George W. Bush Looking Better Now?

Extending most of 43's tax cuts helps cement his legacy, says writer

Former President George W. Bush was the big winner from the fiscal cliff fight. So writes The Washington Post's "Right Turn" blogger, Jennifer Rubin.

"The retention of 98 percent of the Bush tax cuts by the most liberal president to hold office reminds us that a mere four years after leaving office, George W. Bush has a legacy that is becoming more impressive with time," Rubin writes.

Rubin suggests the 43rd president compares favorably to today's most prominent Republicans, particularly in the House. Also in light of the Obama presidency. "Bush seems to be a more accomplished Republican figure in the Obama era. He was a compassionate conservative who got 40 percent of the Hispanic vote. While cutting taxes and fighting two wars, he was a model of fiscal sobriety compared to his successor."

Rubin hopes the Bushes aren't done with national politics. "And for his brother, Jeb, it means the Bush name should be no barrier to a presidential run."

Via The Washington Post.

Former President George W. Bush's legacy is:

[Zazziness]

A tax cut is nothing compared to invading a foreign country under false pretenses.

[armed_liberal]

His "legacy" is our grand kids will know his name as they still try to pay off the debt he accumulated.

[Tralee]

@armed_liberal - I imagine your grand kids would love to have to ONLY pay off the debt Bush accumulated, Barry has outspent Bush 2X in less than 4 years. So, keep you BDS if you must, but face the fact that Barry has added trillions to the debt and by they time he leaves office, at his current rate of spending and when the full cost of Obamacare kicks in, we will no longer by only $16 TRILLION in debt, we will be closer to $25 TRILLION in debt, or as close as we will ever be to matching Greece for overspending on entitlements.

[IMAQT]

@Tralee Yes, by the time Barry leaves he will have accumulated more debt than all the other Presidents combined. Bush was indeed fiscally irresponsible but Barry is taking it to new heights.

[MaxPain]

@Tralee But at least O is not a Deserter as baby bush is.

[armed_liberal]

@Tralee
Most of the debt accumulated under Obama ($3 trillion) Bush signed for and had payments made in Jan 09 so the Repubs could blame Obama. MC Hammer did a better job of managing money than the Republicans over the last decade.

[PayThatCEO]

You're kidding right? The man spent us into a hole we may never, ever be able to climb out of, but that's OK because he lowered taxes? Lowering taxes at a time when he was spending money overseas like there was no tomorrow is exactly why we are where we are today.

[Real4WheelDrv]

and the guys in power now are spending just as much if not more, and refusing to make any reasonable cuts, we get what the majority votes for.

[Thegrif]

You're kidding right? By his third year as President Obama had surpassed Bush' 8 years of spending to become the undesputed king of spending. In fact by his 3rd year he had out spent the last 4 Presidents. He has asked for another trillion plus in spending this year. No president has ever out spent Obama.

[Thegrif]

PolitiFact.com also went one step farther. It looked at the debt as a percentage of the gross domestic product because this factors out complications such as economic cycles and inflation. Using Office of Management and Budget statistics, here's what they found.
Reagan, up 14.9 percentage points; George H.W. Bush, up 7.1 percentage points; Clinton, down 13.4 percentage points; George W. Bush, up 5.6 percentage points; Obama, up 21.9 percentage points.

PolitiFact.com reported: "So by this measurement — potentially a more important one — Obama is the undisputed debt king of the last five presidents, rather than the guy who added a piddling amount to the debt, as Pelosi's chart suggested."

It also depends on what kind of debt you look at: public debt, which is debt held by the public, or gross federal debt, which combines that debt plus debt held by the government itself. The Washington Post also pointed out other ways to look at presidential debt in an article at tinyurl.com/79erqx7 .

Another way of checking out the national debt is at the Treasury Department's "debt to the penny" website at tinyurl.com/djlqmw .

That database shows that Palin's statement about Obama's debt increase surpassing all previous presidents combined is not factual. The nation's total debt was $10.626 trillion on the day Obama took office and, as of Thursday, it had increased to $15.614 trillion — a rise of $4.988 trillion.

Actually, Obama's debt-increase number overtook that of George W. Bush — which rose from $5.727 trillion to $10.626, or $4.899 trillion — last month.

So, yes, the debt increase has risen more during Obama's almost three years and three months in office than it did during eight years of Bush's presidency — but obviously not more than all presidents combined.

[paperdragons81]

Since 1913 every president has spent progressively more the than the president before. Bush spent way to much, but he did do something right, lowering taxes. You know the bill they passed adds 4 trillon to the deficet, you can't spend your way out of dept...

[Funkywhiteboy7]

Whatever hole he spent us into, Obummer has doubled it. It's also important to note that the president is out and out lying when he says he walked into a 1.3 trillion deficit. Less than 700 billion of that was W's. The rest was big O's. Remember his 700 billion stimulus package that didn't work? Well, 300b was added to the 09 budget? Remember that other fantastic Obama program Cash For Clunkers? Also added to 09 budget. Bush left Obama a 620b deficit, which while not great, is pocket change compared to what this socialist is spending. Do your research and stop counting on main stream media to check your facts for you. And pretty please stop blaming a president who left office half a decade ago for Obama's total ineptitude in guiding America's fiscal ship .

[Real4WheelDrv]

I think even with a presidency marked by terrorism, war, and natural disasters it's premature to say WHAT his legacy is. what IS certain is that the last 12 years in this country and the next 4, have and will continue to be the most partisan and ugly in the nation's history. We forego public duels and brawls when politicians disagree, dressing them in suits and pantsuits and painting them with an outer covering of civility and refinement, when really they are as boorish and hateful as any commoner.

[Cheenoguy]

"Most liberal president ever"????
That statement explains the muffled sound when this writer speaks. The sound barely escapes the blockade he set up around his mouth when his head got stuck up his arse.
My votes for FDR, but at least half a dozen presidents come to mind who were more liberal then Obama.

[PoliticalSpice]

Your on the wring thread. I picked FDR too, but feel he was further left then liberal.

[Cheenoguy]

@PoliticalSpice
I didn't see the poll when I posted. I was referring to the comment in this article.

[PoliticalSpice]

Bush should be tried for treason for the needless death of thousands of u.s. soldiers in a war based on lies. Treason is a capital office, for which he should be punished for the full extent of the law. After that they should ship the casket to The Hauge and put him on trial for war crimes. Bury him somewhere in Chernobol, to make good on so as to make good on krustevs promise that "we will bury you."

[MarkJM]

We should do the same to 0bama, who authorized action in Libya without CONgressional approval. At least Bush got CONgressional approval to go to war...Instead of spouting off on fact-less rants you should perhaps take a civics course and do some research. I don't agree with his decision on Iraq, but it was justified. CONgress (Both R's and D's) did authorize him to take action, that is fact.

[PoliticalSpice]

@MarkJM Well since your so big on civics perhaps you ought to look at the constitution. Bush never received proper authorization to go to war. The whole lot of em violated the rules. And I although I support obama over romney, I have no problem sending him to the hauge for war crimes if they occurred. And his actions in Lybia were not based on lies...

[MarkJM]

@PoliticalSpice His (0bama) actions in Libya were not properly authorized by CONgress (a required act per the Constitution btw). And Iraq was not based on lies contrary to your belief (Hence why CONgress voted to authorize action i.e. "proper authorization"). Again, I don't agree with the decision to go to Iraq, but it is what it is.

[PoliticalSpice]

@MarkJM constitution requires a declaration of war, weather you agree with the particular president or not, and bush continued to claim they had weapons of mass destruction, made reference to nuclear after the cia had confirmed there was no nuclear, and went so far as to out a cia agent whose husband published the truth, then had powell go to the u.n. and repeat thie lies. And although I disagree with libya the relitivellh breif period we were there probably complies with congressional authority conferred under the war powers act.

[Funkywhiteboy7]

@MarkJM let's also not forget that as recently as yesterday Obama stated he would usurp Congressional authority and raise the debt ceiling himself, basically giving himself a blank check to do whatever he wants. Bush DID have congressional approval to go into Iraq. Not one member of the senate or house voted against it because they were looking at the same intelligence reports the rest of the world had, which were not written up by us either. The conspiracy theories need to stop. The war in Iraq took longer and cost more than anyone expected, including Bush.Obama however goes on the news and said he would go over congress' heads and take it upon himself to put some more debt on our backs and he gets a pass? It's like a sick joke already.

[CATTLEPROD]

As years go by G.W. will be looked at a lot like nixon, he did alot of good, and the things people accused him of weren't that bad, really.

[Zazziness]

The things Nixon did weren't "that bad really?" We must live in different universes.

[CATTLEPROD]

@Zazziness Whats the matter with keeping tabs on political enemies? It's o.k. when the democrats do it, as a matter of fact they do it every day with thier press allies.

[mimi57]

...and George Bush will look better and better as the years go on...we ain't seen nothin' yet!...It's just the start.

[staranna]

Amen. Google " a different presidency, a different military somber attitude" or " bush visiting military vs obama visiting military. "
Difference will blow you away!

[paperdragons81]

Yeah I give it four more years, lol

[mimi57]

@paperdragons81 Hopefully we'll still be around for four more years!...???

[paperdragons81]

@mimi57 We will but it won't be because Obama, it will because of the die hard American spirit, who won't go down without a fight!!

[kirbstomp1]

Lol Mimi you should know better than to defend a warmonger

[KyleMFb]

Bush is a idiot he allowed 9/11 to happen allowed been laden to escap said it wasn't important to find out who funded the 9/11 attacks said he didnt care if we caught osama he wagged two pointless wars got richer in the process bush should have never been elected worst president in modern history

[MarkJM]

Under Bush: Only $6 Trillion in debt, Under 5% unemployment. 0bama: Over $16 Trillion (and counting) in national debt and 8% unemployment....Just saying.

[jessejaymes]

So every dime of deficit spending by reagan and both Bush's gets tacked onto obama according to you? That's unbelievable.

[kirbstomp1]

@jessejaymes - looks like someone gets their facts from TV and other people. lol

[jessejaymes]

@kirbstomp1 I'm suspecting this is a Faux Follower.

[kirbstomp1]

@jessejaymes - you can say suspect, I already have my warrant and verdict for this one. And you sir are correct. Does the pres have the power to put people in jail? Lol

[MarkJM]

To both you idiots. No I am not suggesting prior debt is 0bama's fault. I merely put that out there to point out the rate that 0bama is tacking on new debt. If you both took a class in finance and civics you would understand that. As for the "Jailing" for disagreeing with 0bama's policies, I "suspect" both of you never served your country in anyway shape or form, therefore have no real perspective as to how things work. I also "suspect" that my tax dollars are probably paying for your food stamps and other welfare benefits. Perhaps we should start to jail people for not doing their part (i.e. working and paying taxes).

Lastly, I get my information from government sources, not Fox News (which does far better than the rest of the "media" outlets, whether you like that or not). Can't fix stupid. BTW, you're welcome for the welfare handouts that I pay for.

[standout]

he was the only president to lower taxes during a time of war.a big mistake

[DARSB]

Pigs across America rely on Jennifer Rubin for lipstick.

[ctc]

Puh-leeze,
To heap credit on that bozo, from all of you on the right that have been saying for 4 years....Obama, Obama, Obama.....is farcical.
Please stick with what you know....your mantra....these ARE NOW Obama tax cuts.....now say it...and repeat it over and over.
Otherwise....you need to admit ALL of our troubles are tied to George W. Bozo Bush.

[bobrob]

The maintenance of the tax cuts was strictly political, in my view. Everyone benefits when
there is action in the marketplace. Unfortunately, when people stop spending, tax cuts stick
out like a sore thumb, because there is more outgo than income, resulting in huge deficits.
So I am not sure how this action by the congress, or lack thereof, will positively affect
President Bush's legacy. When spending is slashed, every person's pocket will be adversely affected, so maybe a tax increase is a better idea, no?

[blue_yahoo]

President Bush was the only President besides FDR who had to deal with an attack on American soil. How do you compare having to deal with this type of event to what other sitting Presidents had to deal with. So many people want to complain about how Bush was a war monger and the such. But, what do they think would have happened here on our soil if Pres. Bush had decided not to go after the groups and countries that supported these individuals actions on 9/11. Would they not have gotten stronger and braver? Any time you want to disparage President Bush just watch a clip of the plane flying into the Twin Towers and think before you speak. He had the weight of our nations future security on his back on that day and I'm glad it was him and not the current sitting President.

[ctc]

Or....watch the clip of how the President reacted when told the 2nd plane had flown into the towers or contemplate why he went to war with a country that had nothing to do with 9/11.

[PoliticalSpice]

The problem with your comment is that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. They had no weapons of mass destruction. The war in Iraq made Iran stronger. The 9/11 attack would not have even happened if bush had paid attention to the intlligence he was getting. And bush allowed bin laden to escape at tora bora cause he was focused on iraq.

[blue_yahoo]

@PoliticalSpice And what I said was groups and countries that supported the attack. No Bush was not perfect but he was faced with world events that no other President had to deal with..........an attack on home soil.

[PoliticalSpice]

@blue_yahoo the only group involved was al quada, the only country that supported the attack was afganistan. Iraq had nothing to do with it. And attacking iraq was being discussed in the bush administration BEFORE 9/11 occurred (see price of loyalty by his own former treasury secretary oneil) Bush ignored intelligence that could have prevented the attack (against all enemies dick clarke)

[blue_yahoo]

@PoliticalSpice These are all quotes from either saddam or state run papers. It appears then condoned the attack. The Attacks of September 11
"The United States reaps the thorns its rulers have planted in the world."
Saddam Hussein, September 12, 2001

"The real perpetrators [of September 11] are within the collapsed buildings."
Alif-Ba, September 11, 2002 (State-controlled newspaper)

"[September 11 was] God's punishment."
Al-Iktisadi, September 11, 2002 (State-controlled newspaper)

"If the attacks of September 11 cost the lives of 3,000 civilians, how much will the size of losses in 50 states within 100 cities if it were attacked in the same way in which New York and Washington were? What would happen if hundreds of planes attacked American cities?"
Al-Rafidayn, September 11, 2002 (State-controlled newspaper)

"The simple truth [about September 11] is that America burned itself and now tries to burn the world."
Alif-Ba, September 11, 2002 (State-controlled magazine)

"[I]t is possible to turn to biological attack, where a small can, not bigger than the size of a hand, can be used to release viruses that affect everything..."
Babil, September 20, 2001 (State-controlled newspaper)

"The United States must get a taste of its own poison..."
Babil, October 8, 2001
Like I stated before..........groups or countries that supported the attack. What do you not understand about that statement. I did not say anything about WMD nor prior considerations. I understand you don't like Bush, it's a given. But don't come back that it was all his fault nor that Iraq was blameless.

[Bobolinsky]

There's only so much the Left can try to pin on him. Eventually they run out of room. It getting difficult to make out that it's Bush underneath all those Blame Brooches. Even Politico is admitting as much...

Obama's debt problem

"The staggering national debt — up about 60 percent from the $10 trillion Obama inherited when he took office in January 2009 — is the single biggest blemish on Obama’s record, even if the rapid descent into red began under President George W. Bush."

"Obama has long emphasized Bush’s role in digging the immense hole. But he owns it now..."
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/obamas-...

[AceLuby]

Model of fiscal sobriety? We're STILL haven't paid a cent for a single one of his wars or programs. Since when is giving tax cuts to everyone while creating new spending programs fiscally responsible? Anybody who looks fondly at the Bush administration needs to get their head examined.

[Deano]

GWB was the greatest war time president in American history. I would hate to see what would happen of Obama had been in charge during that time. Our response whould have been much more passive and lame,

[Denizen_Kate]

"Our response whould have been much more passive and lame" Not possible to be any more passive and lame than it was. Ever wonder why Bush never got to Osama bin Laden? Perhaps because Bush knew he was being sheltered in Pakistan all along and didn't want to cause trouble with Pakistan's military dictator at the time. How's that for passive and lame?

[AlexMIA]

@Denizen_Kate If that's true we would not have had predator strikes going into Pakistan or any special ops. The only reason Bin Laden wasn't found was because the intel to his excact where abouts weren't there at the time. Perhaps if Clinton didn't pass up the chance to kill him after the first Trade Center attack with his ''that's too much of a hot potatoe'' response there wouldn't have been a 9/11 to begin with.

[harold_lloyd]

Continuing his mistakes does not change the fact that they were mistakes, it just means that we learn very slowly.
The taxes of everyone who pays taxes will have to go up, and spending will have to be reduced in a meaningful way, or we will not be solving the fiscal problem.
That's just the reality of it, and it's stupid to pretend otherwise.
So why are so many people not noticing the lack of real action on the part of our elected officials.
The question should be,"Is it going to reduce the debt?"

[Emerald1]

Given what we have now George Bush was a fantastic president...at least he wan a patiotic American unlike the unAmerican Obama.

[Sharpshooter]

Imagine running for President, establishing a plan for the next four years including programs and policies that you believe will work and having a bunch of Wack Jobs crash planes into the WTC.

We'll never know what kind of President he would have been because we never got to see his plan put into action.

The liberals go off on him like piranhas in a hot tub because he's an easy target to cover up the problems created by Wizard Willy and the failings of the Axelshaft/Jarrett Junta.

Of course "W" must be one of the most powerful Presidents of all time.... He served for eight years but is responsible for everything that happened in the previous eight and so far the following four.

When he was President he was responsible for EVERYTHING from Hurricane Relief to the Price of Gas and the draft picks made by the Redskins. He remains so influential that EVERYTHING from Hurricane Relief to the Price of Gas and the draft picks made by the Redskins are blamed on him by the guy following him in office.

Gee and here I thought Ronald Reagan was a great President.