Posted on 12/29/2004 11:34:21 AM PST by kattracks
The White House is blasting former President Clinton for trying to upstage President Bush with a "we feel your pain" condolence message to the victims of the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami that struck Christmas weekend.
Reacting to complaints that Bush was missing in action in the wake of the disaster, White House spokesman Trent Duffy told reporters Tuesday, "The president wanted to be fully briefed on our efforts [before speaking out]. He didn't want to make a symbolic statement about 'We feel your pain.' " The "feel your pain" reference was a direct slap at President Clinton, who had irked administration officials by beating Bush to the punch with comments on the disaster - and stealing the media limelight in the process.
Noted the Washington Post:
"In Britain, the predominant U.S. voice speaking about the disaster was not Bush but former president Bill Clinton, who in an interview with the BBC said the suffering was like something in a 'horror movie,' and urged a coordinated international response."
"It is really important that somebody take the lead in this," Clinton told the BBC, in a thinly veiled reminder of Bush's silence. "I think one of the problems is when everybody takes responsibility it's almost like no one's responsibility," he complained.
Many Bush aides believe Clinton was too quick to head for the cameras to "hold forth on tragedies with his trademark empathy," the Post added.
"Actions speak louder than words," an annoyed Bush aide told the paper.
On Wednesday President Bush announced a massive aid package for victims of the tsunami disaster.
Ex-president Clinton has yet to react.
Typical liberalism, just saying that you care is enough.
Bears repeating
I feel Clinton's pain....everytime I sit down!!
1I think this is tacky for someone to whine about Clinton being Clinton. It is almost tackier than Clintoon's rush to the cameras.
"Bushies: Clinton Showboating on Disaster"
That's not true-I'm sure that Bill Clinton is seriously concerned about the sex trade in Thailand.
Clinton didn't beat President Bush to the punch. We have no idea just how much behind the scene activity President Bush has been involved in on behalf of the tsunami/earthquake victims.
Bill should have just told the victims to "put some ice on it."
The most narcissistic person ever to be president.
Clintoon is a big J-E-R-Q-U-E.
(As the late Jim Healy would say).
Nowhere man pleas listen, No on cares what you think on any moral issues, since you put the stain on a young girls heart, and blue dress.
Ops4 God Bless America!
Once again, Bill Clinton gets credit from the media for running off at the mouth, but in essence saying nothing; for his symbolism over substance.
Thats a fact, Jack !
ping
"I did have sex with that woman....Ms. Nemcova"
Detestable man.
Like he did for Rwanda, right?
Oh, wait...
Clinton should appoint himself chief of the recovery effort. Not only would this give him visibility for his run for UN secretary general, but his base of operations would be closer to Bangkok.
You're still here?
I thought you swore you were going to leave FR if Bush won.
Yep..!!
Plus IMO, he's continually interviewing for that U.N. gig....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.