Yes, it was emotional watching the American journalists disembark their jetliner this morning after 140 days or so of captivity in North Korea. The cable TV networks went nuts about the two women embracing their families, a mere few feet from the plane that had delivered them. One hugged her young daughter. Both hugged their parents. Good television for sure — and, like most people, I was moved. But enough of that. I got nearly as big a kick out of watching good ol’ Bill Clinton swaggering down the gangway and onto that toasty tarmac.
Give ol’ Bill some credit: First, he did the classy thing and allowed the journalists to exit first and take plenty of time with their families. He waited a good 10 minutes or so before he left the plane. When he did, he quietly chatted with the families and exchanged a few hugs. When it came time for the thank-yous and speeches, he said nothing. After journalist Laura Ling gave some heartfelt and well-rehearsed remarks, it was Al Gore, her employer at Current News TV, who took the microphone. Ol’ Bill stood in the background, grinning silently like the aging cat he has become. That’s not like the Clinton of old. Could it be he’s aging gracefully? I hear some people actually learn from their mistakes.
Of course, ol’ Bill had plenty to grin about. First, he had succeeded in an act of diplomacy that resulted in the release of innocent Americans. He was freshly back home from a tense few days in one of the most mysterious and dangerous countries in the world. But as much as anything, he must have been feeling a great sense of accomplishment — enough to enhance his sometimes-lumpy legacy.
The freed journalists said they had no clue they were being released until they were led to a meeting room. When the doors opened, they were shocked to see Bill Clinton standing there before them. It was then they knew they were safe. Forget about this morning’s photo ops at the airport: I’d rather see some footage from that moment. (I’m certain it exists: The North Koreans are said to have video cameras planted everywhere.)
I’m a Democrat and I almost always fell in line with ol’ Bill’s politics. I found him, and still do, to be a likeable guy. When I met him, he was charming and fully engaged, looking me right in the eye and gripping my hand hard and tight. But of course, there’s the whole Monica business. I wasn’t especially bothered by the fact that our smooth-talking president had an affair. To me, that was personal business. But I was angered by the fact that he lied about it. That whole thing involving the definition of the word “is” was, and still “is,” bull.
So this morning, ol’ Bill stood by and soaked up the moment. His hair is no longer gray, but instead fluffy, flashy white. His face is more weathered than ever. But for my two cents, he looks pretty good. I also have a feeling that as more time passes, Clinton will become a greater former president. Look what’s happened to Jimmy Carter. Say what you will about ol’ Bill, but I was impressed with what he did this time. I suspect the Americans he brought home were too.