Yesterday, Tony Snow gave a challenge on his radio show. He asked for a single quote where a Democrat was acting like a statesman in light of the London bombings. This was a difficult test. However, I found a notable exception from a surprising quarter.
The Rocky Mountain News reported the following quote from former President Bill Clinton:
Clinton, a late addition to the festival's lineup, fielded questions from Aspen Institute President Walter Isaacson and select participants in the event that wasn't open to the public.
Clinton pointed out that in the recent national elections in Iraq, turnout was an astounding 58 percent - higher than in recent U.S. elections. "It's clearly a legitimate process and the people want it to work, so I think we can try to make it work," Clinton said.
The former president said the United States and its allies should continue to help Iraq build its defense capabilities. Clinton also scoffed at the notion that America is embroiled in another war like Vietnam.
"This is not Vietnam. It might be a quagmire, but it won't be for the reason it was in Vietnam. Our problem (in Vietnam) was we didn't have a legitimate government to back," Clinton said.
Clinton also commented on Thursday's bombings in London, saying that, from the terrorists' viewpoint, it was a huge mistake. "I actually think they made a tactically bad decision to do this thing in London, from their point of view," Clinton said. "The British underwent the (Irish Republican Army) terrorism and the blitz bombing (from the Germans in World War II), and they are tough as nails. And they can take it and dish it out."
Well done, Mr. President, and thank you.
Democrats make such great former-presidents :)
I've been increasingly impressed with Clinton, and I think these quotes are reflective of why I feel he is a postive influence.
Posted by: apostle john | July 10, 2005 at 01:51 PM