He didn't listen to the speech in which Jeffords explained his departure. On national TV, Bush's senior advisers insisted that Bush wouldn't modify his agenda. Instead, the White House will step up its earlier effort to pressure senators in precarious seats to back the unchanged Bush program. Four days later, the Post published a memo from a coalition of businesses lobbying for the Bush energy plan. On this theory, perception creates reality.
Success breeds success.
The pulpit makes the bully. A president builds clout by wielding it. Momentum justifies a company's share price. Buy, and others will buy. Display confidence, and you'll win the confidence of others.