That was the plan. Then, 9/11 necessitated some improvisation. Things are pretty much back on course now.
Simple psychology can explain why George Bush was elected. You don't need a conspiracy.
The real trouble started with the primaries in 1999. Was Bush really the best Republican out there? Nope. But the Republican base wanted to "send a message". It was mostly symbolic and meant to be a jab at Clinton. A kind of election '92 "do over".
Silly, yeah, but that's how many people think.
You may be right....something to think about.