Presidents and those who could have been

"As the light changed from red to green to yellow and back to red again, I sat there thinking about life.  Was it nothing more than a bunch of honking and yelling?  Sometimes it seemed that way."  -- Jack Handey

Two political stories caught my attention today.  Of course, one garnered more national attention than the other.

Perhaps the more important story involved the DNC's discovery that John Kerry had over $15 million still in his campaign fund when the campaign ended.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/18/democrats.kerry.ap/index.html

This should shock and disgust not only Kerry supporters, but all loyal Democrats.  In an election where Democrats had a (-5) Congressional turnover ratio, $15 million extra in the final week could have greatly increased efforts in all of those battles, most of which were close races (especially in Florida).

In yet another close presidential election, $15 million extra spent in Florida, Iowa, New Mexico, or especially in Ohio, could have made all the difference.  Instead, Kerry supporters were left to blame everything but their candidate.

Until today.

"Democrats are questioning why he sat on so much money that could have helped him defeat George Bush or helped down-ballot races, many of which could have gone our way with a few more million dollars," said Donna Brazile, campaign manager for Al Gore's 2000 presidential race.  [Emphasis added.]

Apparently, Kerry also saved roughly $2 million for legal fees toward his possible 2008 presidential campaign.  If that's the same reasoning behind Kerry savinh $15 million from this year's fund, he does NOT deserve to run again.  To quote current New York Jets head coach Herman Edwards, "You play to WIN the game."

The other possibility is that Senator Kerry was overconfident in his victory chances.  So sure that he squandered nearly $20 million for some later use during his presidency.  No one knows at this point, but I hope his colleagues and supporters don't back down and not ask him why.

So now instead of complaining about possible computer and ballot glitches that might have possibly canceled hypothetical votes, etceteras, etceteras, etceteras -- disappointed Kerry supporters can now direct their voices in another direction: right at the man himself (AKA, where it belongs).

Not surprisingly, this story received little to no attention from mass media news outlets today.  Instead the focus was -- and perhaps rightly so -- on the dedication of Bill Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

(Which Senator Kerry was expected to attend, as noted in President Clinton's own speech.)

The weather was terrible, which shouldn't have mattered.  The ceaseless downpour, or rather the attention paid to it by all involved, begged the question: Who planned the festive ceremony for this lavish, high-tech structure -- but forgot to provide an awning for the FOUR PRESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE who were there to speak?

The weather did, however, provide for some unique political moments and images.  For example, Janet Reno sitting in a soaked poncho, as if a dedicated father -- err, mother -- at her son's high school football game.  There were also the camera shots of Clinton's expressions as presidents past and present gave anecdotal speeches about his legacy, as if at a more formal friar's club roast.

(The best moment, of course, was when the military person holding the umbrella over speakers accidentally whacked Hillary Clinton with it while she gave her speech.)

All kidding aside, I was impressed with the speeches given by the other presidents and Senator Clinton.  They seemed heartfelt and all of them were well-written.  They were all delivered soulfully, with good comic timing and appropriate pauses meant for reflection and applause. 

Pundits did their best to stir controversy by guessing what each president really meant or how he truly felt while saying kind words about Bill Clinton.  For example, they tried to spin George Herbert Walker Bush's self-deprivating remarks into a tacit revelation of his hatred toward Clinton.  I just didn't see it the same way.

Of course, the best speaker was President Clinton himself.  Love him or hate him, one cannot be a student of communications, or politics, or of practically any social science -- and not enjoy hearing the 42nd president of the United States speak to a crowd.

For me, two moments from Clinton's speech stood out most.  First, when he mentioned the best attributes of both progressivism and conservatism.  Second, when he said he liked BOTH John Kerry and George W. Bush.  Kudos to President Clinton for encouraging Americans to put the recent election behind them and to move forward toward unity.

(Granted, this was a savvy political move, as well!  Nevertheless, it was a classy move, and that's sometimes most important.)

All of the speakers at the event today were classy.  Their speeches were tasteful and optimistic.  I felt a positive vibe while I watched, and now while reflecting on, the event.  Maybe the rain provided a positive metaphor that even through crummy weather, Americans can come together for something good.

Let's hope.