Bush revisionism not helping the Republicans
By Nick Ragone | Related entries in News
The Bushies have been out in full force this week trying to burnish the former president’s legacy with the argument that “at least he kept us safe.”
Former Bush press secretary Ari Fleischer and Chris Matthews went at it pretty good earlier in the week, and today Dick Cheney sat down with CNN’s John King for his first interview since leaving office.
The Bushies have every right to defend their legacy and offer a contrarian point of view to the mainstream media. That’s fine. But there’s no doubt that it hurts the current Republicans, who would like nothing better than to put Bush 43 in the rearview mirror. Having Fleischer, Perino, Cheney et al on the tube pleading their case to the American people only drives the Republicans numbers down further.
Maybe there is a historical case to be made that Bush 43’s two terms weren’t the train wreck that it seems to be (though I have no clue what that would be), but that’s not an argument to be made now. Certainly nobody is going to buy it while we’re suffering through the worst economy in 70 years and have deficits that are measured in the trillions of dollars. Every time a Bush 43 alumnus appears on TV it just reminds voters why they like Obama and dislike Republicans. Maybe they should just cool their heals for a bit.
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March 15th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I watch Hardball everyday. It’s my favorite political show. However, I would say that both men acquitted themselves poorly in the Fleischer interview. Chris often does fail at arguing against conservatives because he doesn’t know how to shut the hell up. 9 times out of 10, he just cannot shut the hell up for long enough for someone to finish their sentence. That is really why Fleischer went off on him and I don’t blame him.
Even though Chris always does crap like that, his show is still the most relevant and fair political show out there. Even other shows that are fair just don’t debate the issues. Chris abuses his power as moderator a bit, but at least there is still debate on relevant issues.
As for Cheney, well he’s got a 66% disapproval rating. I guess I would agree that his appearance hurts Republicans. As for Perino, she’s perhaps the stupidest Press Secretary ever. The moron did not know what the Cuban Missile Crisis was. That means that she’s less informed than most high school graduates.
March 15th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
It’s only 66%? I would think it was something more like 666% Har har I made a funny. But seriously, the only time and the last time I want to see that evil dude’s face on tv is during his trial for treason.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:23 am
To judge your performance based on what “‘didn’t” happen is a cop out in my opinion. It’s your responsibility to keep America safe, that’s a given that comes with the oath you take when assuming the role of president. Is it a matter of any small measure? No, it’s huge and at this Bush can consider himself a success. Regarding just about every other matter of importance however, Bush is an overwhelming failure if not culpable of crimes against his country and the world. Hyperbole? Doubtful. Time will only confirm this.
March 16th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Not all threats to our country are militaristic. The Soviet Union did not collapse because they were attacked. The current financial crisis represents a dangerous threat to our country. Although not entirely responsible for this crisis, the Bush admin did little to prevent or respond to it once it occurred.
March 16th, 2009 at 10:54 am
The best thing that could ever happen to the Republican party is a thorough housecleaning. Let the Fleisher, Cheney, Limbaugh, Hannity and the rest keep talking till the hard right is revealed for what they are – utterly ignorant. Then let the real conservatives retake their party.