Posted on 11/15/2005 4:49:36 PM PST by wagglebee
Former GE Chairman and business management guru Jack Welch has some advice for President George W. Bush: Start bragging about the economy.
Welch told Fox News Channel that President Bush has much to be proud of with regard to the economy, but he has to get out there and sell himself - and his accomplishments - to the American people to let them know about it.
"President Bush put a tax bill through that supported capital formation and risk taking,” Welch said. "We’ve created 2 million jobs a year after the 9/11 attacks. That’s a remarkable accomplishment. Bush has to get out there and talk about it.”
Despite the recent natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the U.S. economy continues to grow, and the stock market seems to weather every storm.
Welch has certainly noticed. Most business people have noticed. Investors noticed. But, according to the recent polls – which show the president’s approval rating at its lowest level of his presidency – the majority of Americans have not been persuaded of the "good news economy."
Welch suggested that Bush take a page from the playbook of former President Ronald Reagan to improve his communication and persuasion skills.
"Ronald Reagan was a master,” Welch said. "He talked about his accomplishments over and over again - not in a bragging way, but in a disarming way. Reagan reminded everyone of what he did and made them feel good about it – and about him.”
Welch said Bush is sometimes too humble - he won’t toot his own horn – but it’s time for some Texas-sized bragging on the part of the White House.
"One in five kids born in the U.S. are going to start their own business,” Welch said. "We are raising entrepreneurs. They want to start their own businesses and now there are tax laws that are in place to encourage them to do it.”
If there are doubters about the success of the U.S. economy, Welch suggested they look overseas – or simply at the TV news – to measure that success.
"Go to France and see the riots in the streets,” Welch said. "They have massive unemployment and rising percentages of non-citizens who can’t find work.
"Our unemployment rate is less than 5 percent after the 9/11 attacks. Bush ought to be standing on a soapbox talking about that accomplishment.”
If there's an area where Bush is lacking, this is it.
Bad sign when Jack Welch is ahead of the WH on the big message that sells. Goes to show they have their head stuck in the sand.
Of course Jack Welch is absolutely right.
Jack Welch for President 2008 bump!
Been saying this for the last couple of years, it is ridiculous that they have not.
neil Cavuto was good today on this topic. Should catch the repeat later tonight if anyone didn't see it. Everyone Really praised the president's efforts with the economy, and correctly, surmised that they should be selling it. If the administration is relunctant, the Party should be selling it.
On the other hand, a good friend told me tonight, "everyone I know is having money problems," -- all college educated, all intelligent, all over 40. What's up with that?
Many people have good jobs and money problems. It is a result of bad financial habits that are often brought on by envy, it has nothing to do with the economy. I know people who make over $250K a year who live paycheck to paycheck, and I know people who make $30K with over $100K in the bank that they saved by living within their means and putting money away every paycheck.
Maybe GWB would be better at it if his strategy hadn't always been to buy off his opponents with our money.
I don't think I'd brag about an economy based on a government bubble, an oil bubble, and a housing bubble.
I thought Welch was a Dim.
A big problem I find, especially with folks my age (I'm 29), is that they spend like crazy thinking that they should continue to live in the affluent style that their parents provided them with. Of course, they forget that such affluence was due to the fact that their parents worked their a-sses off in their younger years, lived in "starter homes" and drove unfashionable cars, thereby allowing for more saving and investment.
This is something that will never happen, and then the WH wonders why the polls are as they are. It is so frustrating... Everyone see's it except them.
What's next, Raquel Welch pouring advice for the WH, eh?
Yes,what you say is true, but also....the cost of living is so much higher, and wages haven't begun to keep pace. What I made in 1987 is still considered high today, but wouldn't provide a comfortable living for a couple these days.
Jack Welch for WH press secretary!
It's # 2 on Bush's to-do list after Iraq.
Yeah, I did all of that in my early to mid-20's, and then found myself begging my parents for $50k. I basically learned my lesson, but I think getting married was the big shock to me, one day I stopped on my way home from work and bought $1000 worth of cigars, which my new wife found entirely unacceptable.
Say it Loud!
President George W. Bush: Start bragging about the economy.
President George W. Bush: Start bragging about the economy.
President George W. Bush: Start bragging about the economy.
When will Mr. Night of The Living Dead wake up? I truly believe he is morphing into GHWB. And I back him. What will it take?
The Harvard Business Review idolizes Jack Welch, but I'm not sure he should be president. He certainly is right that W needs to take credit for his accomplishments and "improve his communication skills."
When are you 'advisors' to the Prez going to dummy up?
Bush and his advisors have a plan for doing things, have for a long time and are sticking to it...without your and Jack Welch's able assistance.
He and his handlers believe in a thing called "timing" and '"selected non-response"...they work wonders.
Why do you think the Dems are so hysterical? He's whipping them mercilessly!
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