Friday, November 8, 2002

Bush passes up a chance to gloat
Nov. 8, 2002 Orange County Register Editorial



The most striking thing about President Bush's press conference yesterday was his insistence, in response to several questions, that the candidates who won elections on Tuesday did so because they were good people who worked hard and earned the trust of the people, not because the president of the United States hopped into their state for a few hours and lent them his coattails.

Whether this came from the heart or was a tactical maneuver, it is a welcome perspective. There's a strong tendency in our country, reinforced by most of the media and innumerable courtiers, to view the presidency in monarchical or even godlike terms. This Imperial Presidency is at odds with our constitutional tradition, which sees the president as responsible for executing laws passed by Congress, which is responsible to the people, the only source of legitimate power. Whatever his reasons for this modesty regarding the surprising election results Tuesday, Mr. Bush's reminder that the president is not all-powerful is refreshing.

It would be even more welcome if Mr. Bush's personal modesty were accompanied by a concomitant modesty about the ability or mission of the United States to right every wrong and counter every evil in the world at large. This doesn't seem to be in the cards.

Mr. Bush's outward modesty may be a reflection of renewed self-confidence in the wake of Republican success. We hope he uses his new power to limit government and extend freedom. It will be interesting to see what his priorities, as revealed by his actions, are in this new era.


Me? I'm guessing it came more from the heart.

The more I find out about him the more I find that he's man of conviction.

It takes a LOT of willpower to temper the words of pure emotion. This President has been painted as a candidate that "stole" an election. This can't be said anymore. America clearly sent this President and his party a clear mandate that action is in order. I hope they seize the opportunity to act upon America's judgement and get things done that need to be done.

The upcoming election in 2004 will be upon us before we know it, and I know that people have a VERY short memory. It's time to roll up the shirt sleeves and get things done. Wall Street has smiled favorably, and I hope that it spills down to everyone!

GWB is a great man, and one we can be proud to have as Leader of the Free World! He laughs at himself and does not brag and gloat over the election results and the major part he played in getting the Republicans in power again!

GWB is a man to be trusted! God Bless America, God Bless George W. Bush!

Charlie

The more I see of GWB, the more I realize that he is, for better or worse, not only a man of conviction, but a rather candid and outspoken one at that, particularly for a politician.

In that sense, he is far more his mothers son than his fathers. Mom is a gal who speaks her mind and lets the chips fall where they may while Dad is more of a typical politician who weighs and measures his thoughts before speaking.

If he wasn't lending his coattails then why did he go, and why did he go to the tight "must win" states?? He obviously had a positive effect on their campaigns, and he's being tactical. His advisors are great strategists!!

Hello
Sure Bush knows he helped the elections,however a gracious winner is what he has proven to be time and time again.He did not need anyone to tell him that.He knows and desires a better tone in Washington.He is sending another message by just simply being George Bush.
Q

As a former advisor to Mr. President, (when he was gov. in Texas)I can tell you he has a HUGE heart, and is probably one of the most sincere and caring men that has been in Washington in a LONG time. He could use our prayers, as he continues to deal with some very difficult situations here and overseas.

Good lord charlie.... I think I'm going to hurl.

Have a BM in the AM, PM.

What was it PM,the God Bless America part?Gets to you libs every time dosen't it...LOL

🙂