A reader in Washington state: “Didn’t Bill Clinton invent that gesture? I

always remember him using that subdued thumb thing when making a point: Not

quite a fist slamming into the podium, not quite a thumbs-up, not quite a

wagging finger (except when proclaiming he never had sexual relations with

that woman…), only the end of the thumb protruding above the knuckles,

with the hand motion almost like a gentler version of slamming the podium,

but never making contact with it. Very obviously focus group tested. I

remember my brother (also a staunch Republican) commenting on it back in

1992. He was impressed. My opinion of my big brother dropped a notch or

two.”

You know, I think this reader is right. The perp thumb *is* a Clintonism.

I had done such a good job of expunging from my consciousness all

recollection of the 42nd president, I had quite forgotten this.

I don’t remember WJC *pointing* with his thumb, though, as I am sure I have

seen Kerry do.