How bad is George Bush for the Republican Party?
Bruce is the grandfather of one of our best friends. Bruce is 93 years old. He has numerous health problems. He has all kinds of problems with mobility, has not been able to drive for a long time, and spends most of his time sitting in his house and reading. While his physical health is what you would expect in a 93 year-old man, he probably has the best memory of anyone I know. The day before our friend’s wedding, Bruce and I sat and talked about World War II, politics and travel for hours.
Bruce has one of the kindest and gentlest personalities imaginable (think Mr. Rogers). He is very religious, and he has been an active member of the Methodist Church his whole life. He served America in World War II. He has a Midwestern, small-town charm and always offers his Midwestern hospitality. Bruce is an incredibly intelligent and wise man. He speaks several languages, and he is a retired professor from a Big Ten University.
However, Bruce is not a "liberal, college professor." Bruce has been a Republican his entire life—all 93 years! Considering that Bruce was a Republican BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER the Great Depression should tell you all you need to know about his political beliefs.
Bruce’s granddaughter visited him this week. As they sat in his living room (as they always do) and talked about her life, her job, his health, etc., the conversation merged into politics (which is rare, due to the fact that Bruce and his granddaughter know they hold opposing political viewpoints). Bruce’s granddaughter then popped the big question.
"Poppy, do you know who you are going to vote for?"
"Yes. Barack Obama."
"But Poppy, he’s a Democrat, and you’re a Republican."
(Coyly) "Not anymore."
Not only did Bruce decide to vote for a Democrat in 2008—He actually made arrangements for someone to help him get out of his house and travel down to the county clerk’s office so that he could change his voter registration to Democrat. Bruce refused to allow anyone to see his name affiliated with Republicans any longer.
Upon further discussion, as Bruce tells his granddaughter all the reasons why he can no longer be a Republican, our friend realizes that Bruce is no longer referring to George W. Bush as "The President" or "President Bush." Bruce merely refers to him as "that Bush fellow."
Amazing.
The Great Depression could not change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat.
World War II could not change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat.
FDR could not change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat.
Harry Truman could not change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat.
JFK could not change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat.
The Vietnam War could not change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat.
Watergate could not change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat.
George W. Bush? He COULD change Bruce from a Republican to a Democrat, AND HE DID CHANGE BRUCE FROM A REPUBLICAN TO A DEMOCRAT!
THAT is how bad Bush has been for the Republican Party.
If only Bush could have limited his harm solely to the Republican Party. Unfortunately, Bush has also been THAT bad for America.