I watched yesterday as national news preempted local coverage and announced a special report. Then they were there, Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, all in a line, speaking of U.S. support for the people of Haiti. I immediately got a knot in my gut, for it looked like a SNL skit, but I knew it was not.

There they were, almost as parodies of themselves. Clinton extending his chin and folding his lower lip down, nodding in agreement to something said. Bush Jr., fiddling with his hands, not knowing whether to clasp them in his front, or rear, then finally giving up and letting them just fall on either side, sort of swinging in the wind. And then the microphone was passed to both…I watched in horror. Fortunately, both George and Bill did well, each professing appropriate concern and executive leadership for those suffering in Haiti, both praising Obama for his leadership and having them be part of the effort to help.

I do not want to mock my Presidents. I would be thrilled to meet either and spend 5 minutes with them, I would. But it is true what they say, how Lincoln would never be elected today, as he had too little education and was too unattractive. It is sad that merit and ability have been replaced by blandness and marketability. Hopefully the partnership of the Three Amigos will result in some good for others, and not just be a good photo-op.