An Interesting Insight into the Bush Presidency

This snarky post over at THP actually contains an interesting insight into how the Bush presidency works (or doesn't work, depending on your point of view). Apparently, Bush's decision to set aside a huge swath of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands as protected national monument last week was motivated by the viewing of a documentary by Jacques Cousteau's son, in the White House theater. After the film was over, the story is, Bush jumped up, inspired by the dangers in the documentary, and ordered his aides to get to work, establishing the national monument.

Note: The story is not that, after the film, Bush said, "Do some research on the costs of doing this." Or, "I want to have a meeting with Interior, Defense, others, on doing this." Or, "Get me all the relevant documents."

No, in best "blink" fashion, the story is that Bush ordered the action, the largest national monument ever, based on a documentary.

I think that this gives one an idea how stovepiping worked. It was relatively easy to get the president firmly behind invading Iraq (especially since he already wanted to, for some strange reason). Just present him evidence that supports invasion, and leave out all the messy details and alternatives. It's pretty clear that the president's closest advisers keep him isolated from alternative views and ideas, and this is the reason why. The guy is apt to grab ahold of an idea and run with it, if it's put forward in a compelling way, without calculating the costs and benefits, consulting with all the key players, without "due diligence." I've read a few stories on this before. Whenever Bush is exposed to ideas from outside the circle of his closest adisers, there is the danger that he might make a "rash" decision, or one contrary to the goals of his "advisers."

So, keep him away from any information that cuts against the preferences of the inner circle. Funnel in only the "evidence" that confirms those preferences, and you can be sure that Bush won't ask questions.