Bush and Clinton: Old Friends or New Buds

There has been a lot said about the relationship between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton in recent years. Since Hurricane Katrina, these two men who seemed to despise each other in 1992 are inseparable. In fact, Bush 41 told reporters earlier this month, it's hard not to like Bill Clinton. Yes, it sure seems strange considering Bush stooped as low as calling Clinton Bozo during the campaign and Al Gore Ozoneman. Was it a sincere disgust in 1992 or merely political theater?

The reason I ask is the state of Arkansas produces a pamphlet about Arkansas and the presidency called History Happened Here: Presidential Pathways in Arkansas. It's an interesting look at the presidents who have visited Arkansas, where they visited, and what was the purpose of their visit. Towards the end of the publication was an interesting pathway of the two future presidents 41 and 42 chumming it up in their matching Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S) fishing caps promoting a bass tournament on the Arkansas River. It seems the relationship may go back a lot further than just Hurricane Katrina.

The picture is dated 1984, long before anyone believed Bill Clinton would one day be president, with the exception of Bubba and Hillary themselves. It says both future Presidents helped Ray Scott, the founder of B.A.S.S. weigh the championship fish. Of course back them Bush was Vice President running with Ronald Reagan for a second term and Bubba was governor of Arkansas and probably messing around with Paula Jones types.