Germany

Schroeder Mimics Bush - then Promptly Goes Belly-Up in Polls!
01-Oct-03
Germany

In September, Bush had a much-publicized photo-op with German chancellor Schroeder in which he declared the two men had patched up their differences and were now best buddies. Schroeder has even started using Bush tactics: revive the economy by slashing social programs, villify liberals, and attack opponents like a nasty seventh-grader. Here's a description of a recent Bush-wannabe Schroeder government session: "It was the most horrible session I have ever experienced in ten years on the committee," Andrea Nahles, spokeswoman for the party's left wing, told Der Tagesspiegel newspaper. "Mr Schroeder and other cabinet members just subjected the left to personal attacks. It was a hammerblow." Schroeder's reward: a dive in the polls.