I think it's more basic than that. This dodo believes running for President means he has to have an opinion on everything -- that might apply to anybody, at anytime.
Bush revealed his intelligence (and management style) during the primaries -- when he refused to take a position on the South Carolina state flag dispute. He noted that his opinion counted for nothing, as it was a state matter and the people of South Carolina were the only ones that had a say in the decision.
Gephardt, like most politicians, especially Democrat ones, believes that everything you do -- and how, when or whether you do it -- is the federal government's business.
Arrogant micro-managing cattle ticks.