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Fred Barnes: They Still Haven't Figured Him Out (Bush's unexpected qualities)
The Weekly Standard ^ | December 13, 2004 | Fred Barnes

Posted on 12/03/2004 7:34:52 PM PST by RWR8189

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To: msnimje

This plain spoken guy who is thought of as a simpleton, a cowboy, etc is quite frankly one of the most extraordinary politicians of our time. He is the first Republican president since Eisenhower to have his party control both houses of Congress. I think it is remarkable, and so is he.


21 posted on 12/03/2004 8:13:26 PM PST by TNCMAXQ
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To: RWR8189
Bush read most of it and asked Sharansky to meet with him at the White House. Bush praised Sharansky for his years as a dissident in the Soviet Union. To which Sharansky replied, "Now you are the chief dissident of the world."

Now THAT is an amazing statement! It gives me chills.

22 posted on 12/03/2004 8:13:35 PM PST by My2Cents ("Well...there you go again.")
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To: Txsleuth

I knew Harry Reid was a nasty little partisan SOB. I'm still glad Daschle lost.


23 posted on 12/03/2004 8:14:36 PM PST by My2Cents ("Well...there you go again.")
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To: CHARLITE
On the other hand, Charles Krauthammer sounds as wonderful as he reads.

Yes, in fact I started to put that in my post, but decided not to muddy my point. Charles in fact almost sounds better than he reads, if that's possible. There's an emotion there that doesn't across in print. But he's diamonds either way.

I do like Fred, and I think he is a very good conservative thinker. But I think he often sounds muddled, hurried and hesitant on TV, which tends to dilute his points.

24 posted on 12/03/2004 8:14:56 PM PST by JustaCowgirl (I don't know what I said yesterday, but I know what I think, and I assume that's what I said- Rummy)
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To: Txsleuth
Harry Reid is a hardnut.

His soft voice belies the wrath within him. I can't stand him.

25 posted on 12/03/2004 8:15:08 PM PST by processing please hold (Islam and Christianity do not mix ----9-11 taught us that)
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To: RWR8189

This is a very thoughtful original piece.

I'm pleased to note Fred has been struck be the visionary outlook the President holds. Whether it be the Middle East, concepts of an ownership society or another proposal; if you fail to grasp at root his proposals contain the concept of Liberty and Freedom you will never understand this man.

It is this side of G.W. I am drawn to more than any other. I love to listen to his major speeches in other countries because he doesn't limit this vision to our own country's potential. His speech in Great Britain was much like his one in Canada last week. Inspirational as it drew on moments of historical significance in their country. If a Canadian, I would have been filled with pride in my country listening to that speech.

IMO, many people desperately are seeking a stateman that can call them to their own greatness. In absence, Bush has ability to in rare moments fill that void. I can only wonder how many future leaders and citizens in these foreign countries may be inspired to bring their own country to greatness previously thought impossible or lost in the past.

People heard Reagan's voice during the Cold War. They are hearing G.W's voice now. It will have consequences that are far reaching, only able to be wholely assessed in retrospect.


26 posted on 12/03/2004 8:15:29 PM PST by Soul Seeker
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To: My2Cents

Gives me chills too.


27 posted on 12/03/2004 8:16:43 PM PST by processing please hold (Islam and Christianity do not mix ----9-11 taught us that)
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To: Soul Seeker

I believe that history will show W. to be a better President than Reagan.


28 posted on 12/03/2004 8:18:33 PM PST by processing please hold (Islam and Christianity do not mix ----9-11 taught us that)
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To: wrathof59

what a great list. we are truly blessed to be seeing
what power of faith can give one man and 53% of a nation.

hey dems! squirm in your bile BWAHAHAHAHA


29 posted on 12/03/2004 8:18:52 PM PST by 537cant be wrong (no kittie! thats my pot pie!)
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To: Txsleuth

I think Fred is the one who yells Mort down and I prefer Fred's politics so I'm not feeling sorry for Mort.

Enjoy the synergy and friendship of the two of them on their Beltway Boys. Used to enjoy them years ago on the McLaughlin Report - back when it was still sometimes rational.


30 posted on 12/03/2004 8:19:47 PM PST by Let's Roll (For a guy who shirked his own job, Kerry sure was eager to tell others how to do theirs ...)
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To: RWR8189

Good article. I've always liked Fred Barnes, but I pay much more attention to him now. He is usually on target.

But Chas. Krauthammer really gets my attention! When Juan is on, I listen for him to walk into it, but with Krauthammer, I simply listen and am amazed at his wisdom. He can analyze difficult things so clearly. I'm not putting Rush in the same class, but Rush always seems to be able to come in at a different angle on some subjects. So it is with Krauthammer. He sees things from a different slant and when he does it all seems to make such sense!! Ol all the analysts out there, he is #1!


31 posted on 12/03/2004 8:20:58 PM PST by Exit148 (Founder of the Loose Change Club. Every nickle and dime counts!!)
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To: My2Cents
To which Sharansky replied, "Now you are the chief dissident of the world."
Well, if people like Chirac and Schroeder are in the mainstream of world political thought, then thank God we have a "dissident" as our President!
32 posted on 12/03/2004 8:22:10 PM PST by mysto
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To: RWR8189
You ever know old money rich people who don't act pretentious or haughty? They are as genuinely friendly and caring as anyone?

Well, Bush is the political equivalent of that. Old political power but not arrogant (unless you mess with his security guard), or condescending.

What Fred probably isn't aware of is the West Texas oil field trash influence on Bush's persona. In the oil patch a man's word is his bond and everyone carries his own weight and accepts responsibility for his own misfortunes (dry holes).

33 posted on 12/03/2004 8:23:02 PM PST by bayourod (Bush said. "Let's see if I can say it as plainly as I can: I am for the intelligence bill.")
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To: Soul Seeker

I truly admire President Bush and applaud his "visionary" plans. I agree with him and want him to accomplish as much as he can---

but, unfortunately, in order to succeed, his plans will be rocking some boats that aren't going to like being rocked.
According to Fred's article, his father, GHW, was a "passive" president and waited to do things when they were necessary like the lst Gulf War. HE was targeted for assasination.

Bush is pushing and aggressive (which he should be, post 9/11), so I fear for his safety so much. I have never prayed for a President like I have Bush. I think its gonna take a LOT of prayer to keep he and his family safe for the next 4 years!!!


34 posted on 12/03/2004 8:23:24 PM PST by Txsleuth (Proud to be a Texan)
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To: pbrown

So do I. He has already exceeded President Reagans record in defending life and he has gone where even RR didn't dare, the heart of the beast in the ME. Of course, President Reagan had the bear on his plate so he can be excused for that but he can't be excused for not responding more forcefully in Lebanon.


35 posted on 12/03/2004 8:25:17 PM PST by jwalsh07
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To: JustaCowgirl
I'm almost certain that Fred considers himself an evangelical Christian, or at least a conservative Christian. I have heard him pretty heatedly defend Christian thought in politics, and get pretty riled up at the liberal, elitist snobbery about Christian conservatism.

Fred made a comment recently on Special Report, I believe it was the day before Thanksgiving. Anyway, he stated that his mother was a great evangelical who had done everything she could to "further the cause" (paraphrasing here).

36 posted on 12/03/2004 8:27:22 PM PST by jamaly
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To: My2Cents
To which Sharansky replied, "Now you are the chief dissident of the world.

Now THAT is an amazing statement! It gives me chills.

You're right. That IS an amazing statement. I tell you, we are watching a very, very special man in this President.

I almost find it pleasing when he is so thoroughly despised and looked down on by so many in the world, and why so few truly understand what he is all about. It makes me more sure than ever that this man is genuinely walking a path set before him by a higher power.

37 posted on 12/03/2004 8:29:03 PM PST by JustaCowgirl (I don't know what I said yesterday, but I know what I think, and I assume that's what I said- Rummy)
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To: mysto

I think that was Sharansky's point -- Bush is the true revolutionary, the true dissident, the true visionary, in regard to coming up against the "business as usual" attitudes that prevade the diplomatic community. Bush decided after 9-11 that the "status quo" was a highway to disaster.


38 posted on 12/03/2004 8:29:06 PM PST by My2Cents ("Well...there you go again.")
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To: jwalsh07

Every time I think of Lebanon, I say a prayer for those Marines who were murdered. God rest their souls.


39 posted on 12/03/2004 8:29:11 PM PST by processing please hold (Islam and Christianity do not mix ----9-11 taught us that)
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To: Txsleuth

They want to play hardball so can we. It may be two years, but we can place a MAJORITY of Republicans and I Mean 60+ in the Senate. Along with a Majority in the House. Then who's BALLS will be hard ?


40 posted on 12/03/2004 8:29:19 PM PST by 26lemoncharlie (Defending America)
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