Newspaper Column: Cartoon Complacency

Abstract

In Jeff Stahler’s cartoon published by The Cincinnati Post and reprinted February 25th by The New York Times, Bill Clinton sits at his desk reading a paper with the headline, “GOP IDENTITY CRISIS”. The cartoon is entitled “ARE YOU BETTER OFF THAN YOU WERE FOUR YEARS AGO?” and Clinton’s word-balloon cries “YEP!” It’s possible that some cartoonists and editors really believe that President Clinton believes he’s better off now than he was four years ago. But it’s a view difficult to reconcile with the facts. After all, whatever else Bill Clinton may be, he’s smart.