Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

They begin by ensuring they never apologize or admit mistakes.

They continue by foisting a 'spin' campaign upon the masses.

They conclude by attacking the accuser.

This cycle continues regardless of truth -- regardless of consequences.

Not so long ago, during one of President Bush's numerous, spectacular, prime-time press conferences, this classic exchange took place:

QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. President.

In the last campaign, you were asked a question about the biggest mistake you'd made in your life, and you used to like to joke that it was trading Sammy Sosa.

You've looked back before 9/11 for what mistakes might have been made. After 9/11, what would your biggest mistake be, would you say, and what lessons have learned from it?

BUSH: I wish you'd have given me this written question ahead of time so I could plan for it.

John, I'm sure historians will look back and say, gosh, he could've done it better this way or that way. You know, I just - I'm sure something will pop into my head here in the midst of this press conference, with all the pressure of trying to come up with answer, but it hadn't yet.

I would've gone into Afghanistan the way we went into Afghanistan. Even knowing what I know today about the stockpiles of weapons, I still would've called upon the world to deal with Saddam Hussein.

See, I'm of the belief that we'll find out the truth on the weapons. That's why we sent up the independent commission. I look forward to hearing the truth as to exactly where they are. They could still be there. They could be hidden, like the 50 tons of mustard gas in a turkey farm.

Well, I'm sure something did pop into Bush's head eventually, but it probably had little to do with any 'mistakes' he might have made. Perhaps instead, he was able to focus on the lessons of brain-crutch confidant, Karl Rove, "Never admit mistakes. Be unapologetic and be bold!"

In fact, such boldness has been the hallmark of the Bush administration, a tactic fully driven by Karl Rove, the master political tactician who fully realized the power of 'boldness' when he targeted former presidential candidate John Kerry's ultimate strength using the 'Swift Boat Vets' in a full frontal, if not disingenuous, assault on the Kerry war-hero fortress.

These same brutal attacks were implemented in the 2002 Senate race when Republican Senatorial candidate Saxby Chambliss accused wheelchair-bound war vet Max Cleland of being soft on defense.

Take it straight to their heart. Take away their perceived strength and do it with uninhibited force.

These are lessons to take to heart, and though you might not be able to stomach many of the ways this tactic has been enacted over the years, there's little doubt that it is effective.

Fortunately, being bold as a tactic does not require that you lie, cheat, steal, or annhiallate someone's character.  Boldness in and of itself can work magic.

Indeed, such audacity seems to have become commonplace in politics. However the recent extent to which politicians have used the vehicle of brazen boldness to steamroll critics seems mind-boggling.

Remember the original $1.2 trillion Bush tax cut to the wealthy (This was moderated by the senate from $1.6 trillion)? Many people were outraged by its passage.

Being a 'uniter' and not a 'divider', Bush reached out and... tried to rail through an additional $100 billion tax cut to the wealthy. This time, however, he took it one step further and mustered up the nerve to label the cut a "stimulus package". I'm sure that divisive extra step tore the fabric of Bush's 'uniter' mentality. Somehow he endured.

As if that weren't enough, Bush then proposed a $674 billion additional tax cut to the wealthy, once again under the guise of stimulating the economy. Problem is, 358 economists, including 10 Nobel prizewinners have officially condemned the tax cut as a hindrance, not a help to the economy.

Bush's response? "I think this is best for the country." In addition, he continues to fight for a repeal of the estate tax, dividend tax, and capital gains tax all of which heavily favor the wealthy. Any mention of cutting the payroll tax? No way! In fact, Republicans actually want to shift the tax burden back to the poor.

Enough. What's going on? Bush executes a brazen act. Then, after some public castigation, he follows up with an even more brazen act, and somehow gets away with it.

Q: How does he do it?

A: The underlying phenomenon that allows Bush to get away with all this is pure, unadulterated, brazen BOLDNESS.

It's true, being bold might piss off some people (like you and me) but the reality is that audacity has some very powerful effects.

Here are some things that you should know about being BOLD:

• The bolder the lie, the better: The bolder it is, the more convincing it becomes and the more confident and truthful the liar appears. The sheer audacity distracts from the story's inconsistencies. Bush and Blair have truly taken this to heart.

• Nice guys finish last: When a person senses a weakness (niceness?) in another person, they instinctively lose respect for that person as a viable opponent. They start scheming, even if subconsciously, on how to take advantage of that weakness. This is one of those things that sounds terrible but fits perfectly into reality. I might be projecting a bit here. Nevertheless, Milquetoasts rarely have their day in the sun.

• Never Compromise: The bold never bend. It's not about being stubborn. It's about being confident in your position. People who are bold show a rigid strength, unwavering in the pursuit of their agenda, confident, unwilling to give an inch. The bold make the rules. The timid follow them. If someone senses your willingness to negotiate, compromise, back down, retreat or go on the defensive, they will instantly and instinctively enter the mode of the attacker. They will then have the upper hand.

• Boldness instills fear: Is it good to instill fear? Certainly in your opponents it is. Often in your subordinates. Rarely in your friends. Bold moves make you seem more powerful than you probably really are. It also casts an aura making you appear larger than life. Executed quickly and by surprise, the bold move instills fear and intimidates, setting a precedent that will automatically put people on the defensive in subsequent encounters. (Note: Not recommended for use in love-life)

• Enter the Room Boldly: Enter into every action with all fires burning. Enter timidly and you will inevitably fall to the demons of confusion and indecisiveness. Entering boldly creates clarity of purpose, vision for the future and focus on the objectives.

• Never Hesitate: The bold never hesitate. They work quickly and act decisively. Your hesitation is their time to think. Once they perceive your awkwardness, embarrassment and doubt, their sense of confidence instantly rises and their sense of respect for you instantly falls.

• Boldness separates you from the herd: It gives you presence while the timid fade into the background. Boldness draws attention. Those with attention have power. People stand in anticipation of what your next bold move might be.

Most people are not bold. For when bold acts are executed, there are consequences. Often negative. In reality, we may think of bold things but rarely bring them to fruition. Why is that? Generally, people want to avoid tension or conflict and be liked by everyone. People are concerned with what others will think of them. Often, the mere anticipation of criticism is enough to thwart any attempts at boldness.

How do the timid become bold? No one is born bold. It is a quality that must be developed. The only way to become bold is to act bold. With each act of boldness, it becomes easier and more natural. Once the power of boldness has been experienced, it becomes a growing taste within.

Be bold. Do something bold today.

As an experiment, engage someone in debate. Tell them that they are wrong (you choose the subject). Tell them why they are wrong and tell them that they should be embarrassed for thinking what they think. Be unapologetic. Be Bold.

As you boldly move forward, remember these things:

1. Whatever the consequences are of being bold, the consequences of being timid are worse. Timidity lowers your value and creates doubt and obstacles.

2. Problems that arise from bold moves can be hidden with even bolder moves.

In addition, it is important to note that timidity is not completely worthless. Strategically feigned, timidity (or "folksiness" in Bush-Speak) can build trust. This trust can be used to lure people in where you can then pounce on them with boldness.

You're not in Kansas anymore.