George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
One thing used to be certain. And it was this: History would judge President George W. Bush very harshly. History, we were told, would positively hate him. From Think Progress:
Since 1982, the Siena Research Institute has polled presidential scholars on whom they view to be best and worst presidents in American history, based on a variety of issues from “integrity” to economic stewardship. This year’s poll of 238 scholars found that President Franklin Roosevelt was once again ranked on top, joined by Presidents Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, and Teddy Roosevelt to complete the top five. However, President George W. Bush did not fare well since the last poll was conducted in 2002. He dropped 16 places to 39th, making him the worst president since Warren Harding died in office in 1923, and one of the bottom five of all time, according to the experts. [emphasis mine]
To History, and to "experts," Bush had a very Bushy response:
"History. We don't know. We'll all be dead."
Well, history's coming faster these days. And with less "expert" guidance, it seems, from the "experts" who rank presidents so "expertly." From CNN, with a big Hat Tip to Hot Air:
Americans are divided over whether President Barack Obama or his predecessor has performed better in the White House, according to a new national poll.
And a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Friday also indicates in the battle for Congress, Republicans hold large advantages over the Democrats among independents, men and blue-collar whites. The poll also indicates that Republicans are much more enthusiastic than Democrats to vote.
By 47 to 45 percent, Americans say Obama is a better president than George W. Bush. But that two point margin is down from a 23 point advantage one year ago.
It turns out that History is something we all write together. History isn't under the control of the experts.
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May '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
What I liked about George W. Bush as president:
1. He was decisive. When he decided those who attacked us would pay, he saw to it that they paid.
2. He was a man of his word. When he said he was going to do something, you believed him because he did it.
3. He was unconcerned about what people thought of him. He seemed to have a healthy self regard that didn't need to be propped up by sycophants.
4. He was compassionate. He really did care for the downtrodden and less fortunate.
5. He respected the military and honored those who served. I perceived him to weigh use of the military very carefully.
6. He had a great sense of humor. This video is one of my favorite!
7. He was well read. I loved hearing about his reading contest with Karl (yes, K like in Klan) Rove.
What I didn't like about George W. Bush as president:
1. He was a little too much like David Brooks in that he liked government and thought it to be useful.
2. He didn't use his bully pulpit enough to persuade the voters.
3. Didn't cut
Aug '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
This is beautiful, and it shows everyone - beyond a reasonable doubt - that the Regime Media is an utter failure. For ten years they've tried ruthlessly to destroy him, and now it's their own man who is disintegrating before our eyes. As Victor Davis Hanson would say, this is what happens when hubris meets Nemesis.
Jul '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
I don't want to hijack the thread of a great post but Felicia's post got me thinking about David Brooks and the recent podcast featuring him. He seems like a perfectly nice fellow but utterly uninspiring. If he is a good example of a Northeastern Republican I can see why the breed is all but extinct.
I don't want to mischaracterize his positions but I think it is fair to say he doesn't care about big government or government spending. I believe he even described worrying about whether we spend 20 or 25% of GDP on government as a fetish. He seems to have infinite faith in the government's ability to enact positive change. What scares me about this kind of thinking is that it fails to recognize the natural limitations of government as a tool.
Jul '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
In fairness, Bush set a pretty low bar. He had majorities in both houses of Congress and passed a temporary tax cut. Then there was Medicare, NCLB, etc.
Edited on Oct 9, 2010 at 5:19amMay '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
I wouldn't be too optimistic. History is not written by the winners. It is written by marxist history profs.
May '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
FeliciaB:
6. He had a great sense of humor. This video is one of my favorite!
A great view on a Saturday morning--thanks for the link.
The self-deprecating humor was fun, but the last minute or so--with his sincere, serious words--was even better. I didn't think I would ever miss the guy because my fatigue with him had really settled in at the end, but I do.
Aug '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
Scott Reusser
FeliciaB:
6. He had a great sense of humor. This video is one of my favorite!
A great view on a Saturday morning--thanks for the link.
The self-deprecating humor was fun, but the last minute or so--with his sincere, serious words--was even better. I didn't think I would ever miss the guy because my fatigue with him had really settled in at the end, but I do. · Oct 9 at 7:12am
That's a great video! Like seeing an old friend. By God, I miss having a real human being, and not an Alien in the White House.
Aug '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
Rob Long: From Think Progress:
FDR again on top. That tells us all we need to know.
Only, I am a bit surprised that they didn't also put Woodrow Wilson in the top five.
May '10
Re: George Bush Gets Popular, and We're Not Even Dead Yet
Scott Reusser
FeliciaB:
6. He had a great sense of humor. This video is one of my favorite!
A great view on a Saturday morning--thanks for the link.
The self-deprecating humor was fun, but the last minute or so--with his sincere, serious words--was even better. I didn't think I would ever miss the guy because my fatigue with him had really settled in at the end, but I do. · Oct 9 at 7:12am
One of my favorite lines: "I love America because it's full of Americans."
Edited on Oct 9, 2010 at 10:01am