1. Some argue the vehement criticism and anger towards Bush is visceral, motivated by more than strongly-felt policy disagreement. Some would say the vehement criticism and anger towards Clinton was no different, just coming from the opposite direction. Are they different sides of the same coin? What are your thoughts?
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Thanks for the great question, Shermy. I agree generally (though not comletely) that crtiicism of Bush from the left has MORE to do with policy than criticism of Clinton from the right, other things equal. For example, the accusations about Clinton being involved in Vince Foster's death had nothing to do with any policy I can think of. I'm interested for examples of lines of left criticism of Bush that have nothing to do with policy--or with deeper principles, like my criticism that conservatives have often defended Bush to me based on their contention that he's inherently decent person, no matter what policies he carries out.
Bush's less that artful use of the language is often used as a line of criticism that he is an idiot, uneducated, and flat out stupid. When did his speaking style become a "policy" item?
Attacks on his wife, and calling her a murderer for an auto accident when she was a teenager has what to do with policy?
Repeatedly calling President Bush a coke head (without an ounce of evidence he ever used it) is regarding what policy?
Mocking his past battles with alcohol is a criticism of which policy?
I could go on and on and on, but the thread is long and your time is short.
Do you support the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, that legalized abortion in the US? Why or why not?
For the most part, the criticism of Bush that has anything to do with policy are lies (example: Claiming that Bush said Iraq was an imminent threat when he said that we should not wait until it becomes an imminent threat).
As to non-policy related criticisms, leftists continually protray him as an imbecile -- that is, when they're not portraying him as the brilliant mastermind behind evil conservative conspiracies.
Fixation on his National Guard service, anyone?
"Now watch this drive".
Obsession about his religious faith.
Attacks on his intelligence.
Whining about him not leaping from his seat and scaring the kids the instant he heard about the 9/11 attacks.
Whining about him wearing a flight suit when he landed on the aircraft carrier.
Accusations that he served a "fake" turkey during his visit to the troops in Iraq.
Bitching about the 2000 election, saying he was "selected, not elected" (horse manure).
Blaming Bush when audiences reject performers who attack him.
Calling him "Junior" or "Shrub" or saying he's doing something to "impress his Daddy".
Accusing Bush of engineering or allowing 9/11 for his "Saudi masters" etc.
How many more would you like?
Yea right, liberals are actually able to think and reason and that's why they oppose policies. Hogwash liberal elitism.....Conservatives opposed Klintoon on all fronts. From his socialistic, statist, big government policies to his corruptness, proven corruptness. Lying under oath, cheating on his wife, all things that allow us to properly conclude that he was not fit to serve in the WH.
So calling President George W. Bush a "deserter" is a "deep principle"? You haven't answered a single question yet, but responded with references to your magazine articles and leftist platitudes. I'm tired of this charade.