A Dynasty's Dilemma

摘要

An bartlett, the white house communications director, is a careful, businesslike aide―a corporate-style Texan who favors charcoal gray pinstriped suits and white shirts. So when he moved into the choice corner West Wing suite vacated by the departing Karen Hughes earlier this month, he made sure to take his "41" notes with him. They're the ones comparing public perception of the economic stewardship of the 41st president, George Bush, to that of his son, the 43d. "The comparison is fundamentally flawed," Bartlett told NEWSWEEK last week. "Even at 41's highest approval ratings after the gulf war, he never broke 40 percent on handling the economy." By contrast, Bartlett added, the son's approval ratings are at least 15 points higher.