Search

ARCHIVES
CONTACT US
WORLD NEWS

And now the fun begins

Once the result for the primary elections in most states came in Mar. 7, the previous excitement that Campaign 2000 had once elicited quickly vanished. Gone were the fiery John McCain and Bill Bradley, the man that would stand in Gore's way to the presidential nomination. In their places stood two men who are remarkably similar in many ways. Both are seasoned political witnesses, but without the charisma of their mentors. So what, if anything is going to separate the men from the boys in this election? It is image, and from all indications, Governor George W. Bush's cocky attitude has gotten him in a heap of trouble already.

In politics today, image counts more than substance as the media barrages voters with constant images of presidential hopefuls. The nightly soundbites are judged on their slick presentation style and their catchy campaign promises. Yet, polls are already showing that George W. Bush may be coming off a little too arrogant for most voters. The Pew Research Center recently released its data showing that Bush's arrogant mannerisms are hurting him among potential voters. Out of people polled, 33 percent said they favored Gore over Bush because of the Texas governor's perceived attitude. Yes, he did beat out local favorite John McCain, but that victory was too slight for him to be walking around the hen house like the only cock in the farm. Indeed, this perceived arrogance is hurting Bush in voters for the general election in November, as well as the Republican convention this summer because McCain refused to turnover his delegates to the triumphant Bush.

Bush's arrogance has raised questions over just what he has to be so proud about. For over a year now, Bush has been criticized as a talking head, lacking the mental prowess necessary to be president. Yes, he may pitch the party line well, but it is uncertain if he can truly comprehend the meaning behind his words. Also, he often falls back on his governorship as a source of practical wisdom. Yet, Texas has the weakest political governor in the Union because the State legislature is responsible for all the major political projects. His campaign stump speeches contain rhetoric that is sound in political theory, yet weak in reality. Bush inserts both realist and idealist undertones in his election promises and theoretical frameworks obvious to a beginning student of political scientist. When left to fend for himself intellectually, Bush sounds as if he might not have spent enough time in the Yale classrooms, and a little too much time coming up with ways to deny his drug use.

Voters saw traces of both George W.'s cockiness and weak intellect earlier in the primaries, but turned a blind eye to it. A prime example of Bush's overconfident behavior was revealed in his defeat of John McCain. Candidates historically have offered their defeated foe a conciliatory phone call and thanked them for improving the race through competition. McCain called Bush after winning in New Hampshire and even the hotly disputed Michigan, but Bush did not make the same gesture to McCain. It appears that Bush took the dirty business of politics a little too personal.

There is some need for an American president, or any leader, to be self confident enough to be successful. We would not want a president easily bullied by terrorist groups, Congress, leaders of hostile nations or interest groups when he is standing up for what is morally correct. Likewise, Americans must be careful of how their politicians represent them in the global political arena. We demand a leader that will step to the forefront of international politics to help the oppressed, and use our national resources to help humanity. America has so much to offer the world, but we must remember to do so graciously. A future president that is perceived by others as unnecessarily arrogant and proud will not improve our international standing. As the remaining superpower, America needs to be grateful for the ability to withstand a tempest yet have the modesty to help those that cannot. Furthermore, we need a president who is capable of conveying the same attitude to our allies and enemies alike.

Citizens have every right to evaluate how our future president's persona will be perceived and cast their vote with that in mind. If they feel that Bush is too arrogant and lacks the knowledge base to be a successful leader, then it may be advantageous not to vote for him. Voters should evaluate their candidate based both on style and substance. The country needs a firm and diplomatic leader, and those qualities are not abundant in George W. Bush.