For Bush, Advances But Not Approval

[rodeodance]

Source: wpost



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/18/AR2007111801449_pf.html

For Bush, Advances But Not Approval

By Peter Baker
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 19, 2007; A01
...............

Bush, like other presidents, does better when he has a foil to play off of, whether an international enemy such as Osama bin Laden or Saddam Hussein, or a domestic political adversary such as Al Gore and Sen. John F. Kerry. Through much of 2005 and 2006, as he cratered politically, Bush had no particularly prominent rival to contrast with. But now he has the Democrats, who took over Congress in January and have provided him ammunition as their poll numbers fall.

...............

An us-vs.-them framework is comfortable for Bush. Some Republicans said he appears more spirited as he engages in a showdown over spending. "It's really a reinvigorated guy here," said Sen. Lindsey O. Graham, who traveled with Bush recently to his home state of South Carolina. "It's noticeable. Things just seem to be moving forward and hitting on all cylinders."

................

Key to his success has been keeping enough GOP lawmakers on his side to block Democratic initiatives, despite Republicans' lingering bitterness with Bush for not dumping Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld until the day after last year's election.
.......................

Bush's strategy contrasts with those of Clinton and Ronald Reagan, the last two-term presidents, who recovered from political troubles late in their tenures. Both found ways to work with an opposition Congress to pass important legislation. Reagan left office with a 64 percent approval rating and Clinton with a 65 percent rating........


Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/18/AR2007111801449_pf.html

[gratuitous]

1. "Success" defined way, way downward

Is Bush getting his program advanced? Of course not. But the Post defines "success" in this instance as the ability to block Democratic initiatives. Gee whiz, that's gotta be every bit as tough as lifting two tons . . . 12 ounces at a time. Which I'm pretty sure Bush has also done in his miserable failure of a life.

[rcsl1998]

2. Success = Lowest Voter Approval Rating of His Presidency?

Yup - Very successful (just redefine 'success' - with a little help from the M$M)

[humbled_opinion]

3. Someday Bush will be on Rushmore.....

AHHHHHHHHHHH.... must be my cynasism....

But truth be told he is one hell of a strong lame Duck....

[badgervan]

4. Peter Baker

Another sheep repub in Washington Post's clothing. Anyone else notice how all of these newer, younger Post writers ( hired over the past year or two )seem to be conservative leaning, sympathetic to, and very forgiving of the Decider?

[SpiralHawk]

5. The Post is just a republicon homelander propaganda organ

No cred, no honor.

How far they have fallen...

[depakid]

6. Isn't that the truth

Katherine Graham must be rolling over in her grave.

[Supersedeas]

7. like any accomplice, the Post can't help itself