[Stand Watch Listen]

Mr. Clinton, whose eight years in the presidency could be compressed like an accordion into one inch of meaning, was no FDR.

He wasn't even Jimmy Carter.

[Not gonna take it anymore]

Mr. Bush also followed a charismatic leader, and I do not mean Mr. Clinton. Mr. Clinton, whose eight years in the presidency could be compressed like an accordion into one inch of meaning, was no FDR. The charismatic figure Mr. Bush follows is the last big American president, the last who had the massive presence of a battleship, Ronald Reagan.

Great column.

[jackbill]

Mr. Clinton, whose eight years in the presidency could be compressed like an accordion into one inch of meaning,

Now, that is truly a Keeper!!

Peggy has done it again - the most succinct description of the Clinton legacy.

[Earl B.]

Bump.

[alloysteel]

George W. Bush has indeed grown to fill the job - in ways neither his detractors, who are legion, or his greatest boosters, could have even imagined on January 21, 2001.

The tendency among his supporters was to compare him to the potential they once saw in Ronaldus Magnus, before his climb within the Republican party after 1964. But the comparison to Harry S Truman is far more apt. Harry had an astonishingly quick wit, and the "brain-trusters", the FDR elite, dismissed him at their own peril. They thought Harry was a country rube from Missouri, and could not possibly add anything to the discourse that was going on. Difference was, Harry was President, and they weren't. Harry used his position about as well as anyone could have, in those days. They soon learned that if Harry proposed it, that they had better be getting on board, PDQ.

[Rocko]

Bump.

[mombonn]

His natural verbal style is Texas wise-guy . . .

What a great line describing a GREAT President! What a great post! I can't wait to read the replies.

[nancetc]

Mr. Bush also followed a charismatic leader, and I do not mean Mr. Clinton. Mr. Clinton, whose eight years in the presidency could be compressed like an accordion into one inch of meaning, was no FDR. The charismatic figure Mr. Bush follows is the last big American president, the last who had the massive presence of a battleship, Ronald Reagan.

Just smiling.

[timydnuc]

Being from Texas, and just "up the road" (Lubbock) from where GW is from, I feel confident that he wouldn't be offended if I call him President GW. We like nicknames and initials in Texas. When a man makes his mark, in Texas, he earnes, and is identified, by the mark the people give him. The humble man takes that compliment and sets with it. Regardless if he likes it or not. He accepts it, and works with it. So, to me, he's President GW. He's the kind of man that would smile if I shook his hand and called him President GW, and he would be honored, and appreciate the compliment. A compliment that can only be given by another Texan. I like that!

This is a man you can trust. He's a leader, he's a commander, he's a statesman. The best man won, thank God! This is a good man, I've known this man (by politics in West Texas) for years. He lost a congressional bid, but it wasn't as bad as the media put it. He did well in a "big time" democratic district. He gave a scary run to the democRAT and he won respect and he kept that respect in his run against the Commie GrandMommie Ann Richards. He beat her with the things she DID TO Texans, rather than to get into the mud where Richards wanted him to come. He kept himself, and his campaign, above the dirt that she wanted to wallow in. He was a true gentleman, and he prevailed.

Ann Richards hated West Texas, that's a lot of people to piss off. GW was born there. It makes a heck of a difference!

[JulieRNR21]

Thanks for the ping....always like to read Noonan....she paints such wonderful 'word pictures'.

And I'm glad that GWB 'trusted in the Lord' that he should run for president.....and grateful that God in His Mercy gave US exactly the right leader for these times.

[rwfromkansas]

anyone know if Peggy is a Freeper? She would love this place (minus some, of course. but then again, no place is perfect).