Here’s an example of the President’s motivational and oratorical power, from the autobiography of retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez. Bush is speaking to his national security team and generals after the famous 2004 incident in which four contractors were killed in Fallujah:
“Kick ass!” he quotes the president as saying. “If somebody tries to stop the march to democracy, we will seek them out and kill them! We must be tougher than hell! This Vietnam stuff, this is not even close. It is a mind-set. We can’t send that message. It’s an excuse to prepare us for withdrawal.”
“There is a series of moments and this is one of them. Our will is being tested, but we are resolute. We have a better way. Stay strong! Stay the course! Kill them! Be confident! Prevail! We are going to wipe them out! We are not blinking!“
Can you imagine what Bush’s inevitable commencement speeches are going to be like in his post-presidency? “Take the road less traveled! Dare to be great! Follow your dreams! Be confident! At those times Jesus carried you! Kick ass!”
