BUSH TRANSFIGURED

Andrew Sullivan.com ^ | Tuesday, January 29, 2002 | Andrew Sullivan

[dixiechick2000]

"He co-opted large amounts of their agenda..."

All I can say is...thank you for posting this thread.
AS understands exactly what President Bush was doing...stealing the dem's issues. Talking about those issues doesn't mean they will be funded.

[Miss Marple]

What a lovely response, and so close to my own feelings! Thank you!

One of the gifts President Bush has is that he instinctively understands that the nation wants a leader in which they can take pride, one who calls them to be a little better than they are, and yet also one who values them for what THEY are right now. He calls us to contribute, to participate, to help others, and to behave with dignity.

He is a wonderful leader and a wonderful man.

[dixiechick2000]

lol I should have read the thread before posting. You said what I was thinking...only you said it much better than I did.

Bump!;o)

[kristinn]

I must note for the record that you failed to address Askel5's concern. Instead, you made a personal attack on her.

[Torie]

As time goes by, it seems clearer and clearer to me that Bush is a meld between traditional American individualistic conservatism, and the Burkean communitarian European kind, that is for a prudent government activism even as it preserves the invisible hand and basic values. Bush will not let ideology blind him to addressing real problems, even while ideology guides him in how to do it consistent to the extent possible with conservative values. That is why Sullivan and I have grown so comfortable with Bush I suspect. Frankly he is a neocon is good standing really. But don't let that get out.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I don't view it that way but merely as recognition that the party cannot isolate itself in the far right wing. However happy it might make some of us around here it will not fly with the vast majority of the ignorant, immoral voters. These must be neutralized at worst or converted at best but it will be slow. Bush is doing a masterful job of broadening his appeal and it could pay off hugely in the fall elections. Then he can really get something done when fewer obstructionists are in Congress.

[Askel5]

What in this speech or your reactions could possible upset me? I'm supposed to be shocked? jealous? left out? angry? hateful?

Hardly. A snoozer of sorts in that it was practically perfect in every way.

I wasn't upset until -- reading this article -- I couldn't find any mention of the ESCR decision. Once upon a time it was important enough to make the topic of his First Televised Address ... once Gracie had softened up the audience with her secret smile.

Imagine ... he informed consciences, quoted Scripture and actually split the baby in half by sticking to his ONE CONCRETE campaign promise re: Human Life by using only "already been killed" embryos.

a more neutral, uplifting spirit of action and service, a problem-solving ethic that is practical but also moral, and deeply American.

That decision was hardly neutral. A big step. And the only thing "deeply American" seems to be the alchemy of pragmatism that believes it's overcome somehow the two essential self-evident truths on which this nation was founded: all men are created equal and possess the right to life.

Would you say it's still true, Sinkspur? Would you say all men are created equal and that each has the right to life?

Helllllllooooo ... anyone notice all the Excess Human Life sitting in the middle of America's family room during the Address?

[Torie]

IOW, Sullivan sees this as as a slick and masterful move by Bush to make the Republican Party safe for gay activism

LOL. You really parsed all of that from THIS speech? Someday I hope you will join with me in giving the appropriate weight as a public policy issue to gay issues vis a vis other issues. We don't agree on anything I suspect regarding gay issues, but one of us is rather obsessed about them, and one of us isn't.

[eddie willers]

I think his calm comes from the fact that he moves steadily and deliberately and knows exactly where he's going.

I think hit found out he could take a punch on 9/11 and still stand.
He's seen the worse and now believes, with quiet confidence, that he's the right man, in the right place, at the right time.

Let's roll.

[Askel5]

By the way ... I realize I'm being harsh what with our focus on misting Subhumans.

Anyway ... you said you weren't going to post to me anymore.

Get back on the horse, guy. See you around.

[LarryLied]

There were several parts of the speech that I was in complete disagreement with

Me too. Bush may get around to the social laundry list after his priorities are taken care of but I suspect he'll consolidate and improve the programs rather than dramatically increase funding.

He threw the Dems his education bill as a bone. I doubt he'll throw them another one until he gets what he wants (drilling in ANWR, tax cuts and an increase in military spending).

[Torie]

Actually the education bill will do little to reduce the number of children left behind. Alas politics is the art of the possible. It is up to us as citizens to get the outrage voltage up on this national scandal, and smite the teachers unions, and all their fellow travelers. But until public opinion is moved, it would be self indulgent of us to expect more from Bush.

[Vigilanteman]

BTW-was ted kennedy drunk?

This is the Ted Kennedy I always see:

[Buckeroo]

And Bush said nothing about the removal of our troops and presence in Bosnia. And Bush said nothing about fortifying our national borders against illegal aliens.......... same old BS. Read his lips.

[malakhi]

...describing respect for women, for example, as a non-negotiable American principle. His outreach to Ted Kennedy...

I detect a contradition here...

[Salman]

Sorry Sullivan, but it won't happen the way you think. When gay activism is allowed in, the religious conservatives will leave Sodom promptly.

And go where? Not arguing, just asking.

[Southflanknorthpawsis]

He's seen the worse and now believes, with quiet confidence, that he's the right man, in the right place, at the right time.

It's very true. Great leaders throughout history are not accidental. God has placed him here and I think George Bush has a deep sense of that and is strongly fortified by his faith.

[FITZ]

What I liked was how he talked about compassion and helping others and then brought up a volunteer program. We should be compassionate and we shouldn't be greedy and volunteerism is great, as long as he begins to privatize Social Security and lower taxes, we're headed in the right direction. The Democrats want forced charity so I can't imagine they liked the "volunteer" word.

[Torie]

As one who is not religious, I do think that Bush's faith gives him courage to move ahead whatever the risks when he is convinced that it is moral and right to do so, even if not what his pollsters tell him is the best approach. That could be dangerous, except that Bush combines it with good judgment, a cautious nature, a calm disposition, and a self confidence and ability to have superb advisors surround him. So far the balance he has achieved is close to the golden mean. But many challenges and difficult decisions lie ahead, particularly if he takes on Iraq and Iran. May the force continue to be with him.