[quote=EconProf]Actually ANY existing president in the aftermath of 9/11 would have reaped the accolades of a suddenly unified nation. I wouldn’t call that his finest hour.[/quote]
Lots of presidents have addressed the nation during a crisis, but few have done better.
[quote]I would instead nominate his courage in opting for the surge in Iraq, against most all pundits’ advice, the political and popular sentiment, and even some CYA military figures. (Oh, and one particular Illinois senator on the make). It worked beyond anyone’s expectations, and is now about to be copied in Afghanistan.[/quote]
The jury is still out on that one. No one can reasonably argue whether a country can be pacified if enough firepower is brought to bear. The real test will come after we pull out. If the PNAC dream of a functioning Iraqi democracy emerges, then you have success. If the place falls apart, it’s an epic fail.
[quote]Another less-recognized accomplishment will be the revenue increases throughout most of his eight years in office flowing from a growth oriented economy. We sure miss that now.
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You can’t be serious. That “growth” has been revealed to be an even bigger mirage than Clinton’s bogus budget “surplus” (only a surplus if you counted Social Security contributions toward the general fund). I don’t want to engage in an ad hominem attack, but are you really a professor of economics?
