I still think Bush's absolute best political move is to decline the presidency by staking out the absolute moral high ground, claiming in his heart of hearts he believes Gore got more votes than he did in Florida.
Why would this be a brilliant political move?
1) Bush is still very young and has plenty of time to become president.
2) Gore not only won the national popular vote, but Gore really did get more votes than Bush in Florida.
3) Bush would instantly become a national hero in the eyes of both political parties making him virtually a shoo-in in a future election.
4) The economy appears to be heading south and he's ultimately gonna end up taking the heat.
5) It's the right thing to do.
In summary, were Bush to assume the presidency, he'd have three major and serious crises on his plate that won't go away: a) Freedom of information investigation will prove Gore got more votes in Florida; b) an economy heading south; and c) he'll be able to implement few, if any, of his campaign promises given the 50-50 lock-up in the Senate.
The Republican Party would become better positioned to strengthen itself, turning back the tide and reversing the current trend of Congress becoming more Democratic, if a Democratic Administration were to happen now.
And were Bush to show up in 2004, he'd show up on the presidential stage looking more presidential than ever, a hero to both parties and in all likelihood he'd win; he'd have a stronger GOP-led Congress; and he'd actually be able to pass into law most, if not all, of his major policies.
Conclusion: Sometimes what's discovered underneath the surface has more substance. Bush should set his own table and concede this election to Gore. |
