The Bush Presidency: The Historians (Start to) Weigh In

[Wags]

Originally Posted by ziggy29

Scott McClellan is Bush's Dick Morris.

Do you think that Fox News will hire Mr. McClellan like they did with Mr. Rove and Mr. Morris?

Or do you think Mr. McClellan committed the ultimate sin by speaking ill of Mr. Bush?

All I know is that Mr. O'Reilly over at Fox News has got his panties all in a knot over Mr. McCellan's book.

God Bless Us All

[Notmuchlonger]

Originally Posted by Wags

Do you think that Fox News will hire Mr. McClellan like they did with Mr. Rove and Mr. Morris?

Or do you think Mr. McClellan committed the ultimate sin by speaking ill of Mr. Bush?

All I know is that Mr. O'Reilly over at Fox News has got his panties all in a knot over Mr. McCellan's book.

God Bless Us All

McClellan cant back anything he is saying up. If his strong moral values made him question what was going on at the time why didn't he speak up then. He didn't and is just looking to make a buck

God Bless caplitalism

[Wags]

Washington Post - Citing History, Bush Suggests His Policies Will One Day Be Vindicated

washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines

Excerpts from the article

White House aides say Bush, who majored in history at Yale, likes to emphasize historical comparisons because they are easy for the public to understand and illustrate in dramatic fashion how differently future generations may come to view him.

Unfortunately for the president, many historians have already reached a conclusion. In an informal survey of scholars this spring, just two out of 109 historians said Bush would be judged a success; a majority deemed him the "worst president ever."

"It's all he has left," said Millsaps College history professor Robert S. McElvaine, who conducted the survey for the History News Network of George Mason University. "When your approval ratings are down around 20 to 28 percent and the candidate of your own party is trying to hide from being seen with you, history is your only hope."

Princeton University historian Sean Wilentz, who wrote a widely cited Rolling Stone essay about Bush in 2006 titled "The Worst President in History?," said last week that the president's historical arguments can be effective because they are difficult to disprove. "By just saying, 'In the long run this is going to look great,' it makes it very hard to respond to," he said.

White House officials dispute any link between Bush's recent emphasis on history and his disapproval rating, which is now the highest of any president since Gallup began asking the question in the 1930s. Current and former aides note that Bush is a longtime history buff who, in the middle of his presidency, met regularly with historians and other intellectuals to discuss predecessors including Washington and Nixon.

End of excerpts.

It's a good thing that Mr. Bush has such a high opinion of his actions because it appears that neither the public or the historians agree with him on much.

With disapproval ratings at about 20 to 28 percent the only wants left in Mr. Bush's corner are Dick, the Twins, Hannity, O'Reilly, and Laura.

God Bless Us All

[Wags]

Times On Line - President Bush regrets his legacy as man who wanted war

President Bush regrets his legacy as man who wanted war - Times Online

Excerpts from the article

President Bush has admitted to The Times that his gun-slinging rhetoric made the world believe that he was a “guy really anxious for war” in Iraq. He said that his aim now was to leave his successor a legacy of international diplomacy for tackling Iran.

In an exclusive interview, he expressed regret at the bitter divisions over the war and said that he was troubled about how his country had been misunderstood. “I think that in retrospect I could have used a different tone, a different rhetoric.”

Phrases such as “bring them on” or “dead or alive”, he said, “indicated to people that I was, you know, not a man of peace”. He said that he found it very painful “to put youngsters in harm’s way”. He added: “I try to meet with as many of the families as I can. And I have an obligation to comfort and console as best as I possibly can. I also have an obligation to make sure that those lives were not lost in vain.”

End of excerpts.

Now at the end of his term Mr. Bush is trying to sugarcoat and change the legacy of his presidency. But at the same time Mr. Bush is saber rattling and continues his rhetoric of war against Iran.

The fact remains that Mr. Bush and his adminstration were less then truthful in the justification for attacking Iraq.

Mr. Bush's wishful thinking will not change the facts and reality.

God Bless Us All

[Westernskies]

It is way to early to judge the Bush presidency in historical terms, but since everyone seems to want to weigh in on the present, here goes:

At least he isn't chasing floozies and using cigars on the interns... And the rest of the world clearly understands where he stands on terrorism and regimes that openly promote them. (anyone else notice how subdued Iran's mental-case president has been for the last couple of years , trading empty rhetoric for the usual military action) Everyone forgets about the millions in US cash that we uncovered in Iraq that was financing terrorism in the Middle East and beyond. Someone had to go into that god-forsaken desert, overthrow Saddam and plant the seeds of democracy; if Bush hadn't have the moral courage to do the right thing, we would be facing another 9-11 here every other month. Suicide bombings are way down in Israel, Afghanistan is on the track to a successful democracy, and Iraq is finally beginning to settle down. Bush didn't get us into this position- Clinton sent a message to the Islamic extremists that we were distracted, militarily weak, and morally corrupt. Whether you like him or not, I feel strongly that Bush has worked very hard keeping 300 million of us us safe here in the US during his terms in office-remember, the 9-11 plot was planned and assets positioned and trained on Clinton's watch. That plot was years in the making- the actual attack was deliberately executed early in Bush's presidency as payback for Desert Storm.

As for the economy, everything was humming along nicely until 2006-until we elected a Democratic Congress.... who proceeded to sow the seeds of discontent, fear, and uncertainty.

Unfortunately the media thinks the Presidency is a popularity contest- it isn't- it is a tough job that requires making tough and sometimes unpopular decisions. Personally, I am glad we had someone with the strength of character to do it instead of capitulating to the UN or the media every time a major decision has to be made.

Count me strongly in the 28%.

[BoutDone]

Iran, Hamas, Obama Osama, Hugo Chavez and the rest of those who hate America have openly stated they support Obama to be president. They hate Bush even more that you bashers do. Not because he has been trouble for America but because he has been trouble for them.

They cannot wait until Obama gets in the White House. Do you think they will change their ways and all of a sudden be nice guys supportive of the US? Not in a lifetime!

They want Obama in the White House so Iran can fill the void that Iraq will be when we pull out. Strengthening their position in the mid-east. So Chavez can gain support from like-minded US socialists so he can further the oppression. So Hamas can have a US friend who also hates Jews to further their desire to wipe Israel off the map. How supportive will Obama be to Israel taking matters into their own hands.

They all see Obama as weakening America. They love the prospect of that. Just watch them during the early years of Obama's Presidency, that is if he is elected. They will surely test him, perhaps with another 9/11 or greater conflict in the mid-east.

Be careful of what you wish for.

[Zipper]

Originally Posted by bigwonderfulwyoming

It is way to early to judge the Bush presidency in historical terms, but since everyone seems to want to weigh in on the present, here goes:

At least he isn't chasing floozies and using cigars on the interns... And the rest of the world clearly understands where he stands on terrorism and regimes that openly promote them. (anyone else notice how subdued Iran's mental-case president has been for the last couple of years , trading empty rhetoric for the usual military action) Everyone forgets about the millions in US cash that we uncovered in Iraq that was financing terrorism in the Middle East and beyond. Someone had to go into that god-forsaken desert, overthrow Saddam and plant the seeds of democracy; if Bush hadn't have the moral courage to do the right thing, we would be facing another 9-11 here every other month. Suicide bombings are way down in Israel, Afghanistan is on the track to a successful democracy, and Iraq is finally beginning to settle down. Bush didn't get us into this position- Clinton sent a message to the Islamic extremists that we were distracted, militarily weak, and morally corrupt. Whether you like him or not, I feel strongly that Bush has worked very hard keeping 300 million of us us safe here in the US during his terms in office-remember, the 9-11 plot was planned and assets positioned and trained on Clinton's watch. That plot was years in the making- the actual attack was deliberately executed early in Bush's presidency as payback for Desert Storm.

As for the economy, everything was humming along nicely until 2006-until we elected a Democratic Congress.... who proceeded to sow the seeds of discontent, fear, and uncertainty.

Unfortunately the media thinks the Presidency is a popularity contest- it isn't- it is a tough job that requires making tough and sometimes unpopular decisions. Personally, I am glad we had someone with the strength of character to do it instead of capitulating to the UN or the media every time a major decision has to be made.

Count me strongly in the 28%.

I think this is saying more about you than anything else.

28% in U.S. Maybe 5% tops in the rest of the world.

Canadians overwhelmingly think Bush is the worst President in your History.

What rock have you been hiding under?

[eridanus]

Originally Posted by BoutDone

Iran, Hamas, Obama Osama, Hugo Chavez and the rest of those who hate America have openly stated they support Obama to be president.

Why do you hate America?

[chinaco]

GWB will be criticized for many years because of his blunders. The blunders will cause problems for years to come and have weakened America economically.

[packrat44]

Originally Posted by Zipper

Canadians think he has been a moron from day 1.

I think Americans are finally coming to that conclusion 8 years too late.
.

American's had no good choice back then. Bush appeared to be the least of the evils at the time.

[Westernskies]

[quote=Zipper;668274]I think this is saying more about you than anything else.

Thanks! I 'll take that as a compliment.

28% in U.S. Maybe 5% tops in the rest of the world.

Cite credible sources, otherwise it's just another opinion.

Canadians overwhelmingly think Bush is the worst President in your History.

Canadians? This is a discussion about US politics. You don't get to vote, eh?
Your unsolicited liberal socialist opinion is duly noted and summarily dismissed.

What rock have you been hiding under?


The 28% rock- and it's getting more crowded under here every day now that the Democrats have settled their nasty little catfight.

[Milton]

Originally Posted by bigwonderfulwyoming

It is way to early to judge the Bush presidency in historical terms

It's a topic that is of little interest to anyone except a few dusty academics, and of course Bush himself.

Originally Posted by bigwonderfulwyoming

At least he isn't chasing floozies and using cigars on the interns...

Originally Posted by bigwonderfulwyoming

Anyone else notice how subdued Iran's mental-case president has been for the last couple of years, trading empty rhetoric for the usual military action.

No, I hadn't noticed that. Iran has continued its low-level passive-aggressive attacks on civil shipping and the Royal Navy. See for example the June 21, 2004 and March 23, 2007 seizures of boats and RN/RM personnel.

I'm also unaware of any previous "usual military action" by Iran. The Iraq-Iran war was started when Iraq invaded on September 22, 1980. And Iran Air Flight 655 was shot down by the USN, not the other way around (eventually resulting in the United States paying $61.8 million compensation for the unprovoked attack).

[Zipper]

We knew up here from day one that Bush wasn't "strung right".

Fool you once and I can understand it.

But you got fooled twice and the red states' collective I.Q. dropped 40 points overnight in 2004.

I think you are dreaming at 28%.

I would put it at 20% with 80% realizing what a lightweight he has been, and the 20% in a total delusional state of denial.

[Milton]

Whether Bush currently enjoys 28% support, or some other figure, seems to be rather a moot point. He cannot be re-elected, and cannot be thrown out of office until his term is up.

Originally Posted by Zipper

Fool you once and I can understand it. But you got fooled twice and the red states' collective I.Q. dropped 40 points overnight in 2004.

This comment seems needlessly provocative. Not everyone in the 'red states' voted for Bush, and to tar them all with the same brush is unfair. There are good/intelligent/informed people, and evil/stupid/naïve people, everywhere.

[Zipper]

[Text in violation of our community guidelines removed]

[Westernskies]

Originally Posted by Zipper

We knew up here from day one that Bush wasn't "strung right".

Once again, You don't get to vote, eh?

Fool you once and I can understand it.

Nope, I got exactly who I voted for.

But you got fooled twice and the red states' collective I.Q. dropped 40 points overnight in 2004.

But the resulting average is still 20 points higher than Canada and 10 points higher than the blue states.

I think you are dreaming at 28%.

I didn't make up that number- In fact I suspect it might be even higher than 28% if the same poll was taken today. The war is going better, the democratic congressional approval ratings are hovering in the low teens, and the "new blue" candidate is what you Canadians might call a lightweight...

I would put it at 20% with 80% realizing what a lightweight he has been, and the 20% in a total delusional state of denial.

Cite credible sources, or it's just another opinion.

Also, quit attacking my President. You aren't entitled.

[Zipper]

Your president is a lame duck dysfunctional that we wish would go away sooner than later.

[Westernskies]

Originally Posted by Zipper

Your president is a lame duck dysfunctional that we wish would go away sooner than later.

Wish in one hand and $hit in the other....


For the third time: Whinge all you want, you still don't get a vote.