The Political Chase

Like a Bounced Check, He’s Back

Well, it’s just hard to change those stripes isn’t it? George W. Bush, the great uniter and self-professed thumpin’ recipient, revved the rhetoric up about the administration and Congress playing nice. He had heard Americans speak and would listen; carry out the will of the people. Crumpets and tea (pasta actually) with Speaker-designate Pelosi and Rep. Hoyer yesterday and all that jazz. Playing nice lasted about 24 hours.

Following is a draft post I started yesterday while Bush, Pelosi, et al, were exchanging pleasantries, and before I knew about the resurrection of Mr. Bush’s arrogance, dictatorial demands and expectations.

Bush told reporters, he was “open to any idea or suggestion” that will help the U.S. achieve its goals in Iraq. “We’ve made history. Now we have to make progress.”

My unfinished comments – That’s an understatement, tongue-in-cheek or both? The question is, how does the President define “its.” With almost six years of blatant, intentional confrontation and denial there is arguable doubt as to whether the President can or will distinguish between “his” and “its”.

Sadly enough, I was not wrong. Nothing has changed. Before Speaker-designate Pelosi could not even drop the required smiles and cordial facade before Bush was demanding the renomination of UN Ambassador John Bolton and hammering Congress to wrap up the surveillance bill for the NSA.

The President heard absolutely nothing from the American people Tuesday. Or, if he did, he does not give a rat’s derriere. And, if we are naive enough to believe the press reports of a diminished Vice President, we deserve what we get.

In the style of Keith Olbermann – Trust and respect are earned, and you sir have earned neither.

The Democrats may have swept Congress and given Americans hope, but there will be blood shed along the way. We still have a very long two years left.