Posted on 01/30/2006 12:22:36 PM PST by Tulsa Ramjet
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush says Bill Clinton has become so close to his father that the Democratic former president is like a member of the family.
Former President George Bush has worked with Clinton to raise money for victims of the Asian tsunami and the hurricane disaster along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Asked about his father and Clinton, Bush quipped, "Yes, he and my new brother."
"That's a good relationship. It's a fun relationship to watch," Bush said in an interview with CBS News broadcast on Sunday.
While attending Pope John Paul's funeral, Bush said, "It was fun to see the interplay between dad and Clinton. One of these days, I'll be a member of the ex-president's club. ... I'll be looking for something to do."
He said ex-presidents share rare experiences that others cannot understand. "And so I can understand why ex-presidents are able to put aside old differences," he said.
Bush said he checked in with Clinton occasionally.
"And you know, he says things that makes it obvious -- that makes it obvious to me that we're kind of, you know, on the same wavelength about the job of the presidency. Makes sense, after all, there's this kind of commonality," he said.
Bush jokingly referred to speculation that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former president's wife, will seek the Democratic nomination for the presidency. He had earlier referred to the former first lady as "formidable."
"Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton," he said, referring to how Bill Clinton had followed his father, and Hillary Clinton could follow him.
Paging Dr. Freud. Remember Clinton's real father was dead, and he didn't get along with the stepfather. Bush senior is probably the first decent older man he's ever been around, and he is too smart not to appreciate that. Bush senior is a genuinely good man who sets high standards. Who knows what kind of person Clinton might have turned out to be if he had had a Bush senior in his life at the critical times, like the President did. A father's care and guidance are of supreme importance.
Ironically, illustrates the most likely place to find Bill Clinton - a bush on each side.
Yes, but she's out there today saying that Bush was purposely slow to respond to Katrina because he wanted to break up the Dem voting block in New Orleans. If he tolerates comments like that, he's not as strong as I thought.
I'm not sure about all the "strategery" but I will note that President Reagan was gracious to Carter once he got him out of the Oval Office - were you critical of Ronnie about that too?
"Clintoon will suck up to anything..."
Bubba's a blood-sucking leech, and the Heinous Harridan is a barnacle!
keep your enemy close at hand.
Ditto.
I'm thinking that Clinton absolutely hates this.
ROFL!!
I think GWB is too nice sometimes. President Reagan also held his temper with his opponents too. I don't think I could do it but it just shows they are men of far better character than the 42d president and his ilk.
I agree.
Reagan was gracious to Carter and even went to the opening of the Carter Library. That was way before Jimmah became a big mouth. I don't remember Reagan ever calling Carter his brother, or The Gipper playing golf with Jimmah. Do you?
"keep your enemy close at hand."
And take him to bed, as well.
Read "Compromised" by Terry Reed. Then it will all become clear. And scary.
What does Billy Carter or why Reagan never golfed with Carter even matter? All I am saying is we should not blow this out of proportion - have you even read the interview:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/01/27/eveningnews/main1248952_page4.shtml
GHW is non-confrontational. GW is very much confrontational. But neither have hair trigger tempers, which makes them seem less confrontational.
Watching GW's face during some the interviews and debates and it is pretty obvious he has his temper on a tight leash. Consider GWB's management style... It is not the management style of a person inclined to avoiding confrontations.
(Bill Clinton is non-confrontational. His management style and public policy were focused on avoiding confrontation.)
Something like that :-)
"I don't get it. Here is a history revisionist, former president, pounding on your son's policies daily, and they want to hang out like they just finished up a game of "Risk" and everything is hunky-dory. Somebody with insight please explain it.
"
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