Watching the inauguration yesterday was an interesting character study. The behaviors and images shown may not tell the whole story, but they do shed light into a few likely future and past politicians:
Hillary Clinton – Could she have looked more bored? It was quite obvious that at best she was taking mental Cliff’s notes. It was as if she felt too smart to be there and besides, what would that evil man at the podium have to say of note anyway? To all of you Bush haters who think Hillary is a savior, examine your criticisms of Bush’s personality and tell me where Hillary’s style is going to be an improvement. You may not wish to believe it, but she’s unelectable and will bring the Dems down further nationally if she’s nominated. Or as the former Indianapolis city treasurer diplomatically told me today, “She’ll definitely ensure a big turnout.” And he wasn’t talking about Democrats.
Bill Clinton – A study in contrast from his wife. Say what you will about him, but as he hung on every word Bush had to say. Not because he may have agreed, but because he understood: the place, the reason for the message, the gravity of what Bush is dealing with. A prediction: unlike what I previously believed, Bill Clinton will continue to grow in stature as an ex-president.
Rudy Giuliani – He was visibly freezing, but also paying close attention. Rudy seems to be unpretentious (for a New Yorker), and no-nonsense. He’ll tell you what he thinks, but he’s extremely smart, and his mannerisms at the inauguration say the same thing. He’s my early pick to win the GOP nomination.
John McCain – Looked confident and statesman-like. Quite electable on the national stage. If I only believed that the RNC would actually fund him I’d have more confidence in his chances. But I don’t think the conservative wing of the Republican Party will allow it, and that’s too bad. He deserves a shot. Note to Republicans: quit paying undue attention to the religious right. They will be your albatross, just as the fringe groups are to the Democrats.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter – They both looked like ministers, especially Jimmy, as if the weight of the day was all they felt along with compassion for the man behind the microphone. Side note: I know she’s at least in her 70s, but Rosalynn looks like 55. What is she eating? Or not eating?
John Kerry - Gracious but extremely tense. Only Al Gore, on the podium as the outgoing Vice-President at the last inauguration and in full glare of the cameras, could have been in a worse spot. Teresa should have suggested he not show up to this one.
Jenna and Barbara Bush – I’d like to see them replace Paris & Nicole on “The Simple Life.” Seriously, they seem imbued with a great mix of confidence borne out of both worldliness and youthful ignorance; Jenna seems to possess it in spades. As with all presidential children, it will be interesting to see where they end up in a few years.
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