Dan Froomkin: Blame the Democrats
Dan Froomkin, in WashingtonPost.com (6-16-05)
With his party solidly in control of two, going on three, branches of government -- but his agenda flailing in part due to lackluster support from his own fellow Republicans -- President Bush yesterday made it clear where the blame lies: With the Democrats.
Mike Allen and Michael A. Fletcher write in The Washington Post: "President Bush poured out his most politically confrontational rhetoric since his reelection to a huge gathering of Republican donors last night, asserting that Democrats 'stand for nothing but obstruction' on Social Security and other issues on his agenda. . . .
"Republican congressional aides said that by framing Democrats as obstructionist, he is beginning to insulate himself against possible defeat on Social Security. Administration officials said he is as determined as ever."
The presidential rhetoric and the stagecraft were at new heights yesterday. Bush abandoned any attempt to sound bipartisan and spoke in front of a dramatic set of the east front of the White House that, as Allen and Fletcher write, made it look like he was speaking from his driveway. Here's an AP photo.
Adam Entous writes for Reuters: "President Bush on Tuesday unleashed his harshest criticism yet on Democrats for thwarting his second-term agenda, demanding they put forward ideas of their own or 'step aside' and signaling a more aggressive administration strategy of attack.
"With approval ratings the lowest of his presidency and critics suggesting he is already losing political clout, Bush blamed 'do-nothing' Democrats for holding up an overhaul of Social Security and delaying votes on his nominees to the federal bench and the United Nations.
"The assault highlighted administration frustrations over Democratic tactics, and offered a preview of Republican strategy in the run-up to the 2006 mid-term elections."
Here's the text of Bush's speech.
"This is a very important dinner because, through your generosity, we're going to keep control of the Senate and the House, and America will be better off for it," he said at the opening.
"I'm proud to be the head of a party that has a positive and hopeful and optimistic vision for every single person who lives in this country. (Applause.) And I'm proud to be a head of a party that is driving the debate on all the key domestic and foreign policy issues. (Applause.) Because of our achievements, the American people see us as the party of reform and optimism and results -- the party that is moving this nation forward. (Applause.)"
As for the "other party," Bush said: "On issue after issue, they stand for nothing except obstruction, and this is not leadership. (Applause.) It is the philosophy of the stop sign, the agenda of the roadblock, and our country and our children deserve better. (Applause.)
"Political parties that choose the path of obstruction will not gain the trust of the American people. If leaders of the other party have innovative ideas, let's hear them. But if they have no ideas or policies except obstruction, they should step aside and let others lead. (Applause.)"