Politics the Machiavellian Characteristics of President George

Politics

The Machiavellian Characteristics of President George W. Bush

George W. Bush has followed in his fathers' footsteps, becoming the 43rd President of the U.S., holding office between 2001 and 2009. He is a president that held power during a notable period, with the 9/11 attacks occurring only a year into his presidency. Like any U.S. president, there will be a number of controversial issues associated with his presidency, including the way action was taken in Iraq. In hindsight it may be argued that President Bush was acting in a very Machiavellian manner, aligned with Machiavelli's ideal Prince.

The alignment between the prince and Bush may not be surprising when it is realized that both a principle adviser to the president; Karl Rove, as well as Republic strategists and friend, Lee Atwater where both avid fans of Machiavelli (Phillips 147). However, to argue the likeness requires an examination of examples rather than the identification of potential Machiavellian influences.

Machiavelli's ideas interesting, as they abandon the context of morality, instead Machiavelli looked to the ways by which power may be obtained, maintained and utilized effectively. Machiavelli may be argued as providing practical advice. Bush himself embodies many of the characteristics associated with the ideal prince, and may be seen as following some of that advice.

When looking at President Bush's career, the way in which Bush came to power can be considered in the context of Machiavelli. In chapter 9, Machiavelli states

"One ascends to this principality either with the support of the people or with the support of the great"

(Machiavelli, chapter 9).

As President Bush himself came from a powerful political family, maybe argued that is inheritance and support of others in power was a significant influence on his election (Ludlow). However, it was also able to win the support of the collegiate through the democratic system. Moreover, it is argued as being Machiavellian, may also be argued that almost all U.S. presidents have at least some Machiavellian characteristics. However, it is in actions rather than simply his election that the Machiavellian side manifests.

Machiavelli proposes some interesting leadership characteristics, in chapter 12 he argues that it is better to be feared than loved if, one cannot have both, although one should not be hated, in chapter 18 it is also stated that the Prince may need to disguise his character, make convincing shows of virtue. It is within this context the some of the most Machiavellian aliens may be seen.

Throughout his career, including when in power as president, George W. Bush presented himself as a religious conservative man, and carefully retained a religious image (Tonyahky). However, it is worth noting that in 1976, he was arrested in Kennebunkport, Maine, on a drink-driving charge (Tonyahky). One may argue, that a transgression in 1976, and the subsequent attempts to hide it not necessarily Machiavellian, but politically expedient, and may have been undertaken by any other politician. However, it is the way in which is in heaven, as well as the subsequent attempt to maintain a room image of a religious man, which were a core element of his political campaigning and policies. For example, when speaking to James Robinson, he stated

"I feel like God wants me to run for president. I can't explain it, but I sense my country is going to need me. Something is going to happen… I know it won't be easy on me or my family, but God wants me to do it"

(Harris).

In effect, President Bush was telling people that he had been chosen by God for this task, and implying that it required personal sacrifice; combining religiosity with a display of virtue.

The natural disaster of hurricane Katrina also offered the potential for Machiavellian display; President Bush rapidly took up a photo opportunity to visit the region, and a photo opportunity showing him comforting to African-American hurricane victims (Tonyahky). However, this was rather misleading, as although it may be argued there was personal sympathy, the action taken by the Bush administration to aid those who suffered in croquet Katrina was highly inefficient and has been interpreted as a display of content individuals who did not evacuate the region (Tonyahky).

Machiavelli also argues that the use of the truth is not an essential requirement for a prince, in chapter 18 Machiavelli endorses lying;

"How praiseworthy it is for a prince to keep his faith, and to live with honesty and not by astuteness, everyone understands. Nonetheless one sees by experience in our times that the princes who have done great things are those who have taken little account of faith and have known how to get around men's brains with their astuteness; and in the end they have overcome those who have founded themselves on loyalty"

(Machiavelli, chapter 18).

In order to maintain power, and maintain the support of the people, it appears highly likely that before invading Iraq, President Bush, and his administration, highly aware there were unlikely to be any weapons of mass destruction present. In the reported in rock on the record: the Bush administration's public statements on Iraq, it has officially been found that at least 237 misleading statements being made by the Pres regarding the threat posed by Iraq, and that the statements were made over 125 different appearances, including 40 speeches, 26 press conferences and briefings, two congressional testimonies and 53 interviews. Furthermore, was also found that 10 statements were simply (Ludlow). Furthermore, in the UK a report made to Downing Street with information gathered by the director of MI6 (the British version of the CIA) it is claimed that