Many Historian's Views

In a survey of historians done by George Mason University in Virginia, more than 80% of historians labeled George Bush’s presidency an “overall failure”.

For someone who has been obsessed with his legacy, especially concerned with not following in his father’s footsteps, this conclusion must be devastating.

Worse, this cannot be read as a piling-on as recent polls show Bush’s approval rating tanking. This survey was conducted 19 months ago while Bush’s approval was still in the positive territory.

Certainly, historians sometimes read things wrong. A case in point: Nearly 20% said he wouldn’t be a complete failure.

And, of course, “success” can have different meanings. As one historian put it: “His presidency has been remarkably successful in pursuit of disastrous policies.”