No it doesn't. It's a nice gesture. It prevents blacks from saying Bush is ignoring them. They really don't care if he approves of Kwanzaa or not.
This is nothing but pandering, but sadly that 9% will not change remarkably.
If the 9% won't change, how is it pandering?
Bush isnt a good politician either.
On the contrary, Bush is sitting at 90% approval rating, and just kicked Daschle's butt over the stimulus package. He's an outstanding politician.
I know the 9% wouldnt change, but he doesnt. That is what makes him a bad politician. I think you are also wrong to suggest that if the President skipped Kwanzaa, then blacks would think he is not paying sensitive to them. What you say will be valid, only if someone makes a counter-point using it. What I mean is the following: In 2004 when the NAACP starts bashing Bush again, can you picture anyone in his campaign getting on TV and reminding black folks how he wished them a happy Kwanzaa. Whats the point in doing something to your opponent, that will have no positive effect, and might befriend people who voted for you.
And that is supposed to be a compliment?