Bubba and Bush

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine - Bill Clinton joined his one-time political foe, former President George H.W. Bush, for a boat ride on the Atlantic Ocean after attending a book-signing Monday.

Clinton was seen kneeling to pet a dog when he arrived at Walker's Point, the summer home of George and Barbara Bush on Maine's rocky coast. Later, Clinton and Bush waved to onlookers as they boated up and down a river before roaring into the ocean for a short ride in Bush's three-engine boat.

The 1992 election rivals became good friends when they led fund-raising as part of the relief effort for victims of the Asian tsunami. Bush extended the invitation after learning that Clinton would be in Maine for a book signing.


A few thoughts came to me when I read this story.

First, how unusual for Clinton to be seen kneeling! I know he was petting a dog, but it still reminded me of how typically Clinton is not the one who's kneeling.

Second, I don't understand why some Republicans get all bent out of shape by the friendship that has developed between Bush 41 and Bubba. It's frequently said that it's like sleeping with the enemy. It's inappropriate, given how the Clintons have bashed the younger George. Maybe it's just me, but the way I see it, being friendly, extending an invitation to one's home, is a gracious thing to do. It's not like Bush has become friends with Osama bin Laden.

Cynics have said that the friendship between the two former rivals is all about helping Hillary appear more centrist. It's really just political strategy. Bill is cozying up to a Republican to give the impression, at least on a subliminal level, that it's OK for conservatives to like Hillary and support her for president. I think that's ridiculous.

Is it possible Bill is insincere, that he's really exploiting Bush 41 for political gain? Of course.

But let's be realistic. How many people would cast a vote for Hillary because they saw Bill with Bush in a boat at Kennebunkport or with him on a golf course somewhere?

I see nothing wrong with this odd couple. If anything, I think it works in the Republicans' favor. Bill can't exactly behave like a rabid attack dog after he's been treated so kindly by the Bushes. He can; but he would come off like a back-stabbing jerk.

I think the relationship between Bush 41 and Bubba is being over-analyzed. Let them enjoy each other's company and leave it at that.