June 24, 2004

"An emblem of his presidency"
Bush's monica moment

That moment [in Fahrenheit 9/11] exposes Bush's character. It reveals what his press conferences proclaim: his incapacity.

Bush's presidency can be seen as one long cover-up of the most obvious thing about him. A life of upward failure, of being his father's son, left him without "sand," my nineteenth century-born father's word for the residue of strength acquired by "standing on your own two feet" and "taking your medicine." Bush never stood on his own feet, never took his medicine - and he has never been his own man.

Leaders show what they are made of in a crisis. Bush hid in plain sight with those kids. Later, hiding twice over, he used them as an excuse.
- Jack Beatty.


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