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July 04, 2007
A President Alone
In Monday's Washington Post, Peter Baker offered a remarkable glimpse inside the White House, as the Bush administration steadily moves toward its twighlight. The George W. Bush we see in Baker's piece is increasingly isolated, and searching for answers, both on meaning and legacy of his presidency and to explain the enormous erosion of his popularity and political standing.
Unsurprisingly, Baker says, Mr. Bush is consumed with the Iraq War. The president (correctly in our judgment) understands that the war, more than anything else, will define his administration's legacy, for good or ill. And while he at least outwardly remains resolute about the wisdom of having invaded Iraq and subsequent U.S. actions, he clearly recognizes his presidency, at least in terms of public opinion, has veered off course. He genuinely appears to want to know why he is suffering the greatest presidential political collapse in a generation.
Ever thin skinned, Bush now scrupulously avoids public appearances before potentially unfriendly crowds. He rarely socializes, and is characterized as lonely by some of those he has invited to share their opinions. And yet his searching of late intimates a willingness to confront, on some level at least, the political realities that have befallen him. Baker's piece is fascinating.
For us, all other colorful adjectives and harsh judgments aside, the Bush presidency is an enigma. Why did a man who had pretty successfully navigated Texas government from the center abandon his political instincts to further a narrow, ideological agenda? And most of all, how could a president who had such an opportunity to unite the country behind him in the wake of 9/11, instead so divide and polarize Americans? Such a waste, certainly for his poltical fortunes, but more importantly, for the well-being of this nation. We wonder if those are some of the answers George W. Bush is seeking.
Posted by houtopia at July 4, 2007 04:21 PM