The war between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump has begun, even before they receive their party’s nominations. But the battle is not about the issues. Both are circumventing what is important to the American people with attack ads referring to relationships with women.
Clinton is airing ads using quotes from Trump which degrade women. Anyone who knows Trump is aware that he has always been a ‘womanizer,’ but this tactic is designed to inform everyone.
Trump’s ads are not aimed directly at Hillary; they are focused on Bill Clinton. They recount allegations about various women in his past and re-introduces the ‘Monica Lewinsky’ incident.
One man is most famous for his dogged pursuit of then President Clinton and his alleged sexual escapades. He led the effort to impeach Mr. Clinton. Although Trump is attempting to use Bill’s past as a weapon against Hillary, Kenneth Starr has different opinions.
Starr told media representatives that he regrets what he calls “the unpleasantness” of the past. He stated that he believes Mr. Clinton’s legacy should be remembered for positive reasons. He compared him to Jimmy Carter and his efforts in service of the world’s people.
“His genuine empathy for human beings is absolutely clear,” Mr. Starr said. “It is powerful, it is palpable, and the folks of Arkansas really understood that about him — that he genuinely cared. The ‘I feel your pain’ is absolutely genuine.”
However, you can be certain that this will not change efforts by Trump to soil the Clinton name.
If I have learned one thing during my years covering the political arena is that those who are quick to cast aspersion on others are often attempting to mask their own sins. All too frequently politicians and televangelists who stress family values are themselves guilty of adultery or practice covert homosexuality. Donald Trump is attempting to divert attention regarding his own debauched history.
Starr’s opinions of Trump are not favorable. Although he failed to mention the egotistical Republican standard bearer by name, he offered comments obviously directed at the real estate mogul.
Starr voiced his concerns about “the transnational emergence of almost radical populism, deep anger, a sense of dislocation.”
He cited the changes in our nation which have yet to be addressed by the right wing. “Our children are not going to do as well as we did or as our parents’ generation,” and pointing to demographic shifts as a source of “considerable instability.”
He also mimicked Bernie Sanders, aligning himself with the Senator’s primary theme. “We simply have not adjusted as a society to what seems to be the 1 percent and the 99 percent,” Mr. Starr said.
His interview encouraged politicians to engage in intellectual discourse and end the tactics of fear and anger. He began by references to the difficulties of LBJ during the Vietnam War, and moved towards today’s candidates.
“There are always places for shouts and strong feelings, but the genius of American democracy and of presidential leadership,” Mr. Starr continued, “is to bring unity out of our diversity. E pluribus unum — out of many, one. And we don’t seem to hear too many voices saying, ‘Let us find common ground.’”
Do not be surprised when other former detractors of the Clintons come forward to praise their efforts for the people of our nation and the world.
Trump will not receive the same praise. Always remember that he was pleased with the housing crisis which allowed him to by property inexpensively, and experienced an increase in his personal wealth.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Elvert Barnes
The Truth With No Restrictions 