The Young and the Restless (Letters to editor on Bill and Hill; real big gag alert)

US News | 09/30/2002 | Editors of US News

[Utah Girl]

They're back! Or did they ever go away? The question has been popping into the minds of many Americans these past few weeks as both Hillary and Bill Clinton have been popping up with ever greater frequency. There on the front page of the New York Daily News last week was a large photo of Hillary amid a swirl of speculation that, contrary to past protestations, she really does harbor ambitions for the White House--not in 2004, but probably in 2008 or 2012. A week earlier, Bill created a buzz with an appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman, where he did not deny rumors that he is interested in his own television show--as long as it is not more than three days a week (will he have to show up on time?).

With so many other serious issues confronting the nation, maybe the renewed focus on the Clintons is a form of diversion. But the Clintons don't think so, nor do their many supporters, who passionately want them to play a large role in our national life. But just what should that role be? How would the Clintons best serve the nation now?

... First gentleman? There is no recent precedent for what such a young president should do after office. But do we actually want Bill to have his own talk show? And if so, what kind of talk show? How about having him back in the White House? No, not as the president--running for a third presidential term, as Theodore Roosevelt did, is no longer an option--but perhaps as the first "first gentleman" of the United States.

... What do you think? What future role should the Clintons play? Do you want Bill Clinton engineering Hillary's proposed universal healthcare plan in 2009? Please write and let us know your thoughts. We can be reached at letters@usnews.com. -The Editors

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Recommended roles: renaissance, retreat, reinvent

In response to "What future role should the Clintons play?" [World@Large: "The Young and the Restless," September 30], readers offered more than 120 opinions, many controversial. The majority reflected readers' inability to forget the numerous political and social scandals that characterized the Clinton administration. Retreat "to a tropical island," "go abroad," and "fade from the media's attention" summarize the negatives. Nevertheless, loyal supporters expressed heartfelt sentiments like "they are both hardworking and intelligent" and "if anyone can pull off the position of 'first gentleman' with grace and humor, it would be Bill Clinton."

Hurrah for "The Young and the Restless" [September 30] and its candid assessment of the possibilities that lie ahead for Bill and Hillary Clinton. They are America's hope for a safe and economically sound tomorrow. As I hear President Bush pronounce that "we must go to war to keep the peace," I shudder and silently pray that if there is a higher power, he or she will make Hillary Clinton president in 2008 and Bill Clinton a U.S. senator.
Joan Lewis Denson
Los Angeles

Bill Clinton is on track to become America's elder statesman and is shrewdly positioning himself to invent the job. He is careful not to take sides publicly in partisan debates. While George W. Bush is popular at home, he lacks many attributes that Clinton has, including international stature. America needs a good elder statesman, and Clinton is well aware of that.
William Schlosser
Indianapolis

Bill Clinton should be made ambassador at large for this country. Besides having access to most heads of state, he had great intelligence, an engaging personality, and tremendous people skills. His articulateness might enable our friends, our adversaries, and us to better comprehend the horrible devastation we may face and the options we have in this age of madness. And by the way, I've been a lifelong Republican since 1944, the year I gave FDR my first vote from a field in Normandy.
R. W. Chiesa
Cheshire, Conn.

So what should Bill Clinton do? A talk show is beneath him and any ex-president. I think for the time being he is letting the dust settle, staying out of the path of the bullets of press and enemies, and figuring out the meaning of life for the future. I think he should take the high road as Jimmy Carter has. He could be a good peacemaker and a great representative of the United States at the United Nations. Personally, I would like to have him speak out on issues of the day–perhaps as an ombudsman of sorts for all of us who valued his presence. Whatever his future role may be, I think he still can make a major contribution to the country and to all of us personally, and should do so.
C. T. Kemmerer
Springtown, Pa.

Let the Clintons play whatever role they choose. They are intelligent, hardworking people. And the last time I checked, they are still U.S. citizens, which allows them to do whatever they want.
Sandra Loveland
Phoenix

I've always admired Hillary Clinton and would like to see her make a run for the presidency. If she runs and wins, however, we're going to have to come up with a title for Bill other than "first gentleman." In a game of word association, the word gentleman is not the first that comes to mind in relation to the former president. And I voted for him twice!
Andrea M. Olejar
New York

You ask, is there a future role for the Clintons to play? If the Republicans continue to allow the religious right and greedy corporate fat cats to set their agenda, the Clintons will have the opportunity to play a very big role. I'll end with this plea: Please, please, Hillary–run.
Joe Wietlisbach
Batesville, Ind.

Hillary Clinton would make a great president. But if she doesn't go for the Oval Office, there are several other positions in which she could be of significant service to the United States and the world. Her reputation as a champion of human rights and the empowerment of women is well known. Senator Clinton would make an excellent U.S. ambassador to the United Nations or the official ambassador at large. As an admired and respected American, Hillary Rodham Clinton could effectively communicate our ideals and policies to the citizens and leaders of nations everywhere. There is no couple in the United States that better represents the equality of men and women than the Clintons.
George Dean
Southport, Conn.

I believe our nation needs to hear the experienced voices of both Clintons. Hillary Clinton has proven her ability to problem solve, seek wise counsel, and deal with adversity over and over again. She appears to care deeply for the American people and still maintain a passion for public life. I would welcome her as our country's first female president. On the other hand, to center her energies on her senatorial responsibilities and speak out on issues that concern her is of great need right now. Bill Clinton has tremendous experience and knowledge to share as well. He is a survivor, and his resilience is a gift capable of energizing those around him. I welcome his voice on TV in a forum that addresses serious issues confronting our nation today.
Ruth Tryon
Fort Morgan, Colo.

I find the phrase "first gentleman" interesting considering the moral, ethical, and legal problems that President Clinton had, not to mention the controversy surrounding his last-minute pardons.
Del Foster
Vancouver, Wash.

As a political observer, I have noticed, as you noted, that the political offspring of the Clinton administration are not faring well. Although you mentioned Janet Reno, Robert Reich, and Andrew Cuomo, I think you missed the first and most important signal that people are ready for the Clintons to move on: the defeat of Al Gore for president. I think people are tired of being put in the position of choosing between character and issues. We voters want a candidate of sound character that we agree with on the issues. But given the choice, in today's climate, character wins. Finally, to answer your question, I don't think people want to go back and be reminded of Clinton's troubles. Once was enough.
Patrick Cacchione
St. Louis

I suggest the Clintons move back to Arkansas or wherever, adopt a low profile, and try to live happily ever after.
R. Grady Greene
Lake City, Fla.

I wish Bill Clinton would quietly ride off into the sunset, but that doesn't seem likely anytime soon. It also seems unlikely that he will follow the precedent set by other past presidents by stepping out of the limelight.
Michael Wheeler
Syracuse, N.Y.

[Paul Atreides]

I totally agree. I firmly believe that those people will do anything, say anything, use anyone, etc. to achieve their desires.

[CARepubGal]

I vote for Bill and Hill in adjoining cells in a Supermax federal pen. Any seconds?

[mikeb704]

Oh, OK, you talked me into it.

Michael M. Bates: My Side of the Swamp

[CARepubGal]

Thank you! Made my night to see that if only in Photoshop!