Meaning: The quote you provided is a critique of former President George W. Bush's administration, particularly his foreign and domestic policies. Joe Klein, the journalist who made this statement, is expressing disappointment in the disparity between the promises made by Bush and the actual implementation of his policies.

In the quote, "Bush promised a foreign policy of humility and a domestic policy of compassion," Joe Klein is referencing the rhetoric used by Bush during his presidential campaign and early presidency. Bush often spoke of a more humble approach to foreign affairs, emphasizing the importance of working with other nations and not imposing American values or interests unilaterally. Additionally, he advocated for a compassionate domestic policy that would address the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.

However, according to Klein, the reality of Bush's foreign policy was one of arrogance. This suggests that the administration's actions did not align with the promised humility. The characterization of the foreign policy as arrogant likely refers to the Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq in 2003, a move that was widely criticized for its unilateral approach and lack of international consensus. The invasion of Iraq and the subsequent military intervention in the region were seen by many as an assertion of American power rather than a display of humility and cooperation with other nations.

Regarding the domestic policy, Klein describes it as cynical, myopic, and cruel. This suggests that the compassionate approach promised by Bush was not reflected in the administration's actual policies and actions within the United States. The term "cynical" implies that the administration's domestic policy may have been driven by self-interest or political calculation rather than genuine compassion for those in need. "Myopic" suggests a short-sighted approach, possibly failing to address long-term systemic issues or considering the broader impact of policies. Lastly, the term "cruel" implies that the policies enacted under the Bush administration were harmful or lacking in empathy toward certain groups of people.

It's important to note that this quote reflects a specific perspective on the Bush administration and its policies. While Joe Klein's assessment is critical, there are differing opinions on the impact and effectiveness of Bush's foreign and domestic policies. Some may argue that the administration's approach to foreign affairs was necessary given the post-9/11 geopolitical landscape, while others may defend the domestic policies as addressing specific challenges faced by the country at the time.

Overall, the quote captures a sentiment of disappointment and disillusionment with the perceived gap between the promises made by the Bush administration and the outcomes of its policies. It reflects a broader conversation about the complexities of governance, the challenges of translating campaign rhetoric into actionable policies, and the subjective nature of evaluating political leadership.