Quote:
Originally posted by King Maxx
Bill's biggest flaws were the crime bill (which was not his fault and the beloved Joe Biden's bill and actually did some good things), not killing Bin Laden (totally understandable tho), and the terrible DOMA which truly was trash.
But he had to sign it or he would've lost reelection.  |
Look I get that violent crime was much worse in the 90s and they had to do
something, but Bill undoubtably helped contribute to the era of mass incarceration in the US. That's is something about his record that's worth criticizing.
As yes, the economy was fantastic during his administration, but part of that was due to him repealing Glass-Steagall and creating a temporary artificial boom in the economy. Repealing Glass-Steagall was catastrophic in the long term, and led to Wall Street's completely unchecked practices and helped build part of the foundation for the recession.
Bill was an incredibly flawed president at best, and I actually think he deserves less praise than he's given. I'd personally say that Obama has been one of the best and most consequential presidents ever.
With that said, I agree that centrist politics in the Democratic party was necessary at the time and Bill did a good job rebuilding the coalition in the party.
And dammit if he isn't one of the greatest orators in the history on the country.
Obama needs a vacation. The man has the world on his shoulder. 
