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It has been argued by some, a vocal minority of our editors included, that Clinton is well past his sell-by date, and has been rendered as irrelevant as such dated niche foods as fried Spam, spiced apple rings, and Tab floats. Yet this former Governor,  President, and political partner of Hilary Clinton still inspires intense, even uncontrollable salivation in many quarters—though not always for the same reason.

 We are contemplating a considerable, liberally-portioned carcass here. The meat to fat ratio is reasonably well balanced, and while not as larded as in earlier years, we are still left with an overall impression of ‘give’.

 This is a former lead ingredient in a classic food pairing now relegated to second banana status, and so Clinton  may be best suited for small, intensely flavored side dishes. We find ourselves immediately thinking in terms of burgers, meatballs, and meatloaves; indeed the grinding process would certainly overcome deficits imbued by age. Chops would have to be carefully trimmed, larger portions carefully watched for internal overheating, the loins in particular. Sausages might prove hard to keep wrapped and under control. The faint whiff of what some detect and variously describe as ‘old goat’ may not entirely dissipate. How it reheats is only now being tested; it does seem to have taken on a certain tendency toward harshness.  Clinton may make good lunchmeat for whitewater rafting.

Rating: 2 Forks -if not allowed too much free range.

Recipe suggestions: Head cheese; Meatballs Bubba; Wandering Stew; Hot Dog Surprise; Impeachment Pie

Course advice: Use sparingly as an appetizer, especially if paired with Hilary as it may overwhelm the more delicate flavor of the latter; unsuitable to light soups, heavier soups may be inclined to turn into stews; should work as a side dish, but suitability as a slightly retro main course has yet to be determined.

Substitutions: A Kennedy descendant may suit more Catholic tastes, but the Kennedys have endorsed Obama; Elvis is either fortunately or unfortunately dead--or not.

Beverage suggestions: Lite beer; Dr. Pecker; Big Gulps; Sidecar; mid-market Sacks

Warnings: Never to be paired with Starr fruit or Polish dumplings; Reagan fetishists may break out in hives; talk radio snarlers may begin to drool and gibber more than usual.

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