TIME has just announced their person of the year 2004 — George W. Bush, our newly re-elected president.

From the magazine:

For sticking to his guns (literally and figuratively), for reshaping the rules of politics to fit his ten-gallon-hat leadership style and for persuading a majority of voters that he deserved to be in the White House for another four years. . .

For sharpening the debate until the choices bled, for reframing reality to match his design, for gambling his fortunes-and ours-on his faith in the power of leadership, George W. Bush is TIME’s 2004 Person of the Year.

We offer our enthusiastic congratulations.

And congratulations also to Powerline, named ‘blog of the year’. Great job!

Update: For those wondering the why and wherefore of our congratulations, to this man hated by half the world:

He stuck to principle, and refused to shape his opinion by the daily polls.

He stuck to the message, and refused to be sidetracked by the pressures of the century’s most intense campaign.

He rose to his challenges and defended America in her hour of need; and continues to defend her, and works to make the world a more free place.

And now, in spite of determined opposition, undecided public opinion, and a radical special-interest lobby, he remains a stalwart defender of our nations most vulnerable– her unborn children.

May God continue to grant him courage, that he would always be ready to make whatever decision is morally right, regardless of its popularity.