Matthew Dowd was George Bush’s Chief campaign strategist and a major reason he was reelected in 2004. A article in yesterdays NY Times details his loss of faith in Bush not so much from a political point of view, but emotional. A former top strategist for the Texas Democratic party Dowd decided to switch parties in 1999 when he saw how well Governor George Bush worked with then Democratic LT Governor Bob Bullock. Frustrated with Washington’s inability to get things done and bridge divides he felt George Bush might be the man to bring people to gather. He said, “It is almost like you fall in love”. This is not a neo-con or extreme right wing conservative, but a person simple wanting the political machine to work the way we hope it will. He speaks about personally liking Bush and hinting that may be one of the reasons he was slow to realize he was not the unifier he thought. Matthew Dowd struck me as an insightful man and none of his co-workers in the article attack him. In fact they seem to understand and respect him not for what he is saying, but for the journey and thoughtfulness that has brought him to this conclusion.
yeah, and bush’s people know Dowd is not alone in his waning affections. check this out. bush will again skip one of the greates tperks in all presidenthood – throwing the first pitch on opening day.
it’s pretty clear that this is the reception he expected to receive from the adoring crowds. no wonder he’s too “busy” today.