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...

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…