Political Alchemy

Richard Cohen gives us a rundown on how the alternate universe of George W. Bush differs from the reality based universe in his commentary Fool's Gold.

Alchemy is the purported science of turning base metals into gold. It does not exist. Political alchemy is the ability to turn hard failures into gossamer triumphs. It does exist. The inauguration of George W. Bush for a second term proves it.

The president, of course, does not see it that way. He proclaims himself at the top of his game: ruler of the free world, liberator of Iraq and magnificent chief of the Grand Old Party. Most important, to him, is that his view is shared by the American people. His reelection was no mere mandate since, you will recall, he claimed that the last time, when he scratched out a win in Florida by a few hundred votes. No, this victory is a mandate of Rooseveltian dimensions.

That's Bush's Universe, now here is the reality.

In reality, Bush's view of the American people is not shared by the American people. In fact, a recent Post-ABC News poll found Bush with what you might call a negative mandate. Only 45 percent said they wanted the country to go in the direction Bush wanted. And on Iraq -- the No. 1 issue for most -- 58 percent disapproved of the way he's handled what to him is a grand triumph. The 60-day war is now in its second year, and the chorus of those urging a pullout grows louder and louder.

Of course at the top of the list of delusions is Iraq. We heard a lot of that during Condiliar Rice's confirmation hearings.

The war in Iraq is in fact a debacle, yet Bush talks about it as if it is going swimmingly. His original aims have been amended a bit -- now it's a grand march toward Middle East democracy. Daily, Americans are losing their lives for . . . well, it's hard to say. A Shiite majority? Sunni participation in the elections? An autonomous Kurdish state? All of these, without question, are issues that have long transfixed the people of Omaha and other cities in America and for which they have gladly sacrificed their sons and daughters.

And of course can be said for the economy, education, agriculture and the list goes on.

Bush's unsurpassed achievement has been in turning fantasy into reality, failure into success. He strides the world stage, a smile on his face and a mandate in his pocket. Behold the gold! What, you don't see it? No matter. Washington does.

Welcome to fantasy land!!!!!!