Bush again confounds his many critics
UNITED NATIONS Ñ Convention wisdom was shattered ø as usual! The extraordinary re-election of President George W. Bush-with a powerful numerical tsunami of the popular vote, a clear electoral lock on huge sections of the country, and a Republican party seat gain in both houses of Congress, illustrates a near clean sweep of the political game board. Happily Election 2004, despite some last minute fears in Ohio which pointed to dŽjˆ vu of the protracted Florida follies in 2000, turned out quite differently after all.
There were a number of reasons for this. Though regularly reviled as a Òhugely unpopular and polarizing figureÓ by large sections of the media and Òconvention wisdomÓÑor should we say stark emotions of the Upper West Side and West CoastÑBush again confounded his many critics. He vindicated his policies through a well fought and well planned campaign appealing to core American values and beliefs rather than their fears and emotions.
Clear Republican strategy put the Kerry campaign into a check mate on the American electoral chess board and neutralized the DemocratÕs powerful grip on the Northeast and West coast. Kudos to General Karl Rove and the armies of volunteers. A nearly four million popular vote advantage not only broke the statistical sound barrier of 50 percent (the first time since 1988) but equally shattered that Òrazor thin statistical dead heatÓ which polls and pundits so glibly asserted.
The W-04 victory was indeed Òhistoric and empoweringÓ in the words of Vice President Richard Cheney.
While his re election lacked Reaganesque landslide proportions, given the personal animus and vilification of George Bush by the many shades of the left, the outcome offered a poignant reminder that thereÕs another America all too easily dismissed as fly overs, evangelical zealots, and well frankly, them. These moral values voters which played a pivotal role in the campaign, were snootily derided by Le Monde of Paris and editorialized as ÒA World Apart.Ó
Following the outcome of the vote, let me say clearly that Senator John Kerry contributed to the immediate healing process of the wounds which have divided America. KerryÕs gracious and classy concession speech in BostonÕs historic Faneuil Hall, calling for Òa need for unity and a need to bridge the partisan divide,Ó remains a testament to the eloquent traditions of the U.S. Senate.
Realizing that in the wake of a divisive campaign the country remains split down the middle, George Bush was equally gracious in victory memorably proclaiming Òone country, one constitution and one future that binds us.Õ
So whatÕs the quick balance sheet? The two happiest families in America? The Bush family and the ClintonÕs. Both are obvious. In the case of the ClintonÕs itÕs no secret that Senator John Kerry never had the full blessing of Bill Clinton given that fact that a Kerry presidency would have all but derailed the Presidential career track of Senator Hillary Clinton. Thus better another four years to demonize Bush, through the likes of left-wing demagogues like Michael Moore.
The Democratic party was again reminded it was clearly out of touch with mainstream America. The party was torn between its liberal values/trade union roots and raucous left-wing ideologues and elitists. Voters obviously disagreed.
As for overseas reactions, British Prime Minister Tony Blair viewed Òthe election of President Bush is an event of genuine significance right around the world.
Blair urged European leaders to wake up from their "state of denial" over President Bush's re-election. ÒAmerica has spoken. The rest of the world should listen," the prime minister said in an interview with The Times of London.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the American voters made the Òright decisionÓ given that ÒI am convinced that international terrorism tried to prevent Bush from being re-elected.Ó
President Jacques Chirac of France, a clear Bush antagonist, called for a Òclose transatlantic partnership.Ó
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands and EU President proclaimed, ÒThe United States and the European Union are linked by strong cultural, economic and political ties and by our shared values. This makes us each otherÕs natural and indispensable partners.Ó
Czech President Vaclav Klaus, speaking of Bush perhaps said it best, ÒHe symbolizes AmericaÕs best traditions; the love of freedom, optimism, individualism, a liberal economic environment and conservative values that are also close to my heart.Ó
John J. Metzler is a U.N. correspondent covering diplomatic and defense
issues. He writes weekly for World Tribune.com.  |
