“In 1992, when Bill Clinton won the Democratic nomination, Washington progressives — the leaders of unions, think tanks and advocacy groups — fell over themselves to rally around the man from Hope. Part of this support was, no doubt, to make sure that he got elected — after 12 dark years of Presidents Reagan and Bush. Washington’s notable liberals also decided to act as FOBs (Friends of Bill) so as to ingratiate themselves to the future administration. Once at the left hand of power, the reasoning went, they could use their influence for good. So the progressive community closed ranks around their ‘friend’ — or the man who was a friend of their friends.” (08/19/08)