Tony Blair: Eloquence Illustrated

[Chaerophon]

Are you saying it is uncommon for incumbent government parties to have to negotiate with the opposition parties when governing?

Certainly not. However, the president of the United States is presented with no such direct burden of debate. For the most part, he remains safely stowed away until his sound bytes are needed. There are other merits to the federal system of the United States; however, for the most part, Bush answers what questions he wants to, when he wants to. The media is largely diverted to Fleischer, Rumsfeld, et al, while Bush rests on his laurels. It's simply my opinion that a leader should be forced to act like one and respond to his critics in direct debate. For the most part, his statements take the form of testimony without direct cross examination.