American Studies at the University of Tehran

The ‘White House’ has been the official home and primary work office of the United States President since it was first built in 1800. The white house was burned in 1814 by the British as part of the ‘War of 1812’. It was immediately rebuilt and today it holds an iconic nature as the symbol of the American government. The White House has an official website.

There is a short clip on the official White House website with the current president of the United States, George W. Bush, explaining the oval office. Some interesting observations can be made after viewing the clip. The first point is Bush’s comment regarding the American flag woven into the room’s carpet saying that “you need enough stars to keep the peace”. This is in fact a pretty honest comment by the American president which has clearly shown in his administration that he does not hesitate to protect American interests overseas.

Another interesting observation which can be made from the clip is George W. Bush’s immense admiration for Abraham Lincoln who was the famous American president responsible for abolishing slavery and thus igniting the American Civil war in 1960. What most people do not know is that Lincoln strongly believed in a very powerful presidency. He himself proved this by putting aside the widely admired American constitution during the war years and by not hesitating to use force against southern states in what he called an effort to keep the Union together and to do “what is best for the nation”. The advantages and disadvantages of a strong presidency is debated among political scientists with most of them agreeing that the presidential powers in the United States has been increased since the early days of the constitution where the Congress held most of the powers. Bush is a strong believer in a strong presidency and has shown his unwavering belief by using presidential powers to the limits in his two terms in office especially with regards to the “War on Terror” in general and the war in Iraq in particular.

Bush also points his admirations for Winston Churchill and Eisenhower as steady and strong leaders especially with regards to the former who he believed showed great resilience and toughness as a war leader. Another important thing to note is with regard to the painting he has chosen to hang in his office with one in particular showing a horseman charging a steep hill which Bush points to the Christian roots of this. George W. Bush being a very devout Christian believes in some respects that he is on a god given mission in which he has to lead the American nation towards a steep hill.