We Miss Bill Clinton

We really do. He remains the most talented politician of his generation. Sure, he's a slime-ball, but he's like the ex-girlfriend who stole your car, slept with your best friend, and ruined your razor, but who could do that thing that you've never been able to teach another woman to do: you're glad they're gone, but you find yourself wistfully missing them for all that.

Comes now Bill Clinton on the subject of the Republican Vice-Presidential nominee:

Bill Clinton said Monday he understands why Sarah Palin is popular in the heartland: because people relate to her.

"I come from Arkansas, I get why she's hot out there," Clinton said. "Why she's doing well."

Speaking to reporters before his Clinton Global Initiative meeting, the former president described Palin's appeal by adding, "People look at her, and they say, 'All those kids. Something that happens in everybody's family. I'm glad she loves her daughter and she's not ashamed of her. Glad that girl's going around with her boyfriend. Glad they're going to get married.'"

Clinton said voters would think, "I like that little Down syndrome kid. One of them lives down the street. They're wonderful children. They're wonderful people. And I like the idea that this guy does those long-distance races. Stayed in the race for 500 miles with a broken arm. My kind of guy."

[snip]

"I get this," Clinton said. "My view is ... why say, ever, anything bad about a person? Why don't we like them and celebrate them and be happy for her elevation to the ticket? And just say that she was a good choice for him and we disagree with them?"

We miss you, Bill!