Paul Krugman, Political Strategist

From "Exploiting the Atrocity":

In the first months after 9/11, the administration's ruthless exploitation of the atrocity was a choice, not a necessity. The natural instinct of the nation to rally around its leader in times of crisis had pushed Mr. Bush into the polling stratosphere, and his re-election seemed secure. He could have governed as the uniter he claimed to be, and would probably still be wildly popular.

Isn't this Bush I revisited? The bi-partisan tax hike in the summer of 1990, the war with Iraq that pushed his approval rating into the polling stratosphere in 1991, and the unimaginative, initiative-free fade to black in 1992? Perhaps we are simply being treated to Prof. Krugman engaging in a bit of drollery.

UPDATE: Emma tries to get my goat. Deplorably, I deliver the whole barnyard.

Comments

[Emma]

Not to call you out, but I kind of called you out.

[TM]

Hmm. Actually, I am trying a Bold New Format - I am going to end up with three shortish posts on Krugman, rather than one endless one.

My first two dismiss the bits of his column you aren't exactly in love with either. My Big Finish is going to tackle the "Bush will impugn the patriotism of his critics" theme.

Well, talk is cheap - I love my prospective title, "Paul Krugman Stars in Patriot Games"; now all I need is a point or two, and I'm home free.

Developing...