Comparing Dutch and Dubya: the leader and the led

[Sticky]

Great article!

By Dan Payne | June 13, 2004

NATIONAL Republican Chairman Ed Gillespie said of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush: "The parallels are there. I don't know how you miss them."

Not really, Ed. Reagan won presidency fair and square, by huge margins in Electoral College. (He even carried Massachusetts twice.) Bush is court-appointed administrator, installed with underhanded help from his brother Jeb, governor of Florida.

I never voted for Reagan but always felt he represented America with dignity and class. Bush's sloppy, casual manner at podium is embarrassing and unpresidential. And he still can't look serious without doing weird things with his mouth.

Reagan split Democratic Party and created Reagan Democrats; Bush has united Democrats as never before.

-snip-

Bush hasn't one ounce of self-awareness. Reagan mocked himself often. On his leisurely work habits: "I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon." His age: "Just to show you how youthful I am, I intend to campaign in all 13 states." On chilly relations with media: "Before I refuse to take your questions, I have an opening statement."

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/bush/articles/2004/06/13/comparing_dutch_and_dubya_the_leader_and_the_led/