A Tragic Legacy: How a Good vs Evil Mentality Destroyed the Bush Presidency

"A Tragic Legacy" by Glenn Greenwald analyzes the presidency of George W. Bush, particularly his post-9/11 approach, highlighting its reliance on a "Good vs. Evil" framework which shaped both domestic and foreign policy. The text explains how this Manichean worldview contributed to initial widespread support for Bush, but also led to controversial actions like indefinite detentions and the invasion of Iraq. It details the subsequent decline in his popularity as the war faltered and conservative principles were seemingly abandoned, causing a political realignment. Ultimately, the source argues that Bush's moral certitude enabled policies that undermined core American values and significantly damaged the nation's international standing.