Pros and Cons for Bush\'s Reelection for President

¶ … Reelecting President George W. Bush

George W. Bush became president under some of the most unusual circumstances in U.S. history, with the legitimacy of his claim to victory a matter of heated public debate (Mansfield, 2003). Despite the highly contested election that brought him to power, Bush came into office motivated and ready to act, surprising many of his critics with a successful early push for tax reduction and other domestic initiatives. However, the shattering events of September 11, 2001 forced the Bush administration to change the focus of its agenda. Since that day, the power of the presidency -- as well as its limitations -- have been criticized and praised by the public and the media.

George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States (Mansfield, 2003). He was elected in 2001 after a campaign in which he outlined sweeping proposals to reform America's public schools, transform our national defense, provide tax relief, modernize Social Security and Medicare, and encourage faith-based and community organizations to work with government to help those in need.

Since taking office, President Bush has passed several initiatives to improve public schools by raising standards, requiring accountability, and strengthening local control. He has signed tax relief that provided rebate checks and lower tax rates for all those who pay income taxes in America. He has increased pay and benefits for America's military and is working to save and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. He is also committed to ushering in a responsibility era in America.

The terrorist attacks of September 11th changed America forever (Mansfield, 2003). Bush declared war against terror and has made some victory in the war on terrorism. He launched a war in the Middle East, despite the overwhelming protestation from the American people. The Bush administration also asked Congress to approve a series of laws that it stated were necessary to prosecute the war on terror. These included various surveillance programs, some of which came under heavy fire from civil liberties interest groups that criticized the Bush administration of scaling back civil liberties. On the other hand, the administration has been criticized for refusing to back security measures such as port security, allocating no funds for it in 2003 and 2004, and vetoing all $39 million for the Container Security Initiative.

While Bush has undoubtedly benefited the United States in many ways during his presidency, many argue that he is one of the worst leaders in history. Supporters retort that he is simply sticking to his conservative principles by doing everything in his power to protect his constituents in America as he should be With so many proponents and opponents of Bush's reelection, it is difficult to determine whether or not he will be reelected. However, there is no doubt that national security is the minds of Americans as the election period approaches.

Despite protests of war, Americans have a strong need to feel secure. As a result, Bush is floating high on a wave of wartime patriotism -- one that might easily carry him to victory in the upcoming election. While there are many conflicting opinions on how Bush is handling the war on terrorism, Iraq, homeland security, and the economy, Bush can play the wartime leader role to the hilt through the next election, which may result in his reelection.

There are many pros and cons involved with Bush's reelection. While his reelection may be the result of his role as a wartime hero, there is much speculation as to whether the President has the ability to handle the subsequent peace process as well as he had handled the war. According to Michael Nacht, dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy and the Aaron Wildavsky Professor of Public Policy (Powell, 2003): "I think the Bush administration spent a lot more time preparing for the war than the peace." Still, he added, the Bush administration seems determined to make Iraq a showcase for democratic governance in the Middle East: "It sounds melodramatic, but it really could be a very critical moment in American foreign policy. If Bush's dreams are realized, even 0.75 realized, it will be an extraordinary achievement."

The origins of Bush's current popularity ratings are in important factor in determining the pros and cons of his reelection. Before the September 11 attacks (Powell, 2003), "Bush was widely regarded as one-term caretaker president. He had one bold agenda item, which was big tax cuts, and the country didn't seem all that enamored of him." After the terrorist attacks, a traumatized nation. seemed prepared to give Bush a long leash in fighting this nameless enemy.

On the domestic side, Bush wants the private sector and market forces to determine the prices of drugs; he wants to move the healthcare insurance market directly to individuals, rather than the current employee-only plans. A second term in the White House would benefit both drug companies and HMOs. However, individuals may get the short end of the stick.

Bush administration would likely seek bigger defense budgets. Defense-related companies are likely to benefit more if he is re-elected. However, many Americans may not appreciate how their tax dollars are spent.