Soccer Dad: If Bibi Is Bush, Why Can't Livni Be Gore?

February 20, 2009

If Bibi Is Bush, Why Can't Livni Be Gore?

In a previous post, I drew comparisons between Bush and Bibi, noting the level of hate that has been exhibited towards both of them--with my going so far as to suggest that the day may come when BDS will be an abbreviation for Bibi Derangement Syndrome. I also suggested that if Netanyahu becomes the new Prime Minister, then like Bush he could face resentment for becoming Prime Minister contrary to the popular vote.

Peres has given Netanyahu the job of forming a coalition government, and now it looks like Netanyahu will be following in George Bush's footsteps, assuming the position of Prime Minister instead of Livni--and Gil Hoffman of the Jerusalem Post notes that Livni is refusing to play her part in the scenario:

When then-vice president Al Gore won the popular vote for the US presidency by a margin of 543,895 ballots, but lost in the decisive Electoral College, he challenged the results in the state of Florida and only conceded defeat fully 37 days after the election, having gone all the way to the Supreme Court.

But then Gore respectfully accepted the outcome and vowed to work to heal the rifts in the nation caused by the divisive campaign and the legal aftermath of the close race.

"For the sake of the unity of the people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession," Gore said. "Let there be no doubt that while I strongly disagree with the court's decision, I accept it. I accept the finality of this outcome."

Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu can only wish that Livni would act like Al Gore and let him return to the Prime Minister's Office in peace and quiet.

When Livni won the premiership in the popular vote by 28,978 ballots, but lost in the decisive coalition process, she decided to join the opposition and do everything possible to bring a Netanyahu government down. [emphasis added]

No such luck.

In an interesting sidepoint, Hoffman urges Livni to follow the examples of both Peres and Gore in what can be achieved even when not gaining the highest office, referring to Peres being Foreign Minister to Prime Minister Sharon despite their differences:

Peres and Gore might be losers, but they both are Nobel Prize winners who took steps to unite their nations later in their careers.

Gore galvanized his people and the world to prepare for the threat posed by global warming. Israel is facing a threat to its existence from Iran. [emphasis]

I would have compared Gore's campaigning on the dangers of global warming with Livni's pushing for the two-state solution.

As with the case made for creating a second Palestinian state, in the case of global warming as well there are strong reasons to be made against the idea.

As with those who back the idea of an Arab Palestinian State, with Global Warming too, we find alarmism instead of open debate of the facts.

Be that as it may, the question is what Livni hopes to gain should her actions in fact lead to the coalition government falling apart. Does she really expect Israelis to thank her?

By Daled Amos

Posted by daledamos at February 20, 2009 10:25 AM

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

Soccer Dad's Most Recent Entries
Hezbollah in passive voice
A cynical and mistrusted offer
Wapo: peace process succeeding because of the great work of the administration
Council speak 100610
Nyt: peace process failing despite the great work of the administration
Do we have enough regulations yet?
Iranian General: "US, Mossad played roles in 9/11 event"
Absolving arafat, ten years later
Rahm can't run? antisemites!
The politics of peace

Comments

Livni's not liked. I'll bet one reason Shimon Peres came out EARLY to announce he was picking Bibi; was to stop the charade.

If Livni had the votes to form a government, she would have succeeded back in November. What did she say then? "I'll see you boys at the ballot box."

And, the ballot box brought home information about Israel's left. They went into the same crapper that took Bibi's Likud down to 12 seats.

One thing I did learn the other day, was this. Avigdor Lieberman's nickname is YVET. And, he was the top person in Bibi's PMO office, back in 1996; who could actually get anything done.

I'm also willing to bet that Kadima is now more worried, than not. Certainly Shaul Mofaz belongs to a different camp than, say, Dahlia Itzik.

The other strong card Bibi holds: HE SPEAKS FLUENTLY IN ENGLISH! Livni only speaks Hebrew. What is she going to do? Go to foreign nations and tour herself around? Bibi can beat her verbals. And, lots of Americans are no longer sure Dubya did anything except fail on all fronts.

He managed to go to Iraq. Then, when elections came, Iraqis picked Maliki. A Shi'a who went to Iran and got lots of support to absolutely terrorize the sunnis. And, now? Maliki's police and army are all Shi'a. They're just waiting for the day "Uncle Sugar" departs.

While all the fancy architects that built towers on sand in Dubai, have left. And, the arabs are watching everyhing sink. And, the plumbing's not working, either.

Yes, the media will do its best to hurt Bibi.

But from where I sit? Olmert just did his best to hurt Livni, too. Perhaps, he's angry she wouldn't stay seated in a unity government?

But when you collect enemies, inside, your chances of gaining ground are as diminished as if you were riding in on a three-legged horse.

Posted by: Carol Herman at February 20, 2009 5:46 PM