Politics, Society

Clinton: We Don’t Need A President Who WIll Not Tell You The Truth

There are just some lines that politicians should leave to others like Senator Vitter (R., La.) denouncing others as “prostitutes” or former Senator Craig (R., Idaho) denouncing the critics for “pandering” to voters (as hypothetical examples). Bill Clinton reached that point Monday when he asked without a shadow of discomfort or awkwardness when voters really wanted a president who would lie to them with a straight face.

Clinton demanded to know “who wants a president who will knowingly, repeatedly tell you something he knows is not true?” He was not done yet as the irony level began to rise above his waist: “When I was a kid, if I got my hand caught in the cookie jar, where it wasn’t supposed to be, I turned red in my face, and I took my hand out of the cookie jar. You’ve got to give it to Governor Romney. When he gets his hand caught in the cookie jar, he just digs down for more cookies.”

Well, I have to give it to Clinton. Politicians often “transcend” their past votes and scandals. However, to set out to lecture folks on the need for presidents to be fully honest and truthful with the American people is not exactly a strength for our 42nd President. I understand his point. But, as one of the people who testified in the Clinton impeachment hearings, I wonder whether he is the guy who should deliver it.

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85 thoughts on “Clinton: We Don’t Need A President Who WIll Not Tell You The Truth”

  1. Wootsy, Lawyers are not under oath, only witnesses. Clinton was a witness sworn to tell the truth. He was disbarred for his lie.

  2. Mom, I’m w/ you there is probably never been a pol who hasn’t lied. But, being under oath is not political speech. It’s testimony and as Darren said, the core of our judicial system. This is a country of laws, not men.

  3. Oh please. The best the Republicans could come up with after millions of dollars in expenses and staff-years of work (in aggregate) in an attempt to ‘get’ a Democratic president was that he lied about a blow-job. Of course he lied about the sex- it’s only good manners to do so, for people of a certain age and cultural demographic. The investigation shouldn’t have gone there, there shouldn’t have been an impeachment (on grounds touching that issue) to testify at. Srsly, this county has an average age of 12 when it comes to sex. If he had been lying about money or political deals (which was the point of the inquiry) I firmly believe he wouldn’t have been impeached at all, politicians are very careful to not open some flood-gates lest the ensuing wave sweep them all out of favour. I was not a Clinton fan at the time but even I could see that he was being persecuted, not prosecuted. It told me a lot more about Republicans than about Clinton.

    It isn’t as if Clinton was out there campaigning for anti-blow job legislation or demonizing oral sex aficionados; that alone gets him off the hook with me. He wasn’t some flaming hypocrite. And speaking of hypocrisy, who was the loudest voice calling for Clinton’s head? Newt Gingrich. The Speaker of the House, who was carrying on a multi-year affair while married, who had dozens and dozens of ethics complaints against him and had been found previously to have been a serial check-kiter.

    If politicians were required to remain mute on subjects on which they may have some personal transgression here’s what Washington would sound like (and I’m not saying it would be a bad thing, just say’n):

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g04aCp3ej-I

  4. When only the “perfect politicians” can speak the truth, there will be no political truth spoken.

    Mittster Rmoney broke the record this election cycle.

  5. So Darren…” When people can be excused for lying under oath because some feel it is politically advantageous in doing so the process for the system of justice fractures.”……are Lawyers considered to be ‘under oath’ in a courtroom as agents of the justice system? ? I really would like to know….

  6. So his hair is now completely gray, and his makeover into a candidate for Mt Rushmore complete.

    Feh. You don’t have to be a repub bot to know exactly how little respect he deserves, though he uses all his mesmerizing skills to induce us to forget.

    Still the sleazy pol who accelerated the dem party down the corporatist slope.

  7. Is there a politician who has not lied?

    Clinton just lies with both more frequency and a straighter face.

  8. Nick pointed out the core of the issue. President Clinton lied under oath that is the issue. When people can be excused for lying under oath because some feel it is politically advantageous in doing so the process for the system of justice fractures.

    The basis for our system of justice is witness testimony and cross examination. Physical evidence does not admit itself for consideration in trial, it is admitted only upon testimony as to its provenance by others who are testifying under oath as to this and its applicability to the events. The truth in testimony is essential because if lies are rampant there is no trust as to the value of anything and the system breaks down. Evidence is not admitted, testimony is not believed and successful and reasonable outcomes are not achieved.

    People often confuse President Clinton’s sexual escapades with the lying under oath issue and declare it was not an issue because being a horndog is just a social or moral issue. The two are not the same. It is that he obstructed the investigation by the congress that is the problem for reasons mentioned previously.

    I would differ with some on whether it was a concern or not if the president cheated on his wife while in office. I look at it as more of an integrity issue. To me if he cheats on the first lady, where the breach of trust was simply for sex, it sets a pretty low bar for violating one’s promises or responsibilities. What would happen if instead of a roll in the hay the offer was 10 million dollars to veto a bill or have state work on a treaty with another nation?

    While one might not guarantee the other it certainly raises the level of suspicion and reduces the amount of trust.

  12. “When I was a kid, if I got my hand caught in the cookie jar, where it wasn’t supposed to be, I turned red in my face, and I took my hand out of the cookie jar…
    —————-
    I remember watching Pres. Clintons crucifixion…..I could not take my eyes off his very red nose…..
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1339518/Bill-Clinton-Prince-Charles-Its-rosacea-stupid–red-facial-flushes-caused-debilitating-skin-condition.html

    ….and I agree completely w/Magginkat…

  14. Maginkat, you are correct. Romney has lied about issues relate directly to his view if how to treat our citizens, controlling the conduct and power of corporations. His lies have shown him to be unmoored by facts or reality. If given the choice I would vote for Clinton and I think many in the US would.

  15. Pots for sale! Kettles for sale! Get ’em while they’re hot!

    Mr. Former President I Did Not Have Sexual Relations With That Woman.

    Whatta putz.

  18. Clinton lied inder oath. Having testified under oath hundreds, if not a thousand times, and never even considering lying, he lost me on that. Too bad we have to have this same tired argument, but here it comes.

  20. Romney has to be the most prolific liar to every run for president. Bill Clinton lied about something that was none of our business. Romney lied about everything that is our business. There’s a whole lot of difference in the lies told. Were you that hard up for a topic to post about today Mr. Turley? Or are you just trying to swing a couple votes for Romney?

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