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FWIW, I consider Bush to be something of a rationalist...Yesterday, I believe he said in a speech that he has a responsibility to do "big things for America."

I admire the guy in spite of it, though.

Some of our best descriptions of conservatism come from Russell Kirk. He always took the trouble to second Burke and Plato and affirm that Politics is always the Art of the Possible and that Prudence was its highest virtue.

Conservatism is something more than just politics. And to adhere to conservatism is a much greater task than just being a politician that is conservative.

That is our problem is evaluating all of them. And it impacts no mater what flavor of conservatism we subscribe to in our analysis. Adherence to principle should be firm; but also not the only standard if one expects to be a politician. Philosophers and commentators can stay right on their narrow path, because they always get to analyze after the fact and they never have to run for elective or appointive office.