WP: For Bush, Pyrrhic Persistence

[kskiska]

By David Ignatius

There's a relaxed, mature kind of leader who knows, in the words of country music singer Kenny Rogers, when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. That leader is not George W. Bush.

Six months into his second term, President Bush hasn't found that easy, poker player's balance. He treats every political fight as if it's the Battle of Gettysburg, and any hint of political compromise as if it's a potential dagger in the heart of his presidency.

Bush's supporters see that uncompromising style as a sign of inner strength, but to me it has always seemed more a sign of insecurity. Embattled, vulnerable leaders sometimes imagine that one compromise or defeat will undermine their ability to govern, but strong leaders are more confident. They know they can fold a losing hand because they have a big pile of chips in reserve. That confidence is still missing in the Bush presidency, more than four years on.

(snip)

Let's start with Bolton. Bush was unwise to have nominated such a divisive figure in the first place, but he is doubly unwise to stick with him after confirmation hearings presented evidence of Bolton's manipulative and immature behavior as undersecretary of state. To conservatives, the testimony that Bolton had acted like a petulant bully somehow became proof that he was the right man for the United Nations. But the president should know better.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/23/AR2005062301710.html

[bemildred]

1. There is a reason for the never give an inch style.

When your policies are 100% bullshit, you can't allow any questions at all.

[susu369]

2. Pyrrhic was Word for the Day 6/25/05

and I knew it fit bu$h perfectly:

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/mwwod.pl