Liberal News Analyst: 'George W. Bush, Not Barack Obama, Is the Real American Hero in Africa'

NewsBusters.org ^ | April 27, 2013 | Noel Sheppard

[Kaslin]

NewsBusters readers know Ellen Ratner as the perilously liberal news analyst typically offering the left-wing views on Fox News Watch.

On Thursday, Ratner published an article titled "George W. Bush Has Saved More Lives Than Any American President" that is guaranteed to shock the heck out of you as it angers folks on her side of the aisle:

"George W. Bush, not Barack Obama, is the real American hero in Africa," she amazingly began. "Take it from me, a liberal Democrat who voted for Obama twice."

After discussing her knowledge of the problems on that continent, Ratner continued her praise of our 43rd president:

Back in early 2008, when I started my work in South Sudan--I have been working closely with Christian Solidarity International--everyone was excited about the possibility of Barack Obama becoming president. [...]

Indeed, after Obama won the U.S. election in November of 2008, many Africans, in South Sudan, and everywhere else, were proud to wear T-shirts with photos of President Obama on them

Yet now that Obama’s first term has drawn to a close, the positive buzz about Obama has dramatically shifted; the Obama excitement, and the T-shirts, have most disappeared.

In fact, South Sudanese today are thinking more about another U.S. president: that would be Obama’s predecessor, Bush 43. As a liberal Democrat and Obama supporter, I was particularly struck by this. Yes, Bush is a hero in Africa, and Americans, too, should know why.

No American president, before or since, has had Bush’s vision and determination to save so many millions of lives.

As you likely surmised, Ratner was referring to Bush's African AIDS program (PEPFAR).

"Five million children, women and men have received antiretroviral treatment under PEPFAR," Ratner wrote. "In 2010 alone, 600,000 pregnant mothers received treatment so their newborn children would not be infected. Yes, millions of people live productive, healthy lives due to Bush 43."

After discussing a new program the Bush's are working on to fight cervical cancer, Ratner concluded, ""[T]his liberal commentator thanks president and Mrs. Bush every single day for their amazing and tireless work for humanity. They are wonderful role models for future leaders around the world. I wish more leaders would follow the shining example of George W. and Laura Bush."

Indeed, and I wish more liberal media members would follow the shining example of Ellen Ratner by being willing to give praise to politicians on the other side of the aisle when they deserve.

Brava, Ellen! Brava!

[Jack Hammer]

If a Liberal says anything at all complimentary about the Right, you can bet it’s said grudgingly and must be true.

[skeeter]

If a liberal says anything at all complimentary about a non-liberal you can be sure they have an ulterior motive.

I believe they want W in the fight for 'comprehensive immigration reform'.

[Vaquero]

Heck lets send the pretender to Africa full time to hone his skills. He can visit with his homies.

[Carriage Hill]

“I believe they want W in the fight for ‘comprehensive immigration reform’.”

They’re sucking-up to W for some reason, and it isn’t because they’re nice people or think highly of him.

[Jack Hammer]

Ah, I see.

Thanks for the illumination.

[Pan_Yan]

Why Does The President Of South Sudan Always Wear A Cowboy Hat?

Salva Kiir Mayardit, the president of South Sudan, who recently signed a historic oil deal with his northern neighbor (and erstwhile enemy) Sudan, has at least one peculiar habit, sartorially speaking.

...

According to reports, the hat was a gift to Kiir for then-U.S. President George W. Bush when the former leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement visited the White House in July 2006. Kiir liked the hat so much, he reportedly bought several more and now has a closet full of them.

Kiir apparently is grateful to Bush for playing an instrumental role in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the second Sudanese civil war and paved the way for a referendum on South Sudan’ independence -- a measure that became a reality in July 2011, two years after Bush’ term ended.

[Jonty30]

Probably, but not necessarily.

Once somebody has been trashed into uselessness, liberals consider it a noble act to say good things about that person.

[Fedupwithit]

Pimpin’ it REAL!!!

[stephenjohnbanker]

Yeah, like they did with Jerry Ford.

[EQAndyBuzz]

They are bringing Bush back into the spotlight so after immigration reform passes and Obama attributes it to Bush, in 2014, when it goes to hell they can blame Bush and the Repubicans.

No one sees this one coming....

[catfish1957]

When I was channel surfing the other night PMSNBC was running a hit piece on W. I told my wife that Bush has been out of office for four years and 3 months, and these whackos are still attacking him? Just goes to prove that they need a scapegoat to deflect the critism of the utter failure of who is in there now.

I did not agree with the '03 invasion, but otherwise I think history will be kind to the 43rd president.

[lonevoice]

Good article.

I heard an interview with 41's official White House photographer the other day. He said that this was President Bush's favorite official photograph:

I think Obozo's favorite photograph will probably be something like this:

"One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just doesn't belong."

[Carriage Hill]

Did they do that for Nixon, Ford or Reagan? I just don’t remember it being so. They’re still trashing Nixon and Reagan, and ignoring Ford.

[funfan]

Great photo of President Bush and Barney.

The other photograph of o not so much.

[Jonty30]

Nixon is recognized, even by Liberals, for opeing up China to the West.

[jocon307]

Thanks for posting this, and thanks to Ms. Ratner for saying it.

I can only hope she doesn’t get a bucketful of hatred thrown her way; or maybe I hope she does, so she can learn what “her side” is really all about.

They’ll probably chose to ignore her comments, that seems to be their MO these days: If I cover my eyes what I don’t wish to see doesn’t exist.

[Carriage Hill]

His legacy was, is and always will be the Watergate cover-up, the continuation of the VietNam War, loss of pubic trust in gov’t, along with the EPA, OSHA, NIOSH, MSHA and other agencies which liberal adore. His opening-up China is #6 or #7 on his dance card.

[Lurker]

FU, Ratner. Why didn’t you write this when he was in office?