Bush should have never expressed any regret for the remarks. If the president really has that kind of influence over their emotions, and actions, then I'm all for his looking into the camera with the blunt, "Drop Dead."
To most ordinary folks, the original remarks likely showed confidence and determination. Only among the hand-wringing elite does such blunt language cause trouble. Bush's rough image has been the key to his elections all along. Recall how the milquetoast nature of the father hurt him so badly if you want proof. Nobody wants that mealy-mouth stuff except for a tiny minority. I can tell you that I am not all that worried about the occasional boisterous remark. It would do the country good if people spoke more frankly.
This was, of course, a story all but designed to lead the Dems, as we have seen time and time again. No suprises here, folks. Pelosi is creepy-looking, though, for what it's worth.
That's why the Dems were so upset with it.