A review of ‘Bush Country’
If one accepts the view that the criteria for presidential greatness is the ability to confound one’s political opponents by stealing their issues and outsmarting them at virtually every turn, then New York Post columnist and political author John Podhoretz makes a convincing case for the premise of his new book, “Bush Country — How Dubya Became a Great President While Driving Liberals Insane.”
By that measure — from tax cuts to education reform to the war on terror to his domestic spending priorities to his mid-term election victories — if political success equals greatness, then George W. Bush is a great president indeed.
Podhoretz categorizes his book nicely, with chapter headings that serve as introductions to a series of “crazy liberal ideas.”
Crazy Liberal Idea #1: Bush Is a Moron
Crazy Liberal Idea #2: Bush Is a Puppet
Crazy Liberal Idea #3: Bush Is a Fanatic
Crazy Liberal Idea #4: Bush Is Hitler?Only Not as Talented
Crazy Liberal Idea #5: Bush Isn’t Protecting You
Crazy Liberal Idea #6: Bush Wants to Bankrupt the Government
Crazy Liberal Idea #7: Bush Is a Cowboy
Crazy Liberal Idea #8: Bush Is a Liar
When taken as a whole, these “crazy ideas” indicate the irrational nature of the Bush haters — that they can simultaneously hold contradictory opinions of the man: Is he a moron and a puppet controlled by others? Or is he a dangerous fanatic? Why would his fanaticism be dangerous if he is controlled by others?
Podhoretz gives a fascinating critique of the contrasts between George W. Bush and his immediate predecessor: Bush is incredibly self-disciplined. Bill Clinton had little personal discipline. Because Bush is respectful of other people’s time, he is punctual, starting and ending meetings precisely on time. Clinton was chronically late. Bush is a tea-totaling ex-smoker and early riser who retires each night at 9:45 p.m. for a full eight hours sleep – after reading his 15-minute daily devotional from the Bible. Clinton kept an erratic schedule, sleeping just a few hours at a time and indulging in numerous personal vices.
When it comes to public policy, however, the tables are exactly reversed. Podhoretz points out that Bush has the political instincts of a seasoned riverboat gambler, thereby enabling him to push through bold initiatives such as his across-the-board tax cuts, while Clinton’s forays into audacious policymaking were marked by disaster, such as his decision to put Hillary in charge of revamping the nation’s entire health care system. Thus, Podhoretz notes, Clinton’s subsequent survival as president was marked by overly cautious, poll-driven strategy.
As a result, Podhoretz contends, George W. Bush has accomplished more in three years than Bill Clinton did in eight.
Another stark contrast between Bush and Clinton has to do with the role (or lack of same) played by their fathers in shaping the character of the sons. Clinton’s father was absent. Bush’s was an important man in business and in politics, and it took Dubya until age forty to emerge from his father’s shadow in both arenas.
Because the president’s “Guest Worker Program” was unveiled after the book was written, Podhoretz glosses over what could be the president’s greatest obstacle to reelection.
Podhoretz obviously has great admiration for this president, and with certain exceptions, he has written a definitive book on the first three years of the Bush presidency. Considering the stark alternative being offered by John Kerry and the Democrats year, this also could be a very important book for any voter who may still have mixed feelings about this election.
(Doug Patton is a freelance columnist who has served as a speechwriter and policy advisor for federal, state and local candidates, elected officials and public policy organizations.)