In final press conference, Bush defends his legacy

[SWTXBelle]

I think that approachable, guy I'd like to have a beer with vibe is a big part of Bush's appeal. I know that in the Texas gubernatorial race he came off as Joe Six-Pack, which is quite a trick when you are born into the kind of privilege he was. He was a good governor, but the thing most of America does not know is that the governor of Texas is not a powerful position. I don't know that it is a sufficient indicator of executive ability. (Warning - personal general opinion follows) I initially was impressed by the team he assembled, but I fear that some of them did not live up to their potential. It may be that events did not play to his strengths.


I will be interested in hearing his final speech, when he gets to control his message more than in a press conference.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

I think that approachable, guy I'd like to have a beer with vibe is a big part of Bush's appeal. I know that in the Texas gubernatorial race he came off as Joe Six-Pack, which is quite a trick when you are born into the kind of privilege he was.

Most politicians do this to some extent, especially at the higher levels of office. If you're in a position to run for the Presidency, you're probably not a "Joe Six-Pack," either because of your intelligence, your wealth, or both.

President-Elect Obama did a fantastic job of it during the election; he's a reasonably-wealthy, well-educated person who went to a private high school, and to talk to some people, they would tell you he's Joe Everyman. McCain did it as well during his campaign, trying to play down his wife's wealth. The fact is that there are very few people in the country who could truly relate to someone who is running for that high of an office.

[SWTXBelle]

Some do it better than others - I think Hillary faltered some (I'm thinking of the drinking beer incident- AWKWARD), and McCain TRIED to do it, but I don't know that he was successful. The whole "How many houses do you have" thing turned many off. Palin was masterful at it, but couldn't convince voters that hey, she's just like you, but she could be president. Palin and Obama have the advantage of having had middle-class upbringings. It's an interesting dilemma - to come off as approachable and human, but also competent and, for lack of a better word, presidential. Of course, it's all a matter of perception, and being able to get your image across through the media.