Bush's Record

I ran across a link at the Real Clear Politics website by Markos Moulitsas. Mr. Moulitsas is head of DailyKos, the most popular destination on the internet for Democrats to get information. The link was titled "Make the Bush Record the Issue". Curious what the other side is saying, I clicked on the link. Here is the opening paragraph:

Times are tough for the Republican Party and its candidates. Earlier this month, according to Gallup, more people strongly disapproved of George W. Bush than any previous president since the advent?of polling—and, really, how could things be any different? Bush can boast of an unwinnable quagmire in Iraq, a decimated housing market, economic instability and a collapsing dollar, a dysfunctional health-care system, a still-devastated Gulf Coast, a wealth gap of a scope unseen since the Great Depression and a pervasive and disturbing image of America as a hapless, blundering giant, rather than a beacon of freedom and morality in the world.

Lets take these issues one at a time.

according to Gallup, more people strongly disapproved of George W. Bush than any previous president since the advent of polling...

By now I hope most people realize that Abraham Lincoln was hugely unpopular and was in danger of losing his bid for reelection until the fall of Atlanta. Harry Truman who had one of the lowest approval ratings ever and didn't even bother to run for reelection, is now considered one of the 20th century's better leaders.

Bush can boast of an unwinnable quagmire in Iraq...

"Unwinnable". A comment like this should disqualify Mr. Moulitsas from being taken serious by grown ups. I honestly have to question whether he truly believes this or just wishes it so much that he cannot face the reality of what is happening in Iraq. Whichever, it is disgusting.

a decimated housing market...

The housing market has declined in many areas of the country, but decimated? Apparently 15 years of growth means there should never be a price correction or cycle. Markos' recommended policy? Unspoken.

economic instability and a collapsing dollar...

True! And what policies should the Democrats offer to address these issues? Higher taxes? Markos doesn't say.

a dysfunctional health-care system...

Dysfunctional compared to what other system? Would Mr. Moulitsas seek medical attention outside the U.S. should he need it? Doubtful.

a still-devastated Gulf Coast...

Yes, they believe hurricane Katrina was Bush's fault. Unbelievable.

a wealth gap of a scope unseen since the Great Depression...

One of my favorite tropes - the wage gap. So if everyone is making more money but the rich are making more money than the poor (as if this can somehow be avoided or even desirable) the government is failing and should do something? That would be interesting. Of course no policy is advocated.

and a pervasive and disturbing image of America as a hapless, blundering giant, rather than a beacon of freedom and morality in the world.

I suppose that is why during the Bush tenure we have seen among the most pro-American governments ever win elections in France, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Japan...

Who are these great allies that the Democrats keep referring who's feelings need to be assuaged? Once again, Markos doesn't say.

The fact that this is the best the opposition can come up with should give us all reason to be thankful this holiday season.