How Well They Knew Him

On Day Two of my stark indictment upon my useless words I've decided to draw upon some very insightful words written a long time ago but still just as timely today -

The following was lifted from a 2000 Liz Smith column -

"I have in my hand the new issue of Texas Monthly which asks, "Is George W. Smart After All? Yes, And He Can Win!" The subhead should read: "But You'll Be Sorry."

The George W. Bush story notes that the governor is running ahead of Al Gore in the polls, but the anti-Bush remarks back before even his first election is what made saving the column all these years priceless:

Jim Hightower, former agricultural commissioner: "He is going to lose for three reasons. First, the smirk. His is not a facial tick. This is from within. It reflects a spoiled brat's sense of entitlement and a mean streak we've seen flair up. Two - down deep, this guy is shallow.....Three, he is ........a loyal performer for fat cats......a hired hand for corporate interests. That's not what the general public wants its president to be."

Garry Mauro, former land commissioner and failed Texas gubernatorial candidate: "I have never met a politician with less passion for the issues.....He has no core. He flip-flops 100 percent because he doesn't care....How can you run for president when your state, with a large surplus, won't pay for health insurance for teachers?"

John Sharp, former Texas comptroller: "When the economy goes bad, you better not have that kind of governor - and you better not have that kind of president. You'd better have someone who knows how to pull the levers of government and get the state, or the country, out of trouble."

Ann Richards, former Texas governor: "George W. is a disciplined campaigner. He stays on message....he talks about faith-based this and that.....this is a shield for what is actually taking place, and that is a delivery of influence over every aspect of our lives to the Religious Right."

Ben Barnes, former lieutenant governor: "He can't distinguish between no new taxes on the one hand and surpluses on the other."

Paul Begala, political consultant: "He's lighter'n my grandma's biscuits. He has the weakest, thinnest, briefest record in public life of any major party nominee in American history......He was a businessman!? I love that......with only his family's fortune and a trust fund, he started an oil company and ran it into the ground....bailed out by his father's wealthy friends."