Don’t Mess with Bush!

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Don’t Mess with Bush!
by Robert Yoho, Columnist and Senior Editor

November 8, 2002

"Eye on Conservatism"

Columnist Robert Yoho Tourist centers and airport gift shops in Texas are full of coffee mugs and T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase, "Don’t Mess with Texas!" The slogan isn’t just something to capture the eyes and travel dollars of tourists; it is a reminder of the state’s traditional fighting spirit and its rich history of pride, courage, and independence.

After Tuesday’s elections, that phrase may need to be changed to "Don’t Mess with Bush!"

President George W. Bush (R-TX) (AP) When the smoke cleared from the election battles, a majority of Republican candidates victoriously emerged from the carnage. Leading them was their cordial and confident General George W. Bush (right), who brilliantly crafted the strategy for retaking the hill — Capitol Hill.

The events of September 11th have removed any lingering doubts about his leadership skills; the elections of November 5th have also removed any doubts about his political skills. In two short years, this man who was elected by the slimmest of margins has become the most dominant political figure America has known since FDR.

President Bush survived a razor thin election to gain his position. He led a broken but unbowed nation to unprecedented victory over the Taliban in Afghanistan. And he advanced his party’s political fortunes on the sheer force of his will, an unshakable character, and a clear, conservative vision of America’s place in the world.

Unlike previous administrations, that tried to determine where the people were going, President Bush has shown genuine leadership! He did not hustle to get out in front of the crowd and then pretend to be leading the parade. Without the aid of nonstop polling, Bush decided where he wanted to go and confidently urged others to follow him.

I believe this mid-term election strategy was conceived on October 7th, the day that Bush wanted to address the American people on his position on Iraq.

Liberal Democrats and the network talking heads had repeatedly been carping at the president for failing to make his case to the public. When Bush tried to brief them, the networks’ hierarchy of hypocrisy — fearing that he might successfully make his case — refused to broadcast the speech from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Still, President Bush would not be deterred. He chose to go directly to the people with a whirlwind campaign swing that would speak to the public and compel Americans to elect men and women who would support the president and his agenda. The strategy made it possible for the president to get out his unfiltered message while bypassing the network news departments who wished to effectively "censor" him.

The strategy not only worked, it led to the most historic shift in political power ever experienced by a sitting president at the midway point of his first term.

When it comes down to a crucial vote anytime in the future, Bush can now call in a lot of favors. Numerous senators and congressmen owe their seats to the president’s non-stop campaigning. If the too-often-timid House and Senate leadership have the courage to push it forward, Bush’s vision of compassionate conservatism will lead America to unparalleled prosperity.

Whether it comes to confirming Bush’s choices for Federal judgeships or his agenda for dealing with Saddam Hussein, many Democrats and Republicans will finally be hesitant to obstruct his agenda. Moreover, many in the opposition party already support Bush’s appointments and policies, but former Majority Leader Tom Daschle would not let those policies or people come to a vote.

But Bush’s harshest detractors — especially those up for re-election in 2004 — will fear that a president with proven coattails might campaign for their opponents. Nobody wants to pick a fight with the toughest guy in the neighborhood.

An immensely popular and trusted president wisely chose to invest his political capital in those who would support his agenda. And by risking his popularity in the bold pursuit of a cause, he will likely advance it.

Ever since he first assumed his place on the national political stage, George W. Bush has been maligned and underestimated. Despite these things, President George W. Bush has repeatedly overcome every obstacle placed in his way. The man is truly an American success story. But if we learned anything in these past two short, but turbulent years, it is two things: You don’t mess with Texas and you don’t mess with Bush! ***

Photo of Robert Yoho courtesy of staff files
Photo of President George W. Bush (R-TX) courtesy of the Associated Press