Compare and contrast:
Then:
Russert: You did were allowed to leave eight months before your term expired. Was there a reason?
President Bush: Right. Well, I was going to Harvard Business School and worked it out with the military.
Now:
President Bush: It’s essential that I explain this properly to the parents of those who lost their lives.
Saddam Hussein was dangerous, and I�m not gonna leave him in power and trust a madman. He’s a dangerous man. He had the ability to make weapons at the very minimum.
For the parents of the soldiers who have fallen who are listening, David Kay, the weapons inspector, came back and said, “In many ways Iraq was more dangerous than we thought.” It’s we are in a war against these terrorists who will bring great harm to America, and I’ve asked these young ones to sacrifice for that.
Do you think there are a few reservists driving around Baghdad these days who might want to work out a deal to go to B-school rather worrying if they are going to get a leg blown off during the next eight months?
The great ones always lead by example.
I assume you’re alluding to the fact that Bush can’t lead by example, because he was never in combat – and in fact actively sought to leave the National Guard to go to Harvard?
If so, you need to remember that even Bush couldn’t have employed the foresight to ponder whether leaving the NG for school might have some future effect on a presidency and his fitness to send troops into combat. For one thing, it’s part of the President’s job to lead troops as CIC of the Armed Forces. Does that automatically put all Presidents who had no true military combat records as suspect? Does one have to have combat experience to lead by example?
This isn’t a defense of Bush, per se but rather a realistic look into the office of the Presidency as it relates to its duties as CIC.
No, I’m not laying down a combat requirement for presidents (the candidate I support doesn’t have any military service).
I’m just struck by the disconnect in this interview. From all apppearances, Bush blew off his commitment when he served. And now he cavalierly talks about “sacrifice” while refusing to hold anyone accountable for mistakes which continue to cost American lives.