It hasn’t been subtle. It’s barely been gradual. George W. Bush was once an aggressive, eloquent, pointed speaker and, as this quicktime movie puts it, an artful debater. Previous to his 0-for-3 decimation in this year’s Presidential debates, Mr. Bush had never lost a public debate. He has been known as quick to the punch and comfortable with the audience.

It is no secret that in his four years as President, Mr. Bush has left us no shortage or misspeakings and mindlapses. Likewise, there has been no shortage of speculation as to why he may all of a sudden be having so much trouble with the english language. It’s obvious that his Texan drawl and folksy charm have both been exaggerated in recent years. These things put him at stark contrast to a certain overly Senatorial Massachusetts Senator who arose as his challenger. Republicans never much cared for “Northern Elitists,” and anything Bush can do to paint that picture might be points in his favor. It would be difficult to argue, though, that those 20 second long stares into oblivion are doing much for his “Southern Lawyer” charm.

Some have pointed to drug use or drinking. Perhaps he’s back on. Perhaps, old habits have simply caught up with him. A friend at work suggested that his steady diet of Texas Angus Steaks may have given him Mad Cow disease. I think, though, that this quicktime movie is the first to actually accuse him of having “Mental Defects.” It shows us a few clips of Bush at his best, and at his worst. Of course anyone can have good and bad days, but let’s face it: there’s really no reasonable way to reconsile the Bush of 10 years ago with that of today.