Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[Rick Louden]

Bernie, you bring up an interesting point that I've thought about as a Republican and as someone who believes that one year ago the Administration truly believed SH was dangerous to the United States and had WMD.

I agree with you that George Bush does "have the balls" to stand up for what he believes is right and at the time, the decision to attack Iraq may have been the right one given the information Bush had. It is that same quality of making firm decisions and standing tall that I admired about Ronald Reagan. However, Reagan was able to do it without turning the world against us. Even those who disagreed tended to respect him (at his prime). And anyone who met him in person, went away liking him. We can't say that about Bush and for that reason it is unlikely that Bush will go down as a great President. Bush may stand up for what he believes, and perhaps his decisions are good....only a greater power knows for sure. But one thing is sure. He is a lousy politician. And like it or not, his effectiveness as President will involve more than making firm decisions. He needs the rest of the world to see those decisions as logical, reasonable, and humane. And that is not happening.

So unfortunately, he hasn't turned out to be the President this Republican thought he would be. And personally I doubt he will go down as great or even mediocre unless something changes soon.........

Rick