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Even Republicans do this. As a nation, we seem to have written off the President as a force for any sort of reform or change. Republicans look forward to a potential McCain administration while writing off the current one, while Democrats do the same with their candidates, without actually thinking much of Bush's ability to get anything done before January 2009.
This goes well beyond the normal 'lame duck' effect of second-term presidencies. Other lame duck presidents were at least treated as potent sources of policy and political proposals. Bush is not treated that way at all.
For example, when we talk about how this country's problems are to be "solved," Bush is not even part of the discussion. We never say "well, health care reform is a problem, but Bush will put his proposals on the table soon, and that will help." Or "the economy is troubled, but Bush and his team are reviewing their options." In fact, statements like that don't even seem to make sense.
Is this Bush's fault? Congress's fault? The GOP's fault for empowering Bush in the first place? Our fault for not demanding more of him?
For example, when we talk about how this country's problems are to be "solved," Bush is not even part of the discussion. We never say "well, health care reform is a problem, but Bush will put his proposals on the table soon, and that will help." Or "the economy is troubled, but Bush and his team are reviewing their options." In fact, statements like that don't even seem to make sense.
As far as your two examples; Bush put his proposal to significantly expand SCHIP but the dems turned it into a political game, ignoring his significant program expansion and exploding it to cover families of up to some $70-80K that simply choose to decline their companies healthcare benefits. As far as the economy, Bush's proposal for immediate action (tax rebates) were actually acted on quite quickly and was a bi-partisan effort.
Not everyone has bought into the media (and dem presidential candidates) notion that things with the US are all that bad
SCHIP is nothing; I'm talking about comprehensive reforms.
For example, when McCain talks about his "health care agenda," he talks about a suite of reforms involving the entire health care system, including measures like allowing the purchase of insurance policies across state lines.
Well, if those are good ideas consistent with the Republican platform, why isn't Bush proposing them? Why is Bush dithering around with small sub-measures like SCHIP, rather than putting together a comprehensive reform package that can at least be put out there, in the public spotlight?
I've noticed it too. It seems like the seat is vacant right now. When his name comes up in news, it's a surprise and a wake-up call these days, and it's usually about, as mentioned, a discussion or "review of options."
? Agree or disagree, he's clearly outlined his proposals and his philosophy. Putting control of choice in the hands of the patient; not gov't control. Changing the tax code to remove bias for those who purchase their own vs. employer supplied. Expand HSAs. Permitting small companies to band together is purchasing health plans (AHPs). Elimination of frivolous medical lawsuits.
All these proposals have been submitted to Congress. So your real question is where is the congressional leadership on these initiatives? And that's a very good question.
Hillary couldn't get a thing done in her 8 years of effort. . . .
All these proposals have been submitted to Congress.
They have? If that's true, why is McCain campaigning on these issues at all? Why doesn't he just tell the country "I plan to emulate President Bush's fine and effective leadership on these matters?"
They have? If that's true, why is McCain campaigning on these issues at all? Why doesn't he just tell the country "I plan to emulate President Bush's fine and effective leadership on these matters?"
You asked for Bush's proposals and got 'em. I guessing McCain and every other candidate has their own. The only ideas and leadership we know did fail were Hillary's
People are more worried about the coming election than whos in office now.It seems the spot light is on who can give who what for free. In the end it is the same old story.The demcratic blue print for 2009 includes raising taxes on incomes above 31,000 dollars and raising the deficit.
[quote=tablemtn;3139881]Even Republicans do this. As a nation, we seem to have written off the President as a force for any sort of reform or change. Republicans look forward to a potential McCain administration while writing off the current one, while Democrats do the same with their candidates, without actually thinking much of Bush's ability to get anything done before January 2009.
This goes well beyond the normal 'lame duck' effect of second-term presidencies. Other lame duck presidents were at least treated as potent sources of policy and political proposals. Bush is not treated that way at all.
For example, when we talk about how this country's problems are to be "solved," Bush is not even part of the discussion. We never say "well, health care reform is a problem, but Bush will put his proposals on the table soon, and that will help." Or "the economy is troubled, but Bush and his team are reviewing their options." In fact, statements like that don't even seem to make sense.
Quote:
Is this Bush's fault?
Yes.
Quote:
Congress's fault?
To a lesser extent, for not exercising their authority when Bush/Cheney were clearly out of bounds.
Quote:
The GOP's fault for empowering Bush in the first place? Our fault for not demanding more of him?
Forget Bush.
He's had his shot and he's screwed it up as badly as anyone in history. He's headed for the scrap heap now. No one in his own party even wants to trust him with anything routine these days. He's done major damage to the Republicans and they're likely headed towards a defeat of historic proportions in November, largely thanks to the Bush/Cheney incompetence, compounded by their dishonesty.
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