[Girlene]

I heard him on Nightline last night saying that President Bush was too hard on other countries after 9/11, and should not have told them what to do, that is “why they hate us”.

That is simplistic and weak. I guess his current "popularity" has a good side - it exposes more voters to his views and positions.

[roses of sharon]

Well, unfortunately “populism” and populists thrive in conditions where modern Americans need to make “hang tough", whither world criticism and angst, and make tough decisions.

And it appears our citizenry likes the comforting positions of blaming America, blaming one President, or some pol for every ill in the world, and then running for the hills, with a quick fix.

Being free of responsibility and burdens did not used to be a high virtue above all else for Americans.