I see Obama's post-presidency going very similar to Carter's...

[Drunken Irishman]

It's interesting watching Bush and Clinton at the NCAA title game today. I tried picturing Obama there in five or so years and I just can't. I don't think he fits in with either Clinton or Bush.

Clinton found a buddy in Poppy Bush and that connection has allowed him to build a relationship with Junior. As ex-presidents, they're like a mid-90s NBC sitcom.

But Obama isn't really in that circle. I think Bill respects the President, but I don't think he likes the President. It might be tied to 2008 - it might be more (the fact Clinton was the last successful Democratic president prior to Obama). Whatever the reason, it's hard to imagine a relationship growing when Obama leaves office. Likewise, I see no reason why he and Bush, beyond aiding in a natural disaster as ex-presidents, paling around in the coming years.

And that takes me to Carter. Carter really is the odd man out when it comes to the ex-presidents. I think he had a friendship with Ford, but beyond that, he was hardly friendly with Reagan or Bush or Clinton and that left him doing his own thing.

You don't see Carter chillin' with Poppy Bush.

The Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton(?) connection is pretty deep and it's clear there is a great deal of respect toward each others' families on both sides. It's allowed two of the most influential political families of the last 30 years to become pretty close friends.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

But it's hard seeing Obama gallivanting around with either the Clintons or Bushes. Which could mean, like Carter, he'll become the odd man out in Presidential Friendships.

I guess we'll see...

[Cha]

1. Yeah, we shall see, DIrish.. You just know the Obamas are going to be doing

some interesting worthwhile projects post his Presidency.

[NYC_SKP]

2. Agree. Though I don't think Obama's life will look that much like Carter's today.

Their backgrounds and their centers of gravity are different.

Carter's present life reflects his background and some of his presidency, a rural life fits well with the hands-on Habitat work, working on Middle East peace is a continuation of what he did in office.

I don't know what to expect will be Obama's legacy, maybe more work with urban issues, voting rights, maybe more interaction in the academic world?

It's just hard to say, but it won't be palin' around with Bush and Clinton, IMHO.

[SoCalDem]

6. I can see Prez O "retiring" back to Chicago

writing about his "adventure" with republicans and spending time with his daughters as they finish growing up.

Neither of them "needs" to work, and certainly deserve a break from all the media attention.

Once the girls are grown and out of the house, they may both do more, but I hope they take a few years off to rest up from the ordeal

[Grey]

3. I really hope you are right.

Jimmy Carter is what a President should be.

[rufus dog]

4. Very intuitive post

I think you are correct in your assessment.

I can borderline tolerate the Clinton's, and fucking despise the Bush family.

Your post made me ponder why, I despise the Bush clan for their sense of entitlement, to be the in crowd. I have never warmed to the Clinton's because I always got the feeling that they prioritized being "in" over what is morally proper.

Carter didn't give two shits about being with the "in" crowd rather he makes personal choices based upon what is moral.

I think you are correct with your assessment of the Obama's, they seem to have a higher calling and are not driven by being accepted by the "in" crowd.

Final chapter has not been written, but hopefully they do follow the Carter path..... That being said, public opinion will push them down an alternative path.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

7. Obama can't schmooze. It's against his very being. Same with

Carter. Dimson and Clinton are schmoozers to the very core.

Obviously, people in general, like schmoozers. Otherwise, why
would a lying mass murderer be regaining his popularity? Why would
a philanderer be ultra popular? Vs. the ultimate do-gooder or
the ultimate family man ?

BTW, hope Obama writes !! I will never forget how astonished
I was when reading his first book at how talented he is. He actually
may be a better author than orator.

[mucifer]

8. I disagree. I think President Carter is very unique.

I remember when he became president and he looked so young with a huge smile. When he left office 4 years later he aged a lot and his smile was gone. I think he had seen to many ugly behind the scenes things that were out of his control.

His smile returned after he started doing his important work.

President Obama has some greying hair. But, other than that he hasn't changed much. He still has his smile and sense of humor. The gap has grown wider between the rich and the poor. The prison system continues to be a horrible horrible mess. He continues to give lots away to his buddies at comcast and the banking industry. Guantanamo Bay is still around.

The ACA has helped millions. I would vote for Obama again given the choice of him or a republican. But, to me President Obama is not President Carter.