I think it was a smart move.
Agreed, very good move.
Correct. And when the Dems start bashing Bush again, Bush will look like the bigger man.
This was a very smart "Reagan-esque" move. W probably learned in the last week from Reagan's approach to advasaries. If one compliments an antagonist it completely disarms them. Now if Clinton takes a slanderous approach he will look even smaller and vindictive.
By all means classy and classic Bush "strategery."
Clinton will look mighty small pissin' in the Cheerios of the man that complimented him on his service.
"...it was a smart move."
Of course it was. Everyone, including the Clinons, knew that he didn't mean half of what he said. He denied the left an opportunity to criticize him. They hate it when that happens. I thought he was able to get in some jabs and smile politely all through it. They couldn't touch him afterward without sounding like cry babies. Brilliant.