Of course, Clinton failed to remark on the socialist economic policies that impoverished much of Africa during that period or on the thousands of Africans who became canon fodder in the Soviet's wars of imperialist expansion, not only in Africa, but also in Latin America and Asia.
It was context, not content, however, that most differentiated the two presidents' pronouncements on slavery. Bill Clinton made his trip at the nadir of his presidency, while reporters were plaguing him to answer questions about sex scandals. Indeed, the most memorable image from his visit was a telephoto shot of him chomping on a cigar while he beat an African drum in Dakar the night he received news that a judge had dismissed Paula Jones' sexual harassment suit.
Africa was an escapist adventure for Bill Clinton, and no amount of moralizing about America's past failings could make up for his own moral deficiencies.
When Bush speaks about slavery, we're not suspicious that he's trying to deflect attention from his own failures. President Bush has successfully led America through its darkest hours in the terrorist assault against our nation. He has won two wars against our enemies. And he has delivered on his campaign promise to restore honor and dignity to the presidency.
Unlike Clinton's comments on slavery, Bush's words carry with them the moral authority of the man himself.