Dispatches from the Wingnut-O-sphere: Myth Busters

Powerline Blog is reporting on 5 Myths about the Bush Administration. These are “myths” that people think are true, but in fact are untrue. What are these myths, I wonder:

Julian Zelizer, a history professor and the editor of a book about President Bush, explains to readers of the Washington Post why five commonly held views of Bush and his presidency are wrong. The myths are: (1) George W. Bush was an uninformed Texas cowboy, (2) "compassionate conservatism" was just a campaign slogan, (3) Bush committed America to nation-building in Iraq and Afghanistan, (4) Dick Cheney ran the Bush White House, and (5) Bush left conservatism in ruins.

Let’s take these myths in order and judge their accuracy to see if we can add to the Myth Busting, too:

(1) George W. Bush was an uninformed Texas cowboy,

Correct this is a myth. George W. Bush is not a Texas cowboy. He is the scion of a wealthy family and was born in Connecticut.

(2) "compassionate conservatism" was just a campaign slogan,

Correct this is a myth. George W. Bush was a big spender and was never committed to balancing the budget on the backs of poor folks. He did in fact double the national debt during his time in office and left structural deficits behind for as far as the eye can see.

(3) Bush committed America to nation-building in Iraq and Afghanistan,

Correct this is a myth. George W. Bush did not commit America to nation-building in Afghanistan. Iraq is a different story. This is a tricky one, I know.

(4) Dick Cheney ran the Bush White House,

Correct this is a myth. This is also a tricky one. The Chief of Staff ran the White House, just like the Head Chef runs the White House Kitchen or the Secret Service over sees security. Dick Cheney did not run the White House, but rather, Cheney ran amuck in the White House.

(5) Bush left conservatism in ruins.

Correct this is a myth. George W. Bush did not leave Conservatism in ruins. While vile teabaggery is on the rise, Conservatism has been in a steady state of decay for some time before Bush showed up.

All in All, I’d have to say that we mythbusted all 5 of these commonly held, but erroneous, views of Bush and his presidency.

Good Post Powerline Blog. For once we agree on something.