Boy Scout in Chief

President George W. Bush is as popular as a flat tire. The aftermath of the Iraqi invasion turned about 65% of the nation against him, and the uncontested invasion of illegal aliens placed him at odds with at least 70% of his political base.

The current economic climate, especially the cost of energy, has all but eliminated any remaining fans.

Even his former press secretary, Scott McClellan, has joined the Bush Basher Club of America. At least it’s clear that Mr. McClellan joined the club for the money after being shown the backdoor of the White House. His rancor and pursuit of riches won’t change many minds because he’s preaching to the choir.

But the publication of his “kiss and tell” book confirms what most everyone who witnessed McClellan’s performances in front of the cameras suspected. He’s a weak kneed, mealy mouthed weasel. His successors, Tony Snow and Dana Perino, have confirmed by comparison, how wishy-washy and inept he was.

He almost single handily changed the perception of the Bush administration; the perception of George W. Bush. He played the role as an apologist rather than a promoter.

From his debut as press secretary, it was obvious that McClellan was in over his head. His intelligence was never in question. He just couldn’t connect with the media or the public. He didn’t have a fire in his belly and always looked intimidated.

Thus, the performance of this designated White House spokesperson denigrated the reputation of the entire administration. By proximity and implication, he made them all look like patsies when he didn’t challenge the leftwing vitriol spewed around the press room.

McClellan’s recent exercise in political backstabbing isn’t out of character in DC. But it does shed light on the major failure of the Bush presidency. The President’s instincts were good and few would doubt that he was well intentioned. Unfortunately, he was as much blinded as guided by his conscience.

He was and is too much a Boy Scout and too little a pragmatist.

McClellan overstayed his welcome behind the podium because of the President’s unquestioned loyalty to his friend. We witnessed this same shortcoming when the President nominated another close friend, Harriet Miers, for the Supreme Court. And Donald Rumsfeld outstayed his welcome as Secretary of Defense for the same reason.

President Bush has been beaten by his conscience and sense of loyalty, not policy. He shares the blame for the dismal spending record of the Republican controlled Congress prior to 2006. Where was the veto pen? It seems he went along to get along. Maybe nice guys do finish last.