How in the world did someone of George Bush's caliber of ineptness ever become President of the United States?

Question

I fear that a trend has begun, whereby it will become acceptable to elect marginal human beings to the office of the Presidency. Which begs an even deeper question: What are the significant qualifications necessary for an individual to serve as a United States President?

Answer 1

you seem to forget that the president, although known as the most powerful man in the country, is only the spokesman to his cronies/advisers. the person who sits in the oval office caught the attention of a shark type person who found a use for him. that is not to say that this president wasn't worthy in his own right. we all have to go through some form of motions to arrive at a destination.

if there is a good opposition, it is their job to make the party in power look like the stupid puppet that he is.

Answer 2

I'm a little concerned that you're citing the election of George Bush as a trend which has only recently begun....

Part of what makes our political system able to elect "someone of George Bush's caliber of ineptness" is the fact that voting is actually an integral part of our electoral process which is what many people seem to forget.

One vote really can change change history.... I think we all can recall Florida's hanging chads and butterfly ballot fiasco. However, in the last election George W. Bush's camp was more successful in motivating his supporters to the polls. Also, voters who identify themselves as Democrats are typically more likely than Republicans to "switch hit" rather than stay loyal to a candidate simply because of party ties.

Furthermore, to make it past the primaries stage of a presidential election takes an extraordinary amount of money and backing by wealthy and/or influential individuals. This means that the best candidates don't always make it to the final race and the American people are often left with a choice between Tweedle Dum or Tweedle Dumber...

Regardless of your attitudes towards the current president and his accomplishments (especially in comparison to the last president and his), it's important to understand the ENORMOUS role of the media in modern day politics.

Recall the first televised presidential debate in 1960 between Kennedy & Nixon. Those who viewed the debate on television proclaimed Kennedy the better candidate. Conversely, those who listened on the radio proclaimed Nixon to be better suited for the presidency.

Answer 3

Bush was chosen by the Republican leaders at the time. One of the magazines that I read referred to him as the "Golden Boy." When he ran for office the 1st time, he had pots of money with which to run his campaign. Since the top Republicans were aware that George was not too bright (at least I hope they were aware of that) they saw to it that he was surrounded by men who had worked for his father. His campaign was run by Karl Rove and it was really the 1st time a big deal was made of the "religious right" which I think was mostly responsible for his win (just my opinion of course). Altho he is the worst president I think we've ever had, I have to admit that he is likeable enough. Why he was re-elected is beyond me but my mother is an example of the intelligence of some of the voters (sorry Mom); she voted for him because "there's a war going on." Well, duh! Also, I and many other Democrats weren't all that crazy about John Kerry even tho I did vote for him. Most of the population still believed Bush and couldn't believe that he had been misleading (lying) us, and everyone else, about the need to go to war. Heck, even now at least 25% of the country still approves of him. Clearly, these must be people who aren't into reading or watching news stations. As for making fun of him; you and other countries are not the only ones. Our comedy shows have been doing it for his entire presidency and quite successfully I might add. Two books have been published re "Bushisms." I would love to read them but am unwilling to spend the money.

Answer 4

I think he became President for two reasons. 1.) His father and brother; 2.) He got people who vote to believe in him. His whole family issues crap.

I have no idea what the qualifications should be for an individual to serve as President. One could say educated, but Bush did go to a good college. One could say someone in the political arena who has experience, but alot of politicans are corrupt or are interested in only one thing. One could say someone with morals, but whose morals? Bush is extremely conservative. Some would say that he has morals. But I don't know.

Answer 5

He did a great job as Governor of Texas.Speaking of marginal humans....he got elected twice as president and YOU can't get elected janitor of the chess club with NObody in it !! What does that say for you ??

Answer 6

It has nothing to do with his intelligence and everything to do with the people being governed. Voter turnout has been decreasing, so fewer voters means an easier win. If you don't vote, don't whine. If you vote and don't get your choice, you have a bit more room, but you still need to shut up after a while.

Answer 7

President Bush is not inept. You are, however, for believing the lies of the liberal left. It's obvious that you are unable to think for yourself.

Answer 8

Just watch Fox News. You can see how strong their propaganda can lure many individuals to vote Republican.

Answer 9

Cause people voted him in. Even in the midst of a war they still re-elected him. Go fiqure!

Answer 10

well, all the Democrats could put was Al Gore and John Kerry.
which were even dumber.