Then again Scrimgeour, the guy who replaced Fudge, doesn't seem much better. He might seem stronger in leadership, but he also likes to give the impression of things being all right. I mean, the mistaken arrests in book 6 and his wanting Harry to make appearances at the ministry suggest that.

Dunno if Rowling's ever been asked in an interview about the background of both of them, particularly if it didn't make it into the books. Of course if it didn't make it into the books then it wouldn't be of a heap of importance I guess.