Those boys done growed out reaalll gooood.
Posted on 06/15/2004 6:31:29 AM PDT by ConservativeMajority
WASHINGTON (Talon News) -- Former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton came to the residence on Pennsylvania Avenue they occupied for eight years for a ceremony in which their official portraits were unveiled.
The East Room event was filled with many who served during Clinton's two terms in office, despite the fact that many of them are now working with the campaign of Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) to oust their host. But partisan politics was put aside for a few hours while President and Mrs. Bush graciously entertained their predecessors.
Guests included Democratic National Committee Chairman, Terry McAuliffe, former Defense Secretary William Cohen, and former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger.
Bush said to the Clintons, "Welcome home."
"All who live here are temporary residents," Bush said. "The portraits that are presented today will be held permanently in the White House collection for all the ages."
The likenesses of the 42nd president and his first lady continue a tradition begun with George and Martha Washington. They will be hung in an area where visitors on White House tours can view the portraits.
Bush recognized Chelsea Clinton and said, "The fact that you survived your teenage years in the White House speaks to the fact that you had a great mom and dad."
He also singled out Mrs. Clinton's mother, Dorothy Rodham, and made reference to Mrs. Clinton's brothers, Hugh and Tony, who were also in attendance.
Bush said, "We're glad you're here ... and those two boys you're still trying to raise."
President Bush praised former President Clinton by saying, "The years have done a lot to clarify the strengths of this man. ... Clinton showed incredible energy and great personal appeal."
Bush added, "As chief executive, he showed a deep and far-ranging knowledge of public policy, a great compassion for people in need, and the forward-looking spirit the Americans like in a president."
Bush playfully mocked Clinton's optimism when he said, "You've got to be optimistic to give six months of your life running the McGovern campaign in Texas."
He stopped after a few anecdotes about Clinton, saying, "I could tell you more of the story, but it's coming out in fine bookstores all over America."
Clinton's much-awaited autobiography is scheduled to be released later this month.
The president also had generous words for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). Despite her often vitriolic attacks on him and his policies, Bush called her "a woman greatly admired in our country."
He pointed out that Mrs. Clinton has a unique spot in American history, as she is the only sitting senator whose portrait hangs in the White House. Although the president didn't mention it, Mrs. Clinton is also the only first lady to wear a pantsuit for her official portrait.
The portraits were painted by Simmie Knox, an African-American sharecropper's son. He was chosen on the recommendation one of his others subjects, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Copyright © 2004 Talon News -- All rights reserved.
Is it really true that it took 5 gallons of paint to paint Hillary's bottom half in the picture?
Those boys done growed out reaalll gooood.
"Mrs. Clinton is also the only first lady to wear a pantsuit for her official portrait."
Old Crusty is now a national landmark.
Why do American women, any women thinks clinton's handsome Aaaugh!
I do NOT think he's handsome.......never did...never will....he gets uglier by the day.
Note that Bush pointed out qualities of the Clintons that are arguably actual good qualities. Most of what he said, he was reporting that people THOUGHT these things about them. He was dancing on thin ground, but I think he managed to avoid saying that they are ACTUALLY people of good character.
Heard on the news they had hung the Clinton's in the White House.
Dubya was so funny...a great example of his wit and humor. By the way, those two boys look like they could be characters in "The Sopranos"....just like their sister could be!!
Well now they'll have to count the spoons again.
Repaint the room, after cleaning it with alcohol and bleach. The clintons (sic) infect the white house once more (sic).
Hey look, BillyJeff is grabing the club of a one-legged fat man.
That other picture is just hideous. You should be ashamed mf. ;^)
Who is the fat slob in the pink shirt?
Hillary's dumbass brother, Hugh Rodham.
He makes Billy Boy look downright slim. Hillary's family seems to be as dysfunctional as Bill's.
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