Notes: George W. Bush's Yosemite Sam, rootin', tootin', shootin' style is not playing well around the world. Many analysts think Bush is pouring gasoline on the flames of international turbulence instead of extinguishing it. Internationally, you can often gain more by a measured approach than by Bush's my-way-or-the-highway approach.

Bush has an in-your-face tone in his speech that makes you feel like he wants to fight. Like he's pushing everyone around verbally. It's all in the cadence, the tone, the stares into the camera, the bobbing head. A problem with the style is that it sometimes makes some others want to fight back.

There's a car dealer locally who has that type of delivery. His television ads make it sound like he's saying "you better buy my cars or I'm gonna kick your butt." It makes me want to punch him in the nose. I always mute his commercials.

Presidents used to leave the madman talk to vice presidents. Remember Spiro Agnew? That was so the president could remain presidential -- statesmanlike. The only person in the administration who's acting presidential is Secretary of State Colin Powell. Maybe that's why his confidence ratings among Americans are running about 20 points higher than Bush's. 02.23.03