Another interesting bit that I'm curious what others have to say about.
Quote:No other president -- Lincoln in the Civil War, FDR in World War II, John F. Kennedy at critical moments of the Cold War -- faced with such a monumental set of military and political circumstances failed to embrace the opposing political party to help wage a truly national struggle. But Bush shut out and even demonized the Democrats.
I think this is very true. The attitude seems to have always been one of exclusion and division, like they've been in constant campaign mode. It has divided the country -- though we seem somewhat more united now in our esteem of the president. The response to opposing ideas has been "keep thinking like that and see if you ever win another election" or the other less polite variety. The partisanship that has been fostered by the Republicans gives rise to "W the president" bumper sticker branding and "our leader" billboards and other fun ways to thumb your nose at your countrymen. Definitely not an atmosphere of inclusion or the picture of a country united to achieve great goals.
I guess it has always seemed obvious to me that he was a bad president -- and I don't say that in a partisan way. It just seems like it's getting harder and harder to spin him as a success. And so I'm curious what the die hards are thinking.
