Bush keeps low profile at John Paul II's funeral (A study in contrasts)

The Washington Times ^ | April 08, 2005 | Bill Sammon

[rightalien]

ROME -- President Bush, determined not to upstage the funeral of Pope John Paul II, kept an unusually low profile in Rome yesterday, although former President Bill Clinton gave a television interview watched by millions.

"He recognizes the significance of the moment," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said of Mr. Bush. "And the focus rightly should be on the Holy Father."

Mr. Bush became the first president in years to conduct a full day's schedule on foreign soil without allowing a single press question, photograph or even fleeting image on videotape. His father, the first President Bush, also refrained from interviews.

"But President Clinton gave an interview to Brian Williams," said Mr. McClellan, referring to the "NBC Nightly News" anchorman.

[Irish Rose]

George Bush is classy and Bill Clinton is - trashy. Didn't we all know this already?

[Kenny Bunkport]

W's fault for inviting the big oaf.

[hflynn]

We knew it. It's Class vs Ass.

[OldFriend]

The contrast could not be more clear.

Grace and dignity as opposed to low class trash.

[mewzilla]

Nice of Brian Williams and NBC to try to help out Slick after Slick kept inserting his foot in his mouth. What's a little damage control between friends, eh?

[mewzilla]

I wonder who asked for the interview: NBC or Slick...?

[Ukiapah Heep]

Did you catch the look of death Condi shot at Bubba? I'll bet he was trying something with her he shouldn't!

[SF Republican]

Why do we get so upset with this? What is the big deal? Clinton is in Rome for one of the most significant gatherings of this millennium (granted it is still young) and he gives an interview, big deal. By the way the sun came up in the east again this morning.

[Irish Rose]

The president probably ought to have guessed.

If George Bush wants to be nice to Bill Clinton, good for him, but on things like this he really ought to think of the American people first. Does he really think we want a creep like Clinton representing us to the world? That humiliation was supposed to end when Clinton left office.

[demkicker]

Do you have a pic?

[anniegetyourgun]

The White House promised to issue a couple of photos taken by in-house photographers, although some news agencies are reluctant to publish such photos.

Well, given how easily the MSM can apparently be duped, I can understand their unwillingness to publish WH photos. They could, after all, be forged and even faxed or mailed from some Kinkos in TX.

[Irish Rose]

I back that request!

[MinuteGal]

I'll bet Klintoon was laughing it up with Brian Williams in the studio prior to the interview and started wiping away tears when the camera started to roll.

With the international media gawking and filming, it's a wonder Bubba didn't swing on the rope when the cathedral's big bell started tolling.....oh wait, that was Notre Dame.

Well, he can do it some other time for Chirac.

Leni

[proud American in Canada]

"Did you catch the look of death Condi shot at Bubba?"

I noticed she looked upset or disturbed, but I couldn't figure out if she was irritated with Clinton or just very moved and sad about the Pope.

It was probably a little of both...

[OldFriend]

LOLOL....oh how did I miss that!!!

Oh how I admire Dr. Rice.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

But.. but... But they have to guard against propaganda, don't they? Especially from that chimp-looking, overconfident, deserter?/sarcasm

[Corporate Law]

Maybe W. is surprising everyone again, knowing Clinton will be Clinton and what an event for the contrast to be made clearer?

[Yaelle]

This is OK because it just once more demonstrates what class and dignity is... and what it isn't.

Clinton would not go anywhere that did not involve either photographers or illicit sex.

[RedEyeJack]

Count on Bill to try to be the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral....