I promise this isn’t turning into all politics, all-the-time. It’s just today, you know? With that said, I just finished watching Bush’s acceptance speech, and while at this point it’s hard to trust anything the man says, it will be interesting to see if he eschews politics (now that he has no further campaigns) and really does try to do what’s necessary to find compromise. His very gracious speech today would indicate as such, but just like yesterday’s early exit polls, they obviously must be taken with a grain of salt.
Can we trust Dubya? His supporters would say absolutely. He said, “We have one country, one constitution, one future.” Technically, that’s true. But it’s obvious that we have two populations with different ideas and feelings who live within this one country, and among actual voters, a slim minority don’t feel like we’re a part of this “one country.
“I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent.” OK, I’m listening. “To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support, and I will work to earn it.” Thanks Mr. President. I hope you do. Don’t mind me, though, if I withhold judgment until I see that first Supreme Court Justice nomination to decide whether I think you’re trying to earn anything from those who disagree with you.
Side note: The most curious line in Bush’s speech? “The Vice President serves with supreme wisdom and honor, and I’m proud to serve beside him.” Can we take that as proof that Cheney really runs this government. Shouldn’t that language indicate that Bush is the number two. I understand wanting to present the concept of a partnership rather than underling, but wouldn’t it have been better to say something like, “and I’m proud to have him serve beside me.” I’m just saying. English is supposed to be his first language and all, even though to that, as well, we have ample evidence to the contrary.
Tangent: The most disturbing part of Bush’s speech came after. Watching CNN, as the commentators were chatting but a camera stayed on inside the Reagan Center, it lingered for a while on big-time Bush supporter and loquacious boxing promoter Don King. (sigh)
Out of Focus 
Aaron — put down the crack pipe!
Now that he has no more campaigns, he can WELL put into plan his ultra-conservative faith-based agenda. (Not to mention his pre-emptive strikes on the Arab world — don’t forget that this is a man who believes the second coming is nigh.)
I’m assuming you read Ron Suskind’s piece “Without a Doubt” in the NY Times Magazine from a few weeks back. If not, you must. The single most important article on Bush & co. that I’ve read since the man took office. (You now have to pay for it online – I can email it to you if you like, it’s quite long.)
Look at the stock market today — defense stocks UP, Halliburton UP, stem-cell firms DOWN.
I think it’s great that you want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I can’t and don’t share those feelings.
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Interesting article in today’s Salon:
HERE.
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Now, now … if you read what I wrote, you can see that I don’t buy what he’s saying, but the truth of the matter is that we’re stuck with the situation and all we can do is hope that he is serious about reaching across the aisle. Do I think he will? No. (And yes, I read Suskind’s piece.) I’m not expecting any of those words to bear fruit, but all we can do now is make sure that activism stays high and voices are heard, and hopefully there might be a swing in Congress in 2006. Still, for now, we’re stuck. So we can hope, no matter how unlikely the reality is.
A crack pipe right now might actually not be such a bad thing.
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Why must we just sit back and hope? What about civil unrest? What about impeachment? He lied to the country.
Oh what’s the use — pass the pipe. . .
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