George W. Bush

Zahensky, Kenneth, ed. George W. Bush. Part of the Profile in Leadership: Pivotal Presidents series. 2018. 80p. ISBN 978-1680486292. Available at B BUS on the library shelves.

The son of President George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush stood at the helm of the United States when the country was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. His muscled and rapid response transformed the crisis into a victory in Afghanistan, but the subsequent decision to invade Iraq and poor government performance during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 hobbled his administration for the remainder of his second term.

Born after the Second World War, Bush went to college and entered the oil business in Texas. Opportunities presented themselves and he became a part-owner of the Texas Ranger, rebuilding the team and ensuring that it became competitive. He then parlayed his status as an acute and well-known businessman to the governorship of Texas, before running and winning a much contested Presidency in 2000 after Florida’s electoral college votes were handed to him by the Supreme Court.

Most Presidents are controversial and their policies are contested by the opposition, and Bush’s Presidency followed a similar pattern. To keep the country safe, measures were taken that violated Constitutional protections and rights, leading to protests and court defeats. Tax cuts were passed, which led to higher deficits. And the war on terror expanded. He also successfully appointed two new Supreme Court Justices, including Chief Justice Roberts, and he led a campaign against AIDS in Africa. Bush’s approach of compassionate conservatism demonstrated that it was possible to care for society while supporting core conservative principles.

Though the verdict is still out, Bush’s Presidency had a lasting impact on the United States and decisions taken over 15 years ago continue to influence national and international policies today. Fans of the Presidency or of recent history will appreciate this biography.