No More Mr. Nice Guy

IN his first presidential campaign, George W. Bush had a number of campaign themes. The candidate said that he was a “reformer with results” and that he would “restore honor and dignity to the White House.” The two most consistent themes, however, were associated with the catch-phrases “compassionate conservatism” and “changing the tone.” As the president prepares to start his re-election campaign, it’s fair to ask: What ever happened to this duo?

For Bush’s Democratic opponents, the answer is simple: Bush’s promises to govern compassionately and to change the tenor of American politics were misleading to the point of being lies. He has proven, in their view, to be a madly right-wing partisan. In truth, however, Bush’s style of governance has been consistent with both promises. It has also revealed their limits.

About the Author

Ramesh Ponnuru

Ramesh Ponnuru is the editor of National Review, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

Featured Tags

Manage following

George W. Bush

IN his first presidential campaign, George W. Bush had a number of campaign themes. The candidate said that he was a “reformer with results” and that he would “restore honor and dignity to the White House.” The two most consistent themes, however, were associated with the catch-phrases “compassionate conservatism” and “changing the tone.” As the president prepares to start his re-election campaign, it’s fair to ask: What ever happened to this duo?

For Bush’s Democratic opponents, the answer is simple: Bush’s promises to govern compassionately and to change the tenor of American politics were misleading to the point of being lies. He has proven, in their view, to be a madly right-wing partisan. In truth, however, Bush’s style of governance has been consistent with both promises. It has also revealed their limits.