Bush's Secret Weapon

Newspapers are bursting with polls predicting that, were the election today, any Democratic Senator named John would defeat President Bush. It's depressing. Similar concerns prompted a gloomy electoral vote tally in this space ten days ago. (tpfp post 2/8 7:48pm.)

I'm more optimistic now, for many reasons. One reason is Bush's secret weapon. It's not WMDs (obviously). And it's not the absence of a follow-up terrorist attack on the United States--though, as Charles Krauthammer noted, it's Bush's greatest accomplishment. It's certainty not the Administration's latest pork-larded budget--though the increased spending will attract some voters. The secret weapon isn't even Senator John Kerry--though I'm puzzled Dems chose their most liberal candidate: a 92, according to far-left Americans for Democratic Action. (Even the wacky Kucinich is only an 86.)

No, President Bush's secret weapon is--President Bush. He's a normal, decent guy. Yes, lefties loathe Bush beyond all reason. But Bush wasn't ever going to win their support. Moderate voters decide most elections. And moderates neither hate the President nor understand those that do. The Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonan gauges the gulf between Bush haters and mainstream Americans:

Mr. Bush is the triumph of the seemingly average American man. He's normal. He thinks in a sort of common-sense way. He speaks the language of business and sports and politics. You know him. He's not exotic. But if there's a fire on the block, he'll run out and help. He'll help direct the rig to the right house and count the kids coming out and say, "Where's Sally?" He's responsible. He's not an intellectual. Intellectuals start all the trouble in the world. And then when the fire comes they say, "I warned Joe about that furnace." And, "Does Joe have children?" And "I saw a fire once. It spreads like syrup. No, it spreads like explosive syrup. No, it's formidable and yet fleeting." When the fire comes they talk. Bush ain't that guy. Republicans love the guy who ain't that guy. Americans love the guy who ain't that guy.

Some smart people are wise (Richard Feynman, for example). Some seemingly average people also are wise (e.g., Ronald Reagan). But other very bright people can't be trusted with car keys, much less the Presidency (you listening Jimmy?). Other than leftist academics in the Philosophy department (see tpfp post 2/15 9:21pm), most people instinctively and accurately can tell the difference. Not good for the Haughty Hairdo.

That's why President Bush will be re-elected. Because he speaks our language. And Americans love that kinda guy.