While F.D.R. once told Americans that we have nothing to fear but fear itself, Mr. Ashcroft is delighted to play the part of Fear Itself, an assignment in which he lets his imagination run riot.

In this quote, Frank Rich draws a contrast between the words of F.D.R. and the actions of John Ashcroft, likely referring to his role as U.S. Attorney General during the early years of the War on Terror. F.D.R. famously said, "we have nothing to fear but fear itself," implying that fear, rather than external threats, was the greatest danger to the nation’s spirit. In contrast, Rich suggests that Ashcroft willingly embraces the role of Fear Itself, using fear as a tool to justify actions and policies that stoke anxiety rather than alleviate it.

Rich's criticism of Ashcroft’s approach highlights how fear can be manipulated, with Ashcroft allowing his imagination to "run riot." This phrase implies that Ashcroft might be exaggerating threats or creating an atmosphere of fear that is disconnected from actual reality. By letting his imagination run wild, Ashcroft contributes to a climate of uncertainty and suspicion, capitalizing on fear to advance his political agenda. Rich suggests that this fear-mongering is not only dangerous but also counterproductive, as it undermines the optimism and resilience that F.D.R. called for.

The origin of the quote comes from Rich's commentary on American politics, particularly in the post-9/11 era when security measures and anti-terrorism policies became more stringent. As a journalist and columnist, Rich was often critical of how political figures, especially in the Bush administration, leveraged fear to gain support for controversial policies. This quote encapsulates his critique of how fear was used not just as a response to real threats, but as a way to control the public narrative.

Ultimately, Rich’s quote serves as a critique of how fear can be used as a political tool to manipulate and control, contrasting it with F.D.R.'s message of hope and courage. By suggesting that Ashcroft embodies Fear Itself, Rich warns of the dangers of allowing irrational fear to dominate policy and undermine the values that foster national unity and strength.