Former presidents draw massive crowd at Toronto Convention Centre
Amanda Roth
Issue date: 6/9/09 Section: News
Throughout discussion of many controversial topics, such as Bush's decision to invade Afghanistan - which Clinton supported - and Obama's new stance on US relations with Cuba, the two presidents remained extremely respectful of one another, even if their answers on issues happened to conflict.
The third question asked by McKenna brought an emotional atmosphere to the stage, asking Clinton why no action was taken while in office towards the Rwandan genocide of 1994.
Clinton gave a poignant response, providing no excuses to the audience and simply stating, "I wish I had not been unactive".
After discussion over Bush's inaction in Darfur, same-sex marriage and the Military Gay Policy, where Clinton commented, "I think that time will lead to the withdrawal of this ban", conversation was directed towards the recent requirements for Canadian citizens to provide passports in order to cross the border into the US.
In response to this, both presidents were befuddled by the news, both seemingly unaware of these changes. Bush mentioned his administrations efforts towards an "E-Z pass card" for passage over the US-Canada border.
"I literally didn't know anything about this," said Clinton. "And most Americans don't. I promise you've got my attention."
"I'll be frank with you, Frank," said Bush, once again rousing the crowd into laughter, "I don't know about the passport issue. I'm sorry to claim ignorance but I guess I am".
The third question asked by McKenna brought an emotional atmosphere to the stage, asking Clinton why no action was taken while in office towards the Rwandan genocide of 1994.
Clinton gave a poignant response, providing no excuses to the audience and simply stating, "I wish I had not been unactive".
After discussion over Bush's inaction in Darfur, same-sex marriage and the Military Gay Policy, where Clinton commented, "I think that time will lead to the withdrawal of this ban", conversation was directed towards the recent requirements for Canadian citizens to provide passports in order to cross the border into the US.
In response to this, both presidents were befuddled by the news, both seemingly unaware of these changes. Bush mentioned his administrations efforts towards an "E-Z pass card" for passage over the US-Canada border.
"I literally didn't know anything about this," said Clinton. "And most Americans don't. I promise you've got my attention."
"I'll be frank with you, Frank," said Bush, once again rousing the crowd into laughter, "I don't know about the passport issue. I'm sorry to claim ignorance but I guess I am".
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