I agree. Secured border first would have been nice.
He also could have communicated ANY kind of vision on the matter; he’s subverting the country, he’s got white guilt, we can’t get these people out of the country so let’s get ‘em into the fold and make them productive citizens.
He has never shown leadership on the matter. Maybe he was focused on the war. It would have been a hard sell, but at least I could agree or disagree with it.
His aides (VP Cheney) however, should have seen to it that the immigration plans were put out tactically much better. With border issues being taken care of first, along side deportations (however, these have been happening and did happen at a growing rate under GWB years in office, of which our base gave his Admin no credit). Additionally border security (in the sense of terrorism) was increased after 9-11 (these are things not talked about on a open forum, however).
Immigration wise our party now is a tough spot. POTUS Obama and the DEM congress will now pass a much more liberal immigration policy and they will do so in manner in which many within the Hispanic communities will likely feel beholden to them (Dems). GWB got apprx 40% of this vote in 2004. He strategically understood the need for the GOP to do so in the future as well. Our base, didn't, after not liking his tactical moves on the issue in 05/06.