September 28, 2005

Expert measures effects of three presidents in the spotlight

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Using former presidents to help rally the country after a national or global tragedy has its political pluses and minuses, says a Purdue University presidential expert.

"Asking former presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush to lead the fund-raising efforts following two natural disasters – Asia's tsunami and the South's Hurricane Katrina has worked well for current President George W. Bush," says Buddy Howell, an instructor of communication. "Former presidents' 'official capital' is rooted in prestige from holding office and is not tarnished by partisan politics. This is different than the current president's 'political capital,' which is affected by whether he keeps other politicians and the public happy."

However, Howell says while the current president is praised for looking beyond party lines and asking for help from a former Democratic leader, there could be consequences in the future.

"The political liabilities cut both ways," he says. "Some Republicans are criticizing Bush for providing a platform from which Clinton can promote his own global initiative in fighting poverty, as well as his wife's re-election campaign for Congress and potential presidential candidacy.

"And only time well tell how much Bush and the Republican Party benefit from relying on the Democratic predecessor in these situations."

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723 apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Buddy Howell, (765) 494-7781, bhowell@cla.purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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