I hear that Bill Clinton has mildly endorsed Barack Obama. Woo hoo! No need to get into the results of the last endorsement he made. The less said about that, the better.
There's no doubt in my mind that the old rutting Billy Goat could add a half percentage point to Barack Obama's general election totals. As I read the polls here on dKos, however, I am led to the conclusion that his input is no longer necessary. I know, I know, it's early and things could take a turn for the worse. Still, it's being reported that Barack Obama welcomes his support, etc. I like that, actually. Reminds me of that other statesman out of Illinois, Abe Lincoln, who said, "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends"? Smart. For that reason alone I believe that Obama is a better man than I.
But this is about Bill Clinton, whose presidency was a little gap between the shrubs. More importantly, Bill and his Democratic Leadership Council was all about, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em". By my lights, it appeared that most of what Bill did was co-opt Republican policies. I think we continue to see the effects of essentially joining the Republican party. I'm certainly not blaming all the current ills on Bill. From a liberal standpoint, however, it seems that he turned Democratic Party traditions inside out. Policy wonks, help me out here. What did he do to help the poor? Or the middle class? How did he further the cause of equality and justice? Political appointments don't count. How did he ensure that the people had their say over the special interests and corporations? Perhaps I don't remember, so I'm asking.
Well, it appears recently we have seen the other side of Bill Clinton. I know it sent chills up and down my spine. I think the narcissistic, arrogant, entitlement label sticks.
So yeah, say he's on board, for unity. Get him to do a couple of commercials to be shown wherever he might actually do some good. Makeup, we need lighter powder! Other than that, extend every courtesy due a former President, but let him know the lawyers have an injunction ready but on hold which calls for him to come no closer than 1000 yards from Washington, DC.