Sununu Lauds Bush Policies

Despite widespread media conclusions that President Bush's first 100 days in office were void of accomplishments, the new administration can point to several policy victories, White House Chief of Staff John Sununu said Friday night at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

While acknowledging that Bush's first 100 days in office were not "sexy," Sununu said the President should nonetheless be given credit for congressional adoption of his budget, a reduction of the capital gains tax and a continued commitment to democracy in Central America.

These victories were not immediately visible, Sununu said, because of Bush's need to form coalitions and his tempered leadership style.

"The nicest part of my job is to work for a President who every morning can look at criticisms but still knows for himself what has to be done and has a sense of timing for how to get things done," Sununu told the audience of about 600.

Bush's budget was especially noteworthy, the former New Hampshire governor said, because it held the line on taxes while including several initiatives in the areas of education, child care, and other social program areas.

The President's success has been due to his commitment to establishing coalitions, a strategy which does not lend itself to flashy headlines, Sununu said.

"Leadership decisions are too often either made too quickly or too slowly--it's hard sometimes not to jump on the bandwagon and cast your feet in concrete too quickly," Sununu said. "But we have a President who thinks that pace is important, and he thinks that things must be done slowly and significantly."

Sununu pointed to the United States' good relations with China as evidence of Bush's foreign policy prowess. "The greatest asset this President brings to the White House is his experience in foreign policy," Sununu said.

Building Blocks

During the question and answer period, an audience member said Bush's assertions that he was building on the achievements of former President Ronald W. Reagan made Sununu's claims that Bush needed time to build new coalitions ring false.

In response, Sununu said there was "a difference between changing direction and broadening the path," saying Bush was pursuing the later strategy.

On a personal note, Sununu said his job as chief of staff was similar to his former job as governor of New Hampshire.

"One of the most common assets is the ability to delegate, but also the willingness to get involved in the details," Sununu said.