Face The Nation Season 52 Episode 13 Historians Look At The Bush Presidency

Face the Nation is a political talk show that airs on CBS. Season 52, Episode 13 is titled "Historians Look At The Bush Presidency." This episode brings together a group of historians to reflect on the presidency of George W. Bush.

The episode begins with a brief introduction by the show's host, Margaret Brennan. She notes that the presidency of George W. Bush was marked by some of the most tumultuous events in recent history, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the 2008 financial crisis.

Brennan introduces the panel of historians, which includes Michael Beschloss, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Douglas Brinkley. Each historian offers their perspective on Bush's presidency, beginning with his handling of the 9/11 attacks.

Beschloss notes that Bush's response to 9/11 was initially seen as strong and decisive. However, he also argues that Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003 will likely be seen as the defining moment of his presidency, for better or for worse.

Goodwin offers a different perspective, arguing that Bush's leadership style was marked by a lack of curiosity and a reluctance to challenge his own ideas. She suggests that his administration's failure to anticipate the insurgency in Iraq is a prime example of this shortcoming.

Brinkley looks at Bush's presidency through the lens of environmental policy, noting that he was the first president since Richard Nixon to fail to designate a new national park. He also notes that Bush's response to Hurricane Katrina was widely criticized and highlights this as a low point of his presidency.

Throughout the episode, the historians engage in a lively and respectful debate about Bush's legacy, with each offering their own unique perspective. They discuss his foreign policy decisions, his approach to domestic issues such as healthcare and education, and his overall leadership style.

One of the key themes that emerges from the conversation is the importance of context when evaluating a presidency. All of the historians note that Bush faced extraordinary circumstances during his time in office, and this makes it difficult to make definitive conclusions about his leadership.

Overall, "Historians Look At The Bush Presidency" is a thought-provoking episode that provides viewers with deep insights into one of the most consequential presidencies of modern times. The conversation is respectful, engaging, and informative, making it an excellent watch for anyone interested in politics, history, or leadership.