Remembering HW | Ep. 674

Lackluster Presidency

George H. W. Bush's presidency is often viewed as lacking the visionary qualities that define more transformative leaders. Ben Shapiro argues that Bush was more of a technocrat, handling his duties without the "vision thing" that might have propelled him to greater heights 1. This perception of Bush reflects a broader societal shift away from the soldier-statesman model he represented. Shapiro notes, "The American people decided they weren't interested in the soldier statesman model," highlighting a breakdown in the social fabric that once unified the nation 1.

The foundation of the fabric has been shaken. When we look at the tributes to George H. W. Bush, that is the biggest reminder.

--- Ben Shapiro

Bush's legacy serves as a reminder of a time when Americans shared more common interests and values, which have since faded 2.

   

Nostalgia for WASPs

The passing of George H. W. Bush has sparked a cultural nostalgia for the WASP establishment he epitomized. Ben Shapiro discusses how Bush's legacy evokes admiration for a bygone era of warrior politicians and a ruling class that inspired trust 3. This nostalgia is rooted in a longing for the values and virtues that the WASP establishment once embodied, such as personal austerity and a sense of duty. Shapiro reflects, "We miss the idea that the ruling class in the United States... actually still had a lot in common with us" 3.

Those virtues included a spirit of nobless obligion personal austerity and piety that went beyond the thank you notes and boat shoes and prep school chapel going.

--- Ben Shapiro

The erosion of these shared values has contributed to the current political and social divisions, leaving many to yearn for the perceived unity of the past 4.