And boy did we laugh! As Bush spoke those words, the US maintained close relationships to numerous authoritarian regimes across the globe. At best, a few mild words of criticism were raised when certain excesses appeared on the world's media, but the US state continued its long standing policies of appeasing dictatorships when required.
Yet the problem for the US is that genuine democracy often results in unpleasant surprises. Bush, along with other world leaders, was suitably shocked and outraged that Hamas won the Palestinian elections. The words irony and hypocrisy do not do justice to the sight of Bush and Blair, invaders of Iraq, stating they would not talk to Hamas unless it renounces violence. That Hamas is attacked over violence while Israeli state terrorism is never called what it is goes without saying. The violence of Hamas is decried as terrorist while that of the Israeli army is portrayed as self defence (and war criminals like Sharon celebrated as men of peace). Perhaps Hamas will say they will renounce it the moment the US, UK and Israel do so?
As it stands, Bush's espoused aim of his foreign policy has produced yet another blow. As in Iraq, democratic elections have produced an Islamic government at odds with the US and its plans. So while Bush pushes for elections as a cover for his imperialism, he is blind to the dangers of religious populism in the Middle East. Not only that, he continually undermines any moderate and secular forces in the region by acting domineeringly himself or by allowing US client regimes to do so (particularly Israel). As a result, the influence of fundamentalist parties has increased, as has terrorism.
Perhaps the Bush Junta now appreciates why the US has always preferred to pick its own leaders or deal with autocrats when enforcing its imperial aims. It saves them the hassle of having to ensure that the elected government is limited in what it can do and follows US advice (in Iraq, US achieved this by imposing a system of super-majorities). Its reaction to the Hamas victory shows, yet again, to what degree they support democratic values. Democracy is accepted only when it coincides with their views and interests.
Unsurprisingly, given the history of US foreign policy, Hamas is now accusing the US and Israel of refusing to accept the result of a democratic election. According to the New York Times, the two states are apparently discussing means to destabilise and bring down the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority by blocking its funding. The aim is to ensure that Hamas cabinet ministers fail and new elections are called.
As with Chile under Allende and a host of other countries, the US is simply rejecting the democracy it pays lip service to in order to collectively punish people who vote the wrong way. While the rhetoric may change, the policies do not.