A picture says a thousand words, but in the case of Bill Clinton, there's nothing like seeing him speak (RealPlayer reqd.)

So, as I prepare to drift off to bed on this humid June night, I'll give a few brief thoughts to the man who was president for eight years of my life.

It should come as no surprise that he ended his term with the highest approval rating of any President than Eisenhower (yes, even higher than Reagan). Just about everyone I know loved him. Had it not been for his admitted faults, he certainly would have left with even higher ratings.

As much as I thought his moderation on policy and his willingness to compromise with Republicans were two signatures of his administration, as I watch him speak this one more time, I cannot help but compare him to our current leader, if only on speaking ability. I'm not talking about eloquence (George W.'s "I can hear YOU" at Ground Zero was one of the most eloquent moment's in our nation's history) or even complexity of speech.

When the current President scoffs at a question with his casual smirk, it makes me think that he truly believes he is better than me. Maybe it's just me, but I think he is one of the most elitist presidents we've ever had. Though his cocksure-ness may play well in bastions of Southern conservatism, it just doesn't sit well with me, a person who believes that in today's world of black and white there should still be room for a nuanced grey.

On the other hand, when I watch Clinton, I really get the feeling that he's talking to me, and me alone. I know that sounds quaint at best, but I truly feel that way. Above all, he seems to care. Some people think that it's all a big act from Bill, that he's just a great politician. Even so, isn't it more comforting to have a President who does all he can to pretend that he cares than one who does all he can to pretend he doesn't?