Presidency of George W Bush

Looking back at George H. W. Bush’s nominees you can begin to analyze the relationship between them. Most nominees were of good friends to Bush or associates he had known for a long time. There was a considerable rundown of chosen people that were published. These names that were made reference to were potentially chosen people who had been specified after William Brennan declared his retirement on July 20, 1990. Bush then moved quickly to distinguish a substitution. There was much controversy and debate that took place during the time of the nominations due to the President’s choice. However, it was during this time that the people were able to see a true character of who Bush was, and that was someone who was loyal.

When looking for the position of secretary of defense, it already seemed that Bush had someone who he thought would win an easy and early confirmation. John Tower was a former member of the legislative body, who was also an acknowledged expert on the defense budget, as well as national security issues. Although there was much confidence from Bush with his choice, it however took an unexpected turn for the president. It was not likely for newly elected presidents to lose a Senate vote on a cabinet nomination. After being rejected by the Senate, John Tower turned into the ninth cabinet nominee. This had such an important impact on Bush’s presidency because there was much question as to why someone would support a person who had multiple allegations made against him. Tower acquired a reputation for himself as a heavy drinker, enjoying the company of multiple woman, as well as sexual accusations that were made against him. Although FBI investigations were taking place during this period of Tower’s nominations, Bush did not budge based off the opinions of others. He stayed with Tower even after the possibilities of winning on the senate floor began to diminish and even after Tower communicated some enthusiasm for pulling back.

Bush too supported Clarence Thomas who he appointed and was most interested in nominating to the Supreme Court. Thomas too faced multiple issues and had sexual allegations made against him as well. However, on June 27 1991 after Thurgood Marshall reported his retirement, Bush had only two choices in which he considered. One of them being Clarence Thomas. At last, on July 2, 1991, Bush picked Thomas as Marshall's substitution. Furthermore, after a combative affirmation process that included charges of inappropriate behavior by Thomas, the United States Senate affirmed Thomas in a 52– 48 vote on October 15, 1991.

You can see the relationship and respect both Tower and Bush had with one another simply by the mutual support that was shown between them both. Tower considered withdrawing his name three times. He felt he was putting a large amount of stress on the president and that everything going on was too much of a distraction for him. Tower didn’t want to get into the way of Bush’s leading. One may question Bush’s reasoning for believing in such an individual. They can go back to Bush’s 1970 Senate race, when John Tower at the time, was the chair of the Republican Senate Campaign Committee. During this time, Tower supported Bush with almost twice as much money related help as was given to any other Republican candidate. Even when Bush had got into some trouble in his Houston congressional district in regards to a vote, it was Tower who defended him to the Texas conservatives.

President Bush had much confidence in his choices and supported them to the end. Selecting Clarence Thomas to succeed Thurgood Marshall as the second African-American to serve on the country's most astounding council, raised question to certain groups. One can conclude, however, that Bush supporting these specific individuals could have led him to a downfall with his own reputation. Being there were multiple accusations against both nominees for sexual abuse, supporting such a person could have put a name on Bush negatively. Also, having people question what he truly believes by staying loyal to someone who may have conducted himself in this way. In conclusion, it shows the type of President that Bush was and that he wasn't one to follow along with others. For example, during Tower’s rejection it was not unusual for presidents to cut their losses and move on withdrawing their support from their nominees once problems arose. As for Bush, he stayed with whom he was supporting and even continued to do so with some expense to his political reputation.  

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