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The Making of a President?
By Gordon Corera
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In the wake of the terrorist attacks, one thing that has surprised those visiting the United States, is the mood of quiet determination and resolution amongst the people, rather than the thirst for vengeance and to lash out that many had expected. Much of that can be ascribed to the effectiveness of the public strategy of President Bush and his advisers.
After a shaky start, President Bush has risen to the occasion. He must know that this will be the defining moment of his Presidency. Like so many others, George W. Bush came to office promising and hoping to focus on domestic policy but instead found himself pulled into world events beyond his control. At first his responses were shaky and brought to mind the Bush of the 2000 campaign who flunked a foreign policy quiz (ironically unable to name the leader of Pakistan whom I think we can safely say he knows much better know). But Bush is an easy man to underestimate and his address to Congress just over a week after the attacks was calm, collected and powerful. It was a resolute call to arms for the American nation, preparing them for what could be a long and bloody campaign ahead and cautioning them against expecting a quick and easy conclusion.
So far, Bush and his National Security team, have managed to both mould and stay on the right side of public opinion but the question will be whether that can be sustained as either time goes on and no military action is taken or when the action begins and the casualties start to mount.
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Taliban Leader - Mullah Mohammad Omar |
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