Transition in a democracy - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Botnst · #1 01-02-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

ince Barack Obama won the White House, Bush has encouraged his staff to ease the president-elect's transition as much as possible. To that end, White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten hosted a dozen of his predecessors for breakfast in early December in a session designed to give incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel a clear picture of what his job will entail. Emanuel got plenty of helpful suggestions from insiders ranging from Bolten to Leon Panetta, who served Bill Clinton, and Ken Duberstein, who worked for Ronald Reagan. Participants said Emanuel took copious notes and seemed very appreciative of the suggestions. Press secretary Dana Perino also has been very informative and gracious to incoming spokesman Robert Gibbs.

But the most important moment of outreach is yet to come—the extraordinary luncheon that Bush will host January 7 at the White House for Obama himself. It will include all three living ex-presidents—Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. This exclusive club is expected to give Obama some tips about his new life in the White House, how he can deal with his lack of privacy and, overall, the challenges he can anticipate as the leader of the free world. "These men share experiences that no one else can imagine," Perino told reporters. "It will be fabulous to have them all here together." It apparently will be the first time such a conclave of former presidents has been held under the auspices of an outgoing administration to demonstrate solidarity with a new commander in chief.

"It is a magnanimous gesture—to help the new president with the voice of experience from the people who actually sat in the Oval Office," says Duberstein. "And having the former presidents share their insights collectively is absolutely the way the American people want our government leaders to act. This should be heartening for both sides of the aisle." Adds Duberstein: "You have enough bumps in the road anyway. Maybe this will let him [Obama] avoid some." Obama's advisers say he is looking forward to the session.

http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/politics/2009/01/02/bushs-gracious-and-cooperative-attitude-toward-obama.html

LaRondo · #2 01-02-2009, 02:40 PM

Sure looks like a recollection of experience, alright!

dynalow · #3 01-02-2009, 02:54 PM

"Democratic strategists, including many linked to Congress who have battled the Bush administration for the past eight years, say such a spirit of comity is long overdue. It's unclear whether it will last much beyond Inauguration Day".

Two to one it doesn't last 24 hours, or until Jimmy Carter finds a reporter with a microphone.

I think Carter's public attacks on Bush have been over the top. If he can put them aside and be civil to Carter, I think it shows W's got one thick hide.

I wonder if Jimme will bring his foreign policy advisor daughter Amy with him?

On the whole, a good gesture by Bush.

dynalow · #4 01-02-2009, 03:02 PM

Mugabe condemns opposition 'lies'

President Mugabe blames the opposition for violence
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has accused the opposition of lying about political violence in the country to cast doubt on forthcoming polls.

The opposition says at least 70 of its supporters have been killed and many more beaten in the run-up to next week's presidential run-off election.

He also told supporters that "only God" could remove him from office.

Meanwhile the opposition MDC says a court has overturned a police ban on a major rally on Sunday in Harare.

Opposition spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai, planned to attend the event.

Police have banned a series of opposition gatherings, leading the MDC to say it was being forced to campaign in virtual secrecy.

All necessary force will be applied on malcontents and perpetrators of violence

Mr Mugabe told supporters at a campaign rally in the southern city of Bulawayo on Friday that he would "never allow an event like an election to reverse our independence, our sovereignty."

"Only God who appointed me will remove me - not the MDC, not the British," he said.

Perhaps the Appointed One will have something to offer here.

SirNik84 · #5 01-02-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynalow

I think it shows W's got one thick hide.

Thick Hide... Hells yes, I don't know how that guy can sleep at night because of all the harassment he gets on a daily basis. I happen to agree with GWB, and I find it hard to put up with my friends and keep a cool nerve when talking politics. He is a master of keeping a cool head.

I think this is an Excellent idea, and Obama, and presidents from here on out would keep this in mind and make it a tradition.