by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright October 8, 2001
All Rights Reserved.

ising to commander-in-chief, President Bush transcends politics and commands extraordinary popularity, but can it last? Sept. 11 will no doubt record as one of the darkest days in U.S. history. But for a young president barely 8 months into his term, it proved to be a defining moment—his window to greatness. Boasting a 92% approval rating just 4 weeks since madman terrorist Osama bin Laden awakened the sleeping giant, Bush found a much-needed silver lining, rallying America to a new patriotism, not seen since Pearl Harbor. Only nine days after the most crushing blow in U.S. history, Bush set the tone, delivering a spellbinding speech to a joint session of Congress on Sept. 20. Promising to end America’s nightmare, “We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,” said Bush with humility and sincere conviction, free of self-conscious pomposity masquerading as brilliant oratory. Yes, the folksy Texan, whose disputed election caused unwanted division, suddenly hit his stride. Real world events—not slick public relations—changed his fate.

       Responding to the crisis with quiet determination, Bush became the nation’s voice, as Americans coped with a painful wound. Promising justice, “I will not forget the wounded of our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest. I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people,” said Bush, determined get America back on its feet. Shedding real tears at a White House ceremony with Lisa Beamer—the widow of Tod Beamer, the unsung hero of hijacked United Flight 93 that crashed outside Pittsburgh—revealed Bush’s true character. Eight months into office, his charisma bubbled up. No magical consultants or handlers could manufacture the essence needed to fill his shoes. Riding a wave, some wondered how long this amazing popularity could last. After all, Bush’s father enjoyed a similar bounce during the Gulf War, only to find the sagging economy torpedo his bid for reelection—or did it really?

       In reality, the senior Bush wasn’t upended only by an anemic economy. Unlike his down-to-earth son, George H.W. Bush reflected his Ivy League pedigree, displaying unintentional aloofness, finding it difficult to relate to the press and Joe six-pack. Unlike his father, “W” wasn’t a jock and Phi Beta Kappa. His family’s high expectations and early disappointments led to George’s soft rebellion. Detouring from his patrician roots, he became his own man. Tony Lamas and Texas barbeque replaced penny loafers and high tea. Playing little league and bonding to America’s favorite pastime eventually led to the Texas Rangers. Bush displayed exceptional people skills, relating equally well to the front office, players and fans. A natural for politics, he beat Texas icon Gov. Ann Richards and easily won reelection. No one can forget during the debates how he unnerved Al Gore with his comment about “fuzzy math.” Bush’s youth and charm immunize him from the same political hazards that dogged his father.

       Disgusted with too many scandals, Bush squeaked out a nail-biter en route to the White House. Poor Al Gore, mired in Clinton fatigue and his own problems. Judging by Bush’s soaring popularity, few people regret that he’s now commander-in-chief. No one articulates the national outrage better than George W. Bush. After starting Operation Enduring Freedom, “We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,” Bush told America in a nationally televised speech from the White House Treaty Room on Oct. 7, spreading his optimism to an anxious nation, watching military action unfold in Afghanistan. Bush echoed his Sept. 20 speech, spelling out his case for military action. With an outstanding team giving daily briefings, Americans feel in good hands. Congress also shows confidence with Bush’s managers, prosecuting the most ambitious operation since World War II. “We will win this conflict by the patient accumulation of successes,” said Bush, setting a confident tone but still asking for America’s blessings.

       Examining political fallout, numbers don’t lie. It’s hard to argue with a 92% approval rating. While Clinton had his bull market, Bush now has the stature of commander-in-chief. Despite Sept. 11 pushing a shaky economy into recession, leading America to victory pays rich rewards. While consumers are still gun-shy, they’ll eventually return to the malls. Many industries now hard hit—especially the travel-related businesses—will also find their balance. Unlike Bush’s father whose popularity unraveled in 1992, “W” can’t be blamed for Clinton’s baggage. Faced with the most credible threat since World War II, Bush’s enthusiasm converts skeptics and breeds confidence. Old allies, like Great Britain, have transformed into energetic partners. Once bitter rivals—Russia and China—joined the unlikely coalition against Bin Laden. Even moderate parts of the Islamic world also can’t say no. But perhaps most impressive is convincing Pakistan’s Gen. Pervez Musharraf to enter, at great personal peril, the fold—a truly remarkable feat.

       Acting on principle Bush stepped into history, guiding America to undo the horrific damage of Sept. 11. Salvaging the twisted rubble doesn’t begin to reverse the injury to the American psyche, battered by Bin Laden’s barbaric assault and continued threats. Expressing the collective outrage, Bush mourned the dead, led the prayers and crafted a mission to recovery. Promising to end America’s nightmare, he galvanized a wounded nation to action, summoned the world to a righteous cause, and methodically plotted the path to victory. Counseling patience, Bush is now leading a multinational charge against Osama bin Laden and his global terror machine. Unwilling to cow, Bush confronts a dangerous menace threatening global stability. Pitting Islam against the West, Bin Laden is a psychopathic killer, whose terrorism and perverted propaganda must be stopped. Hats off to Mr. Bush for having a steady hand at a time of great national peril. Despite all the risks, he’s showed great conviction and courage, and earned America’s overwhelming support and admiration. Bravo to Mr. Bush.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com and columnist for the Los Angeles Daily Journal. He’s director of a Los Angeles think tank specializing in political consulting and strategic public relations. He’s the author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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