I guess he does have a chance, but the difference between Bush and other leaders of the past is that he's only got a maximum of 8 years, and possibly even 4, to do this. Let's say Bin Laden gets taken out within the year. The country will love Bush, me included (for this). However, we are a fickle, what have you done for me lately bunch. That will leave 2+ years for people to examine whether or not his domestic policy has been up to their liking...whether or not they like the fact that the surplus is nearly gone, etc. Even if it takes longer and into the 2004 campaign, if there are no more attacks on America, unfortunately people will start to have short memories about the WTC, and believe to think that we're fine, and a big war isn't what we want. Anything that will take longer than a year, in my opinion, will lead a lot of America, especially those from the Vietnam era, to get deja vu. Our armed forces, along with the help of numerous others, should make this a relatively quick operation. Another issue that may work against this is the fact that we have everyone on our side in this. Maybe if America was on its own, and we took out terrorism, then he'd have a good case, but here we have what seems to be the unconditional support of nearly every nation, including some that we kind of view as our enemy, China. I'm also not sure that even if (and it's a huge if to get rid of terrorism) he could be considered the greatest world leader ever. FDR helped us win WWII and get out of the Great Depression (thank you history buffs, I know it wasn't him alone), and JFK and his advisors kind of made it possible for the world to continue, so they should get some votes.
No Offense, I like Bush a lot. But if Lucky, he can make it into the Top 10 presidents, he couldnt possibly be the greatest though. To Me, the greatest 4 are: 1. Washington 2. Lincoln 3. FDR 4. Reagan That's my opinion.
Personally, I would put leading the country through WW2, the Cuban Missible Crisis, and the Civil War as higher than winning a war on terrorism. Not to downplay this mess, but those other three offered the possibility of the immediate and total destruction of the United States. This, while terrible, doesn't involve the scale or magnitude of any of those crises. And that's just discussing the greatest American leaders, less alone world leaders.
Wink 3 I think I agree with your top 5...I'm in definite agreement about who's number 1! Having said that, it's amazing to me that FDR doesn't take more heat for the way Japanese-American citizens were treated during WWII. Could you imagine the way Bush would be viewed today if he said, "Ok...we're loading up all the Arabs and putting them in camps...we're seizing their property and shutting down their businesses!!" Good, God...that might be the worst act of any American President ever...and yet that's exactly what was done here. I might trade you Franklin for Teddy...and a VP to be named later!! RM95 -- that statement wasn't directed at anything you posted...it was a response to Behad's post which indicated that Lincoln and FDR got through more significant times without key advisors as Bush has now.
Nope, you are all wrong. He won't even get re-elected. You watch. Somebody call me on this in three years. FROMOBILE HERE DECREES THAT G.W>BUSH WILL NOT EVEN BE REELECTED TO PRESIDENT, LET ALONE BE REMEMBERED AS A GOOD ONE. so it is said, let it be written. fromobile ps- I like violence.
Look, in the last week W. has had a good streak (not saying anything too terribly stupid AND not rushing into sh*t w/o thinkin') but lets not push it. THE GREATEST?!?!? I think the oppurtunity IS there, but the expectations are damn near unacheiveable by ANY human, let alone W.
MadMax, I wasn't throwing that at you either...it was more of a general thing I said because you can make that argument about almost any world leader. I forgot about the Japanese-American thing, but then again, you could argue that Washington owned slaves and other presidents were racist. It may not be exactly the same thing, but I'm pretty sure that FDR had the support of nearly everyone in America when doing that. If Bush tried that, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't have the support of the majority.
I think he has an opportunity to stand out like few other Presidents. Right now, for whatever reason, we think of Washington, JEfferson, Lincoln, and JFK as the greatest of Prez's. In fifty years Reagan will be undoubtedly added to this list and if America rises to the challenge in this tragic time then Dubya will appropriately receive credit. Do not underestimate the power of delegation because thus far GeeDub has delegated extraordinarily well. clm
See the rhetoric thread for reasons why Bush has already doomed himself, there . That said, I agree that if he manages to significantly reduce the threat of terrorism, the history books will remember him kindly.
Lincoln wrote all his own speeches, many of which are rated as some of the greatest among the Presidents.Granted, FDR's "New Deal" program was created by a "Brain Trust", but was spearheaded by one the best politicians ever to be president. His leadership during the war was magnificent. All I'm saying is that GWB is not in the same league as FDR and Lincoln. At least FDR's advisors were hand picked by FDR himself, not his daddy. Lincoln's speeches Lincoln homepage FDR
I hope GWB does rise up to the occasion because we need him to. I am encouraged so far by how he has handled the situation of the past week, this is his first chance in any professional or governmental role where substantial mettle and thoughtfulness is required of him. Up to now he hasn't done anything in my mind to distiguish himself as a special individual or a determined leader (no, being a good fundraising and being likable by the populace don't count). I hope he can deliver, sometimes difficult situations can bring out the best from people, so again, though I am no fan of his, I am hopeful he can come through now. In terms of relative to other presidents, I am hopefull but not confident that GWB can run the government as well as his father, who was a tremenous improvement over Reagon before him. Not by my wildest dreams do I think Bush Jr. is a Lincoln, Washinton, FDR, JFK or Thomas Jefferson. I also admit it does make me feel better that Bush senior and Powell are likely providing expertise and guidance to him right now--I certainly have more confidence them over Rice or even Cheney to guide us through the current situation.
