Subject: Things I like about Presidents
Perfection? Never. Saints? Hardly. Is any of this a full throated absolutist endorsement, or denial of any wrongdoings or missteps? No way. Backhanded compliments? No way. Stuff I severely dislike about each? Yep, but this is stuff I like. Just some words from someone who quit your system of tribalism and being owned by a media silo/ghetto many years ago.

Back when I felt "America" inside me, and I was raised that way - I did always have awe for the office of President. To that end -- things that I appreciate about every President since I've been alive.


Jimmy Carter
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Such an honest, decent man. Perhaps too much so for politics and the Presidency. Loved how they actually paid for the snacks on Air Force One. We know now - it would've bene expedient for him to expose certain things or take credit - but he didn't do it in the name of what was better for the country. I forget which Presidential Library it was.....but it was raining. I adored how Carter with his forearm brushed away as much water from the chair he could, before Mrs Carter sat down. Was less of a slave to Israel than much of America's current ruling class.


Ronald Reagan
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Man I was a kid, and I felt great. Unabashed belief in American Exceptionalism. A true product of a Right that didn't shun intellectualism (Buckley, college campuses, etc). Staunch belief that the Soviet Union was indeed Evil, and despite much criticism built up an arsenal to that end. Huge tax cuts. America and Americans had our swagger again. The economic growth unleashed was not temporary. And to this day - Large Profitable Innovative Corporations and a huge nuclear deterrent - are just a few of they keys America can use when dealing with situations like - Ukraine.


Bush Senior
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This one is tough - I cheered when he lost.

The Americans with Disabilities Act - I am thankful for - he collaborated with Dems and they got his done. I'm glad that handicapped Americans have certain accommodations thanks to this and even as I see my parents get older - I even more thankful for it.

Also, the man was NOT as much of a mule to Israel as others. He and Baker called out Israel a few times......as a **coincidence**, interest rates only came down towards the end of Bush's Presidency - that final quarter GDP was growing robustly. Also, Senior didn't go all the way in Iraq- he and Skowcroft didn't want to be an occupying power in Iraq - and he knew that 25,000 Americans, armed with Big Macs and Chase checking accounts, wouldn't control 25 million people. And Bush Senior knew that "certain people" - just can't do democracy and autonomy. Just can't.He was proven right eventually.


Bill Clinton
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Whew! Complex fellow. Things I like.....

Insurance portability. It's imperfect and pricey but at least it's there.
SISTAH SOULJAH moment: Bill Clinton stood up to the more extreme parts of his party.
WELFARE REFORM: He collaborated with Gingrich Republicans - and presto.
ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN: My friends on the right disagree -- but I appreciated this.

I also admire the rare combo of charisma COMBINED with policy wonkery and in my heart of hearts - I think Bill Clinton, cared about people.

My Father actually met Clinton at Rosa Park's funeral. Told me hours later of a quick personal moment they had together. Dad was floored by it.

W Bush
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The man had a sincere desire to work with the opposite side, and the his mistake off giving foreign policy to NeoCons caused so much polarization which ruined chances for more bipartisan works. He was at 60%+ before Iraq- he had zero need to wag the dog.

In Texas he worked so well with some Dems - and had such a friendship with Big Time Democrat Lubbock.

I was and am smitten with how he just didn't care what LeMonde or people in some French cafe or in some elitist office in Brussels said about him.

Prescription Drugs, Seniors - imperfect but did it. Big Government? Yup. But if you believe in "Life" - well, those old people are indeed alive.


Barack Obama
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Affordable Care Act: I said so at the time (again unpopular with my friends on TMF) - that it was a damn good step. I regret Republicans weren't at the table and decided therefore to have no say. The "Mandate" was actually a Republican idea at first. And it's high time that people with conditions - can get insurance. Speaking for myself....

There was a time I was a "1%'er". Life was great. Insurance? Had it, and never ever gave a crap what out of pocket was. Christ my CFO handled those bills for me - I never looked.

Then 3 years ago - as I planned and even said on TMF for years before--- I wanted to stop doing business, paying taxes, employing people. I sold (and in one case- dissolved lol) my companies I was 45 years old.

I have Ulcerative (Crohn's cousin). And in the family is Asthma and just now a Nasty scoliosis surgery. If not for President Obama I'd have to go work at frigging WalMart or Home Depot or Wegman's just to get so so insurance. I have no college degree so that would've been it. But I *CAN* buy insurance and that was thanks to Obama.

Also salute his poise, calm, and what I feel - is just plain decency. If I had an emergency.....and DW had to go to the airport for a 1 year long trip and we had no choice but to leave in 5 minutes......I'd be sad, yes - but I'd have no qualms sticking the kids at the Obama house. No doubts. Decency.

Donald Trump
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I didn't ever, and dont - have anything personally nice to say.

I do salute how he recognized a part of the electorate that has been marginalized and ignored and pushed to sidelines for decades now. (Many of us in the Perot and Buchanan told Conservatives this for years, lol and they'd disagree on things like trade and shout "My Ideals! My Principles!" lol....until they embraced some of it - and won.

I *love* how he'd loudly, publicly to their face tell Europe to pick up more of their defense tab.

I'm pleased he didn't attack Iran, when NeoCons like Bolton wanted to.

And I gotta say - stamina. Old man, out of shape - but man he keeps going.


Joe BIden
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For years on TMF - I had nice things to say.

Love his humor, and sense of humor. Love what I feel is a sincere, real, and marvelous dynamic he has with Dr Mrs Biden.

I feel he does believe in American Exceptionalism and I like that he says it out loud.

On policy: I am thankful that insulin is cheaper for people - including in my own extended family. I like some of the compromises with Manchin. Absolutely in support of "CHIPS" and "America First" where certain key industries might be bolstered or reborn here at home. Also feel Gina Raimundo is a great Commerce boss. As a kid - she saw what happens when the Ruling Classes, Wall Street, and the Faculty Lounge sell out to China. I'm glad she's up there.


And Jerry Mathers as.......The Beaver.