George H.W. Bush Administration Overview

George H.W. Bush Administration Overview

• Election of 1988: Bush becomes the Republican nominee after the popular presidency of Ronald Reagan.
• Background:
  • History of public service: U.S. military veteran, former CIA director, and played a role in Nixon's resignation.
  • Known for centrist positions and working towards consensus in political decisions.

Candidates and Campaign

• Democratic Nominee: Michael Dukakis, with Jesse Jackson as a prominent challenger.
• Bush's Running Mate: Dan Quayle, known for his inexperience and gaffes.
  • Notable quotes from Quayle:
  • "I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
  • "It's wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago."
  • "Republicans understand the importance of bondage between mother and child."
  • Included a controversial moment during a spelling bee involving the word "potato".
• Bush's Campaign Pledge: "Read my lips: no new taxes."
  • This pledge eventually complicates his presidency as economic issues arise.

Economic Context

• Economy under Reagan: Bush's presidency begins with relatively good economic conditions, but later faces downturns.
• Savings and Loan Scandal:
  • Between 1980-1990, many lending institutions failed due to fraud and deregulation; cost taxpayers approximately 400 ext{ billion}.
• Budget Issues:
  • Bush faces growing budget deficits and is pressured to raise taxes, ultimately reversing his pledge.

Foreign Policy Highlights

• Key Issues:
  1. End of the Cold War:
  • The Soviet Union begins to collapse, leading to significant geopolitical changes and the reunification of Germany in 1989.
  • Key policies like glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in USSR.
  • Bush's cautious approach: promoting peaceful resolution to Cold War tensions.
  • Notable treaties include the START treaty reducing nuclear arsenals by 25 ext{%}.
  1. Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War):
  • Triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, over oil fields.
  • Bush builds an international coalition to oppose Saddam Hussein, underscoring the importance of global consensus in military action.
  • Military operation characterized by an extensive air campaign, leading to a successful liberation of Kuwait with minimal American casualties (48 killed).

Consequences of Foreign Policy

• Public Support Post-War:
  • Bush's approval ratings surged to 75%, but were short-lived due to economic issues back home.
• Interventions in Panama:
  • U.S. military action to remove Manuel Noriega, involved unconventional tactics such as playing loud music to force him out of hiding.
• Other Global Actions:
  • Conversations around troubling events in the Philippines, South Africa, and the Tiananmen Square protests in China further define the Bush presidency's approach to foreign policy.

Final Notes

• Bush's inability to maintain voter support was largely due to the economy and breaking tax promises, leading to a loss against Bill Clinton in the 1992 election despite successful foreign policy achievements.
• Key Takeaway: While George H.W. Bush’s foreign policies were largely successful, economic downturns and unfulfilled promises overshadowed his presidency, culminating in his election loss in 1992.