Classroom Publication

Stupidity, failure, embarrassment, foolish, these are just some of the words used to describe what students at the University at Albany believe will be President Bush's legacy once he leaves office.

Bush has recently set a record for his unpopularity. Bush has been able to reach a disapproval rating of over 70 percent. Before Bush, the record for the highest disapproval rating belonged to President Harry Truman in 1952, it was at 67 percent. Bush managed to reach over 70 percent three times in 2008.

 "Idiocy, stupidity," said UAlbany junior Monique Gaston, 20, from Staten Island, N.Y., when asked what she believed President Bush's legacy will be. "He was too interested in faith based initiatives and not with what would serve the greater good."

"I think he will be remembered as a president so unpopular that he was able to get our first black president elected," said UAlbany junior Eliyse Burnes, 20, from Saratoga, NY.

"It's more likely he will be known as a president who left his country significantly weaker then when he inherited it," said UAlbany senior Ian Rossi, 21, from Horse Heads, N.Y.

Students compared Bush's presidency to former Republican President Richard Nixon. Bush currently has a higher disapproval rating, 66 percent, than when Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal.

"Many people won't remember him as a good president or say anything good about his presidency, like Nixon," said UAlbany senior Adam Lehn, 21, from Arkville, N.Y.

Only 16 percent of Americans believe the country is currently headed in the right direction.

"Our poor economic state of the country is an example of what Bush will be remembered for," said UAlbany senior Michelle Swanson, 21, of Newburgh, N.Y.

Students were hard-pressed to think of anything positive President Bush will be remembered with accomplishing during his time in office.

"I'm sure there's something," said Lehn. "But I can't think of anything right now."

"He turned me into a Democrat," said UAlbany senior Chris Belden, 21, of Hudson Falls, N.Y. "Without Bush being president I would still be Republican."

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