US News: A Case of Confidence (president gambling on his style)

[kskiska]

The president is gambling that his audacious style of governing will pay off

A recent visitor to the Oval Office was struck by how tired President Bush looked in person--the puffy eyes, the pallid complexion. It's a striking contrast to Bush's jaunty, youthful (and cosmetically enhanced) appearance on television. The visitor, a family friend, asked the president how he was doing. "It looks," Bush replied grimly, "like a tough fall."

That, it turns out, was quite an understatement. Autumn has brought a season of discontent, spurred by rising casualties, a growing guerrilla war, and spiraling financial costs in Iraq, resulting in an erosion of support for Bush across the board. Only 48 percent of registered voters now approve of his handling of Iraq--a drop of 28 percentage points since April, according to the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. The fall has also brought sharper attacks from his opponents and a torrent of troubling images from Iraq.

(snip)

…What unsettles much of official Washington, however, is that this is essentially a gambler's philosophy. Bush has put down all his chips and is letting his presidency ride on the outcome, take it or leave it. "The whole thing is Wilsonian evangelism," says presidential scholar Robert Dallek, referring to Woodrow Wilson's vision of a new international order after World War I. Adds historian Doug Brinkley: "Bush is part of a small class of presidents whom we think of as commander in chief"--like Franklin Roosevelt in World War II, Harry Truman in the Korean War, and Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon in Vietnam. But there's a troubling footnote: Except for Roosevelt, all were extremely unpopular at the end of their presidencies.

(snip)

Bush gets peevish when he doesn't exercise and recently was forced to change his regimen when he strained a calf muscle and hurt his knee after failing to warm up properly before a jog. Now he works out on an elliptical trainer and simulates running in a swimming pool, looking quite ridiculous in a big workout belt as he hops around in the water, according to aides…

(snip)

For his part, the current president tells friends he is doing his best, and if Americans think he is going too far, they can "vote for somebody else." If he loses next year, his friends predict that he will go happily back to his ranch in Texas. Like his father, Bush doesn't wring his hands or agonize. The elder Bush told one of his son's advisers recently about a spot in the Oval Office where a president can stand and peer out at the Washington Monument, allowing himself to be captured in photos, pondering the issues of the day, as Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy once did. "He won't pose for that picture," the elder Bush said proudly. Like his dad, George W. Bush believes the presidency is an opportunity and an honor, not a burden.

more…
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/031117/usnews/17bush.htm

[Ernesto]

1. Ah gee, poor little cowpoke

Couldn't happen to a dumber guy.

[The Zanti Regent]

11. How much pancake makeup goes on Chimp's waffle face?????

Just curious...

[peacetalksforall]

2. Yuk, yuk, plughkfff aaagh

Well, study this quote, will you.

'Adds historian Doug Brinkley: "Bush is part of a small class of presidents whom we think of as commander in chief"--

like Franklin Roosevelt in World War II, Harry Truman in the Korean War, and Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon in Vietnam. But there's a troubling footnote: Except for Roosevelt, all were extremely unpopular at the end of their presidencies.'

Article quote between single apostrophes.

I NEVER liked Doug Brinkley for his parsimomious and righteous remarks about Clinton. NOW I KNOW WHY. This is the most upchucking quote I've ever read about the marionette.

Doug Brinkley just went ahead of Peggy Noonan. I didn't think anyone who pretends to be so uppity and scholarly could beat her.

[lancdem]

27. I never thought Doug Brinkley was too bad

I get the sense his quote here means Bush's presidency is defined by war, which I think many of us would agree with.

[Cocoa]

3. maybe Bush will just cash out

if it gets too tough, maybe he'll just figure out how to get out with the maximum amount of $$$$.

Fine with me. I'd support a cash payout for him to take a fall in 2004.

[Wickerman]

9. Agreed, but don't worry - he has already arranged for his cash payout

All those no bid contracts surely have an unwritten clause that allows Georgie Boy to collect on a percentage of their war profiteering.

[leetrisck]

4. "Happily back to his ranch in Texas" - Don't think so

he never lived there - they were trying to hurry and get it finished so it could be called the "Western White House" - ver Reaganesque, you know.

[Davis_X_Machina]

5. He might happily go...

...but for the hundreds whose freedom from prosecution and life without prison records depends on there never being another Democratic administration, it's not that simple.

[ILeft]

12. That one gets me too! He is NOT from a "ranch" in Crawford!

How many Americans actually believe "Dubya" spent his youth branding cattle (or pigs) back on the family ranch??? The only thing George ever rode was a barstool.

[0007]

6. Style? John Gotti got more style than junior.....

and Zell Miller never sez a word in the senate. In fact I've never seen him in the senate and he gots more style than junior.

Character is made of career experiances' and wisdom gained by decisions of long and hard thought. junior has never had a job. Not unless you count ripping off people a job? Fronting for the Carlyle Group and big corporations may be counted as being employed, I guess. Then I guess you could say that John Gotti worked his ass off, 'eh?

junior is a zero on style and character.

If junior wants to gamble on his style, I'll bet he'll lose.

[Newsjock]

7. Compulsive drinker, compulsive gambler

The symptoms are similar.

[lolly]

8. Tired???

Says he looks so tired, with "puffy eyes, the pallid complexion"--what the heck does he do that makes him so tired? Is working those fundraisers really taking that much out of him?

He sure as heck isn't up late worrying about the nearly 400 young servicemen and women he's sent to their deaths. He's certainly not busy figuring out to fix the horrific mess he's made--he just keeps saying we're going to stick with the course, even though the course has proven disastrous. He's not even practicing new speeches. From what I hear, he's just stringing the same semi-coherent batch of sound bites and code words together that he's been using since before the invasion.

Good grief, what a lightweight. Clinton did more work than this wimpy little cheerleader every day before breakfast. Somebody should tell the little weakling to buck up and do some real exercise, instead of dancing around in his pool with his exercise belt.

[corarose]

10. Youthful appearance?

I guess the person who made that comment was an old whipper snapper around 100 years old.

[truthisfreedom]

13. "doing his best." his best is dangerously bad for our country.

Like his dad, George W. Bush believes the presidency is an opportunity and an honor, not a burden.

uhh... ok. bushco is opportunistic. yep.

[peacefreak]

36. Opportunity & honor for him???

And burden for the people in this country.

[Dan]

14. What is so misleading

is the perception that his presidency counts for something, for that matter any of these presidents. By virtue of their assumption of the office of the Presidency, the "nation" , or rather, they become the custodians of this "nation". Ultimately, one can not give a damn about the person in charge - is it the "Nation" that should be the only concern.

I would like every president to be well-loved; healthy; successful during their terms in office - but given the choice between their (a) comfort; (b) footnote in the history books; and (c) their ability to look in the mirror after they leave office; as compared to the well being of this nation..there is no comparison.

For that reason, and that reason only, I damn Bush to hell - because of what he has done to this "nation" of ours.

[JackSwift]

15. maybe he needs another vacation!

He isn't confident. He is a coward.

1. AWOL from natinal guard
2. Abortion to avoid fatherhood with girlfriend before Laura
3. Won't go to funerals, meet incoming bodies or visit wounded (visited wounded once, so frightened he left after a few minutes.)
4. Won't hold real press conferences, only scripted with friendly reporters asking pre-approved quesitons, others ignored.
5. Flew around like a chicken with his head cut off on 9/11 trying to "get out of harm's way"
6. Does not visit troops in Afghanistan or Iraq
7. Won't get within a mile of people holding critical posters.
8. Won't release documents showing he ignored 9/11 dangers.

[Snellius]

16. I've always had this premonition Bush would quit

I know it seems impossible and I know that it's too merciful to feel sorry for the arrogant doofus, but by character and disposition, most of his early friends always described him as "least likely to become president." He seems to like the political competition but hates actually governing. Bush seems more a creation of Rove, Cheney, and the BFEE than of his own free will.

[lumpy]

17. I like the last line.

"like his dad, Geo.W.Bush believes the presidency is an opportunity and an honor, not a burden". That is quite evident, the man is not accustomed to handling burdens.

[VeniceBeat]

35. Bush* Is Certainly Taking Advantage of All The Opportunities

the Presidency has to offer.

Bush and his cronies swoop in, grab the loot and get out quick.

No big deal if things don't work out. Oh well, at least they gave it the old cheerleader try.

[Bozvotros]

18. Gambler my ass,

"What unsettles much of official Washington, however, is that this is essentially a gambler's philosophy. Bush has put down all his chips and is letting his presidency ride on the outcome, take it or leave it. "

What horseshit. This really cheeses me off. Bush has never been a gambler, because he never takes a personal risk. He always gambles using other people's money (or lives), never allows anyone to examine the dice the roulette table, or the cards, disappears or arrests any patron who protests his rules. Won't allow the gaming commissions into his joint and if it looks like he is going to take some kind of loss he bails out and leaves everyone else broke, dead or maimed. He takes, then leaves.

[The Zanti Regent]

23. Yeah but Captain Jockstrap keeps rolling SNAKE EYES

Meanwhile...

Innocent people like MY NEPHEW who got a one way ticket to Iraq lay in hospital beds, wounded.

My nephew took s bullet in his spinal cord. Now he lies in a military hospital bed, a quadraplegic.

I have NEVER hated anyone as much as I hate the illegal occupant of Al Gore's house. God damn him and his whole sleazy ass family to hell. His family is so sleazy, evil and depraved, they make the Sopranos look like the Partridge Family!

[PartyPooper]

28. The Zanti Regent, you have more cause than most at DU to despise Junior.

I'm so sorry to learn of your nephew's injuries.

Every time I hear of a soldier or civilian maimed or killed because of this tyrant in the WH...I become even more sad and angry.

This time, I feel especially sad for your nephew and for you...and, the rest of your family.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace to you all.

O8)

[Dan]

29. I am so sorry for you, your family...

may you/family find comfort in that which you believe.

[The Zanti Regent]

33. It's difficult to find comfort when the Media Whores kiss Bush's ass 24/7

Just once, I would like Dan Rather to tell the truth.

Just once, I wish he's pull his head out of Bush's ass!

[cliss]

19. I jump on these threads

when I want to get really pissed. No criticism intended, Ks. I appreciate all the work you do! And gruesome work it is, reporting this stuff.

Can you believe this stuff? (starting to get angry) they cast him alongside presidents like Roosevelt. And then his dad plays the 'noble' card, explaining that his 'noble' son will miss out on an opportunity for a Photo Op, because he's too "principled". Like hell he won't.

As a matter of fact, he's probably standing there, gazing out his window, what the hell they're going to pull next to keep from getting flushed down the toilet.

[Malva Zebrina]

20. there is something to be said for wringing one's hands and agonizing

if people are dying because of that person's inept management, or because of his stupidity and poor managerial skills or best yet, his lies upon lies upon lies. His daddy cannot bail him out on this one and his mommy is trying real hard to do so, but she is coming off looking like a crone and a vicious hag--which she is.

He should be agonizing--he should be seeing what he has done. People who have a conscience, agonize. That he is not, is a sign of his pathology--

[cybildisobedience]

21. how about this line:

most telling line in the article:

"The current president tells friends he is doing his best, and if Americans think he is going too far, they can "vote for somebody else."

I think we know why -- their votes will count for Bush anyway! Big gamble, tough guy.

[moondust]

22. In this case it's reckless bravado.

Foolishly gambling with other people's lives does not make him a Commander in Chief like the others who accepted responsibility and led the country through wars that for the most part had to be fought. Rather an incompetent ass who has no business being in a position that allows him to do that.

[catzies]

24. The photo-op spot of the Wash. monument Poppy told the aides about

is probably the only one they HAVEN'T used. They really think we don't know every phot-op is planned down to the last excruciating detail.

Or maybe they're waiting for another "Mission Accomplished" -type banner back from the WH printing office. :eyes:

[grasswire]

25. what a load of crap

This is the most nauseating kissyface piece I've seen in a while.

Confidence?

Confidence?

Try boneheadedness. He's a bonehead.

Anyone got an email address for this writer?

[dArKeR]

26. We could put this sleaze in an Insane Asylum if we got out and protested

more with larger groups! Aren't we cowards for letting the world's countries do the job we should be doing ourselves? My parents and teachers taught me NOT to shrug off my responsibilities! He's our creation from Hell and it's our responsibility to protest him. This cowardly AWOL wimp is about to crack. I'm telling you, I've got this 6th sense about these things. Everyone, includning the Media Whores, know Junior is a lazy sleaze. He is/was doing drugs/alcohol since the age of 14-15 (Scientifically, what type of brain damage this cause?). The joked about 'dyslexia' could be some other type of neurosis. He flew overseas only 2 times his entire life until the age of 44. (To me this is increditable considering he is in one of the most power elite families in the world. With friends and kids jetting off to Rio, Bahamas, England... for weekend parties, social events... I believe Junior has/had some kind of 'panic disorder'.) I don't believe he ever flew solo a jet. I don't believe he ever learned how. I don't believe he is capable of learning how. I've never seen a picture of him flying, only standing next to the jet. If you don't think the plan was hatched to run him for President the day he was born, then you're really a goof. They had this plan all along. So I think they would have taken pictures of Junior flying in the air, jet to jet picture, if he ever did fly solo. I think his flying is one of the biggest scams of the century.

Why don't we do more to protest this fragile wimp? He'd crack if we did!

[dbt]

30. I like the part about bu$h having a gambler's philosophy!

Iraq Nam is that one fatal issue that is going to keep his sorry ass at the table for just one more bet. "Just one more," the loser thinks. "Then my luck will change."

Of course, the bad news is that he's gambling with our lives!

:freak:
dbt

[area51]

31. Shrub

Shrub said:

"... and if Americans think he is going too far, they can 'vote for somebody else.'"

Don't worry, you mofo, we will.

[belle]

32. Echoes of Cartman there...

"Screw you guys, I'm going home!!"

geez. such presidential dignity, one could plotz.

[marigold20]

34. What about the "Mission Accomplished" photo-op?

"He won't pose for that picture," the elder Bush said proudly"

Good lord, this people think we can't remember all the way back to the spring of 2003. And what about the photo of the chimp on 9/11, looking out the window of the plane as he flew around the country? Boy, that wasn't staged after all!

[susu369]

37. Thanks for a good laugh

Bush tells aides his philosophy is "you can't sweep problems under the rug,"


Hahahaha...now where are those Reagan papers?

[Atman]

38. Like his dad, George W Bush believes...

"...the presidency is an opportunity and an honor, not a burden."


More like an business opportunity. And maybe an honorarium.

How come they can't just write the article to actually SAY he sucks? Why the soft-peddaling, as if his stubborn refusal to listen to anyone but the voices in his head is a GOOD thing?

[pinkpops]

39. An opportunity and an honour

and of course a gift from God.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

40. Contradictions in the article...

"A recent visitor to the Oval Office was struck by how tired President Bush looked in person--the puffy eyes, the pallid complexion."

....versus....

"Like his father, Bush doesn't wring his hands or agonize."

He doesn't "agonize"?? So, what brings on the "puffy eyes, the pallid complexion"?? Not enough return-on-investment for his major conservative corporate best-buds?? The Afghans and Iraqis didn't roll over as he and his fellow goose-steppers would have liked?? We no longer have any foreign allies...I mean, besides the Israelis and Saudis, as well as the small impoverished countries that have been bribed to send troops to Iraq?

Even Ms. Lynch has put a hitch in your little cowpoke get-along.

IMHO, give me a legally elected president who worries about the decisions they make, and doesn't fabricate stuff to try to look good.

[hippiechick]

41. "puffy eyes, pallid complexion" ... ?

Classic long-term drunk.
My dad had the same appearance before he started to turn yellow.


:hippie:

[Gman]

42. Very good catch

I firmly believe Bush continues to drink heavily. No alcoholic that simply stopped drinking and did not complete a rehab program could handle the presidency without resorting to drink from the pressure.

The boy's drinking heavily every day.

[susu369]

44. Classic closet drinker

"He doesn't like to schedule evening events, preferring to remain in the East Wing residence and channel-surf on TV, checking out sports coverage before he turns in, at about 9:30."

[bushisanidiot]

43. Every Gambler Knows the secret to survivin is knowin when to walk away and

knowin when to run

you never count yer money when yer sittin at the table
there'll be time enough fer countin
when the dealin's done