Bush: Is he doing a good job?

On Sunday George W Bush completed 100 days in office.

In that time he has had to deal with an escalation of violence in the Middle East and growing tensions with China.

Bush has been criticised by some for causing unnecessary hostility with the Chinese over the spy plane incident and the controversial arms sales to Taiwan.

He has also crossed swords with environmentalists when he failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol which would reduce carbon dioxide.

Yet recent polls put Bush in a favourable light, suggesting that Americans still like his personal appeal and honesty.

So what do you think of his first 100 days in office? Is he doing a good job so far?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your reaction

It's so obvious to most Europeans that Bush is simply in the pockets of the major corps, so why do Americans have such a hard time understanding this? I can't decide which is most abhorrent....wasting trillions on a pointless missile shield, arrogantly pulling out of Kyoto, stopping funds to aid groups who help with abortions in 3rd world nations to appease the Christian right (the sooner reality comes before blind belief the better), pulling out of a major treaty, threatening world peace, the list goes on. And the really scary part? That's just the first 100 days!
Mick, USA

Bush and his supporters want responsible use of our resources AND a healthy economy. But there are people out there that believe you can't do both (at least if it's run by a Texas Republican). That's really it at the end of the day isn't it? If you have something against Texans, or cowboy hats or Republicans, then no, you're probably not going to like President Bush. And the arguments against him will be predictable, stereotypical and directed at easy targets like his speech abilities. But guess what, folks, there are still plenty of us out there that see that and say "Hey I fumble with my words sometimes! He's unpretentious, I like that guy!" So yes, I suppose if you think having a little swagger and a strong, successful family behind you is a bad thing - you probably don't like GWB. And you'll continue to underestimate him!
Mark, USA

Another world bully to add to all the others

Sue, UK

Here we go again. Another world bully to add to all the others, except Bush claims he represents democracy. Funny kind of democracy that only considers its own and effectively expects other European allies (UK) to support dangerous Star War policies and then tells us to basically get lost when it comes to the environmental damage that is being caused. And seeing as we are affectively just another American state, I've no doubt that we will bow down to America's wishes at our peril.
Sue, UK

When Mr Bush first ran for presidential office, he had no idea that there was a rest of the world. Now, by looking after the interests of the wealthy (at the cost of the rest of the world), it almost seems as if he is working towards making sure there will be no "rest of the world". With his dealings with the Chinese, and the environmental issues, all Mr Bush has achieved is to make the world a sicker and more hostile place.
HNS, USA

I think Mr Bush is a big troublemaker. He and his government are very greedy - they want to control everyone and every country in the world. Because he's afraid of China to be stronger, that why he's sent his spy plane to China. China and the USA should be friends not enemies. Also he's broken so many world's rules. I think he and his politics have failed.
Liam, China

Time will show that Bush is the worst thing that happened to America and indeed the world. How could such a man, and indeed such a nation, be the leader of the so-called free world? If history's teachings are correct, then nothing will remain the same. Time for a new super power!
ALI HAMOUDI, London, UK

George W is a fine outstanding man and leader

David, Texas

Three cheers for W! I voted for him and I'm glad I did. George W is a fine outstanding man and leader. He's not afraid to stand up for what he believes. And he'll stand up to those environmental wackos and socialist/liberals intent on anti-Americanism. The more I hear the Europeans complain about him, the more convinced I am that I voted for the right man. Now if he'll only get us out of the UN!
David , Texas

If Bush continues to isolate the US from the rest of the world, believing that the American way is the only way, I think that the most powerful nation on the planet may well find international trade, tourism and policy-making passing it by. Less Hollywood and more real life please GWB!
Ross, UK

GWB has done nothing to "change the tone" in Washington, despite what certain ill-informed sycophants believe. Americans are so far removed from "their" political process as to be almost comical. We live in a country that is now, without a doubt, run by big business, with a big oil Texan (who's really from Connecticut, but don't tell anyone) as CEO.
Jon Bromma, Washington, DC

Thank God for a president who is actually doing something

Mary Gimenez, USA

Thank God for a president who is actually doing something. You may not always agree and are entitled to your opinions, but at least he's doing something. We've had 8 years of do-nothing Clinton. And for all you anti-Americans out there, it's so easy to say that Bush is arrogant -- you are basing your opinion on previous administrations without even realising it. Don't assume that Bush can change your perception in 100 days -- or that his presidency is at fault for this arrogance. Contrary to what you believe, most Americans -- including Bush, who said it repeatedly during his campaign -- do not want to rule the world or be the world's policeman. Just the opposite. It would be wise to stop criticising America and start doing something in your own country to change things. We don't spend our time criticising your leaders.
Mary Gimenez, USA

Bush's greatest diplomatic success in his first 100 days was to convince some 50 Democrats to attend his celebratory lunch! During his initial days. He has reneged on the '72 Arms Treaty and Kyoto, withdrawn support for North-South Korean dialogue, politically fenced with China over the spy plane and Taiwan issues, and with his allies over issues like oil exploration in Canada, etc. The unfortunate thing is that his 'macho' and insular-looking stand is shared by so many Americans, who surely voted for a president like him!
Bernard Khoo,

The president from the most powerful country in the world must be a more communicative president. He must also be more flexible on agreements with other countries. On the other hand, I'm very happy with President Bush's decision to make a speech in Spanish every Friday.
Antonio - English Student 1, Spain

He seems to be taking the path of the playground bully rather than a respected world leader

Douglas Ross, Scotland

Bush, like his father, frightens me and many I have spoken to. To be the leader of the single most powerful nation in the world carries a great responsibility and requires a great communicator which he evidently is not or why do so many people seem upset after only 100 days? If his policies are valid, then they should be easily put over, particularly with such a vast PR machine at his disposal, but he seems to be taking the path of the playground bully rather than a respected world leader.
Douglas Ross, Scotland

With GWB's policies, personality and morals combined, I think he makes a dangerously funny man.
Ash, Northern Ireland

When you vote for someone to represent you and yours, you do just that: vote for somebody to represent you and yours. That is what has happened, and the Dubyah makes no apologies. He is not the leader of Canada, or Great Britain, or France, or India, although he would do well to cultivate, as far as he can, relationships with the same. When their agendas differ from mine, however, and they will, Mr. Bush is expected by the definition of his office to cater to Americans.

He is the leader of the most powerful nation, in every respect, that the world has ever seen. Does anyone think that being the President of the United States of America is an easy task? That everything he decides will be to your liking, or that it should be? Dislike us if you want to, but we are here and we're not going away, and he stands up for us in spite of the spittle-choked anti-American world. You're not required to like it, so don't if it makes you feel better. He's still our President, and he's American, and he's proud of it. And so am I.
David A. Melchior, Horseheads, N.Y.

You get what you vote for, when I lived in Texas during Mr Bush's time he did not endear me to himself as he comes across as not being very decisive Like Mikey W from the UK and Peter B from Belgium. He does not instil confidence in me. If he can upset so many countries in 100 days what is he capable of doing in the rest of his time as President? How can you upset so many nation states so quickly and not expect a reaction, my worry is what level of reaction will happen.
Vivien UK,

I strongly support his focus on and support of American interests

Linda, USA

While I didn't vote for Bush, and I don't agree with several of the decisions he has made, I strongly support his focus on and support of American interests. He was elected as the President of the United States, not the PM of England or of the EU. It's interesting to note that so many people in the UK and in Europe denounce the US as having delusions of ruling the world, and then accuse us of not living up to "our" responsibilities and "your" expectations. Can't you decide? You expect the US to have this wonderful united world vision, which most of you, yourselves, don't have. Why not start first by actually and successfully forming a cohesive United Europe, then get back to us. Maybe after trying to speak with a single voice which pleases literally each and every member of the new United Europe, you'll have a new understanding of the stresses and demands placed on a leader of a nation which is not only geographically larger than any of it's European counterparts, but is more culturally, linguistically, racially, geographically, religiously and politically diverse.
Linda, USA

Some of the American correspondents here seem to want it both ways. You can't claim that putting America's interest first is right for an American president, if you also want to claim credit as leader of the free world, sole superpower and general cleaner-upper/ world's policeman/ war-winner. Fact is, I suspect many places in the world might be happier places if the US had left them alone, certainly during the Cold War.

So, if GWB is no more than a US president, all he has to answer to is the American people (and their assessment appears divided). However, if his role is leader of the sole superpower leading the free world, then the rest of us, Europeans and all others, do have a right to comment on his first 100 days. The words bull and china shop spring to mind.
Silke Bernau, UK

I think Bush has one big fault. It is that he cares more for the rich than for the poor. It is not that I don't like the rich - it's just the poor need more help.
Dave Nelsom Mendanha, Canada

I voted for President Bush and am quite pleased with his performance so far

Sandra Pedersen, USA

I voted for President Bush and am quite pleased with his performance so far. Contrary to some opinions here, he has not tanked the economy, it tanked in March of 2000. He is not destroying the environment - Kyoto was dead in 1997. Arsenic is a red herring. Russia wants to be involved with the missile shield. We're developing closer ties with India. Hopefully we'll be bringing our boys home from the Balkans, which we never should have been involved with in the first place. We're going to create a vast open market throughout the Americas, and we have aggravated France. And, at this point in time, Australia is standing with us on Taiwan, after China challenged their ships in international waters. Someone in the Administration even met with a representative of the Taliban, and they might be willing to discuss Bin Laden. The fact of the matter is that neither party put forth a stellar candidate. Gore had 8 years to prove he was presidential material and couldn't do it.
Sandra Pedersen, USA

I shuddered when I heard that a would-be American president called Greeks, Grecian. What an insult to a nation that gave the West a foundation to rest its civilisation. As an Asian observer and naturally being concerned with Asian affairs, I think he should go easy on China and Taiwan. It's an internal affairs I think Bush should spend more time reading Western philosophy and more Chinese-related material. The Chinese have never being hegemonistic. They just want Taiwan back. I use to respect America but since he came on board, I think America is like a real bully, telling everybody how to behave.
Lim Soo How, Singapore

I am deeply saddened to this day that my vote was essentially disregarded and despite the fact that 500,000 more voted for Gore (possibly more had Florida been totally recounted) that this incapable, deceitful man is in charge of this country. He does NOT represent the views of the majority of the USA and NO Republican support can dispute those numbers! The day of reckoning will come in 2004 when the Republicans are dealt a crushing defeat. It's very dangerous for a county to have large amounts of disenfranchised young voters. I should know, I'm one of them.
Joseph W, USA

He's done very well in committing crimes against a defenceless country like Iraq, but terribly in regard to the environment, and should respect other countries around the world instead of being arrogant.
F Hadad, Iraq

He can't get his act together on foreign relations

Leora, USA

He has cut the budget monies for environmentally friendly electric programs, rejected a very sound scientific recommendation on lowering arsenic levels in the water, can't get his act together on foreign relations. He can't even get the State Dept and the Dept of the Military to agree if they even have a China policy. He wants to drill for oil all over the Rocky Mountains and forgot the latest oil pipeline leak in Alaska (April-2001) was due to corroded pipes. He won't support generic AIDs prescription medicines. He won't help third world countries with population control. He is demanding a budget that is going to cause more economic pain on those least able to stand it. AND he thinks that the Social Security System should participate in the stock market.
Leora, USA

The line from "Gladiator" says it best about President Bush: "Strength and Honour". By the way, that came down from the traditions of our English forefathers, last embodied in Margaret Thatcher. Too bad the Britain of Tony Blair and the EU have forgotten what that's all about. Guess you'll remember the next time the USA has to bail you out - just hope we have a President like Bush when it happens. He's a fine man, a fine leader, and much more intelligent than his critics will admit openly. "When you can't beat someone on principles, attack him personally" - this is the way of the Left, and the way of the weak. Will they ever learn?
Bob, USA

Bush is a power-hungry Republican...and a horrible speaker too!
Brian, USA

He has a diverse and talented new Administration

Mike Weir, USA

To the non-US critics of Bush's decision to pull out of Kyoto, it is a moot point. He could not get it past the Senate if he wanted to. Furthermore, the scientific community is not monolithic in its assessment of global warming. I think Bush is doing an excellent job as President. He has a diverse and talented new Administration. He is very aware of the power and limitations of the US Presidency. Regarding his worldview, he is the only President in my lifetime (possibly ever) who speaks another language other than English (Spanish). He gets a thumbs up from this voter so far and I'm glad I voted for him last November. To Ken Delashaw, get over it! Gore lost and Bush won. He is our President now and for the sake of the world he needs our support.
Mike Weir, USA

Bush may be all right as far as short-term goals are concerned, but I am not so sure that any modern civilisation would want to follow him. If even in prosperous times like this we are not responsible towards environment, equal rights for men and women, problems of people from other countries and similar issues, how can we expect to create a better world. GW doesn't seem to care about these things. I am sorry, but I don't think he represents the spirit of America.
K, US

Imagine that, the President of the USA is doing the job he was elected to do and putting US interests ahead of any other country. Why can't the UK find someone like that?
Frank Beesley, England

It seems no one in the US realises that Bush is alienating the USA from the rest of the world, do they care? When I hear people say he is the leader of the free world, I have got to laugh, great presidents and heads of state should led by example not be led by big business.
Jaffa, UK

I don't think we should be asking how well Bush is doing. It is quite clear that his agenda is not his own. I cannot credit the man with enough intelligence to actually make policy. It is also quite amusing to see so many Americans adopting to his hard line stance towards the rest of the world. It is easy to have such an opinion when one has not even heard of most of the other countries in the world. I would also like "Tom, USA" to clarify exactly what he means when he says that Bush's 'academic record is far better than Clinton's, Blair's or Gore's'.
Mikey W, UK

Please don't judge us by the man we did not elect

Andrew Grossman, US

To those of you living outside the US, please don't judge us by the man we did not elect, who's alienating our allies, souring our foreign relations, and making America more sickeningly conservative than it already was. I promise, we're not all as uninformed as our president; I mean, most of us didn't vote for him anyway!
Andrew Grossman, US

Bush did ok on China (but the spy plane is still there!) However, he is a disaster on the environment. Already he has reversed a campaign promise to reduce carbon monoxide emissions, abandoned the Kyoto treaty and delayed a rule that would have restricted the amount of arsenic in drinking water. Bush is pandering to his oil and big business buddies. This doesn't sound like a moral leader.
Grainne, USA

My main disappointment with Bush is that he is always trying to create a crisis to sell his policies such as his tax cut and his energy policy. He should be careful about talking down the economy and creating fear. He cried recession to get his $1.6 billion tax cut. When he got most of the tax cut he did an about turn and started to talk up the economy. He is now spreading fear about an impending energy crisis but refuses to reverse the effects of deregulation which brought the current crisis about, instead focusing on some far off idea of oil drilling in Alaska that will do nothing to solve the present problems.

As a Californian, I am extremely concerned about Bush ignoring an energy crisis that is affecting or will affect 24 US states. He is allowing the energy crisis to worsen so that people will desperately buy his Alaska oil drilling energy plan. I think Americans should be extremely concerned that Bush is willing to sacrifice ordinary people to satisfy the special interests and the wealthy who donated over a $100 million to get him elected. So much for compassionate conservatism.
Joan Fiver, USA

I voted for George Bush and am still happy to have done so

RICH GOLLNER, USA

I voted for George Bush and am still happy to have done so. I am not in 100% agreement with everything that has happened thus far, but I accept that, as a practical aspect of government and society in general. We work together and support those leaders who will get the best overall results in their term of office. Perhaps we should wait a little longer before we make our decisions about the US president and what kind of long-term impact he is going to have on the world. After all it is very easy to sit back and cry out about how the world should be run when one has not been handed authority and responsibility. I believe that many extremists (moral, environmental or whatever) would find that making the world perfectly safe and happy is a bit more difficult than they would have us think it is!
RICH GOLLNER, USA

He is insensitive, insolent and ignorant of global affairs. As the President of the United States he has failed in his commitment as a world leader to have great insight into pressing matters. It seems he is disillusioned with his position. A position so powerful should be filled with a more capable, knowledgeable and astute person. He is letting the world, American citizens and the environment down.
Frank, AUSTRALIA

Bush is dangerous. Not only has he broken the Kyoto treaty, refused to apologise to the Chinese over the spying incident but now he is going to anger Moscow among others by pushing forward with his missile system (breaking another treaty in the process) and risk sparking another arms race. He is concerned with no one but himself. I think the fact he didn't even have a decisive election victory says it all.
Sam, UK

Bush appears to have performed adequately. He isn't perfect and never professed that he was. I believe he was voted in because America wanted a higher sense of honesty and morality. (I found it sad that I had to try to explain some of Clinton's behaviour to my young child who listened to the news on TV). Bush by far represented those values better than his predecessor and his opposition. As to his refusal to commit to the Kyoto agreement - our government wasn't going to approve the agreement anyway (sad but true) so you should respect his honesty for telling the truth upfront. Bush's competitor for president unfortunately probably would have claimed to write the Kyoto agreement.
Mark Lehman, USA

We've always wanted business to finally take over and run the country

Darlene, USA

America finally has its "corporate president". We've always wanted business to finally take over and run the country. Lord knows, the regular politicians have made a mess of things. So why not give the MBAs a chance? Will they be able to save America from Americans? Social engineering by corporations, what will America think of next? Well, we did have an actor as president before...
Darlene, Calif, USA

As a Yank whose work takes him around the world, I feel that "Dubya" is failing to understand that the USA cannot stand alone, and cannot afford to alienate the rest of the world.
John Atkins, American in the UK

Bush is looking out for his own personal interests and has no course of action for the betterment of the global arena. Perhaps that's because he doesn't understand that the US is part of it and has an impact on the rest of the world? Either that or he just doesn't care is more like it. He's more interested, it seems, in ensuring profits for corporate America than he is about the people of his own country and of the world. This is clearly demonstrated by his complete lack and disregard of environmental policy. So now we live with this for at least 3 years and 9 more months. Definitely room for improvement.
Nancy J, USA

I find it hilarious that Europeans that live off the hard work and economic policies of the USA have the gall to insult GWB, and that ignorami (this includes US citizens brainwashed by our liberal media and universities) comment on our election even though they know nothing of our Constitution. The freeloaders of Europe will continue to bite the hand that feeds them. Europe and China loved Clinton because he sold the USA down the river to them for his own selfish reasons. Bush puts a stop to this, and Europe gets huffy.
Willis, USA

I cringe every time President Bush steps out to speak at a press conference

Elliott K, UK

I cringe every time President Bush steps out to speak at a press conference or similar. Perhaps this will change over time? His confidence appears minimal when discussing any topic in any detail. To add to this, his choice of words are at best confusing! This is not the image I expect of a US President.
Elliott K, UK

To all you people (myself included) who are outside the US and make comment about his performance. I'm sure he really doesn't care what YOU think of what he does. He was elected to represent the American people and, for what it's worth, I don't think he's doing such a bad job. We don't expect our government to represent America, and neither should we expect Bush to represent us.
Dave Tankard, UK

Mr Bush is about to totally despoil and endanger areas in our country with his harebrained ecological plans. He rates a big zero from me for the first 100 days of his presidency.
J E Masson PhD, USA

President Bush is doing an outstanding job ! He is exactly what the USA needs after the previous corruption we've had to endure for 8 years.
Richard Moreno, USA

I live in a small town in Colorado. The one thing I have noticed with Mr. Bush is that you can discuss until the cows come home with him but at the end of the day, he has a very set agenda of his own. Like all politicians I guess.
Robert Berwick, UK/US

I regret the fact that I supported the Bush campaign

Ann Clayton, USA

I regret the fact that I supported the Bush campaign. He may have some good intentions, but I don't feel confident in his ability. I can only hope that the American people can push hard against some of his recent decisions that misrepresent a lot of us. We are not all selfish and economy driven. We do care about the world around us and the problems others face.
Ann Clayton, USA

Shock horror! President Bush represents American interests over and above other nations' interests. Perhaps I missed the point - isn't that his job? At least he doesn't constantly hand over power to unelected bodies like a certain Mr Blair I could mention. He held his own against the Chinese over the spy plane. I can't say he's doing such a bad job.
John B, UK

I think a lot of people from Europe and around the world are misinformed about GW's position on environment - and for those who think that he is not actively involved in foreign policy I have a question: would you like GW to actively participate in the decision making process of your own country?(especially Europe). He is doing a great job , he is hands on the job, and he avoids the spotlight unlike other presidents and leaders.
Nick C, USA

In response to John, UK, the reason we want politicians to be 'morally pure' is so we can take their words at face value, and on that basis judge them. George Bush's policy on Kyoto, for instance, represents no actual change from the previous American policy, but it's now apparent to all what that policy is. Would it be better if he had continued the charade of pretending to support Kyoto, whilst doing nothing whatsoever to implement it?

Quite apart from that, George W. Bush's academic record is far better than Clinton's, Blair's or Gore's, so he's clearly not a man of 'low intellectual capacity'. He does appear to be a man with very little knowledge of, or experience with, things beyond America's shores, but in that respect actually reflects the majority of Americans, who have little interest in the outside world.
Tom, USA

Bush has done a really good job. He is an able administrator and, maybe to the dislike of some European leaders, represents the values and interests of typical Americans. Maybe he can't be lead around by Blair et.al. like Bill Clinton was (i.e. bombing Serbia) but that's a positive attribute. As for the Kyoto treaty, don't forget that the US Senate (which is half Democrat) voted 95 to 0 to reject that treaty. Even if Bush had wanted to support such a flawed proposal, to do so would be to go against the will of the public.
Mike McNew, US citizen, reside in Sweden

Has the US gone back 20 years on the evolutionary spectrum, or what? The Bush administration is ignorant, selfish and tribal. Please America, start thinking a little further ahead than next months value of the Dow.
Andrew Fox, New Zealander living in Germany

The US media focus is and always has been on home affairs

Iddy, UK

When I go to the states, which is quite often, I am always astonished at the lack of foreign news coverage. And what little there is spun to cater for delicate American palates. The US media focus is and always has been on home affairs, regardless of the nation's status as the only world superpower. So it's hardly surprising that Bush's popularity at home is growing, his people are basically unaware of the havoc he's causing all over the world.
Iddy, UK

Why do we in the UK, and our friends in the USA, want our politicians to be morally pure? That's not what politicians are for. If we want moral guidance, let us look to our religious leaders, not our politicians, who are there to run the country. Fortunately for George, low intellectual capacity does not seem to preclude one from achieving high political office. Oh, by the way, I think he's doing a terrible job!
John, UK

What we appear to have in GW is something we haven't seen since before World War 1 - a US President determined to give precedence to what he and his advisors see as American interests. We can shake our fists as much as we like, but in truth we can only sit and watch an experiment in government by business, for business in the modern age. Interesting times.
Craig Harry, England

George Bush is doing an excellent job. He has changed the tone in Washington and now when the Democrats speak their words ring so hollow and their anger is so out of step with normal Americans. George Bush will be remembered as one of the great U.S. Presidents.
Melinda Gilbertson, USA

We have a person who knows how to lead

Doug P, USA

Recently, a seemingly honourable man was elected President of the United States. After 8 years of a decidedly immoral "man" as president, that was a breath of fresh air. But what impresses me most is that we have a person who knows how to lead. Someone who makes us proud to be citizens of this country and who we can tell others around the world, "George Bush is our President" and not have to hide our faces while saying it.
Doug P, USA

George W. Bush said in an interview: 'My job Is to set priorities'. Whose priorities?
Indra, Belgium

We love the dignity and honour shown by President Bush's conduct in office. Those are the elements of leadership that endure despite policy and issue disputes.
H. J. Hill, USA

I think Colin Mitchell's remarks are very accurate. From my point of view, living here in the USA, I can add that Bush was not elected by us, the citizens of our country. We did not have a choice in who we wanted for President. I hope people in other countries realise this fact and do not hold Americans responsible for the Bush administration's destructive and disrespectful acts to other peoples, countries, our fast-disappearing species and the world's environment.
Steve, USA

He has given the Brazilian people the green light to gut the Amazon, he has angered many non-US countries and he has committed the US to fighting China over Taiwan. If the scale of measure is harm per unit of time, then he is doing quite well.
Pete Swinford, USA

I am worried about the next four years under this immature administration. America has made a fatal mistake by alienating itself from the rest of the world. Greatness does not lie in pathological defence of the nation but rather in total respect for all other nations.
Anne Nyquist, American and Irish citizen.

It is too early to say anything, but his childlike smile is becoming more confident with time. I also believe that with the exception of some hasty steps (in the beginning) in bombing Iraq and provoking China he is doing pretty well.
Agha Ata, USA

He is a dangerous and ignorant man

Janet F., England

The man scares me to death. He has already reversed his position on many issues, especially the environment. To be honest, I think his advisors are the ones running the country. The man can hardly deliver a speech without some sort of gaff.
Lisa R, USA

Bush the great pretender. He is a dangerous and ignorant man. A selfish leader for a generally selfish country.
Janet F., England

The USA is out of step with the rest of the world and its past history indicates it will make another political mistake. Taiwan has no political friends except one, the USA. Taiwan (or Formosa) is technically Chinese territory. If the USA wants a war with China over Taiwan then let it go ahead but don't drag your so called allies along with you. The USA has so long confused political issues (democracy verses communism) and while it thinks it is supporting democracy in the short term, many of those democratic governments it aided and abetted were worse despots than the ones they replaced. The USA hasn't got it right yet.
Peter Haslett, Australia

Bush seems to be only interested in USA. He looks like a selfish person.
Andy, Canada

The only people in this country that admire him are getting mixed messages from the media. That is why the polls give him high approval ratings, but low ratings as far as human concerns. The polls alone tell the story of mass confusion regarding this person.
Tammy, USA

We should apologize to all that we have in some convoluted way permitted this frat boy to become the "leader of the free world". Bush is another Reagan who governs by tele-prompter and committee and has no independent clue about any issue whatsoever. Please be understanding for the next few years. Our Supreme Court chose this guy not us.
Ken Delashaw, USA

While many people have praised Bush for his revival of industry and patriotism, it is undoubtedly important to consider his stand on global warming. Where Clinton would have recognised the vitality of European views towards the global environment, Bush is trying to please his own people in the short term. It would also be necessary to notice the overall presence with which President Bush is viewed by the media. He seems to have escaped a bad press for now, but appears to be thinking on a very narrow level regarding his power. Power rather than intelligence.
Adam Bell, England, UK

It's worse than I thought. I wonder why he didn't commit to the Kyoto agreement, he would have had an occasion to try and buy underdeveloped countries' share of non-pollution...
Zoltan Bartalis, Canada/Sweden

I am very pleased with Bush's honesty and practicality in the first hundred days. It's amazing how people who criticize Bush's presidency so far simply repeat the rantings of the liberal media. Can anyone think for themselves anymore? The facts are that only three countries had signed the Kyoto accord, and none of them were the major powers who publicly denounced the US for not signing.
Rick, USA

The US people seem to have got the president who reflects their own indecision

David, UK

I remember staying up for most of the night, listening to the results of the US election coming in, and then waking up the next morning to find the result in doubt, and the next morning and the next.

The US people seem to have got the president who reflects their own indecision. Does he suppport Taiwan or not? Does he support democracy and human rights or not. Sooner or later he is going to have to support either Taiwan or China, and by his vagueness and little gaffs such as promising Taiwan submarines he cannot supply, he risks alienating both sides
David, UK

I am very pleased with Bush thus far. He has shown true leadership through a challenging first 100 days, hey, leading the only superpower is not an easy job. Not bowing to the Chinese, Europeans et al, only strengthened his position with many Americans. The liberal bend will always complain, it's their way and as for the Brits who are complaining so, you'd have to live here!!It's great!
Brian Coury, USA

I find it interesting how people seem to blame Bush for not committing to the Kyoto agreement when the Senate voted 95-0 against the treaty in 1997. I live in Cleveland, Ohio, where it is cloudy, calm, and flat. So where are you to get electricity from if the enviromentialists refuse to allow nuclear power plants to be built?
Jonathan Rupp, USA

With a leader like Bush I wonder whether in 50 years the sun will be shining on the US or whether the smog clouds will be obscuring it!!
Tez Houghton, UK

Bush does seem to be lacking the international respect which accompanied Clinton and his father, but time should rectify that

Gemma, England

Given the separation of powers in the US, any president is going to struggle to impose any distinguishing characteristics upon policy. That said, I believe Bush has made a reasonably positive start, sticking with the agenda which brought him into office, and not allowing himself to be manipulated by too many distracting interest groups. He seems to be gaining the respect of Congress thanks to his sensible staff appointments. Bush does seem to be lacking the international respect which accompanied Clinton and his father, but time should rectify that.
Gemma, England

President Bush's failure to ratify the Kyoto Protocol will come back to haunt him. I don't think his administration, or the American populace for that matter, has grasped the gravity of this issue. It's a shame that the Americans can't put their considerable resources behind something of real value to ALL of us.
Simon, Norway

President Bush is a man who is passionate about his presidency.His first 100 days in office revealed that he is a man of his words.He has been charismatic, sincere, hardworking, honest and a visionary. It takes courage to take some of the bold decisions he has taken in the few days he has been in office.

If this is not a sign of strength or demonstration of able leadership, what else is it? The new leadership has brought morality and respect back to the oval office and augurs well for the future of this great nation
Denny Koshy, USA

I think Bush was right to stand up against China. But he is wrong with environmental concerns, resources are running down too fast.
David Clorley, United Kingdom

I am so proud of our new administration and hope all Americans feel the same

Mike, USA

Yes, the United States is the most powerful country on the planet. We now have a president, and a government that will stop appeasing those that think otherwise. The USA won the Cold War and saved Europe with litle or no help from the Europeans. I am so proud of our new administration and hope all Americans feel the same. It is sad to read the comments of those citizens of the UK who seem to have forgotten World War II. Here comes the sun, shining on the most beautiful and powerful country in the world.
Mike, USA

"Saved Europe with litle or no help from the Europeans." Even if you ignore the years of the war prior to the joinging of US then it is ignorant and plain wrong to suggest such a thing. Personally I'm sad to that George W isn't the only person in the US with a severe lack of knowledge in such important areas.
Col M, UK

Perhaps the USA might be the most powerful country on the planet, but why vote in one of the weakest and least able world leaders for the rest of the world to openly see the insecurities of your country and it's polices. All hail the first amendment.
Matt H, United Kingdom

Mike in USA hit the nail square on the head concerning the Bush administration. We now have another Ronnie Reagan in the White House who is making us feel good about ourselves again after being picked on by the likes of Cuba and Iraq. We've won every war for everybody in the history of the ungrateful world. So as long as we feel good about ourselves, we don't have to do any thinking. That's why we elect Reagans and Bushes; the brainless, elected by the thoughtless end up doing the unthinkable.
Brian Keener, USA

I think Bush's approach to both domestic and world matters has been pragmatic, and compares favourably with Clinton's first 100 days in office! It is refreshing to know that decency and respect will be returned to the White House. I'd like to remind 'Mike' that many British people have not forgotten World War 2, nor America's huge contribution. I'd like to think however, that we offered more than 'little or no help' in the Cold War.
Matthew Wilde, Britain

Bush is an embarrassment for the US, not only because of his ignorance but also because of his policies. However, we as Americans probably deserve this because of our collective ignorance and apathy. And most Americans seem to have no idea how conservative they really are. It has been said many times that it takes a crisis or catastrophe to get Americans to wake up and pay attention, ... and vote. I wonder what it will take.
Terry H, US

This is a man who has character

Simon Cameron, UK

George W Bush will go down in history as the first US president to appoint an African American to the second most powerful job in the world. In the watchful eyes of the non-white community of America, a community for so long disenfrachised and silenced, in spite of how it may posture otherwise, for this single act he will be regarded as a hero who can do no wrong and whose eccentricities are ultimately nothing more than endearing human foibles.

In a country where the race issue has for so long been its Achilles heel, his salute to the African American has accelerated the American people through a quantum leap in social values. He brought the detainees home by showing he could say sorry. Maestro of expedience or not, this is a man who has character.
Simon Cameron, UK

I find it remarkable that the number one criticism all you Europeans have of Bush is that he puts American interests before all others. That's why we elected him to be OUR president. How about you stop worrying about the USA's politics and mind your own business?
James N, USA

Bush is a man of no experience. His ability to run the States is questionable. It seems to me, he's actually being told what to do by people surrounding him - luckily, people who are aware of how things go. I can not say that Bush did so, or didn't do so. I can say his advisers did a reasonable job.

Bush has done nothing to the Middle East crisis, and his handling of the China incident was "okay". Yet, he could have been better should he choose not to go ahead with the arms-sales deal with Taiwan. At least not at this point in time, when people of both nations (USA's and China's) hardly "sighed" after the plane crisis was supposedly resolved. Bush is a phenomenon that can only exist in America!
Moataz M Abou-Eita, Egypt

Perhaps the most depressing aspect of Bush's reign so far is his apparent popularity in the US. His chid-like and arrogant attitude towards the rest of the world should be an embarrassment to any intelligent and responsible nation.
James Davis, UK

It is clear that Bush is not interested in the development of people, like Clinton was

Mpaphi Kuswani, UK

I was really confused by his advancement to the leadership after a struggle. It is clear that Bush is not interested in the development of people, like Clinton was. We will miss Bill Clinton. Bush needs to change, otherwise he is leading to a disastrous future. Look what happened recently in China and he issues threats to the Chinese Government and let alone the people.
Mpaphi Kuswani, United Kindom

Bush, out of the blue, declares that China is the US's "number one enemy." About a week later, during the spy plane crisis, he states, without a hint of irony, that China's refusal to release the plane's crew "risks damaging US-Sino relations." How could anyone have even considered voting for this man?
CK, UK

Dubya needs all the support he can get to fight the new cold war against China. Looks bad from here in Oz.
Rod Butcher, Australia

What people in other parts of the world will not know is that thousands are being turned out of work each day. All this has started since Bush came to office. Now people are just glad to have a job. The corporations are free to do what they like. Is this a coincidence. NO! I say.
John, USA

People seem to expect too much from Bush, and this is leaving them disappointed. The disappointments are mainly due to errors about what is in a president's power to achieve. For instance, the reaction to his decision about the Kyoto agreement bordered on hysteria; many people seemed to think he was in a position to implement it on his own. In fact, he knew the Senate would never pass it (even most Democrats were against it) and he simply didn't want to waste his efforts in grandstanding. A refreshing change from Clinton in that respect.
Andrew Denny, UK

Many people feared that a George Bush presidency would be selfish, mean, greedy, ignorant and dangerous. They have been proved right. I would have thought that a president whose legitimacy is in doubt (he shouldn't be in the White House - he lost) would tread very carefully. Instead Bush is rapidly turning the US into the biggest rogue state in the world.
Rob Williams, UK

The first 100 days of the bush presidency have in my opinion been exemplary. With regards to our environmental and domestic policy president bush has exhibited a degree of practicality long absent in the leadership of western countries. Abroad the president and his cabinet have also done a superb job. Not backing down when our interests were challenged and not fowling up royally as President Clinton did in most of is foreign policy ventures.
Jake Peterson, USA

He surrounded himself with extremely able individuals

Alan Bailey, Atlanta, USA

As a Brit living in the US I am increasingly impressed with President Bush more and more each day. Not only has he surrounded himself with extremely able individuals (particularly Cheney and Powell) but he shows a statesman like quality that has been sadly lacking from the previous incumbent of his office. It is good for the whole free world that we do have Mr Bush in the White House rather than the previous incumbant.
Alan Bailey, Atlanta, USA

He's done reasonably well, I guess. But he still occupies a position for to he was NOT elected.
George Flaxman, United Kingdom

His handling of the Chinese was balanced

G. Cooper, England

So far, so (reasonably) good. His handling of the Chinese was balanced and his refusal to cave-in to "green" hysteria has been admirable. There may be some disappointment on the US right that he isn't conservative enough - but that remains to be seen. Britain will have to be careful, though. With the Europhile centre-left in power here, Bush may well sideline the UK. If we wish to remain close allies with the US we will need to work at the relationship - which may be difficult with so much anti-US sentiment in 'New' Labour and some of the media.
G. Cooper, England

In 100 days we have seen how much control big business has over Bush. Little-reported moves include ending government legal challenges to tobacco companies, and scrapping a range of work-safety measures. Big business bought Bush's election campaign, and has bought Bush's policies.
Matthew Treherne, UK

We all knew what he was like and what we would be getting before he came to office. Do we really expect anything more from somebody who's only been in politics for 6 years??
Ryan, UK

I was disgusted to learn that GW Bush is putting America's energy "requirements" over the common good of the planet. The number of Americans who apparently support Bush's policies is astonishing and not a little alarming.
Megan W, New Zealand

Bush overall has not had a bad first hundred days, although the China crisis could have been handled without defeat and the very direct support of Taiwan could prove to be very dangerous. Also I believe his decision not to pursue the tobacco law suit is misguided, but what do you expect when you put a Republican in the White House?
Jason Lind, Wisconsin, USA

As someone who feels as if I have an illegally elected President, I am deeply distraught. Bush has been working hard at repealing workers' rights, environmental laws and human rights. It's amazing that the leader of the free world also takes this hands-off policy at trying to stabilise the world we live in.
Larry Merritt, USA

If this is going to be the trend for the net four years then God help us all

Tom OD, UK

No, GWB has caused havoc. His country is in economic depression, he has already attacked Iraq, he has almost started another Cold War with China, he sells arms to Taiwan. To me this does not sound like a good start for a new President. If this is going to be the trend for the net four years then God help us all.
Tom OD, UK

Bush has a strong team of advisors who are running around clearing up after him, but it won't be long before he gets us all into serious trouble.
Nic, UK

I am an American who lives in the UK. I voted for Bush on a Florida absentee ballot and was over the moon when he was FINALLY elected. I think he has so far been an excellent president. I like his views on taxation in particular and think he will prove to be one of the most popular presidents in time.
Kathy, UK

I just want to tell the good people of the U.K. that not all Americans and Texans are as belligerent as Mr. Bush. I am embarrassed at his sabre-rattling and his stance on the environment. The only good thing about his presidency is that we no longer have the idiot as governor of Texas.
Jane Bedford, State of Texas, USA

I would George W. Bush a 9 out of 10 for his performance to date

Colin Cope, USA

President Bush is doing a wonderful job...best since President Ronald Reagan. Have heard nothing negative about President Bush since he took office. Only wish he would communicate better with the American people, on TV or elsewhere. Present Clinton was one of the best communicators of out time. I would George W. Bush a 9 out of 10 for his performance to date.
Colin Cope, USA

I wasn't expecting too much from Bush, and I've got to say he hasn't disappointed me.... from foreign affairs to the environment to law and order, he has shown himself to be way out of his depth.... it could only happen in America (I hope)
Luke, UK

Has Bush done well? Apart from managing to annoy the Russians, Chinese and the Arabs as well as infuriating the rest of the developed world with his environmental policy. Apart from all that he's done alright.
Mike, UK

I have yet to see a person cause so many troubles in so little time. A good leader in today's world has to have the ability to negotiate a peaceful end to any conflict
Norberto Vencovsky, USA

George W Bush must be the worst president the US has ever had. And that is saying something! In the few days since he took office, he has managed to alienate most of the rest of the world.
Sylvain Godfroid, Belgium

Thank God for Bush! Finally someone who will stand up to the Green Stalinists and the Metropolitan Liberals, I wish him all the best!
M.P.Marshall, UK

He is simply a puppet for US corporate interests

Phil Saum, UK

Bush has confirmed our deepest fears - that he is simply a puppet for US corporate interests. How quickly we all seem to have forgotten the Reagan era!
Phil Saum, UK

Bush is doing a good job as far as corporate America is concerned. He's dumped the Kyoto agreement because his 'buddies' in the oil industry say it'll hurt their profits to make them clean up their own mess. He's also helped his defence contractor 'buddies' by agreeing to sell high profile arms to Taiwan, he'll be appearing in Ford and GM car adverts next!! The man is an idiot and has proved in his first 100 days that he's nothing more than a spokesman for the people who bankrolled his campaign, who now want their payback. Good investment for them, bad for the rest of world.
Peter, UK

For a second generation President he is doing pretty well. I'm more curious about what his son and heir will be like when he continues the family tradition and inherits this post.
Guy Robinson, UK

In 100 days he has made it clear that the most powerful country in the world is being run by a handful of tobacco and oil companies. God help us all.
Tom, UK

Bush gets 10/10 for refusing to be cowed by the environmentalists

Sean, UK

Bush gets 10/10 for refusing to be cowed by the environmentalists and other members of the liberal political elite. Sadly the chances of William Hague doing the same to the C4 News / Guardian-reading classes in the UK are still very small.
Sean, UK

The only thing that can be called a minor success is the return of our airmen. Otherwise, Bush is running our country into the ground with lame, washed-out ideas that failed the first time, and "compassionate" conservatism that does nothing but destroy the environment and cripple the less advantaged for the benefit of corporations. He is an international embarrassment on an even greater scale than his father was.
Jason Curry, Maine, USA

He's tried all he could to remove what Bill Clinton has left, and that includes the good things that he left!
Bils, London, UK

His foreign policy is unfathomable

Sharon B, UK

Bush's presidency is worrying. His current problems with China are a serious concern and seem to be a modern day parallel to the Cuban Missile Crisis when Russia determined to base weapons near the American coast. This time however the tables are turned and America is the threat to China. One would hope that modern leaders would learn from history, but sadly it seems not. Bush pulling out of the Kyoto agreement was a dismal shock.
Sharon B, UK

Much as I had expected: a gung-ho idiot with little regard for anything beyond America's corporate and economic well-being.
Tom Whalley, U.K.

I find Bush's refusal to ratify the Kyoto agreement obscene and unimaginably more alarming then any personal errors committed by the previous president. Furthermore Bush's self-provoked hostility with China and his failure to build on the peace initiatives in the Middle East and Ireland will cause the unemployment of countless more Americans than he could possibly hope to gain by supporting heavily polluting industries.
Peter Bernard, Belgium

I'm incredibly embarrassed that this cowboy is our President

Joel Morse, USA

To be honest, I'm incredibly embarrassed that this cowboy is our President. He's a right wing conservative in a moderate's clothing. I find it sad that in just 100 days he can dismantle environmental gains, offer an absurd tax cut of which 40% goes to the richest 1%, and continually embarrass us in front of the world. Most recently, at the summit in Quebec, he stated that he wouldn't be taking questions, "not in English, not in French, not in Mexican." It's no wonder that he lost our popular vote by nearly half a million.
Joel Morse, USA

It seems strange to me that ordinary Americans would vote in someone who cares most about big business interests and considerably less about the average person. But that's what they asked for, and that's what he's been supplying.
Ian, UK

The so-called president is leading this country towards a 2-tier society. His economic policy is wiping out the middle class. He is giving huge tax cuts to the wealthy, and destroying our environment. As I told a friend, If you liked the Dark Ages, you will love the Bush years.
Mje, USA

The US, like all representative democracies, get the government they deserve.
Stephen Davey, UK

The new administration has little or no feel for global politics

Graham Fuller, UK

I feel the new administration has little or no feel for global politics. Bush displays all the qualities of a man who wishes to appeal to the American mass home politics market by advocating an almost antagonistic approach to world affairs. The US takes great pride to remind us all that they are the global superpower, I do not feel however that Bush has the wit or wisdom to think further than his own backyard!
Graham Fuller, United Kingdom

Bush is setting a dangerous policy on foreign affairs and the environment. Global condemnation seems to mean nothing to him. Let's hope that the arrogance of his administration wears off soon before some lasting damage is done.
Mark M, UK

He has alienated his European allies

Colin Mitchell, UK

Bush's first 100 days in the White House have certainly been good for corporate America. Businesses that gave money to the Republican coffers have been generously rewarded eg oil companies gave vast sums of money to the Bush campaign and now they can drill in what were areas protected because of their beauty and environmental value. I think Bush has done a dreadful job. His claims to have been a compassionate conservative have proved to be bankrupt. He has slashed welfare for America's poorest and now wants to cut spending in other areas too. He has alienated his European allies over his stance on Kyoto and NMD. He could very easily draw America into a conflict with the Chinese over Taiwan. The sooner Bush and his right-wing cohorts leave office the better for America and our planet's future.
Colin Mitchell, UK

The latest scientific report on the ozone layer predicts that due to our continued burning of fossil fuels, the world will not be a pleasant place to live in 50 years. Despite this, Bush refuses to commit the USA to the Kyoto agreement to cut back on fossil fuel burning on short-term economic grounds. There will be no economy in 50 years if the science is right. This decision alone in the first 100 days of his presidency proves Bush is a self-interested disaster to the world at large.
Douglas Allan, UK