When it comes to President George Bush, I am of two minds. I have been that way since the 2000 election debacle. Of course, over the past four years, I have sometimes liked him a little more and sometimes liked him a little less depending on his reaction to what is going on in the world. George Bush should consider starting an MTV reality show, where cameras follow him around 24 hours a day... maybe then, I can understand and appreciate him more.

Firstly, I have never been comfortable with his insistence that the invasion of Iraq was necessary after September 11th. Let's get this clear: the war against Iraq was not necessary. That doesn't make it a bad idea, but Iraq posed no threat to the United States. Noone will defend Saddam Hussein, however, and the world is a better place without him. But at what cost? Preemptive invasion is now an acceptable military tactic against any country whose leader we do not like? Are we safer, or actually less safe with this new war on muslims? I don't know the answer to that question. I will give Bush credit for deposing a brutal dictator, but I didn't like the way it was done without any world support besides Britain.

Secondly, I have to give him credit for being a great leader. A great leader outlines a vision, and sticks to it. He doesn't waiver. So Bush earns points with me for strong leadership. However, being a good leader also means being able to admit you were wrong, and listening to others. Bush never admits a mistake, even when everyone else can see it clearly. That lack of humility comes off as arrogance, which is a trait many people outside the United States (Canada and Europe in particular) are put off by.

I could go on and on about him. I don't like his double-speak. “The PATRIOT Act allows those in the positions of authority to protect your liberty.” He doesn't seem to be concerned with the run-away spending of the Federal government.

But what is the alternative? I didn't like any of the Democratic candidates. The Dems needed to combine the experience of Kerry, the charisma of Clarke, and the enthusiasm and energy of Dean.