Bush is Here to Stay
By Jermaine Smith
I would not suggest that President Bush start filling out any change of address forms any time soon.
He sent troops into Iraq. He has done nothing to improve the economy. He is tracking a ghost called terrorism. With so many disappointing dealings and unwelcome complications, at first glance it would seem that Bush’s reign as leader of the free world is deteriorating. However, Bush has an excellent chance of re-election.
Bush has had an incredibly unlucky term. The Sept. 11 attacks immediately come to mind, but there is also the Anthrax scare, days of terror inspired by two sharpshooters and, of course, the volatile economy. While these are major hindrances, none were the fault of Bush himself; he was as much a victim as everyone else. It is rare that a president can get through a term without at least minor problems, but Bush has experienced one of the more memorable terms in the past 3 decades.
The war in Iraq, a hot topic from its inception due to potential lingering effects on international affairs, has garnered support from the majority of the country. While Bush may not be popular with his peers, voters remain firmly planted in his corner. He exudes confidence at a time when many Americans were hesitant. Bush’s less charming characteristics, often equated to ineptitude, prove to be his appeal.
Another promising trend in Bush’s favor: lack of good Democratic candidates for president. At present, the leading contenders have little on which to discredit Bush given his few accomplishments while in office (war aside), despite the fact his greatest project, tax reform, is under fire from critics. Those who have dared to attack Bush or his Cabinet, particularly concerning the war, find themselves running for cover from the media. It seems having an alternative opinion leads to certain political death these days.
Bush’s greatest challenge, the Sept. 11 attack, may also have been his best ally in securing at least an opportunity to retain office. Though the attack devastated our nation, the country rallied around the President and his words, cheering his determination to keep our nation safe. It was difficult to believe the same man who only months before was criticized for a fictitious appointment to president now had the automatic support of the millions who once opposed him. His masterful handling of that fragile situation caused his approval rating to soar. Now, with the 2004 elections nearing, the Bush administration has devised a method to capitalize on Sept. 11. Bush’s Sept. 11 success is perhaps what allowed him to pursue action in Iraq.
America is not in the good graces of many nations around the world. There is a severe lack of dedication to international unity from the Bush administration but the American public has expressed nothing but apathy concerning the matter. Were it not for its status as reigning world power, the U.S. would likely find itself in the international doghouse.
President Bush’s political shrewdness leaves him in a position to retain his position in office. By showing determination in times of despair, by standing by his decisions and, because his presidency has not left him room to make many of his own mistakes, Bush has greatly improved his election odds. At this rate, there will be no close election to dispute next November; Bush will win flat-out, and then his true presidency will begin.
By Jermaine Smith
I would not suggest that President Bush start filling out any change of address forms any time soon.
He sent troops into Iraq. He has done nothing to improve the economy. He is tracking a ghost called terrorism. With so many disappointing dealings and unwelcome complications, at first glance it would seem that Bush’s reign as leader of the free world is deteriorating. However, Bush has an excellent chance of re-election.
Bush has had an incredibly unlucky term. The Sept. 11 attacks immediately come to mind, but there is also the Anthrax scare, days of terror inspired by two sharpshooters and, of course, the volatile economy. While these are major hindrances, none were the fault of Bush himself; he was as much a victim as everyone else. It is rare that a president can get through a term without at least minor problems, but Bush has experienced one of the more memorable terms in the past 3 decades.
The war in Iraq, a hot topic from its inception due to potential lingering effects on international affairs, has garnered support from the majority of the country. While Bush may not be popular with his peers, voters remain firmly planted in his corner. He exudes confidence at a time when many Americans were hesitant. Bush’s less charming characteristics, often equated to ineptitude, prove to be his appeal.
Another promising trend in Bush’s favor: lack of good Democratic candidates for president. At present, the leading contenders have little on which to discredit Bush given his few accomplishments while in office (war aside), despite the fact his greatest project, tax reform, is under fire from critics. Those who have dared to attack Bush or his Cabinet, particularly concerning the war, find themselves running for cover from the media. It seems having an alternative opinion leads to certain political death these days.
Bush’s greatest challenge, the Sept. 11 attack, may also have been his best ally in securing at least an opportunity to retain office. Though the attack devastated our nation, the country rallied around the President and his words, cheering his determination to keep our nation safe. It was difficult to believe the same man who only months before was criticized for a fictitious appointment to president now had the automatic support of the millions who once opposed him. His masterful handling of that fragile situation caused his approval rating to soar. Now, with the 2004 elections nearing, the Bush administration has devised a method to capitalize on Sept. 11. Bush’s Sept. 11 success is perhaps what allowed him to pursue action in Iraq.
America is not in the good graces of many nations around the world. There is a severe lack of dedication to international unity from the Bush administration but the American public has expressed nothing but apathy concerning the matter. Were it not for its status as reigning world power, the U.S. would likely find itself in the international doghouse.
President Bush’s political shrewdness leaves him in a position to retain his position in office. By showing determination in times of despair, by standing by his decisions and, because his presidency has not left him room to make many of his own mistakes, Bush has greatly improved his election odds. At this rate, there will be no close election to dispute next November; Bush will win flat-out, and then his true presidency will begin.
