President Bush: the toll of the years

Over a period of eight years in the White House, every president changes.

The results are internal and external.

Here are two pictures demonstrating the toll of the years on President George W. Bush: The hair more gray, the wrinkles pronounced.

The first, in the initial weeks of his presidency, shows a confident Bush at a Townsend, Tenn., elementary school on Feb. 21, 2001. The Twin Towers were still standing. The American economy was still standing tall. Here is a president on top of the world.

 

The second, below, shows the president in the Rose Garden on Oct. 14, 2008, speaking to reporters. The topic was the financial rescue package.

The eyes, the forehead, the hair: the toll of the job can be fierce.

-- James Gerstenzang

Photos: Top, Kenneth Lambert / Associated Press. Bottom, Alex Wong / Getty Images

Comments

[gregory]

Before or after, it's the vacant stare of the idiot sociopath looking out. Too bad the job didn't do the damage to that war criminal he's done to the rest of the world.

[Squigman]

The amazing difference in the looks of the two pictures pales in comparision to what the economy looked like when this idiot took office, and the way the economy looks today. Why the American people voted this administration in ( not once but twice ) is beyond my ability to comprehend. And, I'd like to know why after making such a mess of our country and society, he's been allowed to stay in office? I doubt that history will be as kind to the Bush years, as the people of the nation have been gulable.

[Squigman]

The difference between the two pictures of Bush, pale in comparison to what the economy looked like when he took office and now. In my opinion, history will not be as kind to Bush, or his administration as the people were gullible when voting for him in 2000 or 2004.

[Timber]

Presidents need to think carefully before pursuing a second term in office. Think about their health and their reputation before history. I don't doubt Bush now wishes he'd bowed out after his first.

Someone told me before the election that they were afraid that Bush would refuse to leave, and I replied that the problem was in fact the opposite - that he seems more like a guy whose bags are already packed and waiting by the door.

[Kambiz]

This idiot didn't have a care in the world while president, he was all about showing off how presidential and tough he was, not about actually being a president. His worn looks are a result of natural aging; with all the damage and chaos he inflicted, if he had any remorse or feelings, he should now look like a shriveled raisin.

[flip]

the more important question is - did he figure out those math problems by himself? is that why he's smiling?

[Frank]

At least he's still alive, which is more than can be said for the soldiers he sent off to die so that he could prove his manhood to his daddy.

[dutchstyle]

Great idear for a last post. Not to be picky, but ifthere is a better "before" picture, closer up to make the comparison with the latter even more clear?

As for the "toll" in the latter, I guess it is possible that some minute traces of responsibility have penetrated his fog. Or, f course, he could just be lamenting all that lost golf?

[Kayla]

It's sad how many people will just waste their life complaining about someone. People can be so negative, but he still was and is our President.. take some pride in that. You think you are so right in what you say and so justififed because he was bad, but what does it help to write words that criticize our nations leader? Good or bad I will still respect the man. Did he make bad decision? yes But so does everyone. And I don't recall any more terrorist attacks since 9/11.. because he did do his job there. The president is not the sole reason for our economy's status. I don't agree with all of Obama's things, mainly because he is Democrat but I will respect him as my leader and the leader of our nation and not run my mouth to undermind him so that I give the rest of the world permission to do so as well. I take pride in the fact that I am an American and have free speech but I won't waste it to be petty and regress back to childhood and say things I think are witty and funny to impress others. I will have more self control than that.

[barbara]

Some people are so rude and ignorant. Bush was a good president, he was never about showing off, you'll see that the next 4 years, starting with a $150 million dollar inauguration. Bush was a good president trying to protect this country. You should thank him that you did not have a war on this land. If he hadn't started war and lets say we had another terrorist attack here he would be criticized as well because you can satisfy those pessimist people. I don't think out next president is ready for running a country but I will still pray for God to give him wisdom.

[Joe]

I'd like to see all of you try to be the president. You don't know the seriousness of what he was briefed about everyday.