From time to time I've run across diaries that bash Clinton for not being a liberal or for triangulating. I understand the frustration on things like DADT and DOMA, but I also remember the circumstances that brought about those pieces of legislation. I'll call those the results of a bad hand and one is gone and the other is heading out the door.
But I really want to remind people of two great things he accomplished while in office. The first was in 1993 he got Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. The second is in 1994 he got Stephen Breyer on the Court. He had help because the Dems held the Senate when they were placed on the Court. So that is a word of warning.
Say what you will about Clinton and what he did or did not accomplish. Imagine the Supreme Court without these two voices advocating against the conservative blowhards on the Court.
The NY Times has this great chart of how often the conservatives crossover and vote with the liberal block.
I did everything I could back in 1992 to get Bill Clinton elected. Last night he reminded me of why I like him so much despite the disappointments and the policy disagreements. He delivered a body blow to the GOP in ways few could. And now it is time to make sure the liberal wing of the Supreme court stays at least 4 strong and hope it can grow soon.
He was by no means perfect but in one of the places it really matters, Bill Clinton got it right. Just look at his two Supreme court appointees.