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If it were not for other pressing matters, Bill Clinton and Gloria Arroyo
would probably be looking forward to what could be a fun and important event:
Their college reunion.
This year is the 40th anniversary of Georgetown
University's Class of 1968. The class
homecoming at the oldest and most prestigious Catholic, and Jesuit,
university in the United States
kicks off late May. But as of last week the list of expected attendees does
not mention either Clinton or
Arroyo.
That's too bad. They were stars of the class.
Clinton and
Arroyo, who were classmates from 1964-66, share the distinction as two of
only three Georgetown alums from
the Class of '68 to become a head of state. (The third is Alfredo Christiani,
the former president of El Salvador.)
Then again, the two also have reasons for skipping the
party. Not just because he's campaigning for his wife's presidential bid, and
she's busy trying to survive the latest scandal in her turbulent
administration.
But they may decide not to show up because Bill and Gloria
also have been at the center of some of the most jaw dropping political
scandals in recent history. They were the Scandal Duo of the Class of '68.
Clinton was
the star of arguably the most bizarre sexual fiasco in the history of
American politics. I'll skip the sordid details. Just Google the following
words with the "Bill Clinton": "White House intern,"
"Monica Lewinsky," "blue dress."
Even more damaging in the eyes of many were his
presidential pardons including the one he granted to Marc Rich, a fugitive
who was accused of tax evasion, racketeering and trading with the enemy –
whose wife reportedly made generous donations to Clinton's
presidential library and Hillary Clinton's senate campaign.
And Gloria Arroyo? Why waste space here. Just Google
"Hello Garci," "Jocjoc Bolante," "NBN,"
"Mike Arroyo."
You can just imagine idle chit-chat at the Georgetown
reunion parties about the two powerful, controversial, Class of '68 alums.
"He did what with the cigar with the intern in the
Oval Office?"
"Her voice got turned into a ring tone? And she was
asking an election official about winning by how many votes?"
There might even be a class poll on who should have been
voted "most likely to get mired in an embarrassing political
scandal." Or on who did a better job surviving a political scandal.
Arroyo should have the edge on that one. He was acquitted during his
impeachment trial; she's actually outfoxed those who'd like to impeach her.
Arroyo spent only two years of college at Georgetown.
She finished her undergraduate studies at Assumption
College. But she's clearly proud
of having studied at Georgetown
and has fond memories of her years at the Jesuit institution.
"In our time, [Georgetown]
was one of the good schools, and it produced three presidents," she said
at the university a few months after taking over as president. "Now it
is one of the best schools, and you can imagine what is expected."
And she clearly has shared a special friendship with Bill
Clinton. During his 1994 visit to the PhilippinesUS President,
Arroyo, who was then senator, survived an accident after the helicopter she
was in crash-landed in Manila.
The incident didn't prevent Arroyo from meeting her classmate.
as
"I'm glad you are all right," Clinton
was quoted in news reports as telling Arroyo as they warmly shook hands
during arrival honors for Clinton
at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila.
"We read about you in the papers."
Arroyo responded, "Of course I had to be well enough
to get up and meet my former classmate."
It would be fascinating to drill down on the kind of
political education they shared at Georgetown.
For both Arroyo and Clinton built
impressive political careers that, in the eyes of many, steadily fell apart
once they attained power and eventually led to political disasters.
Bill Clinton was the kid from Hope,
Arkansas who overcame a hard life and
used what is undoubtedly a brilliant mind to become the first baby boomer
president of the United States.
There is even a famous photo of him as a young boy shaking hands with
President John F. Kennedy during a tour of the White House. And he is known
for putting an end to 12 years of conservative Republican rule, ushering in
what was supposed to be a new era of progressive American politics.
Instead, Monica Lewinsky and the other scandals have ended
up also defining his legacy. Even Hillary Clinton is paying the price for
this. When Democratic US Senator Claire McCaskill, a one time Hillary
supporter, announced that she was endorsing her rival, Barack Obama, she told
a TV journalist that Bill Clinton may have been a great leader, "but I
don't want my daughter near him."
Gloria Arroyo, daughter of a former president, was a
respected academic and opposition fighter during the Marcos dictatorship. She
was seen as the answer to the chaotic administration of actor-turned-politician
Joseph Estrada. With her wooden image, few expected her to be an inspiring
beacon of inspiration. But most Filipinos expected and hoped that with her
academic training, political experience and pedigree, she would at least get
the job done – and get it done with unquestionable integrity.
Instead, Arroyo will be remembered as the as the leader
who presided over one of the most scandal-ridden administrations in the
country's history – and the only Philippine president to be caught on tape in
what strongly appeared to be a blatant attempt at vote-rigging .
In any case, Clinton
and Arroyo will likely not get a chance to swap political war stories at the Georgetown
homecoming (unless they have quietly and secretly been making plans to
attend). And their schedules over the coming months will probably be too
hectic to permit any other kinds of reunion.
But that could also change.
If Hillary Clinton wins the American presidency and Arroyo
survives this latest crisis in Manila,
then maybe she and Mike Arroyo will get to attend the inauguration gala in
January. Hell, with the ClintonsGeorgetown
back at the White House, she may have many more opportunities to hang out
with her buddy.
And as the two couples are enjoying their private moments
together, Hillary might even ask Gloria Arroyo, "So what's the most
important thing to remember about being a woman president, Glo?"
"Oh, gee, Hillary, just keep on top of the issues,
your cabinet and your allies," Gloria would respond. "Oh, and make
sure your husband behaves himself and not cause any trouble."
Hillary would nod, but then quickly add, "Yeah, well,
I learned that a long time ago, sister."
If Hillary triumphs, Bill Clinton would also take on a new
and unusual role as the United States of
America's very first "First
Gentleman." And so a get-together with Gloria and the Philippine FG
would also be an opportunity for him to ask her husband for advice.
"So Mike, what's it like to be First Gentleman?"
Bill would ask. "Got any tips, buddy?"
"Oh, it's lotsa fun, Bill," Mike Arroyo would
say. "Plenty of perks, not too many back-breaking responsibilities. Just
remember to get out of the missus's way, keep a low profile, stay out of
trouble, be good and behave."
Bill Clinton would give him a questioning look. Mike would
shrug his shoulders. They would stare at each other for a second or two.
Then they would both burst out laughing. # # #
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