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The dust up over the exchange between George W and Senator Elect Jim Webb doesn’t seem to be going away. As details of the exchange continue to surface it gets easier to see why both men reacted as they did.
Webb’s son is a marine currently serving in Iraq. Last week an IED exploded next to his vehicle and three of his friends died in the attack. President Bush had apparently been told of the incident and advised to “be extra sensitive” when talking to Webb. For his part Webb had hoped to avoid all contact with Bush because of his outspoken disapproval of the war and how it is being conducted. For him it was a catch 22 situation; refuse the invitation to the WH and snub the Commander in Chief or attend and risk a confrontation.
In Bush’s defense his asking about Webb’s son really was an act of sensitivity, showing that he knew about the IED and offering genuine concern. No one should fault him for that. Webb’s reply, “I’d like to bring them all home,” should have been enough but that’s when things went South. Instead of accepting Webb’s comment for what it was, a heartfelt wish to have his son and all the soldiers out of danger, Mr. Bush saw it as an affront to his “stay the course” policy. His response, “That’s not what I asked . . . “ was uncalled for. He could have said a dozen other more appropriate things such as; “Don’t we all” or “Just as soon as we can” or “From your lips to God’s ears,” Instead he reacted as he has so often recently: offensively.
Over the last year and a half I’ve noticed a decided shift in the President’s demeanor. Gone is the good-ole-boy, the fella’ you’d like to have a beer with, the one who chuckles and smirks and cracks jokes from the podium. In his place is an angry man whose speeches all seem to be a shouting match with some imaginary opponent. His body language has changed too. He no longer looks casual and relaxed. To the contrary he is tense, leaning forward against the podium and gesturing in short jabbing motions toward the audience. It seems he is close to climbing over the podium and physically assaulting those present. His Dr. Jeckle side has been replaced almost entirely with Mr. Hyde. Frankly, I’m concerned that the weight of office and the realization that his policies are a dismal failure resulting in thousands of soldiers being killed and maimed as well as fomenting a regional war that's beyond his control has pushed his fragile ego over the edge of sanity. Yep, I said it, I think the President is nuts, driven to despair by the results of his leadership or lack there of.
On the other hand, Webb could have done better with his side of the conversation. He could have graciously accepted Bush’s concern and responded in kind, “My son is doing as well as can be expected, Mr President, and how are the twins? Have they recovered from their birthday hangovers?”
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