I was fortunate enough to be present for a live interview of Presidents Bush and Clinton sponsored by TD Ameritrade. Frankly, I almost skipped the event, trying to convince myself that I had “better things” to do, but I went anyway, and left the interview totally overwhelmed. Though the group in attendance was far from intimate (approximately 1500 people), I was fortunate enough to be seated physically very close to them…close enough to see fine details of their facial expressions that one would not see on a flat screen. I have a long history of being exceeding critical of each of their Presidencies…and though the substance of my criticism has not changed, I am embarrassed at the tone I have taken in the past.

After this interview, there is no question in my mind that George W. Bush and William J. Clinton are intelligent, committed and caring individuals who share an earnest concern for the future of this Country. It was very clear that they do not share the same ideas as to what course government should take, but each displayed an honest and genuine respect for one another.

The list of questions they faced had not been shown to them before the interview, which was obviously live and the audience had been carefully screened to eliminate the media…both Presidents were approachable, relaxed and very casual. Still, I must say that they effortlessly carry an unexpected aura about them.

When asked what they felt were their most important achievements, each of them also commented positively (and at length) on the accomplishments of the other. Bush on Clinton’s management of the economy and Clinton on Bush’s success in preventing additional terrorist attacks on our soil. Both spoke about the disappointments they faced during their terms…largely programs they had campaigned for that were sidetracked by events beyond their control. Bush spoke of the demands and road blocks that 9/11 placed in front of his plans to reduce the size of government; for Clinton it was the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, whom he described as a heroic Israeli determined to make peace in the Middle East.

When asked toughest thing they each had to do as President, President Bush said, ”Sending our young people to war”…after making that statement he forced himself to remain firm, but there was clearly another level of emotion in his eyes. President Clinton concurred, speaking quietly about meeting with the families of those lost in Somalia and the East African Embassy bombings…saying, “It is impossible to console those who lost their dreams on foreign ground”… and it was clear that he carried those experiences close to the surface of his conscious thought at all times.

After an extended pause, when there was not a sound in the audience of 1500, the interviewer simply asked a pointed question: “Why would anyone want to become President?”…quickly following it with, “When did you know you wanted to be President?” And, the interview moved along…continuing to run long past the promised 75 minutes.

Digressing for a moment to the format of the interview, rather than a “stage,” the interview was conducted on a low platform with the Presidents just modestly above eye level. No podiums, no teleprompters. Both sat in arm chairs, those rich burgundy-red leather buttoned chairs often found in executive offices. Their body language was very obvious and revealing. President Bush sat back, focused, arms open, feet firmly planted on the floor. He faced forward when a question was asked of him and leaned forward toward the audience, making direct eye contact, while he answered. When President Clinton answered a question, President Bush sat back in his chair, but turned toward President Clinton. And President Clinton also sat back as questions were delivered to him, his legs were crossed but openly (ankle to knee), while his left arm was propped at the side of his head holding the microphone…he too pushed forward to engage the audience and also exhibited a very open and casual posture. When President Bush was answering a question, President Clinton also turned to his partner on stage and listened intently. Both were obviously comfortable, confident and engaged…neither bristled or revealed any angst when the other stated an opposing view…in many areas, they agreed to disagree…and as President Clinton proffered later when speaking of Congress, “we need to find areas where we can agree and take action”.

The final question was, “Which current issue would you like to comment on, steps that should be taken on financial regulation or healthcare?” Without regurgitating the substance of their answers, it became very apparent that both were highly critical of Congress and their own parties for the level of blind partisan politics. Clinton directed his comments at ‘those in my party who are more focused on their reelection than on doing the right thing…Bush followed with equally virile criticism of those in the Republican Party with obstructionist postures. Strange as it might seem, most of the audience came away with the impression that these two men could work together…and certainly did work in what they believed were all of our best interests… for right or for wrong.

Throughout the interview, both Presidents were steadfast in their faith in the people of this country…there is just no way words can describe their commitment to this belief. Yes, there are those who might speculate that we were just sold a bill of goods by two of the best salesmen on the planet, but it was very evident that each of them believes adamantly in the product they are selling…you, me, and EVERY AMERICAN.

Tags: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, TD Ameritrade