Ep 5. George W. Bush: Part 2

In the second part of the American Experience episode George W. Bush, we continue the examination of the controversial 43rd President of the United States. This episode covers the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the decisions made by the Bush administration in response.

We start with the immediate aftermath of the attacks, including Bush's visit to Ground Zero and his speech at the National Cathedral. We then delve into the planning and execution of the war in Afghanistan, which was launched just weeks after the attacks. The episode features interviews with key members of the Bush administration and military leaders involved in the early days of the war.

From there, the film turns to the run-up to the Iraq War. We learn about the intelligence that led the Bush administration to believe that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and the internal debates over how to proceed. We also hear from critics of the war who argue that it was based on false pretenses.

The episode also covers the domestic policies of the Bush administration, including the controversial Patriot Act and the response to Hurricane Katrina. We see how Bush's approval ratings fluctuated throughout his presidency and how his faith guided his decisions.

Throughout the episode, we gain insight into the character of George W. Bush and the challenges he faced during his presidency. We see how he grappled with the responsibility of leading a nation in the wake of a devastating attack and how he struggled to maintain his conviction in the face of mounting opposition.

Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the major events of the Bush presidency and offers a nuanced portrayal of one of the most polarizing figures in American politics.