Broken Promises of Unity From the Divider in Chief (by E.J. Dionne for Truthdig)

[marmar]

Broken Promises of Unity From the Divider in Chief


Posted on Jul 9, 2007
By E.J. Dionne

WASHINGTON—Nicolas Sarkozy was a divisive figure during his campaign for the French presidency, but he’s governing as a uniter, not a divider.

George W. Bush ran for president in 2000 promising to ease partisan divisions. He has left our politics a wreck of recrimination, anger and polarization.

This weekend, the contrast between Sarkozy and Bush could not have been more conspicuous.

From France came word that the center-right president was urging the International Monetary Fund to name Dominique Strauss-Kahn as its managing director.

There is no exact American metaphor, but imagine if Bush had pushed for a prominent liberal Democrat—Al Gore or John Kerry, perhaps—to be head of the World Bank. Imagine further that the president had seriously consulted with his political adversaries.

Strauss-Kahn, a former finance minister, is one of the most talented figures in France’s opposition Socialist Party and would be a major force in any reconstruction of the center-left.

Sarkozy brushed off Strauss-Kahn’s political affiliation. “Should I deprive France of his candidacy because he is a Socialist?” he was quoted as saying, according to The Associated Press. “How could I be the president of all the French if I reasoned like that?”

Cynics say that Sarkozy is trying to weaken the opposition by co-opting some of its best leaders. (He appointed a Socialist as foreign minister.) Francois Hollande, the first secretary of the Socialist Party, said Sunday that Sarkozy is always looking for a new “maneuver” and wondered if his interest in the Strauss-Kahn appointment was primarily about domestic politics.

Hollande is right to be skeptical—of course there’s political benefit to Sarkozy in what he’s doing. But seen from the perspective of a sullen, immobilized Washington, Sarkozy’s strategy of reaching out is inspirational.

And what of Bush? He chose the post-July 4 weekend to give one of the cheapest, most partisan weekly radio addresses. “Democrats are failing in their responsibility to make tough decisions and spend the people’s money wisely,” Bush said. “This moment is a test.” ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20070709_broken_promises_of_unity_from_the_divider_in_chief/

[rodeodance]

1. bush giving one of his 'cheapest' radio addresses. LOVE IT.