George Bush at The Republican Convention

By David  J. Oates
September 2004

The study of Reverse Speech over the years has yielded many insights into the minds of our political leaders. Of no exception to this is United States President, George W. Bush.

In previous articles on this website, we have noted several trends in the reversals of George Bush, such as an edge that is first seen during the 2000 election campaign. As he talked about the murder of a black man, he delivered a reversal that said, “Hide the filthy nigger.” This continues throughout his presidency with reversals of contempt against both the Senate and Congress – “Senate, they’re all first year losers,” and “Choke the fuckers now” when he was talking about Congress.

We have noted that Bush is a strong leader. We see this with reversals after 911 such as. “Sky, see the limit with terror,” “I am avowed”, and “I must reveal the law.”  We noted his resolve to move into Iraq as early as 2002 with reversals like “Mess Iraq,”  “Begin with Iraq,” and Kill them with the friendly London.” On domestic issues, we have noted that Bush appears to be incongruent with reversals such as “You cant do it,” and “Renege on it.” as he talked about tax cuts for the middle class, and  “We’re doubtful we will beat them," as he talked about combating corporate corruption.

Now we have his speech at the Republican National Convention in September 2004 to examine. The first thing to note is the appearance of many reversals in  this speech, which historically is unusual for George Bush who tends to have few reversals. This tells us that he was emotional and passionate as he spoke. This passion is seen as he begins his acceptance speech. He says forwards, “I’m running with a compassionate conservative philosophy, that government should help people improve their lives, not try to run their lives,” and then says in reverse, “Give the Soul.” This indicates that he is about to bare his heart and soul to us. 

The next significant reversal we hear appears as he is talking about the American tax code. He says backwards "Demonic Iran." This is out of context with the forwards and suggests that his mind is preoccupied with other things, maybe war with Iran. This incongruity continues as he talks about other domestic issues. Continuing with the American tax code he says backwards, "High crime with the law," - as he is talking about creating new American housing, he delivers a reversal that says, “More harm.” Further, he shows disdain as talks about retirement security and says backwards, "That idiot, not worthy." And when he is talking about children's education, he says backwards, "I am a fake."

This is not a good track record and shows a man who statements on these issues cannot be trusted.

When it comes to matters of war, we hear a concerning reversal as he says forwards “We have fought the terrorists across the earth not for pride not for power but because the lives of our citizens are at stake." In reverse he says, “Now for fun.” This reversal indicates that part of him actually enjoys, or has fun, fighting the terrorists.

Further on, as he talks about advancing liberty in the broader Middle East, he says in reverse, “War first, we failed.” Clearly, his priorities are with war. He also sees trouble ahead for the American troops. Whether this knowledge is conscious or unconscious is indeterminate at this stage, but as he talks about the troops returning home with honour, he says in reverse, “Nerve ahead.” As he talks about training troops from other countries he says backwards, "Here succumb," indicating defeat. In yet another reversal he says, “Hurry, burn us,” which makes one wonder if indeed his unconscious mind is actually wanting or creating war for whatever reason of its own.

In another instance, as he says forwards, "We are serving a vital and historic cause that will make our country safer," he says backwards, "A gamble." And then as he says, “Our men and women in uniform are doing a superb job for America,” he delivers a reversal that says, "The camouflage." This suggests some facts are being hidden.

Also of concern is this reversal. As he talks forwards about victory in Afghanistan, he says in reverse “I need brief from no one.” Or, he will makes up his own mind on these issues, sometimes ignoring the advice of others.

So, this speech continues the theme found in other Bush reversals over the years. Incongruent on domestic issues, preoccupied with war, and now he is predicting or creating disaster with poorly advised policies.

Finally, he delivers an amusing reversal as he talks about allies in the broader Middle East. Backwards he says, "You'll see McDonalds."

The great American icon, it seems, is safe!

Note: You can hear all these reversals by clicking  here