How weak is President Barack Obama(D)? So weak that he calls in his Democratic predecessor, former President Bill Clinton (D) to explain Obama's tax plan to the public in a bizarre joint White House press conference. Adding to the sense of unreality Obama departed early--he didn't want to be late for a a Christmas party he was attending with his wife he lamely explained--as his Clinton stand in continued with the presser.
Here's a link to the video.
"Those that benefit the most should pay the most," Clinton ruled, continuing the redistributive Democratic philosophy of punishing those who succeed by grandly taking their money and their right to spend it as they please.
Oh well, at least they didn't blame President George W. Bush (R). Much.
Tom Roberson sees this as the beginning of Bill Clinton's third term:
Bill Clinton's appearance at Obama's Friday press conference signals his return to the White House as de facto president and validates his election assessment that Obama was unprepared to assume the presidency. With no love lost between Clinton and Obama, the fact that Obama reached out to Clinton to push through his latest stimulus plan masquerading as a continuation of the Bush tax cuts signals that he sees his chances for reelection in serious trouble.
Clinton, of course, reveled in his return to the White House podium, outlasting even the long-winded Obama. The problem Obama will soon discover is how to get rid of Clinton since he's comfortable in the White House and has nothing to lose by sticking around. Sure, Obama benefits from Clinton's ability to schmooze Congress and get legislation passed, but it will become apparent quite soon that Clinton is being effective while Obama is in the way. Looking ineffective is not a good position to be in with an election coming up.
Think I'm reading too much into this? Perhaps, but there was plenty of enmity built up between these two during the 2008 election campaign as they
struggled over control of the Democrat Party. Bill has to be feeling pretty good at being asked to ride to the rescue as Obama twists in the wind under attack from his liberal base. Bill wrote the book on triangulation, but Obama hasn't got a clue and it shows. As long as his base was intact, Obama could play the class warfare card, but he has no experience placating his base as he tries to deal with the opposition to get legislation moving.
Bill Clinton looked so natural that Sean Hannity even slipped on his program Friday night referring to Clinton as president instead of Obama. The desperation is apparent to all.
Tom Roberson is an independent conservative blogging at www.tomroberson.wordpress.com
Update: As so often the case, Iowahawk's satirical take on the matter illuminates what's really going on. Even though it was posted two years ago (!)
WASHINGTON DC - Ending weeks of speculation and rumors, President-Elect Barack Obama today named Bill Clinton to join his incoming administration as President of the United States, where he will head the federal government's executive branch.
"I am pleased that Bill Clinton has agreed to come out of retirement to head up this crucial post in my administration," said Obama. "He brings a lifetime of previous executive experience as Governor of Arkansas and President of the United States, and has worked closely with most of the members of my Cabinet."
Clinton said he was "excited and honored" by the appointment, and would work "day and night" to defeat all the key policy objectives proposed by Mr. Obama during the campaign.
"I am gratified that the President-Elect has entrusted me with this important responsibility," said Clinton. "I'm looking forward to getting back behind, and under, the Oval Office desk again. (snip)
"Let's face it, it's obvious I'm in way over my head here," explained Obama. "Anyone paying attention knows I am a disaster waiting to happen, and who can blame them? I mean, just look at the stock market. That's why I think it's in the best interest of the country that I hand over the reins to people who, whatever their ethical shortcomings, at least have a faint clue about what they're doing. Come on, man. I've got a 401-k, too."
There's more, including some off-color language. But it is hilarious.
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