Monday President Bush made a mad last minute dash to Virginia. His purpose: to support Republican Gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore. Bush sought to help voters turn out to support the former attorney general’s race against Democratic Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine. The problem: Bush has too many problems himself. His support of another candidate may hurt them , rather than help them..
Bush’s recent problems have not yet been cleared. First the appointment of former Federal Emergency Management Assistant Director, Michael Brown was a problem. The inexperienced Brown was clearly clueless from the beginning. Not having the knowledge of how to begin to manage natural disasters was a major issue.
Not to mention the massive e-mails collected by U.S. Representative Charlie Melancon from Brown to Cindy Taylor, deputy director of public affairs for FEMA, according to CNN.com. On the day Hurricane Katrina hit, Brown’s main concern was his appearance.
The e-mails proved how ignorant Brown was handling natural disasters as he questioned Taylor on his wardrobe. Taylor responded to e-mail from Brown stating, “You look fabulous.” Brown replied, “I got it at Nordstroms … are you proud of me?”
Bush said of Brown in a press conference, according to the November 3, 2005 edition of www.CNN.com, “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job.”
Brown was not Bush’s only bad choice for a position of power, along came Supreme Court Nominee Harriet Miers. Miers lack of experience as a judge is what hurt her in the end. To be confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, just doesn’t fit Miers’ never becoming higher than a lawyer description. Such a big jump, metaphorically speaking, from an entry-level position to vice president is not likely without experience.
Furthermore, Bush’s approval ratings have been steadily dropping in the polls. Why would anyone want someone who is losing popular support for back up? Perhaps President Bush should work on improving his own record before destroying others.
Robyn K. Mizelle for the Editorial Board.