Many presidents leave office less popular than they arrived, but with time, they generally gain in public esteem. Jimmy Carter made a name for himself as a humanitarian and peace advocate. George H.W. Bush's handling of the first Iraq war looks wiser all the time. Even Richard Nixon was rehabilitated into a savvy world statesman.

Has any former president done so much to damage his own reputation after leaving office? Republicans always disliked--or detested--him. But today, even many Democrats grind their teeth at the mention of his name.

He seems to be trying to fuel the growing antipathy. Yesterday, in an interview, he refused to say he thinks Barack Obama is ready to be president. How's that for a gracious loser?

Clinton also said that despite the criticisms he got from black leaders during the primary campaign, "I am not a racist." No, he's not--though it's a testament to his recent political ineptitude that someone with his record would feel the need to say that.

But as he watches his party prepare to nominate a talented and eloquent African-American for the presidency, all he can apparently think about is his resentment that Democrats passed on his wife.

You would expect him to feel great pride in this historic candidacy. But only if you forget that Bill Clinton's first and last priority is not his country but himself.