Second, I'll give you one good reason why we 'wasted' our vote on Bush: Alito/Heller.
Bush gave us Roberts (who, yes, is a hot mess), but also Alito who replaced O'Connor. Both guys were part of the 5-4 majority in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008).
Had Bush lost to Gore, Gore likely would have been re-elected in 2004 and had a shot at these two SCOTUS seats. Or, had Lurch won in 2004, it'd be the same deal. And we'd likely have gotten a 5-4 ruling against KABA.
Yes, Roberts sucks now, but Alito is solid. And for Heller I lose no sleep over Bush winning.
And yes.. the 2nd Amendment is THAT important.