Is this a defining difference between Democratic leaders, and, Republican leaders?

Question

A tale of 2 visits.

One man visited Vietnam, because, he was invited and wanted to show we were good partners with them. He rode through the main city, gave a speech at the Vietnamese stock market building congratulating the Vietnamese on choosing a market driven economy, pressed some flesh, and high tailed it out of there.

The second man made a trip also to Vietnam. He stopped at an outpost that was retrieving the remains of missing veterans, and, went to a site to help dig for an hour or two. He visited an ancient university and spoke about Vietnamese traditions and took questions concerning democracy v socialism. He then visited a famous religious center and spoke with Buddhist Monks. Pressed flesh and spoke on the street to people before leaving.

The first description was GWB's visit to Vietnam, the second, Bill Clinton's visit to Vietnam.

Answer 1

It can be said to be a matter of style, but I say that it is more a matter of willing to be in touch with the average, ordinary person, no matter where one might find them.

Answer 2

I don't know if you could say this was the defining difference between the parties, but it certainly shows the difference in presidential styles.  All his time in office, Bush has been content to let others run his administration.  Clinton was much more hands-on.  

I really noticed this on 9/11 when Bush allowed his handlers to bundle him onto Air Force One and fly him around the country all day while they handled matters.  Bush actually said later that he had no say in the matter, the Secret Service took over for his own safety.  Clinton would have headed straight to Washington DC to be in charge, because that was his job.

Bush never traveled overseas until he became president.  Everywhere he goes he embarrasses us with his ignorance of protocol and diplomacy.  And when he does travel, it's only for a photo op.  Clinton would actually talk to foreign leaders, he'd be aware of the issues and know what the other guy wanted out of the negotiations.  Bush is not able to do that.  Bush can't even do an unscripted TV interview because he doesn't know his own opinions and positions until they're written on 3x5 cards for him.