Marty Peretz: I pledge allegiance to George W. Bush and to the doctrine for which he stands…America, right or wrong!
As President Bush continues his Forrest Gump-like domination of world politics, his detractors remain marginalized in stupefaction and awe (and nursing more than a little envy). For his American critics, however, these emotions have just become more acute because Bush has now converted his most ardent and revered critic, Marty Peretz – the owner and editor-in-chief of the bible of liberal political thought in America, The New Republic (TNR).
Most Americans probably have no idea who Marty Peretz is but he happens to be one of the most influential men in Democratic politics. Indeed, he is well-known as Al Gore’s political mentor and the man most responsible for Gore’s rise to become Vice President and the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Therefore, his conversion to Bush’s worldview is tantamount to Mohammed converting to Christianity. But Peretz is adding insult to his rejection of his erstwhile Democratic acolytes by singing Bush’s praise while condemning them with all of the zeal and passion of the newly converted. For example, here’s how he ridiculed the refusal of liberals to accept Bush as their political savior (See Giving George W. Bush His Due…in TNR, Issue date: 4.11.05):
If George W. Bush were to discover a cure for cancer, his critics would denounce him for having done it unilaterally, without adequate consultation, with a crude disregard for the sensibilities of others. He pursued his goal obstinately, they would say, without filtering his thoughts through the medical research establishment. And he didn’t share his research with competing labs and thus caused resentment among other scientists who didn’t have the resources or the bold–perhaps even somewhat reckless–instincts to pursue the task as he did. And he completely ignored the World Health Organization, showing his contempt for international institutions. Anyway, a cure for cancer is all fine and nice, but what about AIDS?
Hallelujah Marty!
It is worth noting that the conversion of Peretz represents an astounding vindication of President Bush’s political leadership. And, the gushing of Bill Clinton about him represents a remarkable endorsement of Bush’s personal charm. Indeed, have you noticed the wooing and cooing between Bill Clinton and George Bush lately? And, guess who’ll be the third wheel on Bush’s trip to the Pope’s funeral? You guessed it: Bubba!
Ultimately, when one considers that Clinton and his former VP, Al Gore, are barely on speaking terms or that Clinton muscled out the Democratic elder statesman, President Jimmy Carter, to make this trip, one gets a pretty good sense of the disaffection, disarray and disillusionment among Bush’s critics that may have precipitated the conversion of Marty Peretz.
Incidentally, George W. Bush seduces the most heralded political seducer of all time (Bill Clinton)? Imagine that!
News and Politics
Anonymous says
Interesting development in the world of politics but what is really going on here? I am not sure I know, but one thing to consider. The most loyal of Democrats are frustrated by their inability to out-flank “Forrest Gump”. Perhaps this monumental ineptitude has forced some of the rats off the ship. The other movement afoot is in reaction to the “liberal” labeling that was so effective in the last campaign. The movement to the center by many democrats simply brings them closer to some of the ideals of the GOP. However, rather than celebrate, Republicans should consider the tension brought about by Schiavo and other matters. The inclusion of past Democrats will do little to unify their party. One only need to hear Mr. Hannity claim more righteousness than Pope John II (with respect to the justness of war. See Iraq). Yikes……..
Rage in NJ
Anonymous says
Fair enough on Republican overreaching, Rage in NJ. But as Bill Clinton’s political guru turn nemesis, Dick Morris, is so fond of admonishing, (just as Hannity can never be more Catholic than the Pope) liberal Democrats (like abandon ship Hillary) can never be more conservative than the Republicans.