Gee, I thought the Congress was the entity that spends our money.
When Republicans control both the House and the Senate, why exactly is this spending GW's fault?
He could have vetoed the highway bill, but didn't have enough votes to support it.
I guess because he's the responsible adult?
"why exactly is this spending GW's fault?"
You're right. It isn't all his fault. Congress is more than half the blame. Still, since they're pubs and therefore ostensibly conservative, that doesn't really make me feel any better.
Also, W has yet to unsheath his veto pen. Not once.
When he hasen't vetoed a bill in 5 years, this argument doesn't fly. Also, he doesn't even talk about cutting spending. A president uses the bully pulpit to set the agenda for his party. This Congress is just following its leader who is marching us down the road of European Socialism.
Because he has aided and abetted them. Because he has shown zero leadership in attempting to reduce spending or reduce government. Because he has bent over for every insane spending bill that Congress, the Republican Congress as you pointed out, has passed. He could have changed any or all of those positions.
He could have vetoed the highway bill, but didn't have enough votes to support it.
It would have taken a stand. It would have made a point. He could have shown some loyalty, or at least recognition of core Conservative values. But then he isn't a conservative.