May 28, 2005
HOW MUCH MORE CLOUT COULD HE CONCEIVABLY HAVE?
Bush's Global Clout Seen Growing (TOM RAUM, 5/28/05, Associated Press)
In the rarified club of world leaders, President Bush has taken his share of lumps. Critics have railed against his handling of Iraq, his perceived disdain for the United Nations and what they say is a swaggering approach to foreign policy.But Bush probably would not want to trade places with any other head of state.
Nearly all his fellow leaders of the world's big industrial democracies have stumbled. It has left them vulnerable at home and weakened on the world stage.
The president, through it all, is riding what he sees as a strong re-election mandate to trumpet his goal of spreading democracy.
That helps explains why Bush, despite a slip in his approval rating among Americans, may find himself holding the stronger hand when he travels in early July to Scotland for the annual summit of the leaders of the eight major industrialized democracies.
"His counterparts all face ill political winds that make their domestic positions rather precarious," said Charles Kupchan, director of European studies with the Council on Foreign Relations, a private research group. "I do think it puts Bush in an advantageous position."
Funny, even when they thought they were the ones riding the wave it was W who wielded all the clout. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 28, 2005 6:32 PM
France's ambassador to the United States spoke recently of the effect of Bush's winning a second term.
"The moment President Bush was re-elected, he extended the hand of friendship and cooperation to the leaders of Europe," said Jean-David Levitte. "Style has changed."
He also did that before invading Iraq, they just rebuffed it.
I will say, however, that Bush's second administration seems to be doing a better job of playing the diplomatic game than the first administration did.
It's very satisfying to direct some pointed words to, and turn your back on, those who are being obstinate and obtuse, but in the long run you're better off if you keep up the charm.
Posted by: Michael Herdegen at May 29, 2005 12:52 AMMichael - I doubt Bush's diplomacy has improved. Rather, I think the demonstration of resolve over his first term made foreign leaders realize that when they screeched at him he'd just ignore them, so THEIR attitude is improving.
That and, of course, the fact that he won a second term means they have to resign themselves to four more years.
Posted by: Tom at May 29, 2005 8:59 AMAgree with Tom.
Contrary to the article, I believe the weaker the others are domestically the more they will shrink before their activist leftists and continue their obstructionism, much as our own Democrats have.
Posted by: Genecis at May 29, 2005 12:11 PM