But but but. There were no WMDs in Iraq! Bush lied! It was all for oil! (/sarcasm)
he would not get into the demonRAT gutter to defend himself
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That’s a good point. By remaining silent Bush became a punching bag for the Democrats and their attack dogs in the media. He simply refused to defend himself, a practice he continues to this day. He wants to give the impression that he is above the political fray but at some point that posture is no longer believable or defensible. Many correctly perceive it as weakness and a failure to stand for one’s convictions.