while running today, i was listening to this - president clinton’s speech to the “slate 60″ conference of the world’s top philanthropists.

i haven’t been able to find a transcript online, but the speech is a testament to why he was such a great president. he understands that our political problems and social issues of today occur within a global framework – one which is underestimated or ignored to our detriment. he points out that in a today’s post-9/11 world, it is cheaper and more effective to make more partners and fewer enemies. as he says, “in an interdependent environment, by definition, you cannot kill, jail, or occupy all your adversaries. doesn’t mean you should be naive and renounce security. it just means that security will never be enough.”

he speaks with the gravitas of someone who knows a little something about how the world works, and as a former president, he (obviously) does a lot of name-dropping. and yet, his dedication to helping the poorest of the poor still rings absolutely true. the caring just shines through, as does his charisma. you’ve got to love someone who says about Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the new president of liberia, “i’m crazy about her, i think she’s really somethin’.”

he doesn’t speak in soundbytes. he doesn’t have to. he can delve into a complex side issue, then bring the speech back around to the focal point in such a way that the context of that side issue becomes enfolded within the overall whole. the kyoto treaty, security issues, public health, personal freedom and development in african countries – they all become part of a vision for changing the world through private philanthropy.

i suppose that the reason this speech seems so remarkable, is that it offers a striking counterpoint to the quality of leadership currently on offer. because no matter what you thought of his policies, you never doubted his fundamental ability to conduct the duties of the office with profound intelligence, thoughtfulness and steadfast capability.

so if you’ve missed these qualities as i have, let a real statesman remind you how it’s done. worthwhile listening to be sure.

Like this post

Unlike

philanthropy, statesmanship, speech, president clinton, slate 60