Just finished "Bill Clinton's New Life" in the June Vanity Fair.

Very lengthy, thorough article about Clinton's ups and downs since leaving Pennsylvania Avenue. It was a very interesting read for anyone who has been wondering what Clinton's been going through these last few years. It's not all pretty, that's for sure, but there are some real bright spots too... just kind of makes me miss the man.

A few revelations from the article that I was unaware of, and found fascinating:

- He wasn't a fan of Howard Dean, and prefered the "silk and sugar" style of John Edwards to Dean's "gravel and vinegar." Clinton phoned Jimmy Carter the day of Howard Dean's endorsement-less visit to Georgia; some allege that Clinton's call was influential in Carter's decision not to endorse anyone.

- In the first weeks after his presidency ended, Clinton occupied himself by dropping in on local grade school plays, and drinking non-alcoholic beers in working class bars. He was very close to his dog, Buddy, who kept him company in those early, lonely days. Poor Buddy. :-(

- Bush sent an Air Force jet to pick Clinton up from Australia on 9/12/01.

- Clinton's work to advance the treatment of AIDS in Africa has been revolutionary. His special talent is showing African nations how to dramatically reduce the cost of AIDS treatment through the use of generics and cutting out the middle-man. In South Africa alone, the cost of treatment per patient per year has been reduced from $1,500 to $250.

- Bush's much-hailed, and now-buried "AIDS Initiative" was hatched mainly to trump Clinton's rather miraculous advancements on the issue. The Bush AIDS package dictated that African nations must open themselves up to "business opportunities and the entrepreneurial spirit;" banned any mention of contraceptives and family planning as a way to prevent AIDS; banned the use of generic drugs; and placed stewardship of the program in the hands of the former CEO of Eli Lilly.

- Clinton speaks with John Kerry via telephone at least once a week.

- He still seems to be in denial about Rwanda. :-(

- If offered a do-over, Clinton wouldn't pardon Marc Rich, citing as his reason "It was terrible politics." Scooter Libby was one of three Republican attorneys Clinton consulted with about the Rich pardon, and received Libby's full support.

- He was taken aback by the new Administration's pointed attacks on his legacy, from the day he left the White House.

- His tomb is being built at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AK, in a place overlooking the river, called "Contemplation Grove."

of things in the political arena. I will have to get the June issue tomorrow.

... weeks before Woodward's book came out. That article is priceless to anyone who really wishes to understand the disturbed, troubled way in which Bush and his Junta led this nation into this disaster of a war.

Vanity Fair has really improved... I canceled my subscription right after the "White House at War" post-9/11 photo spread came out. I re-upped my subscription after reading the "March to War" piece.

By the way, the Clinton piece is sooooo long! I can't remember a longer article in VF. It took me about an hour and a half to digest it, but I ate it with a spoon. :D

:dem:

Most people consider and treat others in a reflection of their own character. Thus, Clinton surrounded himself with and sought advice from many people that he simply 'trusted' would be honest and sincere. This turned out to be very damning and damaging to him and Hillary. He had many insiders whom he never suspected were really his enemies.

In other words, a crook always suspects others of being criminal in intent and behavior. A person with good intentions usually feels that the intention of others is good.

Did anyone else notice how good Clinton looks in those photos?

He seems to have slimmed down quite a bit, but there's something else. He conveys a lot of power and confidence. It's no suprise he has had some of the social trouble he's had.

I can't wait for his book!

Also, don't miss the little piece by Larry David about why he should be Kerry's VP. It's a riot! (I think it's the same issue).