A good deal of conservatives are up in arms about Bush's "praise" of Clinton. First, do you expect Bush to lambast Clinton at an official event that has been tradition for decades? Second, go re-read what Bush said. Was any of it untrue? Look carefully:
"Bill Clinton showed incredible energy and great personal appeal." Did he not?
"he showed a deep and far- ranging knowledge of public policy, a great compassion for people in need, and the forward-looking spirit" - Did he not?
"Bill Clinton could always see a better day ahead and Americans knew he was working hard to bring that day closer." - I'm not sure we did, but a lot of people liked him? Nothing false here.
"Bill Clinton loved the job of the presidency. He filled this house with energy and joy." - A little too much physical joy... but this is true as well
"...good-hearted boy who seemed destined for big things." - Probably true
"People in Bill Clinton's life have always expected him to succeed.And more than that, they wanted him to succeed. And meeting those expectations took more than charm and intellect." - True, very true.
"...a woman greatly admired in our country" - yes, by some circles
"She inspires respect and loyalty from those who know her..." - albeit by heavy-handed means, but this too is true
Notice Bush said nothing about their policies or their failures but cited instead their zeal, enthusiasm and ambition. IMHO this was a masterful way to get through the ceremony without giving Clinton any credit (so to speak)
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