Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to Debate in Canada

Mark your calendars. On March 29, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, presidents 42 and 43, will share the bill at Toronto, Canada's Metro Convention Centre for what should prove to be a very entertaining evening:

The event will consist of the two men seated in chairs between a moderator who has not yet been chosen.

No matter how civil the discourse, the thought of Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton on stage is bemusing, given the animosity of the past 16 years, and the efforts under way to overcome it.

So, should we expect a rumble in the distinctly un-jungle setting that is Toronto? After all, Bill Clinton has forged an unlikely friendship with W's father, H.W. And save for a testy exchange with FOX News's Chris Wallace, Clinton has shown himself to be a master of diplomatic restraint. Mr. Bush, too, has preferred to steer clear of controversy since leaving office, leaving the bare-knuckle attacks to his number two, Dick Cheney. In fact, a more engaging sit-down might feature Cheney going head to head with Al Gore, the VP who preceded him.

One thing to keep an eye on is whether the two men will allow questions on torture. Given the legal consequences for former Bush administration figures, this could be one potato too hot for handling. Otherwise, I suspect we'll hear a cordial conversation with plenty of respectful disagreement.


David at Paradigms Lost
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