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Why I (Still) Love George W. Bush

by Billy Hallowell | 10:27 am, November 11th, 2010

» 32 comments

Suck it up, haters. I love George W. Bush and I’m not afraid to admit it, nor am I hesitant to explain why. This piece is by no means an attempt to convince leftist adherents to abandon their false perceptions of America’s 43rd president (that’s a hapless task and I’m well beyond believing in my power to persuade people who base their stances on vapidity). Rather, I am penning this piece because I truly believe that a great disservice has been done to a man who gave his all to protect his nation – a man who, despite what critics say, was and is highly intelligent, capable and intrinsically-tuned in to the nation’s needs.

Unfortunately, there is a leftist mindset that contends that Bush is an unintelligent buffoon who meandered his way into the White House. Not only is this incredibly simplistic, but it flies in the face of rational thought. One cannot become president – I repeat – one cannot assume the highest post in the nation — if he or she is certifiably idiotic. It takes intelligence, charisma and a sharp mind to survive reporters, primaries, debates and other electoral mayhem. Winning over the American public is a wretchedly difficult task. George W. Bush accomplished all of this, and more – twice (or for those who still believe that Bush “stole” the 2000 election we can contend that he accomplished all of this at least once).

No one is perfect; presidents aren’t immune to the fallible nature of the human spirit. Surely, President Bush made mistakes along the way. The mismanagement of the War on Terror. Increased government spending. The list goes on. There are certainly fair criticisms, as there would be for any leader. That in mind, many liberals fail to afford Bush the grace and gratitude he’s due. This, in itself, is disturbing, disrespectful and vehemently vicious all wrapped into a detestable package of partisan rot. The man kept America safe for the majority of his tenure. Shouldn’t that count for something?

While his national security record stands for itself (and I’ll touch upon it later), perhaps the most attractive attribute our former president demonstrated was his stellar character. Now, before those on the left cardiac arrest at the audacity of my compliment, consider, as an anecdotal, the admirable decision Bush made in the wake of President Obama’s historic victory. For the past 19 months, instead of responding to Obama and the Democrats’ childish attacks and incessant blame for everything from financial meltdowns to the very destruction of the American ideal, Bush has remained quiet, composed and observant. Rather that criticize, he has allowed Obama to govern as he see fits. Even the most ardent Bush-basher must admire the sheer class and composure that governed our former president’s silence.

Sharply contrasting the unity Bush fostered in the days following 9/11 and the classy sentiment through which he approached his successor’s presidency, Obama has exploited every opportunity to drive a partisan wedge into the heart of American electorate; he has continually blamed Bush and the Republicans for our nation’s ills. Yet, everyone with one cent’s worth of a brain knows that both parties have contributed to America’s dramatic and grandiose sociopolitical ills. Obama’s railing on against the Republicans has been reminiscent of a campaign stump speech stuck on repeat. It’s unneeded and, frankly, it’s un-presidential.

At the end of the day, George W. Bush possesses a level of class that is superior to both Clinton and Obama. Anyone who argues the contrary needs to remove the partisan blinders and learn some fair assessment skills. I’m not asking that you like the guy, but I am asking for you to give credit where it’s due.

After Bush’s stellar character comes his conviction. His belief in freedom colored his presidency and was often the focal point of his most contentious policy decisions. It was his conviction that led America (back) to the Middle East following 9/11. His tireless goal to democratize theocratic and radical regimes was rooted in a thirst for improved human rights and lasting peace and prosperity in a region that has been strewn with violence since the beginning of time. Feel free to agree or disagree with his decision to invade, then stay the course, but one fact is undeniable: George W. Bush protected domestic interests and American lives.

He refused to give up on the notion that America could and inevitably would make a difference in the Middle East. At worst, he was determined to finish the job he set out to complete in the first place. In the end, he kept his promise to Iraq, which is surely respectable. He’s a man of his word (another reason I admire him). Oh, and for my liberal detractors: Bush never lied about WMD; Saddam Hussein did.

Here in America, it was Bush’s conviction and determination that also made it possible for citizens to carry about their daily business without suffering any post-9/11 attacks at the hands of terrorist nutjobs. And for those Democrats and liberal elite who accused Bush and the Republicans of overstating the terror threat for political gain, I point you to the countless domestic plots we’ve seen since Bush left office. Terror was and continues to be a real threat. President Bush understood this and worked to his utmost to protect the public, while continuously refining the systems through which he accomplished the task.

Following Bush’s character, conviction and determination comes his leadership style. While many on the left contend that Bush was a puppet whose strings were controlled by Cheney and Co., this is figment comprised of “sheet inaccuracy.” Bush was decisive and at the helm; his decisions were controversial. When Bush left office, his approval rating was abysmal. It was at that time that the American public had become weary. Despite a lack of support from the American people on the War on Terror, Iraq and other policy decisions, the president pushed forward in light of his principles and ideals.

While we can agree that there are certainly downsides to this sort of leadership style, there’s also something admirable about it. When we elect officials, we place our utmost trust in them. A president must make tough decisions for the welfare and benefit of the people whom he represents. By these same standards, I must give President Obama credit for his tireless work. While I disagreed with the stimulus and the health care overhaul (as did the majority of the American public), I can respect the determination and goodwill through which he pushed those measures. Obama believed fully in both causes, as Bush did in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the War on Terror. In this regard, the presidents certainly share similarities in their leadership styles.

In the end, Bush was realistic in recognizing and reiterating the notion that radical Islamic fundamentalists hate America because of what she stands for. And let’s not forget President’s Bush’s historic assistance in fighting global HIV/AIDS, his accomplishments in the chronic homelessness arena and his attempt to reform Social Security. These are a few specific accomplishments our former president deserves accolades for. But most of all, President Bush has always had a way with the American people. He’s upfront, transparent and open. His recent media interviews reflect these sentiments and set him apart from other politicians. While I disagreed with some of his presidential actions and inactions, I can’t help but love the guy. Plus, I’ve yet to hear compelling reasons why I shouldn’t.

Billy Hallowell is a journalist and commentator who focus on media, politics and society. His writings can be found at www.billyhallowell.com and on Twitter.

Decision Points, George W. Bush

lane

Yeah, I have to admit, when I see the “do you miss me yet” Bush banners, I always say “yes’ even when I don’t want to . Like his father, he takes the honor of the Presidency and always puts it above what he wants. He also exuded confidence and resolve during some really dark times. I know I personally appreciate his service to the country.

But, I’m sure the haters will dominate the thread. Easier to attack then to accomplish.
da-wdc

I’m having difficulty reconciling the author’s professed interest in class and character with phrases like “suck it up, haters” and “leftist mindset,” as well as the insistence that anyone who doesn’t believe that Bush is superior in character to Clinton and Obama “needs to learn some fair assessment skills.” Really? I’m not hating on W here – what’s irritating is that you’re constantly backing up your points not with logic, but with repeated declarations that anyone who disagrees doesn’t have “one cent’s worth of a brain” and the like. That’s not a serious argument.
redwriteblue

Goerge W. Bush woke-up one morning when he was still Governor of Texas and decided that he was going to be President of the United States. That would give him a chance to become the “good son” in his father’s eyes over his younger brother Jeb who was then the Governor of Florida.

As he had acheived his goal of becoming President his administration was mired in “educational reform” that would impose more standardised testing torture on America’s children until 15 Illegal Immigrants attacked the Twin Towers in New York City that evolved into a chance to inflict his revenge on Saddam Hussein for attempting to assasinate his father when he was president at a cost of 4,000 + (and still rising) U.S. soldiers lives.

President George W. Bush supported housing loans for immigrants during his 2004 reelection campaign, placing pressure on the banks to loan money to low income Illegal Immigrants later resulting (in part) in the “mortgage crisis.”

President Bush also supported another “Comprehensive Immigration Reform – Amnesty” that would have given another 20 million Illegals “Green Cards” so they could work legally in our country.

Now the “Immigration Rights” groups are trying to change the image of the Illegals in front of the Television News cameras at the demonstrations against the U.S. Immigration Laws that they are staging in another attempt to fool the American people:

http://www.tcunation.com/profiles/blogs/changing-the-image-of
sticks

I still love George Bush too… And ditto to eveything lane said…

Now to Mediaite staff… Now that Glynnis is gone, you need a new writer ?… I nominate Billy Hallowell ?… Glynnis seemed to be the only one that even made an attempt at fair and balanced (not thrilled about using that phrase, but nothing better comes to mind), although, I admitt, its getting better around here overall… And I do appreciate it… But… If you had an actual conservative, just think of the possibilities ?… I know, it can’t be Hallowell… But maybe, someone like him/conservative or a her/conservative ?…
tomcable

Extremely well-written, professional, well-balanced column. Mediaite could use a conservative voice, and Tom appears to be it. Do the right thing, Dan…hire this guy.
fizeit

surely, you jest.
MsElectric

I agree….give this man a job at Mediate. I’m lucky to live in Dallas and not too far from President Bush…..it’s great to have him back in town! If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of him at the Hardware Store.
http://MsUnderestimated.com MsUnderestimated

I HAVE one of those “Miss Me Yet?” bumper stickers on my car, and I can’t tell you how many honks, waves, and thumbs-up I get every day. Yes, I miss him very much!
RIChris

Well said. It’s hard to believe it hasn’t been that long since we had a president who didn’t hate half the electorate and the country to boot.
ProgLib

I like how he never let facts get in the way of his way of doing things, be it non existent WMDs, outing undercover spies, or allowing torture of prisoners held outside the normal legal system. Go with the gut. Also the Bush taxcuts for the rich did wonders for job growth. I also miss the daily news stories of the outsourced armed services firms like Blackwater where you can get paid 5 times as much by doing the same job our soldiers do, and with no risk of court martial if you happen to shoot up some innocent bystanders. Those were the days.
Vietnameravet

I know that trying to talk to a Conservative is like trying to talk to a member of a cult… a complete waste of time… however I might point out that it is not just liberals but plenty of conservatives as well that are disgusted with Bush. If they were not then why did they distance themselves from him so much during the last election?
And what does this ignorant buffoon say to the spouse of children of someone killed in Iraq thinking that there really were WMDs there? Dont even tell me these lying conservatives would excuse Clinton if he had done the same.
This thing just shows how far out of touch these people really are and how they are blinded by fear and hate.. and no amount of reason can reach them.. Those who understand what I am saying understand..those that still dont get it never will.

I am a Vietnam era vet and my father a purple heart recipient as a result of WW2. We and millions like us know the cost of war unlike so many big mouth big talking, flag waving Conservative blowhards who havent a clue and never will.
g-ringy

I do respect Bush for staying out of the way and letting Obama try and run the country without his interference, and you do have to acknowledge that he has done some pretty important things, namely his work with HIV/AIDS. However the whole assertion that anyone who believes he has less class than either Clinton or Obama “needs to learn some fair assessment skills” gives me pause. Not everything that GW has done has been so classy. I would hardly characterize his treatment of McCain in the 2000 primary as overly classy.
ProgLib

I am impressed by how he learned to master the Texas accent so well thus hiding all traces of his privileged New England elite school upbringing, of course he also did other things to hide that he had attended great schools. Don’t listen to the filter.
ganymede

The rewrite history boys are hard at work, but it’s what one expects from Dan Abrams and his attempt to keep Mediaite going at high speed. I’m not a Bush hater, but it’s clear to me that Bush, Cheney and the whole neo-con cabal should be in jail for what they’ve done. The other day I read that 51 Christians were killed in a Baghdad church and the reality that Bush’s deliberate lies caused us to destroy a entire country is only the beginning of a long list of diabolical acts commited by these people. When are you people going to get serious about what’s going on in the real world.
stoogedudes

da-wdc said:
I’m having difficulty reconciling the author’s professed interest in class and character with phrases like “suck it up, haters” and “leftist mindset,” as well as the insistence that anyone who doesn’t believe that Bush is superior in character to Clinton and Obama “needs to learn some fair assessment skills.” Really? I’m not hating on W here – what’s irritating is that you’re constantly backing up your points not with logic, but with repeated declarations that anyone who disagrees doesn’t have “one cent’s worth of a brain” and the like. That’s not a serious argument.

Just thought I’d post this again, because it’s spot on.
mantanman

George Bush was a REAL President! This monkeyman we have now is a real joke!
Bids

“Like his father, he takes the honor of the Presidency and always puts it above what he wants.”

Like the war in Iraq? He wanted that badly and he got it.
Bids

mantanman said:
This monkeyman we have now is a real joke!

Racist.
Jim R

Well presented case, Mr. Hallowell. Wrong or misleading on too many points for my tastes, but well presented nonetheless. Normally I’m an admirer and hopefully most times a practitioner of reasoned debate and comity, especially when it comes to our Presidents.

I was often chagrined at the lazy disrespectful tone of Bush’s most ardent opponents (of which if I’m not in the top ten on that list I should be), but at least there were understandably disconcerting world class screw-ups by your hero and his minions that warrant their ire, if not the language.

By the way, I read a university study recently that charted how Obama already has four or five times the volume of scurrilous attacks in less than two years than Bush did in eight, and the latter did deliberately manipulate us into an illegal war and destroyed the economy while trampling the Constitution – but Obama is a Democrat after all.

Thank you in advance for your undoubtedly heroic efforts in the future to defend Obama against falsehoods and smears the next six years, and good luck with the Bush Hagiography. :)
Nahu Tuk

Bids said:
Racist.

Paranoiac.
Nahu Tuk

Great article. One of the best I’ve ever read on Mediaite. If you stay around Billy, you might just give this site some credibility.
ProgLib

I’m surprised he didn’t take the warrant less wiretaps to the next logical level and combining it with 311. That way instead of making another call that there’s a streetlight out on the corner I could just mention it to the dudes listening in. They work for the same people, why not? Also hear they get great health coverage. Keep govt small!
Tedderman

This dude is smoking crack! And I mean Bushs’. Dude’s got his head so far up Bushs’ ass, he won’t need a rectal exam the rest of his life. Sadly his kind hane longevity in their genes.
As for not lying about WMD, Ron Suskind disproved that theory in his book,”The Way of The World.” Tbe Bush administration knew five months before the first boots crossed the border into Iraq that there were NO WMD there. In addition, during the recent interview with Matt Lauer, Bush claimed he was “in the minority” as to weather or not to go to war in Iraq. Bush was the friggin’ President, he was the only vote necessary. Minority my ass!
Shasta

OMG, I so agree on this piece, I love George Bush. I did vote for him and he was I believe the very first Republican Pres i ever voted for. I am 59. Carter was my first, talk about Young and Dumb
anyway……….:Please do not bash, I have come a long way, I have learned to read faces, listen to speeches and listen to both sides of the media, but what impressed me the most about George W was the real tears i saw coming from his eyes……….the real tears when he met the ships coming home, the real tears when he spoke of 911, those tears were Not FAKE………GEORGE W BUSH IS A MAN WHO REALLY LOVES HIS COUNTRY AND ALL AMERICANS……… he is Not perfect, he is human, but he ALWAYS HAD OUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART………..I Miss you President Bush, God Bless You and Thank you for all you did!!!!
Shasta

MsUnderestimated says:
November 11, 2010 at 1:44 pm MsUnderestimated(Quote)
13 7
I HAVE one of those “Miss Me Yet?” bumper stickers on my car, and I can’t tell you how many honks, waves, and thumbs-up I get every day. Yes, I miss him very much!

hey, where can i get one of those? I hate bumper stickers but i think that would be a first for my car!
good for you and God Bless you!
Tedderman

That’s right Shasta, the tears are not fake. You see them all the time, Beck, Boener and Bush all do it. It’s a symptom of their alchoholism or past drug abuse. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon among those who have substance abuse in their past. They’re called dry drunks, that’s who you love Shasta. So by your support you are a co-dependant. You’re also right that Bush loves all Americans but he loves the ones with alot of money most of all.
Shasta

Hey Tedderman………….why dont you look in the mirror at yourself………tell me what you see? i would venture someone with no compassion and someone with no friends………do you ever wonder why? nuff said
halekai

Tedderman said: “It’s a symptom of their alchoholism or past drug abuse. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon among those who have substance abuse in their past……”

Having had a career a psycho-therapist who specialized in drug and alcohol abuse, let me express my professional opinion here…. you are either really ignorant or really dumb. Being the optimist I am, I choose the former.
pansycritter

fizeit said:
surely, you jest.

suck it up.
KMV5667

I Hope you that each and every person on this comment screen who supports and LUVS Bush suffers for supporting a IDIOT who started an unnecessary war that KILLED over 4000 of OUR SOLDIERS and innocent Iraqi people. This DUMB Jacka… destroyed our Economy by having NO oversight of the Banks and Large company’s like AIG, ENRON run amuk. The bottom was falling out form under the housing market and this fool was visiting foreign country’s holding hands with Putin, kissing Arab Kings on their cheeks to get them to release oil so our prices would go down. He made NO positive contributions to the well being of our Country. REALLY!!!!!!??
SOME THINGS SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN OR FORGIVEN ……. KATRINA***********
You all need to get treatment for that amnesia but Obama who is trying to dela with all of the DAMAGE this moron caused and you all drag him through the mud as if he has been in office for 8 yrs. You can surely see that White America is Bias even when it comes to doing what you people do best and that’s judge others. The Judgement for a black man will always be harsher than judgement of a white man even if he has TRASHED A ENTIRE COUNTRY. YOU FOOLS!!! POST RACIAL BS AMERICA WILL NEVER CHANGE. GOD WILL DESTROY HER FOR YOUR MISTREATMENT OF MINORITY’S .
86kylexj

I personally believe that the world trade center attack was actually an insurance scam so I decided to find out more and I found that two people were given a 99 year lease the summer before to be in control of World Trade Center 6 which was before controlled by the Port Authority Of New York.

Then
All the basement workers and firefighters have confirmed secondary explosives in the basement one right after another timed which at first they thought came from the machine room and the lobby was a complete disaster even though it was some 70 floors below the impact point. The plane actually did very little damage by the time the fire-fighters made it up and to them it was nothing more then a high-rise office fire out of control which they are trained to handle despite the impact.

Speaking about impact.
A lot of the jet fuel actually blew out of the building rather then towards it as the fuel is in the back of the plane which got the least amount of impact from the crash as planes are reenforced towards the front to cushion the blow on (some) of the impact much like the bow of a ship where the side is the weak spot.

Insurance scams are nothing new and peculiar evidance have come to light on the Titanic being such a scame though the death part was not anywhere part of the plan. They planned to have all members and crew accounted for by being rescued from another ship which explains why Captain Smith was so reckless but that’s another story.

The point is insurance scams are nothing new and the easy corruption of human hearts makes it more likely these disasters were insurance scams to claim more $$$$.

Also World Trade Center 7 collapsed and there was no airplane impact from that one.
Anonymous

****RING’S OVER RING’S**** hi this is the SIS,the CIA,and the F.B.I.,and the Secret Service is Allen Osborne still with your Agency-hit 42873-112 ****RING’S OVER RING’S OVER RING’S**** YOU KNOW WHAT SPAD’S CRACKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!