[unblock]

12. you're right, bush senior was a better president.

:eyes:

we're obviously talking past each other.

you think i don't understand about trade with mexico, i think you don't understand the question on the table.
you're trying to convince me that nafta is bad, which i agree with. but given the question on the table, that means you're arguing that some other recent president was better than clinton.

which one?

[wyldwolf]

9. Good points - great points. Except for one

Clinton is a Democrat. The Mike Malloy "Clinton was the best republican president we've ever had" charge is total BS.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

16. No kidding.

Some people are never satisfied.

[NicRic]

24. I Agree ,one of "The Best"

I agree that President Clinton was indeed one of the best Presidents this country had in a long time ! first some fcts on Clinton vs Bush > Presidential IQ's >182 .. William J. Clinton (D)> pResident bush 091 (R)
Bill and Al's report card
Clinton/Gore administration acheivements:
1. The longest economic expansion in our history.
2. The creation of more than 22 million new jobs.
3. The lowest unemployment in 30 years.
4. Real wages rose at all income levels.
5. The highest home ownership in American history.
6. Unemployment reduced to 3.9 percent.
7. Hispanic unemployment reduced to 5%, the lowest level on record.
8. African-American unemployment reduced by 50% to its lowest level ever recorded.
9. The lowest welfare rolls in 32 years.
10. The lowest crime rates in 26 years.
11. Teen pregnancy and drug abuse were down.
12. Student test were scores up.
13. The number of people without health insurance was reduced for the first time in a dozen years.
14. The size of the federal government was reduced by over 340,000 workers.
15. The federal budget was balanced.
16. The Reagan-Bush federal debt had finally begun to be reduced.

I'm not going to try and list any of bush's accomplishments, becaause I dont believe he has any positive ones to speak of ? If someone has some for me ,go for it ! I also believe years from now perhaps 100 years ,our country will look back at the Clinton years as one of our most properous times in history .Was he responsible for all of it ,perhaps not ,however he did not stop it either. He was responsible with our $ ,unlike this resident who is spending money mostly on the milatary ,like a drunken sailor, chenneys former employer ,he$$burton's stock has gone rom $7 a share to $70 ? The whole thing stinks ,all the hard long hours of work Clinton spent ,now being sqaundered !

[Ishoutandscream2]

26. Totally agree about NAFTA

and that's my sticking point with the Big Dawg. However, if Bush the Wiser would have been elected, he would have signed the damn bill, too. Only Batshit Crazy Perot would have prevented that, and he dropped out.

While there were flaws in the Clinton presidency, I still believe he was the best president in my lifetime (44.5 years). I would give anything to see him back in the White House, but not as the spouse of a president.

[Freddie Stubbs]

29. So, which recent Presidnet was better that Clinton?

:shrug:

[cosmic _mind]

14. Bill Clinton - Best President Ever

Yes, we all know he wasn't perfect - the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy comes to mind - but when Bill Clinton was president, I truly felt proud to be American and could feel real hope for our future. You will never convince me that he was some kind of elitist and didn't truly care about this country. I'm sure that he hates watching Bush flush it all down the toilet as much as we do. I am not religious - but who needs Satan when we have George W Bush? I'm willing to listen to any plan that might get us out of this nightmare...

[nickshepDEM]

20. I wouldnt go that far, but one of the best modern presidents? No doubt.

"The 8 Clinton years were the best 8 years in the modern history of this nation. We are still "drinking from the well" of the prosperity of that time.

Too bad he couldn't help the Democratic party as much as he could help the U.S." - A good fried of mine.

[mtnsnake]

18. Excellent post and recommended

If only Bill could've run last time. He would've mopped the floor with junior.

[Totally Committed]

19. He was a good President, but not great....

He only seems so when compared to what we have now.

Clinton sold a whole class of Americans down the tubes, and set us on the road to privatization and corporatization, further weakening social programs and safety-nets. The globalization that Nafta wrough is now eating the middle class alive, allowing the Bush Tax Cuts to further enrich the upper class. The only "great" thing about him was his ability to speak publicly. He was our greatest Presidential public speaker, hands down. But, that's what made him able to sell us his 'bill of goods', so it's all in the eye of the beholder.

Nope. He was better than what we have now, but great? No way.

TC

[mtnsnake]

21. Good, great, who cares? The country was relatively fine under him

Times were good, and if he could've run a third time, the world wouldn't be in the mess Bush got us into.

[Minnesota Libra]

22. RIGHT ON wow That man is more brilliant every day - we are..............

.....the party of compassion but we the democratic party has let the neocons steal this issue from us.:spank:

:loveya:I love Clinton:loveya:

[Bridget Burke]

23. I don't think "The Democratic Party" should embrace religion.

But candidates who sincerely care about "doing the right thing" ought to speak out. Some will be Christians & some believers in other faiths. Plus those who have ethics even though they don't frame them in religious terms.

Somehow, "values" has come to mean being anti-abortion & anti-gay. There are serious wrongs being done & they must be opposed! Starting illegal wars, not caring for people, etc.

[blm]

27. I agree with Bridget. Hearing Clinton told Kerry to support antigay ballot

measures in some states in 2004 actually hurt my heart as a Democrat. It also wouldn't have made a bit of difference in those states.

Clinton and MacAuliffe should have spent their time and money building the party infrastructure and strengthening its organizations in crucial states like Ohio, instead of allowing them to collapse since 1997.

Dean really has taken on a huge task in all those states that went neglected for years.

I applaud many things Clinton tried to do, but the lives of Americans and the rest of the world citizens would have been completely different had Clinton chosen to open the books on IranContra and BCCI - certainly no 9-11 would have happened.

[Writer]

25. When I saw "William Jefferson Clinton" as the thread title...

I thought...

William Jefferson Clinton: Great President? Or GREATEST President?

;) Any Stephen Colbert fans here - c'mon!