R.I.P. Richard Darman
Bush II = Bush I – Richard Darman
Of course this only gets at part of the truth. Differences in character and intellect between the two presidents also accounts for a lot. But efforts to marginalize people like this
Mr. Darman’s goal was solving problems, not pursuing ideology. When a Washington Post reporter asked about his politics, Mr. Darman he replied: “Okay. In my case the pattern conforms more with what many people associate with Republicanism. Period. And, as it happens, I am a registered Republican. But the starting point for me is never party.” He paused. “Period.” Then shrugged. “That will get me in trouble, but it’s true.”
was clearly part of the problem. I realize this sounds glib, and I’m as critical — more critical — of lazy centrism as any of you. I’m just saddened by the unremitting hostility directed against Darman by conservatives, and I wonder what the world would have looked like had the first President Bush’s pragmatism, as embodied in Darman and others, been rewarded by reelection. Perhaps he would have failed to take the steps necessary to spark the so-called Clinton boom. I doubt it. But it certainly would have had an effect on the character of the party, and it may have prevented what Christopher Caldwell memorably called the southern captivity of the GOP.
David Frum’s Dead Right paints a decidedly unflattering portrait of the 1992 Republican National Convention, which is remembered for culture war fireworks but in fact enshrined a leftish party platform. It seems clear that Bush compromised his integrity in a desperate bid for reelection, one of the more undignified episodes in recent American political history. And yet under slightly different circumstances his reelection could have spared us not only the Clintons but also his eldest son.
Incidentally, whatever happened to Jeb? I haven’t heard his name mentioned in connection to the Florida primary. I find it hard to believe that Charlie Crist has already eclipsed him in popularity among primary voters. I assume interest has waned as Jeb has made it clear he’ll play no direct role. Somehow we need to get Jeb a new surname.
On the Jeb question, I believe he is staying officially neutral despite the entreaties of Romney. His son used to work with Thompson before the campaign ended, so there is no clear indication that the Florida Bushes are leaning towards any of the remaining candidates. That could change, but if there’s going to be an endorsement the time would be now.
— Daniel Larison · Jan 25, 09:52 PM · #
<i>Mr. Darman’s goal was solving problems, not pursuing ideology. </i>
And ‘problems’ are perceived as such how?
— Art Deco · Jan 25, 11:12 PM · #
I went to Findarticles.com to grab Daniel J. Mitchell’s article on Richard Darman from 1992, “Bush’s Rasputin.” Over-the-top polemicism, but tasty fun.
— Joe Marier · Jan 26, 12:00 AM · #