I wonder why...

[QueenAdrock]

I was reading John Dean's book, and he brought up an interesting observation. He said that both Nixon and Bush say "This is what a president does..." or "It's a president's job to do this...". They both describe what a president should do, rather than say "I feel it is important to do this." I never realized it, but Bush seems to detach himself from the Presidential position. Why is this?

Doing a quick google, I found these from some of his press conferences and speeches:

"Under our Constitution, the President has the right and responsibility to nominate qualified judges"
"It is the President's job to step up and make the tough decisions and to keep his commitments."
"...because one of the jobs of the President is to leave behind a legacy..."
"And my job as the President is to lead this nation into making the world a better place"

He describes his job, more than he does what HE believes. I think he does so as a form of detatchment, maybe to take the blame off of him. Maybe he does so as a way to say "Hey, I don't want to do it, but I'm forced to because it's my job...", possibly so he won't come off as such a stubborn jerk because he's just doing his duty.

What do you think?

(P.S. Only intelligent, insightful replies please.)

[jabumbo]

maybe he just isnt going to do anything


you want insight? sheesh....


ok, so my best guess is that he says these things to let people know what he should be doing, and then the stupid people think "oh thats a great thing he is doing" when in fact he is doing none of it.

[Documad]

It's a pretty common head-of-government thing. Whether president, governor, or chairman of the EPA, the heads of various executive bodies have enormous powers. So long as they make decisions that are authorized by constitutions and statutes, their decisions are subjected to relatively little oversight. The courts are permitted to review their decisions for limited reasons, but the courts are not supposed to second guess their decisions. It's part of our separation of powers between the three branches. So with some statements, like "it's the president's job to select judges", Bush is correctly saying that the president was given that power and the Senate is not supposed to second guess the appointment except in extreme situations.

I think that when you're in that high level position you get used to saying that you made the decision because of the office you hold. It does give Bush some distance but it also adds the weight of his office to the statement. Bush is trying to say that these are not his personal decisions, based upon his personal whims and prejudices. These are decisions he made in his capacity as president, using his vast powers and discretion.

I doubt that he's trying to dodge responsibility. I think he's pretty rotten, but I think his flaw is more that he thinks he's always right, he doesn't consult other people with different views, and he doesn't reconsider his decisions. But he does seem happy to take responsibility for them.

That's my guess. :)

[D_Raay]

I disagree Documad though I highly respect your opinion. I think Bush is ALL about dodging accountability. It is the Karl Rove gameplan played out to a tee and with several hints on how to carry out from the Clinton people.

[travesty]

It's because GW knows he is not the real President.

Jimmy likes Elaine, Jimmy thinks she's real pretty!

[QueenAdrock]

Did Clintax consult people with other views?

Actually, he did. He surrounded himself with a group of people with varying ideas and concepts, so he could get all points of view before making a decision.

That's why it's so ridiculous when people call him a bleeding-heart liberal, because he was fair in his decision making. I've heard that he viewed every problem as a Rubix cube, something that needed to be viewed from many different angles before he made his decision; he was tedious and well-thought out in his choices.

I don't know how anyone can call Bush fair in his decision-making. He's surrounds himself with only people that agree with him to get his decisions made. I mean, look at the electioneering he did last year! He had people sign a fuckin' loyalty oath to go to his rallies, so any and all protestors would be screened out of his little speeches and he'd be in a happy little world where everyone agrees with and loves him. Like Jon Stewart said, Bush is living in The Truman Show. :D

[QueenAdrock]

Who is teh real president? Is it Clinton, is it Gore, is it Kerry? Please oh Mr. Smarty pants, the traveled one, please tell us.

The real president, or the rightful president?

Shut up, Sisko. Your aliases are lame.

[Documad]

Did Clinton consult people with other views?
Yes. One of Clinton's failings is that he talked to too many people, for too long, including really minor staff members, before making up his mind. His high level staff were very frustrated by this.

[SobaViolence]

last time i checked, he represents all the citizens of the United States of America, Bush's only job is to do what the people want done; easier, healthier, safer, affordable, educated living.

the government should fear the people, not the other way around.

him and his cohorts are snakes.