Bogus Boos

President Bush’s report of Former President Clinton’s ill health is booed, according to AP. Except that it wasn’t, and AP regrouped quickly. Captain Ed has the details.

For the most part, I’ve seen conservative bloggers express condolences to President Clinton and wishes that he may come through his upcoming bypass surgery with flying colors.

Christian charity? Some of it is (at least from this blogger). But I think that most of the well-wishes toward President Clinton that have come from his ideological opponents stem from an innate sense of fair play. We don’t want the man to die like this. We want him to live, be a worthy opponent, and beat him and his party fair and square.

A certain segment of AP can’t quite understand this reaction. So they make up a story that fits with how *they* might react in a similar situation.

Now we know (as if we didn't before).

Comments

[TheAnchoress]

I agree with baldi that the dem writer of that piece projected. Let's face it, if Bush were the one with facing the surgery, we'd be hearing everyone from Jonathan Alter, to Al Franken to Michael Moore cackling that it was 'divine retribution' or something, then they MIGHT give lip service to wishing him well, but you know there would be snarky remarks like, 'yeah, Mr. President, we'll keep some champagne on ice, just in case you make it.'

I don't like Clinton, but I certainly wish him well, and a full recovery.

[Alan Massey]

My observations match Baldilocks, even "extreme" right wingers, who loathed his politics, have no problem wishing Clinton well.
The comparison between this and the behaviour of a large number of vocal lefties when Reagan died is telling.

[Patterico]

I think the Bush/Hitler comparisons say it all. Back when those comparisons were all the rage, I kept telling people that I despised Clinton, but that if someone wanted to compare him to a murderous despot, I would tell them that they were out of their minds. He is a guy who did what he thought was best for his country. I think he was wrong, and I think there was a huge dose of concern for himself mixed in, but he's still an American hoping to help out his fellow Americans.

Same goes for John Kerry. You might disagree with the guy, but he's an American, wrong-headedly doing what he honestly thinks is best for the country (and, of course, himself -- which is true for Bush as well).

How anyone could not wish a former president the best in this difficult time is beyond me.

[Ernie G]

We don't have to imagine snarky remarks if the situation were reversed. When Dick Cheney went in the hospital, there was no shortage of insulting crap.

[Jane]

Thats because on this side of the divide, our arguements are based on logic and reason. On there side, its paranoia and delusion. Some of them really so believe there won't be another election if Bush gets reelected. Its scary.

[Rae]

And they claim to not be liberal.....