Posted on 01/22/2007 12:06:01 PM PST by Keyes2000mt
George W. Bush is still the President of the United States, but these days, he hasn't been acting like it. That once-reassuring confidence is gone. Left behind is what those of us who didn't support the President in the 2000 primaries feared most: an uneasy and uncertain presence in the White House.
His approval numbers are at an all-time low. Some have vainly tried to rally conservatives to stand behind the White House, but to no avail. These days, the White House is on defense, constantly. The message is muddled and confused, and the boss is a shadow of his former self.
Maybe, Bush's confidence was shaken by the mid-term elections. After all, 2006 was the first election he lost since 1978. The immediate reaction to the November elections of jettisoning Donald Rumsfeld showed the formerly unflappable President had been shaken by the voters ire.
Now, the White House has declared itself open to raising taxes as part of a Social Security Reform package. By doing so, he would join his father in breaking a pledge against raising taxes, and could do great harm to Republican chances in 2008.
It's a sad state of affairs. American is now left with a president with shattered self-confidence, who at this stage of his presidency inspires nothing. He's uncertain figure twisting in the wind. He's either unwilling or unable to find the courage needed to fight on. Every time, he tries he loses steam. The last half of his presidency, with the exception of the confirmation of Justices Roberts and Alito, has been one of the most hapless in American history.
This contrasts with a first term where Bush was focused, locked in, and unshakable. Neither America nor the rest of the World is helped by the new wimpier Bush. If he wants and expects people to follow him the last two years of his presidency, then he must present a vision worth following and draw firm lines in the sand with the Democratic Party. Contrary to the popular thinking on Capitol Hill, the election of Pelosi and company does not invalidate Bush's re-election. He has the full power of his office and enough Republican votes in Congress to sustain any veto he issues.
What he seems to lack is the gumption to act. Far more comfortable apparently is the uncertain paralysis in the face of Speaker Pelosi's ideological approach. By taking a firm stand for the principle of low taxes upon which the Administration has built it's economic policy during the past six years, and speaking with certainty on the Iraq conflict, Bush can remain relevant and even regain standing. Failure to stand with principle will leave Americans (and conservatives in particular) with a sour taste that may not be washed away by time.
more rationalizations from conservatives who backstabbed their president.
Actually. His second term has been quite dissapointing.
Agreed.
Dreamer
Because there are alot of whiney backtabbers and many here on FR whom have NO LOYALTY to a damn great president whom is doing a very tough job in very dangerous times. I for one am sick of the backstabbers and wish they would all start their own damn party out of the GOP.
There has been almost unprecedented backstabbing, all right, but you have the stabber and the stabee reversed.
Ah, that is why Bush backed down from the force surge without a fight and blindly accepted the findings of the Iraq Study Group.
Not.
It's one thing to disagree with some of the actions Bush has taken. It's another to delude oneself as to the nature of Bush's resolve.
bttt
Good article. Calls a spade, a spade. America, especially CONSERVATIVE AMERICA, had better get its head out of the sand and start fighting for what is left of America....
Utter nonsense.
Oh yeah, GW has keep your arse safe for six years, lowered your taxes appointed two of the best suprme court justices ever, given us a great economy, all while fighting two wars. Yeah he has stabbed you in the back. No, you have no loyalty whiner.
Bush needs to stand tall for the War on Terror and remind everyone it is so much more than just Iraq. Democrats will hiss and sneer throughout tomorrow's speech. Let them. Their rudeness will be on display and they won't be able to contain themselves. Bush should apologize to no one. If he tries to be a uniter and not a divider, he'll be viewed as weak...again.
Sure do. I do not want any disloyal people in the GOP whom slit your throat the minute they do not get what they want. There are many doing that nowadays and it is pathetic.
I voted for the President twiced, called from the GOP phone bank and hit my entire precinct with Republican literature. Sorry, that I'm a traitor for stating the obvious about Bush's manner over the last few months.
I like the cute part where the author says,
now if you do what I say on tax cuts-- all will be forgiven and I will once again return to loyalty.
Bush may be the only public figure remaining who so clearly stands on principal.
He is commanding a war which has theaters in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, the Phillipines, and a myriad of other undisclosed locations.
Its okay petty partisans-- Bush and the rest of the loyal soldiers of this nation will take care of you.
Don't be distracted from your tantrums.
And the hatchet headed toward your spine is labled "Amnesty"
Wow, another astoundingly productive article from a Conservative.
Amazing how brilliant we are when times are tough!
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