The Real Flip-Flopper - Al Hunt WSJ

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Trade: "We ought to be a free trading nation in a free trading world, because free trade brings markets and markets bring hope and prosperity," was candidate Bush's posture in 2000.

But Mr. Bush has been the most protectionist president in recent times. The most flagrant example was when he imposed tariffs on imported steel. Bill Clinton, despite pressure from the steel workers' union and the industry, rejected such levies because they would hurt America globally, do little for the domestic steel industry and wouldn't create jobs.

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Nation Building: "I just don't think it's the role of the United States to walk into a country and say, 'We do it this way, so should you . . . . If we're an arrogant nation they'll resent us," Mr. Bush said during the 2000 presidential debates. "I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation building."

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Candidate Bush was contemptuous of the Clinton administration's intervention in Haiti. Yet when Haiti erupted last month -- with the threat of hoards of exiles descending upon voter-rich Florida -- the president pulled out the old intervention card; Marines, for the umpteenth time, are nation building in that pitiful country.

Gay Marriage: "The state can do what they want to do," was George W. Bush's position during the 2000 campaign. He opposed gay marriage, but argued it was a matter for individual states to decide.

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Federal Spending: "If this were a spending contest, I'd come in second," candidate Bush cracked in the 2000 campaign, vowing to curb the growth of government.

In fact, under the Bush administration spending as a percentage of the gross domestic product has risen to 20% from 18%; with his massive tax cuts, budget surpluses have turned into deficits as far as the eye can see. The Bushies contend most of the spending increases have been for defense and homeland security. But this president hasn't vetoed a single spending bill, while Congress has ladled out more pork than ever.

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URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB107957299520958752,00.html (paid subscription)

Was that an Op-Ed?

I think the "token" clear headed one. Right Wingers would protest that he is not a "real" conservative..

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