Perspectives On The Legacy Of George W Bush

Opinions of the Presidency of George W. Bush and his perceived legacy seem to exist only at the extremes. From the contentious outcome of the 2000 election, to the attacks on September 11, to the ongoing War in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the efforts to transform major domestic policies, and culminating with the financial crisis of 2008, it is little wonder that the name George W. Bush tends not to evoke lukewarm opinion. During his time in office, Bush obtained the highest approval ratings of any sitting president, but also the lowest. Scholars and other observers of the Bush Presidency have been similarly divided. Across the board, the presidency of George W. Bush raises questions that invite challenges to political scientists, scholarly questions of significant general interest. The authors in this volume begin the process of addressing some of these questions, with essays that cover an array of issues related to his presidency, and the legacy it leaves. This collection of essays presented at the Mount Union College Symposium on the Legacy of George W. Bush, seeks to provide some balance, offering some initial assessments of the consequences of this controversial president and his eventful tenure in office.

". . . The George W. Bush Legacy is important, foundational reading for scholars who seek to understand how Bush will be understood in coming years and the lasting effects of his presidency on the office of the president."--Excerpt from a review in Presidential Studies Quarterly, Volume 38, Issue 3, Pages 551-553, written by Caroline Heldman, Occidental College The George W. Bush Legacy assesses the current president’s political strategy as well as his administration’s policies. With his two terms marked by global tension and intense partisanship, chapter authors look at the Bush administration’s efforts to influence the direction of the judiciary, expand executive power, institutionalize the 2001 tax cuts, deliver policies and appointments for favored “base” constituencies, and increase the size and reach of the national security state. Contributors also offer perspectives on the responses to the events of September 11, 2001—including the fateful decision to go to war in Iraq that has perhaps become the defining action of this presidency. Making the volume easy to use throughout a presidency course, each chapter focuses on one aspect of the Bush administration, ranging from the president’s leadership style and the influence of interest groups, to the effects of public opinion and the role of the courts. This authoritative book provides measured and nuanced appraisals of the short- and long-term impact of Bush’s accomplishments and failures at a particularly pivotal time in American history.

This book examines the legacy of the Bush presidency in term of presidential leadership, politics, and public policy. It focuses on Bush's expansion of presidential power in pursuit of the 'war on terror,' the ideological and pragmatic foundations of presidential politics, and the complexity of Bush's domestic and foreign policy legacies.

This volume incisively analyzes the foreign policy of George W. Bush. Examining the legacy of the forty-third President, author Ilan Peleg explains the complex factors underlying the Bush Doctrine: neoconservative ideology, real and perceived challenges to US world supremacy, Bush's personality, the White House's unique decision-making process, and the impact of September 11. Peleg argues that in its shift from deterrence and containment to prevention and preemption, from multilateral leadership to unilateral militarism, and from consensual realism to radical neoconservatism, the Bush administration has effected a true revolution in the foundational goals, as well as in the means, of US foreign policy. Peleg also offers a series of judicious recommendations for future administrations, including the reestablishment of a bipartisan consensus on foreign policy, increased emphasis on multilateralism, the demilitarization of US foreign policy, renewed focus on the resolution of serious regional conflicts, and more realistic expectations about noncoerced democratization around the world.

This collaboration of distinguished presidential scholars offers one of the first book-length post-presidency analyses of President George W. Bush and his policies. Mark J. Rozell and Gleaves Whitney have assembled a varied list of contributors from both ends of the political spectrum, bringing together academics and professionals to provide a glimpse into the politics and policies that defined President George W. Bush's presidency. Testing the Limits discusses all aspects of the Bush policy and administration, from staff appointments to foreign and domestic policy to budgetary politics. Readers will gain an important perspective on the controversial forty-third president of the United States as contributors analyze the expansion of presidential powers during Bush's presidency, the increased influence of the vice president, the politicization of federal court appointments, and the development of executive privilege and presidential secrecy. Book jacket.

The George W. Bush Presidency: A Rhetorical Perspective, edited by Robert E. Denton, Jr., examines the rhetoric of former president George W. Bush across contexts of domestic policy, foreign policy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and politics in general. The contributors to this volume variously analyze Bush's inaugural and State of the Union addresses, as well as his political philosophy, policy issues, and the rocky relationship with the news media. Collectively, they provide insight into the role of public discourse in the campaigning and governing of the George W. Bush presidency.

"Delve into the captivating life and enduring legacy of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, in this comprehensive exploration of his remarkable journey. From his humble beginnings in Texas to his historic tenure in the White House, Bush's story is one of ambition, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his country. In 'George W. Bush: The Life and Legacy of a President', readers are taken on a compelling journey through nine meticulously crafted chapters, each delving into a pivotal aspect of Bush's life and presidency. Explore his early years and education, witness his rise to prominence in Texas politics, and follow his path to the highest office in the land. Experience the defining moments of his presidency, from navigating the challenges of the War on Terror to facing criticism and controversy over Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq War. Through insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, this book offers a nuanced examination of Bush's domestic and foreign policy initiatives, highlighting his successes, challenges, and enduring impact on American society and politics. Discover the complexities of his post-presidential years, as Bush continues to shape public discourse through memoirs, public engagement, and philanthropic endeavors. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a political junkie, or simply curious about one of America's most consequential leaders, 'George W. Bush: The Life and Legacy of a President' provides a comprehensive and compelling portrait of a man who left an indelible mark on the nation and the world. Kindly place your order now

Constitutional law expert Greenwald examines the George W. Bush presidency and its long-term effect on the nation, dissecting the rhetoric and revealing the faulty ideals upon which Bush built his policies. On September 12, 2001, Bush presented a clear view of what was to come--a view that can be said to define his entire presidency: "a monumental struggle of good versus evil." Based on his own Christian faith, Bush's worldview was basic and binary--and everyone was forced to choose a side. Riding high on public support, Bush sailed through the early "War on Terror, " easily defining our enemies and clearly setting an agenda for defeating them. But once the war became murkier, support dropped precipitously. Greenwald argues that his greatest weakness is the same rhetoric that once propelled him forward. Now, Greenwald argues, Bush is trapped by his own choices, unable to break out of the mold that once served him so well.--From publisher description.