Learning About Clinton the Hard Way

Via Susanna comes this story about how Harlem residents wonder why their neighbor, one who promised so much, is never around.

Some expected quite a lot of Clinton:

Rebecca Pacheco, 23, says that if Mr. Clinton were around more often, he might be able to help her find a job: "Maybe you could have your people's people's people help me out."

Good grief! However, many of Clinton's neighbors remain true believers:

Even so, the dozen or so people interviewed outside Mr. Clinton's office last week said their appetite for the man remained unslaked. No one on 125th Street seemed to begrudge the former president for spreading his largesse around the globe. Still, nearly all of them suggested that charity begins at home.

"Our president now doesn't think about people less fortunate than himself," said Jovanna Ford, 24, who was taking a high school equivalency class inside Mr. Clinton's building. "Clinton's mind is in the right place. He just needs to get back on the job."

I don't know whether to laugh or have pity.

Actually, after reading Steve H.'s commentary on this, I do know -- I'll laugh.