In his address at the Democratic National Convention last night, former President Bill Clinton spent a significant portion of his time ridiculing Donald Trump, taking aim at his self-centeredness, his age, and even his peculiar fixation on Hannibal Lecter.
“President Obama once gave me the great honor of saying I was explainer in chief. I’ve thought through it and I don’t know what to say,” Clinton remarked, reflecting on his role as a communicator.
Clinton, who delivered a speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention—one that many believe played a key role in boosting Obama’s chances for reelection—returned to the stage, albeit with a voice that has grown softer with age, a change he himself acknowledged.
“Now let’s cut to the chase. I am too old to gild the lily. Two days ago I turned 78, the oldest man in my family for a generation. And the personal vanity I want to assert is I am still younger than Donald Trump,” Clinton quipped, bringing attention to his age while simultaneously pointing out that he is still younger than Trump.
Clinton’s remarks largely centered on Trump’s self-absorption, a theme that has resonated throughout the convention.
“He mostly talks about himself, so the next time you hear him, don’t count the lies, count the I’s,” said Clinton – not known for being a truth-teller himself, as evidenced by his shameful behavior when he was the occupant of the White House. “His vendettas, his vengeance, his complaints, his conspiracies.”
The convention paid tribute to Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign while Clinton endorsed the idea that Hillary Clinton could carry on the legacy of the “man from hope,” suggesting she would be the “president of joy.”
However, Clinton also cautioned about the challenges that lie ahead.
“This is a brutal, tough business—I want you to be happy,” he warned. “One of the reasons Kamala Harris is doing so well is you are happy. But you should never underestimate your adversaries.”
Clinton emphasized the need for resilience, noting the importance of “meeting people where they are” and indicating that there are potential voters to reach in rural areas.
“Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for the chance the American people gave me to be one of the 45 people who have held the job,” Clinton said. “Even on the bad days, you can still make something good happen. Kamala Harris is the only candidate in this race with the vision, the experience, the temperament, the will, and yes—the sheer joy—to do that on good and bad days. To be our voice.”
{Matzav.com}