"Low Expectations" Question

[Steely_Dan]

I consider myself pretty bright and aware....However, I must have missed something...

Can someone outline what the whole "low expectations" thing refers to? I've heard it used the past few days and I'm completely lost on how it is being applied.

Thanks....P

[shaolinmonkey]

1. Everyone assumes that shrub is an idiot. So anything that rises

above complete incompetence is considered a glowing victory. Meanwhile, smart people (Gore, Kerry) have a higher standard to live up to.

I'm not sure it will wash this time. I think there's a lot more at stake, but the American public never ceases to amaze me with it's collective stupidity.

[denverbill]

2. It began in 2000.

Every commentator in the country began sounding this refrain before the debates: "GWB is a poor debater. If he somehow manages to get through the debates without committing a horrible gaffe, it will be a HUGE victory for GWB."

When GWB managed to make it through the debate without shitting his pants or passing out cold from fear, they played it as if it was a HUGE victory for GWB, even though Gore clearly trounced him in the debate.