Don’t “Misunderestimate” President Bush
Written by Gary on June 11th, 2005A quick note to conservatives who claim that President Bush is somehow “inadequate” at selling the social security issue. Are we serious? Need I remind everyone that Bush built support for the tax cut bills, in 2001 and 2003, amid serious public opposition. Job creation and economic growth are always seen as Democratic issues, but somehow Bush was able to build enough support for this legislation. He even did it once with a Demoratic-controlled Senate! Bush is boldy trying to confront the status-quo establishment in Washington. He could easily have passed over this issue and tackled something easier and more politically pleasant. However, as he has demonstrated time and time again (especially in Iraq), President Bush is a principled leader. Quite simply, he does what he thinks is best for the American people. He must be commended for taking on what is widely-regarded as a losing issue - for taking on a problem before it fully materializes. His leadership on social security closely parallels his action in Iraq. In both cases, President Bush risked immense political opposition f or something he believed to be right. On the big issues, this President always acts on principle, and “lets the chips fall where they may.” After all of President Bush’s political successes, who would dare “misunderestimate” him in the social security debate? Let’s give Bush some more time to sell the issue. Let’s stand with him in the face of these ferocious media attacks. Okay, so he’s not as brilliant as Rep. Pat Toomey, but Bush can connect with average Americans. It does not do us any good to deride Bush’s rhetorical ability. We need to follow his lead and stop holding the President to some ideal, unattainable standard of leadership. If we stay the course today, we will surely see the benefits tomorrow.
12
AM
“A quick note to conservatives who claim that President Bush is somehow “inadequate” at selling the social security issue. Are we serious?”
Unfortunately, yes we are. You say that some people are saying that Bush has done a poor job of selling Social Security reform. Then you go on to talk about a whole host of issues that have nothing to do with Social Security reform. So what if Bush got tax cuts in 2003, he has done a poor job of selling SS reform in 2005. So what if Bush had the moral courage to invade Iraq, he has done a poor job of selling SS reform. So what if Bush is fine man with good values, he has done a poor job of selling SS reform. If Bush ran a corporation he would be fired. What you do in the past doesn’t mean jackshit today. It’s about results Gary and president isn’t getting any. He has terrible talking points that are difficult to communicate and don’t speak to the heart of the issue. He has utterly failed to convince a majority of the people that this is good idea. The idea itself is a tremendous waste of political capital because it is only a half measure that pleases no one yet forces the left to war. The campaign has been poorly run and the reform has been poorly sold.
So who should be blame for this? Where does the buck stop? I am not holding the president to any “ideal standard of leadership”. I am asking him to not fail and he is. I’ll say it again, if President Bush was a CEO he would be fired. I like President Bush, he is fine man with strong values. But what does any of that have to do with him failing to convince the nation, the party and the opposition to enact his SS reform? I am not questioning the president’s “gut” nor am I questioning his ideas. I am questioning the follow-through. I am questioning the execution.
Gary, SS reform is dead right now and the man who killed it is the man who created it. I take no joy in calling out the president’s failures, I voted for the man so I am as much to blame when he stumbles as he is himself, that’s how republics work. President Bush needs to light a fire under his ass and achieve some results. Time is of the essence because in politics perception becomes reality very quickly and the words “lame duck” are on the tip of everyone’s’ tongues.
16
PM
It’s a great website of yours. I surfed by and found it very informative. Bookmarked and check you back in a while
18
AM
best site of its kind
24
PM
I really, truly am glad I found this site. It has answered so many questions for me. I will be back. Thank You