At U.N., Bush* Is Cast in the Unfamiliar Role of Playing Defense

[kskiska]

By Dana Milbank
Tuesday, September 23, 2003; Page A18

When President Bush addresses world leaders at the United Nations today, he will be in an unfamiliar position: on the defensive.

His administration, after deciding a month ago to seek U.N. help in getting more foreign troops and funds for Iraq, quickly concluded that it would not be possible to get the help it needed on the terms it wanted. Thus, instead of hailing a new agreement to cooperate, Bush will defend his actions in Iraq.

(snip)

For Bush, whose presidency has been a series of policy offensives, this message is a departure. Throughout the nearly three years of his presidency, his governing style has been to set specific, short-term goals and then fight for as much as he can get without compromise. Opponents call it bullying, and supporters call it leadership, but the technique has been constant. First came a push for a $1.6 trillion tax cut, then war in Afghanistan, then a second tax cut, then the move to war in Iraq, then a third tax cut.

Now, however, Bush is largely at the mercy of events outside his control. Without any more major tax cuts or international conflicts anticipated before next year's election, Bush is without a major policy offensive as he waits, amid domestic and international criticism, to see if the economy and the situation in Iraq improve. Transforming Iraq and the Middle East, while lofty goals, are amorphous, long-term projects.

"It's much more difficult to define victory," Republican strategist Scott Reed said. "You're faced with a point where the goal has been moved months down the calendar. You can't just wave a political magic wand and fix it. Things on the ground need to improve."

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49547-2003Sep22.html

[young_at_heart]

1. I bet he'll be arrogant, as always!

I don't think he knows how to act any other way.

[PartyPooper]

2. I can only hope that Poppy and Babs will be watching.

I want them to see what a total a$$hole and an incompetent neanderthal their 'son' is! The more 'boos'...the better! 'No applause' will be incredible and delicious to behold!

:evilgrin:

[pfitz59]

3. Bush* never played!

He only stood on the sidelines in a short skirt waving pom-poms! The nation needs a quarterback, it gets a stinking cheerleader! (A great campaign ad would show the Bush* admin morphing into cheerleaders and fumbling a globe-shaped football all over the place!)