The Press is very consistent with its double-blind strategy.
Question Bush on "mistakes" he has made:
If he does not admit mistakes: scoff at his arrogance.
If he mentions a mistake: Blare from the rooftops that even Bush acknowledges his failure as a president
Note the lack of sacrifice demanded by Bush:
If he continues to demand few sacrifices: point out how irresponsible this is.
If he asks for sacrifice: Blare from the rooftops that he's dug a hole for us, it's a quagmire, and now it's gonna hurt!