well
on the spectrum of presidents as decent humans, Obama is on one end (with people like Lincoln) and Trump is a the far other end. I'm not saying Obama was the greatest president. But given the internet age and the fact that nothing has come out about his character (and lord knows how much digging was done), I think he's pretty near the top of the decency heap among presidents.
I don't know enough about presidential history to rank everyone, but I'd put Clinton near the middle. Yes, he's been accused of sexual harassment and yes, he cheated on his wife. I'm wiling to assume that more presidents than not have sexually assaulted women and cheated at some point during their lives. I don't think that's controversial given the power of the position, the ego it takes to want it, and the way women have been treated historically.
He was disbarred after leaving office b/c of the Lewinsky scandal. I mean, Clinton's statements about his sexual affairs should never have been under oath, but he shouldn't have lied. Though he wasn't the worst actor of all the folks involved in that circus. Again, he's not a saint, but the presidential pool is a pretty nasty one.
Finally, I don't think Obama would be offended if you told him that Clinton was closer to him than he is to Trump on the decency scale. I think it's pretty clear how he feels about Trump. On that basis, I'm fine with my position.
Complete thread:
- Talk about ND Graduate walk out? or enough politics for now? -
Grantland,
2017-05-22, 08:56
- I'm at my son's preschool graduation right now - Jeff (BGS), 2017-05-23, 14:52
- Protest is good and Pence is irredeemably awful. -
fightinamish,
2017-05-22, 15:53
- Now hold on a second - CW (Rakes), 2017-05-23, 11:20
- I'd say people have every right to do it -
Greg,
2017-05-22, 15:06
- Don't think so -
JN,
2017-05-23, 08:27
- A lot of hypocrisy here in the echo chamber -
scriptcomesfirst,
2017-05-24, 11:00
- Obama was the president; Pence is not - JN, 2017-05-25, 11:09
- I don't remember the discussion at that time. -
KGB,
2017-05-24, 12:09
- I agree with all of that - scriptcomesfirst, 2017-05-25, 04:37
- I thought it was fine for Pence to speak -
Jay,
2017-05-24, 11:18
- Easy for you to say, Jay -
scriptcomesfirst,
2017-05-25, 04:36
- I might take exception... - PMan, 2017-05-25, 11:15
- I agree that both are fine. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-24, 12:41
- I signed that (excellent) letter that was going around -
Jay,
2017-05-24, 13:24
- I disagree with people like Milo Y. -
Bryan (IrishCavan),
2017-05-25, 08:28
- Agree, but there's a 1st Amendment issue at public schools -
HCE,
2017-05-25, 10:34
- My understanding is that the courts have not been consistent - Bryan (IrishCavan), 2017-05-25, 10:51
- It's also important to note -
Jim (fisherj08),
2017-05-25, 08:32
- Right after he outed/mocked a trans student at UW-Mil -
HullieAndMikes,
2017-05-25, 08:41
- I thought the ND prof's argument... - Slainte Joe, 2017-05-25, 09:21
- Right after he outed/mocked a trans student at UW-Mil -
HullieAndMikes,
2017-05-25, 08:41
- Agree, but there's a 1st Amendment issue at public schools -
HCE,
2017-05-25, 10:34
- Yes. - Angel, 2017-05-25, 07:15
- The honorary degree complicates matters - HCE, 2017-05-24, 16:34
- d'accord - Slainte Joe, 2017-05-24, 13:28
- I disagree with people like Milo Y. -
Bryan (IrishCavan),
2017-05-25, 08:28
- I signed that (excellent) letter that was going around -
Jay,
2017-05-24, 13:24
- It's a paradox. -
Pat (Moco),
2017-05-24, 11:34
- Life! - Grantland, 2017-05-24, 11:39
- Wait a second. Is "snowflakes" some kind of -
Grantland,
2017-05-24, 11:38
- Snowflakes -
CW (Rakes),
2017-05-24, 11:46
- HA: -
Grantland,
2017-05-24, 13:07
- he should meet some young people - Jay, 2017-05-24, 13:09
- OK, but I do find... -
Greg,
2017-05-24, 11:48
- there's a lot of misinformation around "safe spaces" -
Jay,
2017-05-24, 11:51
- Love to - Greg, 2017-05-24, 12:00
- there's a lot of misinformation around "safe spaces" -
Jay,
2017-05-24, 11:51
- HA: -
Grantland,
2017-05-24, 13:07
- Snowflakes -
CW (Rakes),
2017-05-24, 11:46
- Easy for you to say, Jay -
scriptcomesfirst,
2017-05-25, 04:36
- There are different ways to make their point, though -
Brendan,
2017-05-23, 10:49
- What's the point of a genteel protest? -
HullieAndMikes,
2017-05-23, 12:25
- I think the point is that - OGerry, 2017-05-25, 04:45
- What's the point of a genteel protest? -
HullieAndMikes,
2017-05-23, 12:25
- On what grounds do you think he shouldn't have been invited? -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 09:21
- He agreed to run with an authoritarian ape. - domer.mq, 2017-05-23, 13:32
- He's a truly awful person who did real damage as Gov -
JN,
2017-05-23, 11:44
- I'm trying to articulate a standard... -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 11:57
- If it were up to me politicians wouldn't be the default -
JN,
2017-05-23, 12:28
- I'd like to see a broader range of speakers -
HCE,
2017-05-24, 07:57
- It should be deprioritized. -
KGB,
2017-05-24, 08:46
- As I said in a previous post, my biggest complaint about - BillyGoat, 2017-05-24, 13:37
- At least with politicians, you know it's all bullshit -
Greg,
2017-05-24, 08:33
- Sure, everyone has bias and baggage -
JN,
2017-05-24, 08:35
- So true - Greg, 2017-05-24, 09:00
- Sure, everyone has bias and baggage -
JN,
2017-05-24, 08:35
- Yes. - Slainte Joe, 2017-05-24, 08:26
- But isn't that balanced out a bit - Grantland, 2017-05-24, 08:21
- Absolutely - JN, 2017-05-24, 08:10
- It should be deprioritized. -
KGB,
2017-05-24, 08:46
- I would certainly endorse a policy... -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 14:12
- No to any President who does not respect the office. -
Grantland,
2017-05-24, 07:23
- There may be a few others who would have failed, post- - BillyGoat, 2017-05-24, 12:24
- That's a tough line to draw -
JN,
2017-05-24, 07:48
- He was disbarred for lying under oath. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-24, 08:36
- I'm not sure it was meant as a rousing compliment. -
KGB,
2017-05-24, 08:52
- thank you - JN, 2017-05-24, 09:31
- well -
JN,
2017-05-24, 08:49
- Based on the pictures coming out of today's meeting, -
Jim (fisherj08),
2017-05-24, 08:56
- Acc. to the Italian press, - Bryan (IrishCavan), 2017-05-24, 12:01
- And that's right after he swatted away Trump's hand - BPH, 2017-05-24, 10:13
- Based on the pictures coming out of today's meeting, -
Jim (fisherj08),
2017-05-24, 08:56
- I'm not sure it was meant as a rousing compliment. -
KGB,
2017-05-24, 08:52
- Funny. My response was not real well thought out but JFK - Grantland, 2017-05-24, 08:29
- He was disbarred for lying under oath. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-24, 08:36
- I think once you open the policy door - DEM, 2017-05-24, 06:36
- I would approve of that policy. - BillyGoat, 2017-05-23, 15:02
- No to any President who does not respect the office. -
Grantland,
2017-05-24, 07:23
- I'd like to see a broader range of speakers -
HCE,
2017-05-24, 07:57
- My personal standard is "WWTD" ... -
BillyGoat,
2017-05-23, 12:07
- I agree- see my post above. I think we can say he himself - Grantland, 2017-05-24, 07:25
- I tend to agree. - Slainte Joe, 2017-05-23, 12:50
- If it were up to me politicians wouldn't be the default -
JN,
2017-05-23, 12:28
- I'm trying to articulate a standard... -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 11:57
- He cut public health funding, causing an HIV outbreak -
Jim (fisherj08),
2017-05-23, 11:07
- Can you provide some evidence for this claim? -
Larry,
2017-05-23, 14:51
- Short answer, yes. - Jim (fisherj08), 2017-05-23, 16:12
- Are you saying... -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 11:58
- To be clear, I'm a bit blinded by my animus for Pence -
Jim (fisherj08),
2017-05-23, 12:48
- Fair enough. - Slainte Joe, 2017-05-23, 12:51
- He's saying that you shouldn't if you caused an HIV outbreak -
NDTerp,
2017-05-23, 12:39
- Come on now. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 13:16
- Whatever you say, Mr. Leavitt - NDTerp, 2017-05-23, 14:18
- Come on now. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 13:16
- To be clear, I'm a bit blinded by my animus for Pence -
Jim (fisherj08),
2017-05-23, 12:48
- Can you provide some evidence for this claim? -
Larry,
2017-05-23, 14:51
- I agree with you - Jeff (BGS), 2017-05-23, 10:02
- A lot of hypocrisy here in the echo chamber -
scriptcomesfirst,
2017-05-24, 11:00
- I doubt they'll regret it -
Jeff (BGS),
2017-05-22, 16:01
- We had Mary Ann Glendon, maybe the worst speaker ever -
Greg,
2017-05-23, 07:45
- I had Indiana Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan -
Brendan,
2017-05-23, 10:54
- Apparently we are classmates. I remember all that - BillyGoat, 2017-05-23, 11:14
- Not just a vet, a POW. - Pat (Moco), 2017-05-23, 11:11
- Our graduation speaker was Cardinal McCarrick -
Jim (fisherj08),
2017-05-23, 11:03
- Makes sense. I've spent much of the last decade and - BillyGoat, 2017-05-23, 11:44
- She refused the Laetare right? Because of Obama? -
Grantland,
2017-05-23, 09:28
- I seem to recall that. - Greg, 2017-05-23, 09:31
- If she was worse than Condeleeza... -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 09:22
- Hah! We were saved by Sr. Helen Prejean - Greg, 2017-05-23, 09:30
- Walker Percy received Laetare at ours. Love him ever since -
Grantland,
2017-05-23, 09:24
- Now that would be great! I love him. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 09:33
- Book Rec: -
Grantland,
2017-05-23, 09:42
- Yes, it is very good. - Slainte Joe, 2017-05-23, 09:47
- Book Rec: -
Grantland,
2017-05-23, 09:42
- Now that would be great! I love him. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-23, 09:33
- I had Indiana Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan -
Brendan,
2017-05-23, 10:54
- We had the head of the UN as a speaker. -
domer.mq,
2017-05-23, 06:56
- That was an awful speach. I remember him being - BillyGoat, 2017-05-23, 10:57
- I agree. I've never found undergrad ceremonies - oviedoirish, 2017-05-22, 16:16
- We had Mary Ann Glendon, maybe the worst speaker ever -
Greg,
2017-05-23, 07:45
- Don't think so -
JN,
2017-05-23, 08:27
- Always gives me a chuckle... -
Bill,
2017-05-22, 14:23
- It's right up there with "Pro-Lifers" who support capital -
BillyGoat,
2017-05-22, 14:24
- I actually get those people's argument -
Greg,
2017-05-22, 14:58
- War, access to healthcare, access to education and food - Frank, 2017-05-23, 05:46
- Depends on their arguments for why abortion is wrong. But - BillyGoat, 2017-05-22, 15:01
- That has always bothered me too. - Grantland, 2017-05-22, 14:56
- I actually get those people's argument -
Greg,
2017-05-22, 14:58
- It's right up there with "Pro-Lifers" who support capital -
BillyGoat,
2017-05-22, 14:24
- I'm surprised it got so much coverage -
Jeff (BGS),
2017-05-22, 10:22
- our valedictorian ripped GHWB a new one -
Jay,
2017-05-22, 12:04
- It was a very ND protest. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-22, 15:21
- ha! exactly -
Jay,
2017-05-23, 11:22
- it was anarchy on the way out of the Stadium - Pat, 2017-05-23, 12:57
- ha! exactly -
Jay,
2017-05-23, 11:22
- It was a very ND protest. -
Slainte Joe,
2017-05-22, 15:21
- Agreed: -
Grantland,
2017-05-22, 10:58
- Also, I think ND might be one of the more conservative -
BillyGoat,
2017-05-22, 11:09
- I agree. -
oviedoirish,
2017-05-22, 12:33
- It may be conservative -
CK08,
2017-05-22, 12:51
- I'd agree with that at the student level, for sure. - BillyGoat, 2017-05-22, 13:23
- is there a more conservative top-20ish school? -
Jay,
2017-05-22, 12:43
- Maybe Vandy, Duke, or Rice? -
Jeff (BGS),
2017-05-22, 13:09
- Not Duke, IMO. - PAK, 2017-05-23, 06:14
- If Duke is conservative - IrishGuard, 2017-05-23, 05:52
- My nephew went to Vandy -
Jack,
2017-05-22, 13:39
- I would think Duke and Vandy would have more students from -
Grantland,
2017-05-22, 14:07
- Duke is basically the birthplace of the alt-right. -
domer.mq,
2017-05-23, 06:57
- I feel like Balls & Shaft from PCU... -
KGB,
2017-05-23, 08:42
- Speaking of a casual shoe for boating -
Greg,
2017-05-23, 08:53
- Ha! Great question. -
KGB,
2017-05-23, 09:00
- Last weekend of July through first weekend of August -
Greg,
2017-05-23, 09:02
- Cool. -
KGB,
2017-05-23, 10:10
- Good to hear. I am hitting the Cape this summer, as well. - River, 2017-05-23, 10:16
- Cool. -
KGB,
2017-05-23, 10:10
- Last weekend of July through first weekend of August -
Greg,
2017-05-23, 09:02
- Ha! Great question. -
KGB,
2017-05-23, 09:00
- Speaking of a casual shoe for boating -
Greg,
2017-05-23, 08:53
- Duke puked up both Richard Spencer and Stephen Miller - HullieAndMikes, 2017-05-23, 07:01
- I feel like Balls & Shaft from PCU... -
KGB,
2017-05-23, 08:42
- Duke is basically the birthplace of the alt-right. -
domer.mq,
2017-05-23, 06:57
- I would think Duke and Vandy would have more students from -
Grantland,
2017-05-22, 14:07
- How socially conservative is ND these days? - HCE, 2017-05-22, 13:04
- Brown -
Greg,
2017-05-22, 12:47
- I was curious since my only sibling is a Brown alum. - River, 2017-05-22, 13:05
- Maybe Vandy, Duke, or Rice? -
Jeff (BGS),
2017-05-22, 13:09
- It may be conservative -
CK08,
2017-05-22, 12:51
- I agree. -
oviedoirish,
2017-05-22, 12:33
- Also, I think ND might be one of the more conservative -
BillyGoat,
2017-05-22, 11:09
- our valedictorian ripped GHWB a new one -
Jay,
2017-05-22, 12:04
- Hard pass. -
MHB (Rakes of Mallow),
2017-05-22, 10:06
- I tried. - MHB (Rakes of Mallow), 2017-05-24, 10:19