For the media, though, it's a major-league minus. Most journalists understood that the Bush administration was unlikely to produce the fireworks of the scandal-scarred Clinton years. While the newscasts granted Bush 7 hours 42 minutes, Clinton received 15 hours 2 minutes in 1993. This, it turns out, is no accident. When people see President Bush on television, they know the issue's important.
Less exposure equals more impact.
There was a dilution of our predecessor's bully-pulpit prowess by virtue of its overuse. There is a satisfaction with how the president is getting his message out, evidenced in increased support for his tax cut. Clinton would just get out there and talk about anything, any time, any place. There's a definite prez-fatigue. We've had scandal after scandal and the election that wouldn't die.