And the evidence suggests that a rapidly growing number of Americans view it as a negative quality in the case of Bush.

I never denied that JD’s point was trivially correct. That’s all you Bushbots have left in support of this failed regime: trivialities and technicalities.

BTW, “stubborn” can be viewed as either a positive or negative quality depending on the situation, so I’m not sure what it has to do with your argument.

“Eighty-two percent of those polled describe Bush as “stubborn,” with seven of every 10 Republicans agreeing with that description.”

-37% approve of the job he is doing as president,
-”almost six in ten now say Bush is not honest”
-”a similar number say his administration does not have high ethical standards”
-”56% disapprove of the way Bush is handling foreign policy and the war on terrorism”

But you’re right: a majority (52%, a slim majority) view Bush as “likable”

But….

that figure has dropped (plummeted, one might say) from 63% in August.

Americans are generous; they like to think well of other people… until the evidence to the contrary just becomes overwhelming.

In the case of Bush, it’s becoming more overwhelming every day.

If 51% is a  mandate , what is 60%

Well, be careful if you’re going to rely on polls for your argument. According to a Nov. 11 USAToday article (which confirms the low poll numbers for Bush’s job approval), a MAJORITY of people still see Bush as “likeable” and “strong and decisive,” which means JD has a valid point according to your standards of evidence.

Bush is going to announce his  victory strategy for Iraq. It will most likely be the same idiotic speech…

So you admit he has talked about a “victory strategy” previously. You’re correct; he HAS repeatedly explained under what conditions the US will leave Iraq.

According to the opinion polls, that is over 60% of the country at the moment. If 51% is a “mandate”, what is 60%, JD?

No charisma, no stature, no presence, no auctoritas, no gravitas, no dignitas, no principles, no scruples, no “compassion”, no empathy, no leadership, no generosity, no respect, no altruism, no conscience, no shame, no class.

What does he have?

Daddy’s name, daddy’s money, daddy’s friends, a superficial affability that might - briefly - be mistaken for a personality and a pig-headedness that might -briefly- be mistaken for character.

Oh, and we won’t really be able to do anything about it for the next three years.

Really sorry! We don’t know what to say!

Signed,
America

“Mr. President, how do we know when we have won?”

“When we have left! Next question.”