The Comeback Id: Bill Clinton after the White House
Libertarian Democrat Terry Michael sent me this link to the much-discussed Vanity Fair story about Bill Clinton. Worth reading the the whole thing. A snippet:
It is also beyond dispute that Clinton has blended the altruistic efforts of his philanthropy with the private business interests of some of his biggest donors in ways that are surpassingly sloppy, if not unseemly, for any former president. A case in point is Clinton's relationship with Ukraine's Victor Pinchuk, a billionaire and philanthropist who has donated millions to the ex-president's foundation. According to Newsweek, in 2007, at a Pinchuk-sponsored international conference in Yalta, Clinton wowed the crowd with a presentation on Ukraine but also sparked controversy when he was embraced by Pinchuk's father-in-law, the country's former president Leonid Kuchma. Kuchma's repressive regime has been linked by a government investigation to the 2000 murder of a dissident Ukrainian journalist. The man was found decapitated-one of scores of journalists who have been killed or have disappeared in Ukraine since the country achieved independence, in 1991.
Update: Gina Gershon, I.D.ed in the Vanity Fair article as one of Clinton's consorts, says she did not have sexual relations with that ex-president.
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I thought the most interesting part of the story was Princess Chelsea ordering Clinton's lackey to have her picture removed from a restaurant.
These people really do believe they're royalty.
Bill Clinton says the guy who wrote that story is a slimy running dog tool of the vast right-wing smear machine. What more do you need to know?
And he works part-time for Obama, too. Because the media are all in the tank for the mulatto.
Wait, a Clinton with questionable morals that will do anything to gain power and further their influence? Who would have thought?
Why anyone would vote for, listen to, or look at a Clinton is beyond me. Corruption, arrogance, and a sense of entitlement. Great leadership qualities, huh? And the fact that neither he nor his wife has accomplished much of anything for this country is a point seemingly ignored by all. The only reason we have to endure them at all is the strange post hoc ergo propter hoc viewpoint that some Democrats can't seem to avoid.
The unabashed double-fisted money-grubbing, corruption, shakedowns and blackmail that Bill would have pursued while in the quasi-public/private role of first spouse would have created some of the most entertaining headlines we've seen in a long time. With Hillary presumably bowing out of the race, we'll never get to enjoy that particular spectacle... sigh.
So "Libertarian Democrat" means "not a libertarian at all"? 'Cause that's the only way the description fits Terry Michael.
With Hillary presumably bowing out of the race, we'll never get to enjoy that particular spectacle... sigh.
2012.
Kill Why'd he
With Hillary presumably bowing out of the race...
She circles the sky like a vulture in a pants suit...watching, waiting...always waiting...
On a brighter note, Bill Clinton was in Missoula, Montana the other day and stopped by the Mo Club, a dingy greasy-spoon and bar, much to the delight of the onlooking crowds.
He's such a pandering fucking tool. I can't wait to see him disappear into oblivion.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Barack Obama for keeping William J. Clinton from residing in the White House again. If for no other reason, America owes you thanks for that.
With Hillary presumably bowing out of the race
IS she actually going to stop being white? Woo! One less thing I can get blamed for!
Nick,why aren't there quote marks around "Libertarian Democrat"?
There is no such thing as a "Libertarian Democrat", it is a contradiction in terms.
Do you think it's wise to link to self deluded schmucks?
Standards, there just has to be standards.
The article I read said that she's going to "acknowledge Obama has a majority of the delegates" which people are interpreting as meaning she's bowing out of the race. From my experience with the Clintons, though, it's far more important what they DON'T say than what they do say. "There IS no sex", "Ah have never had sexual relations with that woman", etc.
So, how are you guys different from Republicans again?
We don't call people like you liberals. We call you an asshole.
Bill Clinton, love him or hate him, is exactly the same person today that he was as President. For the media, now that the Clintons stand in the way of the chosen one, so express shock that Clinton womanizes and associates with sleazy people since leaving office is beyond parody.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Barack Obama for keeping William J. Clinton from residing in the White House again. If for no other reason, America owes you thanks for that.
I'll second that. I've been on the Anybody But Hillary bandwagon since, oh, January 2001.
"I'll second that. I've been on the Anybody But Hillary bandwagon since, oh, January 2001."
It is all relative RC. At least Clinton occasionally did the right thing (welfare reform, NAFTA, cutting the capital gains tax) even if it was for the wrong reasons (to save his political ass). There is something comforting about the Clinton's cravenness. You always know what they will do, whatever benefits them personally. Since what benefits the country often benefits the President politically and personally, they are more harmless than you would at first blush think they would be. Obama, in contrast really is an idealogue. As far as sleaziness goes, if you think Arkansas was bad, wait until you see the Chicago way.
How predictable.
The absolute worst-est Democrat, to any given Republican, will always be the one who wins the nomination.
The absolute worst-est Democrat, to any given Republican, will always be the one who wins the nomination.
Well, yeah.It is a contest.
Why would Democrats nominate someone Republicans like?
So, how are you guys different from Republicans again?
Next time you meet a Republican who agrees it should be legal to fist a hooker while snorting a line of duty-free coke off her tits, then get back to us with that question.
LarryA,
My point is, they don't start hating them until they win the nomination.
Once upon a time (as in, when it looked like Hillary Clinton was going to win), she was the worstest candidate evah, and Barack Obama was the reasonable, decent alternative. Then, when it became clear she wasn't going to win, Barack Obama suddenly became the worsest candidate evah.
It's like a madlib: Why oh why did they nominate (eventual winner?) If they had nominated (second-place finisher) or even (third-place finisher), I could have respect them, but (eventual winner) is the most worstest candidate evah.
Bill Clinton was in Missoula, Montana
At least (I *hope*) he knows better than to come to Livingston.
Disclaimer: I still look back at the Clinton years as "the good old days."
This article really reminded me of the big Vickie Isberg article about McCain; all the breathless sexual innuendo just distracted from the actually damning details of the piece, like the decapitated journalists.
I never cared about the Big Dog's libido, and I don't know why anyone else should care now that he's not going to be First Laddie.
So someone who believes, as I do: "Government: out of my bank account, my bedroom, away from my body and outa' Bahgdad now" can't be a libertarian? It is stupidity like that which keeps libertarian philosophy from reaching those who agree with us but confuse "libertarian" with the Libertarian Party. And I am a "schmuck" to someone who doesn't even know me? Does anybody stop to think here before writing? Jesus! For the record, I am a "libertarian Democrat" (the "L" got upper-cased because it was the first word in Nick's sentence.) I should add that I sent the link to Nick with a note saying I thought it was the best piece I had ever seen on the sociopath known as Bill Clinton.
Is it just me or is Bill's "foundation" a way to get around bribery laws? Aren't various rich folks using it as a cut-out to pay him a salary, benefits, airline tickets, hotel rooms, etc., etc.? Does Hillary get some as well? Is it also a way to get around campaign-finance laws?
Regarding Bill's somewhat odd statements recently, Google "pump head."
Terry Michael, you obviously haven't been issued your decoder ring. Defending your non-libertarianess by pointing out your libertarian leanings, just shows that you're not really a libertarian. I real libertarian would respond by pointing to someone else, and declaring them "not a libertarian." Tell us that Eric Dondero is not a libertarian, and we'll welcome you with open arms.
Is it just me or is Bill's "foundation" a way to get around bribery laws?
Its not just you.
Aren't various rich folks using it as a cut-out to pay him a salary, benefits, airline tickets, hotel rooms, etc., etc.?
Yes.
So someone who believes, as I do: "Government: out of my bank account, my bedroom, away from my body and outa' Bahgdad now" can't be a libertarian?
Sure. But anyone who really believes "Government, out of my bank account, away from my body, etc." can't be a Democrat, these days, seeing as the Dems are running on higher taxes and a bigger nanny state.
Terry Michael,
Then why the fuck are you a "Democrat"?
Name me the last Democrat who didn't just salivate at the idea of sticking it to people making over $100,000?
Name me the last Democrat who talked about abolishing the IRS, who argued for a flat tax, who ardently pushed for an end to onerous regulations and the welfare state?
"Libertarian Democrat" my ass. Your cred is weak. Pick a different mantle.
Jamie Kelly, please read A Merkin Idle's post above.
Once upon a time (as in, when it looked like Hillary Clinton was going to win), she was the worstest candidate evah, and Barack Obama was the reasonable, decent alternative. Then, when it became clear she wasn't going to win, Barack Obama suddenly became the worsest candidate evah.
joe, it's FUCKING POLITICS. The instant Cruella DeClinton has a stake driven through her heart, the Democrats will be depicting John McCain as Richard Nixon without the sunny disposition.
In related news, the sun sets in the west. Again!
No one said you can't be a libertarian if you hold those positions. But that's only half of it. What about free markets? What about less tax regulation? What about less wealth redistribution? You're no more libertarian than a "libertarian Republican" who thinks these are good.
To: x,y
"No one said you can't be a libertarian if you hold those positions. But that's only half of it. What about free markets? What about less tax regulation? What about less wealth redistribution? You're no more libertarian than a "libertarian Republican" who thinks these are good."
And just what gave you the idea that I'm not for free markets, less tax regulation and less wealth redistribution? Awesome stupidly comment! Read something I've written!
"joe, it's FUCKING POLITICS. The instant Cruella DeClinton has a stake driven through her heart, the Democrats will be depicting John McCain as Richard Nixon without the sunny disposition."
Exactly and the moment he is no danger to win any elections, McCain will be a great American, maverick war hero whose legacy current Republicans fail to live up to.
Read something I've written!
Well, there was that post above wherein you self-identified as Democrat. I think it's reasonable you hold the positions of the party you claim membership in. Or does "Democrat" mean something different like "is" did?
Or does "Democrat" mean something different like "is" did?
Maybe Terry Michael's a "democrat" the way some people are "catholics". I'm willing to hope so.
But I'd feel a lot better if he signed the "Taxes is Theft" pledge. In blood.
Terry Michael,
Do you think racial discrimination by private individuals and organizations should be legal?
Also, what's your stance on the 2nd amendment? Do you favor gun control?
But I'd feel a lot better if he signed the "Taxes is Theft" pledge. In blood.
I didn't do that. I used a crayon. Is that why the Vast Libertarian Conspiracy keeps telling me my decoder ring is in the mail and if I wanted it quicker I should have used a private carrier instead of a government monopoly?
joe, it's FUCKING POLITICS.
Indeed it is.
Which raises the question: does John's sudden affection for Hillary Clinton make him a propaganda victim, or is he one of the perps?
"Next time you meet a Republican who agrees it should be legal to fist a hooker while snorting a line of duty-free coke off her tits"
Can I order the lower-cost option of a woman who just likes sex for the hell of it, and a few shots of Jagermesiter? I can't afford the coke, either.
Otherwise, sounds good in principle. Maybe Bill Clinton could hook me up?
Oh, wait. I got it all wrong. Apparently, we're accusing him of not being a Democrat.
Hey, now, let's not be hasty here... I feel your pain, comrade Guy, but I can't let go of any of my ladies of negotiable affection... oops, there's Hillary's ringtone, dammit! How does she know where I am? Is there a GPS thingy in this cell phone? It's like I'm a cat with a bell around its neck...
"WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON!!! WHY are there ten decapitated Polynesian hookers in the laundry room???"
Yikes, she's loud, huh fellas... heh... hold on, sugar-booger, I'll have that mess cleaned up... get Manuel on the phone, he's good with a mop...
You know, today me and Larry King were snorting coke, and I was opening a bag of potato chips... which is mostly air... I hate that. But, anyway, we had to get rid of these Polynesian hookers, and we were passing by Bill and Hillary's place...
Si, Meester Beel, I will get the Spic and Span and clean up queek...
See how these rich white people joke and spend our reparations money on hookers and potato chips! God damn America!!!
Did someone mention cocaine?
And just what gave you the idea that I'm not for free markets, less tax regulation and less wealth redistribution?
I'll take your word for it, Terry. I'm just struggling with how someone is for all those things can be a Democrat, given their current (and historical) positions that are antithetical.
R C Dean:
You ask about "historical" positions of the Democratic Party. The founder of the Party was Thomas Jefferson...the ultimate classical liberal....and the first libertarian Democrat! LOL
I think the nut who wrote the article is a "scumbag." He didn't have the guts to name his so called sources and further more, what does the Clinton's private life have to do with this campaign? I see it as another foolish attempt by immature and short sighted as well as stupid individuals who call themselves "journalists"(my dog could do what this fool did)that have no purpose in life period.
FWIW,
I am pretty sure Bill Clinton started the rumor about Gina Gershon...
And if Thomas Jefferson runs as a Democrat, I'll vote for him. However, if Thomas Jefferson were alive today, he'd likely be shooting Democrats, not running as one.
My God, I thought she'd never stop yammering. She sounds like Squidward.
if Thomas Jefferson were alive today, he'd likely be shooting Democrats, not running as one.
If JFK were running as a Democrat, the Democrats would be shooting at *him*.
"Next time you meet a Republican who agrees it should be legal to fist a hooker while snorting a line of duty-free coke off her tits"
Holy Crap! Marion Barry was a libertarian and no one bothered to tell me.
FWIW, can we please stop thinking that libertarians should be aligned with either party?