I was struck by the use of the word “blunder” in the recent headline, “Bush Takes Responsibility for Katrina Blunders.” Rhetorically, the word connotes much more than just “mistake” or “misstep.” It adds the element of carelessness and incompetence that critics love to attribute to Bush and his presidency.
A quick Internet search revealed that the word “blunder” is often used in headlines related to President Bush. Here are a few examples taken from major newspaper headlines:
Kerry Ad Says Flu Vaccine Shortage Is Typical of Bush’s Policy Blunders
Gore rips Bush war team on Iraq ‘blunders’ He says Rumsfeld, others should quit
Kerry: Terrorists Gain From Bush Blunders
Bush Allies Admit War Blunders
Democratic Aspirants Accuse Bush Of Economic Blunders
Anti-U.S. sentiment abroad result of Bush’s past blunders
Foreign Affairs; Bush’s Iraqi Blunder
