Will Bush Change Course?
The AP (via My Way News reports that Bush said that they are constantly changing tactics, that Snow said that Bush will not change the “overall strategy” and:
Bush, at a political fundraiser in Washington for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, railed against Democrats who criticize the war. Calling the Democrats the party of “cut and run,” Bush said voters need to ask: “Which political party has a strategy for victory in this war on terror?’”
That is a terrific question. One that – undoubtedly – has been asked by thousands even millions of individuals. The answer, however, is somewhat more problematic. As far as I can tell, both do not have a winning strategy, not when specifically talking about Iraq and not when more generally talking about the war on terrorism.
16 Responses to “Will Bush Change Course?”
I’m much less impressed by this question than you are. I see it as a red herring. He’s hard selling the idea that the thing he’s claiming for himself could even exist.
Well lets see Michael. 3 1/2 years into the war, 3 weeks before an election, Bush flies in his Generals to discuss strategy (if only we had video conference capabilities eh?).
Now I realize you are more than a little naive about American politics but I have to ask you. Do you think this is an honest attempt to re-assess the situation in Iraq? Or a desperate political ploy?
Seems pretty obvious to me.
What Davebo said.
Davebo: of course it is obvious to me. Doesn’t anyone recognize irony anymore?
I’m not crazy about the photo, the hazy border tends to be used for Saints, heroes or happy childhood memories. I feel safe affirming that Bush is none of these.
Don’t mind me Michael, I haven’t had any chocolate today. Maybe you could get your people to ship some here. Spain has far too little of it and I hear yours is wonderful!
Lynx: yes: send me your address and I will send you a couple of bars
hehehe, thats sweet. I could send you a Jamón Serrano (smoked ham, if you’ve never tried it, it’s wonderful) but given what it weighs it would probably be cheaper to have you fly over to pick it up!
Not sure I see the irony. Unless of course your question was more rhetorical than terrific.
Then again, you do offer an answer so it couldn’t really be rhetorical now could it?
I’m pretty sure the base doesn’t recognize irony.
Doesn’t anyone recognize irony anymore?
Always problematic, and you are unusually subtle or opaque for one so youmg, I can’t even tell which.
there certainly needs to be a sarcasm tag. Very hard to convey dry humor by type.
I just wonder what Bush’s “overall strategy” is…. maybe “win!” or “defeat terrorists”. It would make Sun Tzu weap.
I actually think that it is a cultural difference. Heck, I would say that I am quite sure of it. That does not make it (including reactions) any less funny to me though – I have to admit…
jjc: it is actually quite subtle -> the intention of that kind of humor is that one has to think for oneself to catch it. See for instance the thread about Pelosi: Americans will not understand that I am – in a very mild manner – making fun of 2 opposing groups at the same time ánd of Pelosi.
Sadly, even when this President hints that he is willing to look at alternative strategies, he uses language that further fuels the flames of fanaticism. In defining the goal of those who oppose us as a clash of civilizations, whereby he asserts that they seek to “extend the caliphate”, he once again obfuscates the potential for reasoned clarity and measured dialogue. Unfortunately, I’m not sure he has the discipline needed to restrain his confrontational outbursts. Further, it has yet to be seen if he can moderate his goals to match that which can reasonably be achieved in Iraq and the Middle East.
The larger question is if this President can accept the more modest goals to be offered by Baker’s task force or if they will be met by resistance or even a campaign to discredit. It is increasingly difficult to determine where George Bush’s convictions end and his need to be right might begin. He has held fast to the argument that he isn’t concerned with polls or politics and yet his reported convictions continue to evolve to fit the changing circumstances. The essential question is how he actually views the concept of adaptation. The evidence suggests that he prefers to adapt his rhetoric to fit the circumstances rather than adapts his strategy to address the realities. As he receives this important report, I fear the former…but I’m hoping for the latter.
Read more here:
http://www.thoughttheater.com
Daniel, great comments, I often wonder if Rove or Cheney is the actual force here and Bush is just along for the ride.
Daniel- I agree with Grognard- excellent analysis!