If Bibi Is Bush, Why Can't Livni Be Gore?

In a previous post, I drew comparisons between Bush and Bibi, noting the level of hate that has been exhibited towards both of them--with my going so far as to suggest that the day may come when BDS will be an abbreviation for Bibi Derangement Syndrome. I also suggested that if Netanyahu becomes the new Prime Minister, then like Bush he could face resentment for becoming Prime Minister contrary to the popular vote.

Peres has given Netanyahu the job of forming a coalition government, and now it looks like Netanyahu will be following in George Bush's footsteps, assuming the position of Prime Minister instead of Livni--and Gil Hoffman of the Jerusalem Post notes that Livni is refusing to play her part in the scenario:

When then-vice president Al Gore won the popular vote for the US presidency by a margin of 543,895 ballots, but lost in the decisive Electoral College, he challenged the results in the state of Florida and only conceded defeat fully 37 days after the election, having gone all the way to the Supreme Court.

But then Gore respectfully accepted the outcome and vowed to work to heal the rifts in the nation caused by the divisive campaign and the legal aftermath of the close race.

"For the sake of the unity of the people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession," Gore said. "Let there be no doubt that while I strongly disagree with the court's decision, I accept it. I accept the finality of this outcome."

Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu can only wish that Livni would act like Al Gore and let him return to the Prime Minister's Office in peace and quiet.

When Livni won the premiership in the popular vote by 28,978 ballots, but lost in the decisive coalition process, she decided to join the opposition and do everything possible to bring a Netanyahu government down. [emphasis added]

No such luck. 

In an interesting sidepoint, Hoffman urges Livni to follow the examples of both Peres and Gore in what can be achieved even when not gaining the highest office, referring to Peres being Foreign Minister to Prime Minister Sharon despite their differences:

Peres and Gore might be losers, but they both are Nobel Prize winners who took steps to unite their nations later in their careers.

Gore galvanized his people and the world to prepare for the threat posed by global warming. Israel is facing a threat to its existence from Iran. [emphasis]

I would have compared Gore's campaigning on the dangers of global warming with Livni's pushing for the two-state solution.

As with the case made for creating a second Palestinian state, in the case of global warming as well there are strong reasons to be made against the idea.

As with those who back the idea of an Arab Palestinian State, with Global Warming too, we find alarmism instead of open debate of the facts.

Be that as it may, the question is what Livni hopes to gain should her actions in fact lead to the coalition government falling apart. Does she really expect Israelis to thank her?

More at Memeorandum

Crossposted on Soccer Dad

Technorati Tag: Israeli Election and Netanyahu and Livni .