GEORGE W. BUSH AS PRESIDENTIAL LEADER This rese

GEORGE W. BUSH AS PRESIDENTIAL LEADER

This research paper examines the capacity and skills of President George W. Bush (Bush) for leading the United States effectively during the crisis created by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington and related threats. Prior to the occurrence of the events of September 11, 2001, the extent of Bush's Presidential leadership potential was very much in doubt owing in large part to the public perception of him created during the recent presidential electoral campaign, the post-election dispute and Bush's performance during his first eight months in office. After a somewhat shaky start, Bush responded well to the crisis of September 11 and displayed many of the skills and characteristics of an effective President in dealing with the threat of terrorism. However, it is much too soon to conclude that he will be regarded by history as an outstanding presidential leader.

According to Greenstein, Professor Richard Neustadt, a leading student of presidential leadership in the 1960s, popularized the view that in the United States, "the presidency is the central institution of the political system and that a strong, energetic president is necessary to make the system work" (315). Greenstein agrees: "American presidents strongly influence public policy," but he adds, "the impact of the president is almost invariably a function of the personal leadership qualities he brings

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, such as James Madison during the War of 1812 and Lyndon Johnson due to his mishandling of the Vietnam War, have been dealt with harshly by historians. The events of September 11 suddenly presented Bush with an unprecedented challenge. Apple said on September 12 Bush "is likely to be judged . . . on whether he can take command and act decisively" (Awaiting A 24). On September 11, Bush seemed to be somewhat hesitant in his response and drew criticism for his decision to accept the advice of Cheney and the Secret Service by heading for air force bases in Louisiana and Nebraska instead of returning directly to the White House from Florida. The New York Times in its editorial of September 13 impatiently chided Bush: "he must show that he knows what he is doing . . . Mr. Bush remains an untested figure in the eyes of many Americans" (Demands A 16). During the next few weeks, Bush has displayed strong leadership capacity and in the process confounding many of his critics. In his speech at the National Cathedral on September 16, Bush, according to the New York Times "struck the note of somber confidence that the nation was looking for" (President A 14). In his speech to a joint session of Congress on September 20, Bush seized the mo

Category: Government - G