Bill Clinton Mr. Blair, the new dictator of Great Britain.
Tony please.
Tied for most-quoted character in The Special Relationship (2010): in 7 of its 30 quotes
Most scenes with: Tony Blair (6)
Scenes with Bill Clinton
7 scenes Bill Clinton Bill Clinton And don't be surprised if you feel completely, totally overwhelmed when you do get into office. Because in all that time out in the road scrambling and fighting to actually get that job, no one briefs you on what to do when you get there. Though you seem a pretty quick study. I bet your gonna settle in just fine. So we have a few minutes before the press. Did anyone around here tell you to ask about the Moon rock?
Uh, they did actually.
Bill Clinton [holds the Moon rock in his hand]
3.6 billion years old. [throws it to him] You know, sometimes when things get stressful around here. I just shut that door, sit on the couch, and hold that rock, and think, "We all just gotta chill a little."
Suppose you know the awful term "special relationship"?
Bill Clinton You think this is one of those moments?
I do actually.
Bill Clinton Could I offer one piece of serious advice? If it's not too presumptuous?
Hillary Clinton
Oh, here we go. Tony, can I make a disclaimer here. Please, feel free to ignore him.
No please, I'd like to hear.
Bill Clinton Hit the ground running. Now we got off to a bad start, and it's taken us four years to recover. The other thing is to start thinking now about what you want your legacy to be.
I've been in the office less than a month. You want to work out my legacy?
Hillary Clinton
No, no, no. Bill's right. Because if you don't do it, other people will do it for you. Legacy is reductive. People tend to remember you for one thing. You have to make sure you get ahead and define what that is.
Bill Clinton Let me just start by saying that it's a real pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Blair here to Washington. Today on the verge of a new century, a new millennium. America is prouder then ever to stand shoulder to shoulder with it's close friend, United Kingdom. It continues a great tradition, and a special relationship between our two countries. [the press begin holding their hands up for questions] Eric!
Eric
Prime Minister, as a friend and as a religious man. I was wondering whether you offered your personal advice to President Clinton during these difficult times of criminal investigation into his sexual behavior?
That's what in the British media recall helpful questioning. Uh, no. [points to another person] Michael.
Michael
Prime Minister, some people are struck by the warmth of the personal statements of support that you've been giving to the President. Could I ask, had you ever considered that might be a politically risky strategy?
[pause]
You heard the President talking about the special relationship between our two countries, and the great tradition of standing shoulder to shoulder with one another. And I'm reminded of a story from the height of World War II, when Britain desperately needed America's help. It wasn't always certain that they would come to our help, and at one point Harry Hopkins, the emissary to the American President Roosevelt, was sent to Britain. Hopkins said to Churchill, "I suppose you wish to know what I'll be saying to President Roosevelt on my return." Well, he said he would be quoting from a passage from the Bible. "Whither thou goest, I will go. Whither thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people, shall be my people, and thy God, my God. Even to the end." You just asked whether my support, my friendship is a politically risky strategy. I've worked with President Clinton for some nine months. I have found him throughout someone I could trust, someone I could rely upon. Someone I am proud to call, not just a colleague, but a friend, and I happen to think that if you look at the American economy. If you look at the respect with which America has held right around the world today. It's a pretty impressive record for anyone.
Journalist
Mr. President, do you appreciate Mr. Blair's support?
Bill Clinton [jokingly]
No.
Bill Clinton [they laugh]
I think he should've just come over here and jumped all over me. Thank you.
Politically, I've really stuck my neck out here.
Bill Clinton Why don't we step outside for a moment.
Bill Clinton In you go, Senator!
Hillary Clinton
Oh, Bill, for heaven sake's. [laughs]
Bill Clinton Just practicing, hon. [to Tony and Cherie] Isn't she something. Only First Lady in US history to win elected office.
