Legislator vs. Executive

[wei yau]

This remark prompted me to create this thread. I didn't want to derail the "no voting" thread:

Originally Posted by Bree

Kerry is a wishy-washy fence-sitter who doesn't have the balls to make a firm stance on an issue, for fear that he might lose votes.

I think this is an unfair and uninformed characterization of Kerry. Yes, his record can show that he's a "wishy-washy fence-sitter".

I understand where that perception comes from, but I think it's wrong.

By playing into that perception, we play right into the hands of the conservatives. Kerry is a legislator, as such, he has to be willing to compromise, he has to see both sides of an issue, he has to be flexible...in short, he has to be an intelligent and considered person. Bush is an executive officer, always has been. He doesn't have to act as though any opinion matters more than his. He has the luxury of dictating from upon high, without having to ever understand the opposition.

Note Bush's constant reference to his "core values", though he never stated what they are. Sure, he says he wants to defend Americans. Is that to imply that Kerry wants to toss Americans onto bonfires? Surely no reasonable person would think that, but that's the message that's being given.

For too long, conservatives have controlled political discourse in this country. They frame every issue within the very narrow definitions that they alone provide. So, because Kerry does not speak to us as if we were all drooling idiots, because Kerry attempts to discuss matters with intelligence and reason, because Kerry acknowledges that we are concerned citizens with a right to be informed...he's labeled as weak. As sending "mixed messages". As being a "wet noodle".

On the other hand, Bush gets to speak in platitudes and empty rhetoric and gets characterized as having strong leadership qualities. It doesn't matter what he says, as long as he says it loud and consistently.

I know what I want in my President. I know that I don't want someone who's just like a regular guy. I'm a regular guy. And I want someone who's smarter than me for President.

[Godless Dave]

Originally Posted by eldar1011

Bush is an executive officer, always has been.

Only since he was elected governor of Texas in the mid 90s. Before that he was an unemployed rich guy.

[wei yau]

Originally Posted by Godless Dave

Only since he was elected governor of Texas in the mid 90s. Before that he was an unemployed rich guy.

Indeed. Which only goes to prove further that he's never been held accountable for his actions. He doesn't have to answer to anyone and can therefore give the appearance of being resolute.

It's easy to be resolute when everything's been handed to you on a silver platter. He didnt' choose to run for President. He was hand-picked.