I am not sure. I am not sure if I even want him to. In essence, he would be putting his election at risk to win a longer term issue.
But that said, for all the times Rather has used the word 'Courage', this President has it. He has political courage like I have never seen before...not even Reagan had this much. Afghanistan was politically risky...Iraq was a political loser, but the right thing to do. He originally campaigned by not only touching, but grabbing the third rail of politics, SS reform. Rather may say courage a lot more often then President Bush, but President Bush has more of it than any major figure I can think of. I am not sure that he will deem it wise to do so, but if he does, you can bet President Bush has the courage to follow through.
It's not a matter of courage. It's a kind of "turn the other cheek" Christian thang. There is no need for Bush to attack Rather. People know Bush. He has faith.
And these attacks are against Bush. If Blather was attacking Cheney or H.W. Bush or anyone else he would be right in the middle of it. But defending yourself only admits that you feel vulnerable. Besides, Dubya is on offense not defense. Maybe he is too confident.
IMHO