I very much agree with Jamie’s last points (and most of his other points too! Though it might have been hard to tell…).

I also think the nature of Bush’s rhetoric works best when it is reporting on deeds accomplished, not talking about deeds to come. More Chrenkoff from the W.H.. The vision thing can be squeezed in succinctly next to a factual discussion and also during the few big speeches every year. In fact, I don’t think Bush’s political skills have been utilized very well by his staff, and it is a shame. I also think “shock and awe” and a bunch of other pomposities and pronouncements before deeds was amateurish. Very professional and very amateurish. It is a very interesting White House indeed.