WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush continues to enjoy the support of the American people for his prosecution of the war against terrorism. His job rating on the war effort remains just under 90 percent, where it has been since it all began. The military successes in Afghanistan have quelled concerns that had begun to be raised during the preparatory phases. Now that American forces have entered the fray and the Taliban have dissembled, the success on the ground has reassured the electorate that the Bush program is succeeding.
Part of the reason for his success is based on the supporting cast. The members of the Bush war Cabinet are handling their obligations with skill and they are explaining their policies to the American people with great eloquence. Their communications skills have been helpful in maintaining the support Bush enjoys.
The two stars of the Cabinet effort are U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Interestingly, both men were thought to be ineffective and in some major difficulty throughout the summer. It is said that while Rumsfeld was a weak secretary of defense he has been a great secretary of war. His best line so far was an answer to a reporter's question about the rules of engagement for the American warriors on the ground in Afghanistan: "Simple," said Rumsfeld. "If they look like they need shooting, then shoot them."