Badly In Need of An Infusion of Political Capital

Brush-clearing doesn't pack 'em in the way it used to, ay?

Near the lone stoplight on Main Street, a for-sale sign hangs from a dusty window where a souvenir shop used to sell cufflinks, cowboy boots and denim shirts emblazoned "The Western White House."

Another gift store across the street is shuttered too, though a sign says it will reopen elsewhere. And the biggest souvenir shop in Crawford is reporting a drop in sales.

The Washington professionals have their polls, their focus groups and their newspaper editorials. But Crawford, the 700-person town where President Bush's ranch is located, has its trinket stores, and they have fallen on hard times, in what some say reflects the president's sinking popularity over the war in Iraq and a daunting influx of anti-war protesters.

After reporting nearly $813,000 in gross sales in 1999, Crawford's souvenir shops and other retail businesses generated $1.03 million in 2000, the year Bush was first elected. Sales climbed steadily during Bush's first term to $2.66 million in 2004.

The article goes right up against the edge of blaming Cindy Sheehan for ruining the town. But the truth is that the President can add Crawford to the list of American cities destroyed on his watch. Nobody likes him and nobody's rubbernecking to get a glimpse of him anymore. If anything, at least Cindy and her protesters BUY something.

I'm sure when Bush puts in "Gitmo World" and "Illegal Wiretapping Cavalcade O' Fun" on the ranch, it'll pack 'em in. And he'll be vindicated by history:

"I think the president's ratings will go up, and when that happens, the sales go up," he said. "As far as Crawford's future, I think it looks bright. Is it going to be as hectic as it was a few years ago? No. But Crawford's name is known far and wide, and when he retires, people who are endeared to him will want to come to Crawford."

Just think, you'll be able to stay in the Glenn Reynolds and Hinderaker and Malkin suites at the Chickenhawk hotel...