Karl Rove has an interesting essay in the Wall Street Journal in which he describes President Bush’s reading habits. In 2006, Rove says that he and Bush had a contest in which Bush finished the year having read 95 books. After listing some titles that Bush has read, Rove concludes:
“There is a myth perpetuated by Bush critics that he would rather burn a book than read one. Like so many caricatures of the past eight years, this one is not only wrong, but also the opposite of the truth and evidence that bitterness can devour a small-minded critic. Mr. Bush loves books, learns from them, and is intellectually engaged by them.
“For two terms in the White House, Mr. Bush has been in the arena, keeping America safe and facing down enormous challenges, all the while acting with dignity. And when on Jan. 20 he flies from Washington to Texas one last time, he will do so as he arrived — with friends and a book nearby.”
(HT: Justin Taylor)
7 Comments
Don Johnson
95 books, I am impressed he found the time.
Anyone who is prez has to be able to know the truth about something but not reveal it for the reason of making themself look better, some things are better kept private.
Nephos
Now he’ll no doubt be criticized for spending too much time reading.
Mike Templin
…and what do you mean by that Don?
Darius T
Mike, I believe Don is referring to the Left’s nasty accusations that Bush didn’t read anything or that he was too close-minded to read other people’s opinions. Bush rightly avoided trying to justify himself in their hateful eyes.
Michael Bid
Denny,
Ich verstehe nicht!
Denny Burk
Michael,
Was ist nicht zu verstehen?
Luf,
Denny
Don Johnson
I meant that when one is in authority like Bush, one cannot respond to every accusation, nor one should. An example of an accusation that can be ignored is that Bush is ignorant, which is made all the time by the media.