How to Take Criticism Like George W. Bush

President George W. Bush handles criticism of his policies in a quiet manner. He stays calm and frequently uses body language to express his frustration with opposition. Facial expressions often speak for him; sometimes his smile looks like a smirk. Bush sometimes handles disapproval with a nervous laugh. Some of us would do well to learn to take criticism like George W. Bush.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Turn a deaf ear to people that make demands that seem inappropriate and condemn you. Bush usually ignores constant hounding by other politicians about the war in Iraq.

2. Express understanding toward your critics and take criticism like George W. Bush. When public opinion turned largely negative toward the war in Iraq, Bush showed a considerate attitude and said, "I fully understand that when you watch the violence on TV every night, people are saying, is it worth it?"

3. Stand your ground on your beliefs to take criticism like George W. Bush. The press complained the president would not change his war strategy, but Bush continued to run the war with the strategies he and his military advisers determined were best.

4. Give explanations to people making charges against you. President Bush told the public that the war in Iraq was necessary to fight against terrorism so Al Qaeda could not use that country as a safe haven.

5. Carry on with no fear of your critics. George W. did not fear Congress's campaign to impeach him.

6. Claim your opposition doesn't matter. President Carter suggested Bush presided over an "overt reversal of America's basic values;" the White House replied that former President Carter is "increasingly irrelevant."

7. Smile in frustration at your critics to take criticism like George W. Bush. The president frequently smiles and chuckles nervously when he faces press questions that seem repetitive and argumentative.