George W. Bush... Enough Said.

[mikesilvia]

Sorry, that's still not true. Bush received 50.7% of those who voted which is not 50.7 percent of America.

Well until 5 year olds start voting, then that is 51% of America. That is 51% of Americans that are of voting age and cared to break away from their TV set to vote. Better?

[tnopud42]

51% of those who voted - I have no problem with that. But to claim 51% of America supported him simply is not correct irrespective of 5 yo.

[mikesilvia]

Next, I would like to address this notion that the executive branch has ultimate power over "economics". Last I checked, Congress has the power to appropriate funds, not the President. Congress has the power to levy taxes and tariffs, not the President. I suggest brushing up on Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution.

I will add to that. How about the 50 governors and state legislative bodies? I find it funny that everyone thinks Bush has this "magic economy button" in the White House. People forget that we are a Federalist country and that 50 states actually decide how the economy is run not the White House. Money is sent to the states and they spend the money on education, state projects, etc. For instance, the #1 income here in Hawaii is federal money.

Lastly, one of the previous posts on here said something to the extent of "9-11, National Security, blah blah blah". Whomever said this HAS to be a college student because nobody who actually understands what is REALLY happening out there would say something so utterly naive as this. You cannot fathom the overwhelming number of people in this world who would love to see the United States collapse.

Or one of the guys that is a John Edwards fan. Remember? 9-11 is a bumper sticker. :)

[vikingfan101]

51% of those who voted - I have no problem with that. But to claim 51% of America supported him simply is not correct irrespective of 5 yo.

Until everyone votes, they stand for America as a whole. If someone is unable to get to vote, thats there problem. People can say all they want, "If I woulda voted, yada yada .. ", but they didnt. 51% of America's voters, did vote for him. Thats all that matters.

[haybierman]

I believe the old joke goes....

How many non-voters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

None, they just sit in the dark and complain about it.

[vikingfan101]

I believe the old joke goes....

How many non-voters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

None, they just sit in the dark and complain about it.

So so true

[mikesilvia]

So, far so good. Let's keep this discussion civil and try to support our views with facts. I appreciate that there are no personal attacks thus far. I do get a little passionate when people make a mockery of the Presidency, no matter who is in office. I disagree with President Bush probably 50% of the time, but I can't stand by and watch people smear him.

I will always respect a man that spend 19 hours a day on average working for America weather it is a Democrat or a Republican. I don't like Bill Clinton or Hillary Clinton, but I will not personally attack them ESPECIALLY if they are a former or sitting President.

[tnopud42]

"51% of America's voters, did vote for him. Thats all that matters." Well, as I said, that's not true, but I suppose that's really neither here nor there.

[Yanksfan396]

Yes, 51% of voters voted for him AT THE TIME. Since then, however:

http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ruggles/Approval.htm


That is from an unbiased, educational database. Can you not see the number of voters who said, "What have I done?" I will note the spikes. One, of course is 9/11. At a time of uncertainty, who better to flock to than our elected leader? The next spike came when rectification was promised upon the initiation of the Iraqi war. I will not lie, things have become MUCH better as of late, but, as one who does not support war, I believe he should have continued to beef up airport security (yes, it became much more tight after the attacks). Had we not gone to war, his approval rating wouldn't have suffered a drop, and, arguably, we would have a GOP congress concomitantly.

[mikesilvia]

So what does that say about the up coming election?

Congress' job performance was approved by just 22 percent, continuing a steady decline in the public's assessment since Democrats took over in January.