But, to address your first point. he isn't saying the President is a conservative. He's saying if the president falls, Conservatism suffers an enormous blow. And he's correct.
The President to the American people, NOT conservatives btw, and to the left has become a symbol. he's become a symbol of the Republican ascendency. He's become associated with the dominating rise of nuMedia. he's become associated with those giving rise to conservative policies. he's become associated with a strong pro-active defense. Strong faith. Contitutionalism. Apple Pie. America. You name it. Some of these more valid than others.
The President is not a man to these people. He represents all they hate, because those they hate are responsible for him being there. Defeat him, and we're defeated.
This is what some people do not understand in Washington and in the punditry, and they are making a big mistake in not rising to his defense.
Well and truly put.
I do think, however, that perhaps this time the libs have gone a bridge too far. Their *enthusiasm* for their hatred of President Bush let them get their momentum way out in front of the facts. It appears to be showing up in the polls that most ordinary people really aren't buying it this time.
This means there's gonna be some blowback. Here's to hoping... :-)
Relax. The President isn't gonna fall.
Conservatives realized, there is only one Ronald Reagan. However, conservatives believed GW Bush as POTUS, would adhere to the basic principles and cornerstones of the conservative agenda as set forth by Reagan. For the most part Bush has remained loyal to that conservative agenda. However, on two big issues Bush has anything but conservative.
On the issue of federal spending Bush is a big government Republican. Conservatives don't like the excessive spending, but it hasn't hurt him with most conservatives. On the issue of immigration reform, Bush has stubbornly ignored not just conservatives, but the vast majority of Americans. Bush continues to pander to the Hispanic vote and big businesses desire for cheap labor. This ladder issue could seriously damage the GOP 2006 mid-term election efforts.
>>>> The President to the American people, NOT conservatives btw...
One can be a conservative and still be president to all the people. Reagan proved that. Reagan was a conservative who won two landslide election victories. It can be done.
Most of what you said, you're preaching to the choir.