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Why Obama Is Like Bush

Apart from being ideological opposites, Bush and Obama are identical!

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 7, 2009 12:00 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama is often compared to FDR or Ronald Reagan. But what about the last guy? Obama has taken office in the midst of a crisis and has lofty approval ratings—much like the 80% Bush had after 9/11. And both have taken a fairly similar political approach to their respective tests, writes Jackson Diehl of the Washington Post.

Bush gets lambasted for not asking a willing nation to sacrifice, for pushing through a partisan agenda, and for starting the Iraq war. But Obama vows that 98% of the public won't see a tax hike—that’s hardly asking for sacrifice. Just as Bush blasted Patriot Act opponents for not wanting to stop al-Qaeda, Obama says stimulus opponents “believe that we should do nothing.” And Obama’s looming health initiative could be just as expensive and divisive as the Iraq war.

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From left, Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush talk on the East Front of the Capitol after Obama was sworn in as 44th President, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Tannen Maury, Pool)

Former President George W. Bush, right, hugs President Barack Obama after Obama was sworn in, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

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So Obama hasn't strayed far from Karl Rove's playbook for routing the opposition. - Jackson Diehl

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COMMENTS

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Guest

Oct 21, 2009 6:10 AM CDT

I love my healthcare. I have BCBS and pay under 300.00 for my son and me. So yes, this is divisive. Why should I have to sacrifice my healthcare that I pay for willingly? BTW it is unconstitiutional for the government to provide healthcare. Unless they use the "General Welfare" clause, then it would have to apply to the entire population not just the so called 46 million.

Guest

Mar 8, 2009 7:49 AM CDT

all you guys and your fancy language, why don't you just say what you mean in plain english. are you all ju st trying to show people how smart you all are or are we common folk just not smart enough for you

Guest

Mar 8, 2009 12:47 AM CST

Why the Washington Post is like, headed for bankruptcy.

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Why Obama Is Like Bush