As ex-President Bill moves his stuff a few blocks northwest of the White House (to new digs spitting distance from the National Zoo), lots of folks still can't figure out why most Americans really liked the guy. There are lots of valid reasons, but it all boils down to this: He gives a mean handshake.

And when I say that, I mean the way he shakes hands leaves a certain impression. I had the privilege of shaking his hand twice during the 1992 campaign, and I have to say the experience was stellar. The only other politician who comes close might be his wife. Al and Tipper Gore? Limp fish. George W. Bush? I don't know, but from what I read his handshake is much like his father's. In other words: A limp fish.

But Bill Clinton? The man knows how to shake a hand. For those of you not privileged enough to enjoy such a treat, here's the skinny:

First, he looks at you. And when Bill Clinton looks at you, all of a sudden you get the feeling that all the people around you have melted away. The moment seems genuine and intimate. Anyway, a split second after the look, you get the hand. He's got big hands (but I think we've heard enough testimony in that direction to last a lifetime). He envelops your hand and, without pressing too hard (which would be a sure sign of insecurity), he shakes it assuredly. The effect is like that of a firm caress. Sensual, to the extreme.

If you think I'm being a little sexual about this, well, I am. Those who wonder how a smarty-pants fat boy can get all the chicks, well, wonder no more. He pays attention to whoever is in his space. When you shake his hand or speak to him, you've got his full attention. That makes people feel good about themselves. And that's what Clinton did best as president.

I always felt good with him in the White House, knowing that he was a smart guy who could handle any problem thrown at him. And indeed, when the chips were down, he usually came through.

But it doesn't take smarts to be a popular (and even good) president. Ronald Reagan was no brain surgeon. In fact, he might well be one of the less-intelligent presidents we've had. Even so, he had one skill that worked to perfection: He connected with people. I don't have many good things to say about the Reagan administration, but I have few bad things to say about Ronald Reagan the person. By all accounts he was a pleasant, personable guy. And if his politics put his personal life in a hypocritical position? Well, join the club.

You want to know where Clinton excelled as president? During times of national crisis. The Oklahoma City bombing. Hurricanes. Whenever a big jet went down. Clinton went to the people, heard their pain and shared it. The man can empathize. I heard and read stories of die-hard Republicans in tears after meeting with him during times like those. Despite the stereotype, almost all politicians care about their constituents. Almost all politicians do feel a calling to "public service." I've met too many politicians of every stripe to say otherwise. But few can express their feelings, their empathy, like Bill Clinton.

He really does care. And despite all of his screw-ups, the people really do love him. They always will. He was a Bubba made good, just like most of us wish we could be. He was a man of the people who actually liked dealing with people. You put Clinton in a room full of folks he doesn't know, and he's happier than G.W. at a Yale reunion. Clinton gives the handshakes, he talks to people and he connects. The man has a very tangible magnetism. His appeal defies logic, which may be why so many conservatives can't stand the man.

But it's real nonetheless. And back in November, the nation knew that it would be poorer on this, the first day after the Clinton years. It really didn't matter who won the election, because Bill was going to be moving on. The people don't want compassion. The people don't want someone to fight for them. The people certainly don't want someone to preach to them. All they want is someone who understands them.

Bill Clinton understood the American people. His handshake sealed the deal.

We're gonna miss you, Bill. Don't be a stranger, now, y'hear?

Jon Worley would like to invite Bill Clinton down to Durham for ribs and homebrew.