PR for the Bush Administration

Some seem to dislike the fact Pres. Bush has spent much on public relations:



WASHINGTON — The Bush administration has more than doubled its spending on outside contracts with public relations firms during the past four years, according to an analysis of federal procurement data by congressional Democrats.

The administration spent at least $88 million in fiscal 2004 on contracts with major public relations firms, the analysis found, compared with $37 million in 2001, Bush's first year in office. In all, the administration spent $250 million on public relations contracts during its first term, compared with $128 million spent for President Clinton between 1997 and 2000. The analysis did not examine what the Clinton administration spent during its first term



In a political world where preception is so highly regarded, few can blame the President for being so concerned about PR. He should spend some on PR, as long as there is full disclosure. He needs even more PR in this second term to help him carefully articulate his policies, and make sure every American is aware of them and understands them. Crafting his message will be a key aspect to accomplishing his second term goals. Keep in mind Pres. Bush has to combat a contentious legacy media that will do whatever they can to distort his polcies. Is the reason Pres. Clinton didn't spend as much on PR due to the fact he had much of the MSM touting his policies?