by DemFromCT
From the Gore debates to his actual Presidencyship performance, George W Bush has been the master of low expectations. While everyone else vaults the hurdle, W steps over the line. His handlers have instilled this so deeply in the press that it's amazing to see it thrown back in George's face. Check the subheader on the WaPo web page in italics:
Bush's Asia Trip Meets Low Expectations
A politically weakened Bush returns from Asia with no real breakthroughs of any sort.
As Bush wrapped up his stay in Beijing on Sunday and prepared to head home Monday after a brief stop in Mongolia, the trip has produced no real breakthroughs of any sort. On a wide variety of issues, from trade to security to human rights, Bush won no concrete agreements from any of his summit partners.
White House officials said that did not mean the trip was unsuccessful, because they never expected to bring home any major agreements in the first place.
George W Bush's Presidency is living up to my expectations because I never expected him to do any better than he's doing now. Therefore, by definition, it's been a successful Presidency.
A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin. - HL Mencken
This is an open thread.
Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason. ~Author Unknown
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 09:16
The problem with political jokes is they get elected. ~Henry Cate, VII
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 09:17
From what I understand, Bush's wife Laura, who works in the White House, set up this trip. People in the State Department and CIA knew that nothing of consequence would come of it -- it was just a boondoggle.
Posted by: p.lukasiak | November 21, 2005 at 09:24
since it's an open thread, via Kurtz:
The source? Dreher at NRO.
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 09:24
From the Times UK:
"Comparing the history of Mongolia, the home of Genghis Khan, to America, Mr Bush paid a warm tribute to the country's military prowess and its deployment of 120 soldiers to fight in the war in Iraq."
And so it goes.
Posted by: joejoejoe | November 21, 2005 at 09:25
We have, I fear, confused power with greatness. ~Stewart Udall
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 09:28
From Krugman:
For some of us who could never fathom trusting Bush, it has been hard to grasp the sea change that the loss of trust marks. But, like dark matter (or, if you prefer, angels) we may not feel it but we can measure its effects. The swift boating of Murtha failed. Would it have succeeded ten months ago?
Posted by: emptypockets | November 21, 2005 at 09:32
Go check out the Yahoo News photos of Bush in Mongolia. They are hysterical. And no wonder he identifies with Genghis Khan:
"There were two people in his life who Genghis Khan held in fear and awe, his mother, and his wife Borte. Women were powerful figures among the Mongols, and he regularly consulted with them even on military matters. (from Wikipedia)"
Posted by: joejoejoe | November 21, 2005 at 09:33
Jim Bob Baker (the original "Hammer" back when Tommy was still in the hot tub) has had his bags packed for months. Getting closer and closer to time for Poppy to step in and bail the boy out, yet again. Because really, who else in the party wants to even try? And The Dynasty must endure.
Posted by: illotus | November 21, 2005 at 09:53
Since you had low expectations for Bush's performance, YOU have been successful, by definion, at gauging his performance, but that has nothing to do with the success of his presidency. It has been an unmitigated disaster by any definition that you care to apply.
Posted by: Zendoman | November 21, 2005 at 12:40
That it has, Zendoman. That it has.
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 15:05
When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I'm beginning to believe it. ~Clarence Darrow
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 15:06
What do you know of the Sinclair Broadcast Group?
Posted by: LindyH | November 21, 2005 at 15:42
Sinclair Broadcast Group? Too much. They are a right wing-leaning group that were boycotted for their anti-Kerry propaganda.
Here's as good a summary as any.
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 15:50
Thanks for the link.
I just found this too. Thanks.
Posted by: LindyH | November 21, 2005 at 15:58
here's much more from Media matters.
Posted by: DemFromCT | November 21, 2005 at 19:49