Nelson Mandela Speaks for Clinton's During Lewinsky Scandal

Nelson Mandela’s relationship with the Clinton family reflected genuine friendship from an early stage, stemming from their matching personalities and the Clintons’ swift intellect, according to an insider account.

“It’s quite noticeable how broad their view was of the world, how informed they all are — all three of them — about all details of the very small countries around the world,” Zelda la Grange, the woman who served as Mandela’s private secretary from 1997 until his death, said in an interview about her new memoir, “Good Morning, Mr. Mandela.”

In recounting his memory of Mandela, after his passing, Bill Clinton called him the “only free man I ever knew.” However, Clinton also alluded to “disagreements, which, believe it or not, occasionally occurred.” But Clinton and Mandela fundamentally agreed on many issues surrounding freedom and equality, and found propinquity in teasing each other in playful amusement.

“Madiba was always ragging me because it was my job when I was president to rag him about being friends with Gaddafi and Castro,” Clinton jokingly recounted.

The story begins with Bill at a charity auction - when he is informed by the hosting organization that Mandela had expressly desired Clinton bid on a certain item, not specifically saying what it was - leaving Clinton with the impression that he would know what Mandela was referring to when he saw it.

The auction started and continued with items announced for bid one after the next, but none of the items offered for sale bared any significance to Clinton - in reference to his relationship with Mandela, until finally a fine-quality Cuban rum was announced for bid. Clinton immediately got the joke.

“I think I paid $11,000 for that bottle of rum,” Clinton said laughing, without regard for the fact he could not even bring it back with him to the United States, given the embargo imposed on Cuban goods. Originally enacted in 1958, the United States - Cuba trade embargo has been one of the most enduring embargoes in modern history.

In 1999, President Bill Clinton expanded the trade embargo by disallowing foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies to trade with Cuba in any capacity. However in 2000, Clinton did authorize the sale of humanitarian aid to Cuba.

As for the $11,000 rum, Clinton "didn’t have the capacity to consume it all before returning to the United States.” Furthermore, Clinton never mentioned what he did with the item he was successful in obtaining. The rum was ironically a gift to Madiba from Cuban President, and longstanding U.S. adversary, Fidel Castro.

Still, throughout Mandela's life and their friendship, Clinton struggled to understand one unusual aspect of Mandela's story that still puzzles him to this day.

"How did he go through all this and come out a better man than he went in?” Clinton often found himself pondering, once finally asking Mandela: “Tell me the truth - when you were walking to freedom - didn't you hate them again?” Clinton Continued, “What I loved about him, because he was not saint of course, he said: 'Of course I did, but I got over it in three seconds.'"

Mandela, wise beyond his years, knew that if he continued to carry the burden of hatred in his heart he would forever remain a prisoner. - "'I wanted to be free so I let it go.’”

“As a friend, Madiba was to people one-on-one the same way he was as leader and even to his adversaries who he put in government,” Clinton said. “He lived as he governed.”

“We cannot allow his legacy, his memory, his meaning, to drift into the history books, to become a distant memory,” Clinton said. “He must be as real to people who never knew him, as real to children who cannot remember him, as real to grandchildren who are not yet born as he is to those of us who loved him.”

[akandibao]

Thank you immensely, Rev Bernice King for the inspiring speech! God Bless you always!

[psycsoci]

President Mandela was such a heart-felt human being, who brought people into his views, instead of segregating people. I wish someone who doesn't look like me, was of the same heart and mindset in America. We'd be so much more unified, without having to think about being retaliated upon. Praise God for his forever presence and heart!

[onyekannasylvester]

So blessed to stumble on this video. Great speeches from world leaders. May the soul of our father Madiba continue to rest in peace.

[danielasonye]

Rev. (Mrs.) B . King.
Your words really touched my soul and I must tell you, you are inspired by the Almighty God .

[tiponosfilmes]

In my life you are the big example of leadership, president Mandela, man of the world.

[mosesndebesa]

Thank you Rev Bernice for bringing your dad back to life.You are truly beyond the ordinary! You are such a giant-hearted woman of God.Blessings!

[nkuubicharles]

I'm honored and blessed to have come across this amazing video of love and great friendship of these once great leaders of our world..Clinton and Nelson mandela.Am watching it many years back, its now in 2019 October 27th Sunday that am watching it.

[matimbapower]

The wrong question is "what can we do for Africa", the right question is "what can we do with Africa". Great and profound words Tatana Mandela. We remember you in a happy way sir

[michellethompson]

He is a Martyr for his people, unshaken, unflinching, a rarity. I am glad I saw him in my lifetime.

[mzukisifaleni]

Nelson Mandela is God's gift to the nation of South Africa

[BISHORP]

I thank GOD that someone like Nelson Mandela once lived amonngest us, all honour and Glory for the life of Former President of South Africa Tata Nelson Mandela, Salute.

[mohamedhalabi]

Live for ever, our hero. You brought our proud, dignity n respect back across all continents. We are human just like everyone else

[monique-dw]

"Our morality does not allow us to desert our friends. Great Wisdom Mr. Mandela" Your legacy lives forever Tata Madiba! Rest in peace,

[PositiveVibesOnly]

" ... the greatest glory of living lies not in never falling but in rising everytime you fall". 🙏🙏🙏

[d.c.b]

His humility and wisdom is so obvious - the greatest role model for the entire world

[hoseacherop]

Bernice sermon is so touching.She is full of love and discernment.God bless her.

[emmanuelouma]

Great things happen only through struggle.Thank you President Nelson Mandela for your struggle.

[wandilemaphosa-mxud]

Madiba we thank God for having given us such a great state men.
I will always n forever cherish you.
Love you Tata

[Dr.MikeOdhiambo]

"The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling but in rising every time you fall"

[lifaseleman]

Nelson Mandela spoken on behalf of whole Africa, thank you very much late nelson Mandela, RIP.