Bush Loves Orphans Everywhere

Whatever happened to leading by example? When it comes to presidents and politicians, few ever do. Case in point: Several days ago, President Bush held a White House event to promote adoption. He announced the establishment of a federal adoption Web site that will feature profiles and pics of more than 6,500 kids available for adoption, and he introduced actor Bruce Willis as "our new national spokesman for children in foster care." With his wife at his side, Bush declared, "Here's what I love about adoption: It reveals the good heart of America" and he called for making adoption "a more common part of our life in America."

A simple question: If adoption is so swell, why did George and Laura not adopt? They had the means, especially after he made millions of dollars via his greased-with-favoritism purchase and sale of the Texas Rangers. And why don't they do it now? What could send a stronger signal? Millions of Americans took fashion cues from Jackie Kennedy. Many probably would be inspired by the Bushes, if the First Couple welcomed into their home and hearts a seven-year-old African-American girl who has been languishing in foster care (extra points if she is HIV positive). As for Bruce Willis -- Mr. Family Values -- he surely can afford the costs of caring for a few additional children.

There's nothing wrong with a president or a rakish box-office celebrity cheerleading for adoption, and government programs that encourage and ease adoption are, of course, commendable. But I'm tired of presidents who try to advance politically through feel-good rah-rahing. Bill Clinton was a pro in this regard -- hailing barbecue safety and neighborhood crime watch groups. And Bush aides have informed reporters that their boss, stealing this strategy from Clinton, will be pitching small-scale, feel-good initiatives, such as this adoption Web site.

In the past -- pre-Clinton, that is -- cabinet secretaries or lower federal officials would unveil these modest government efforts; presidents would not seek to cash in on them. But if a chief executive attempts to enhance his popularity by behaving as a president-preacher, it's fair to ask, why don't you act as you urge? At least, when Bush promoted fitness a few weeks ago, he put his legs where his mouth was and ran a three-mile race against his staff. (Did Dick Cheney call in sick that day?) One Bush official told The Washington Post, the fitness event "reminds people of why they like George Bush." Does that mean the war isn't working politically? FDR was able to be an inspiring wartime president -- and he couldn't even walk.

During the adoption ceremony, Bush noted, "For those of us who support the dignity of every human life, we have a responsibility to encourage hopeful lives for children who are born." This sounded like a reference to abortion -- a reminder that people who would force women to give birth to unwanted children ought to commit themselves to improving the adoption system. Good point. But, again, let's make this personal. Bush opposes abortion rights -- at least he has ever since he became interested in holding a statewide political office in Texas. (When he ran for Congress in 1978 -- and lost -- he told a reporter that abortion should be left to a woman and her doctor.) But he has never demonstrated he takes seriously the responsibility "to encourage hopeful lives" by adopting. In this way, he has been no different from many other anti-abortion politicians. During the 2000 presidential campaign, I interviewed Pat Buchanan, the Reform Party candidate, on a cable network. At the end of the show, I asked why he and his wife, who have no children, never adopted. Didn't he believe that key figures of the anti-abortion movement, such as himself, had an obligation to lead on this front? Buchanan said he had some sort of heart condition, which he did not fully explain. The next day, a prominent Washington conservative called me and chortled. "I have a heart condition and I've been able to give birth and raise three children," she said. "What was he talking about?"