Bush was just stating the obvious. You want us to be in denial? We got our a** handed to us on Tuesday. What is wrong in accepting reality and moving on? This does not mean that Bush has abandoned his principles (low taxes, strong defense, etc.) just that he is willing to give credit where credit is due.
I hope you're right.
But even now, RINOs like McCain and others are attributing this to Republicans not being "centrist" enough.
The reason Republicans loose elections is because they estrange themselves from their base - and Bush worked hard and long at this:
McCain - Feingold
Dubai Port Deal
Harriet Myers
Amnesty for Illegals
Failure to defend our borders from illegal invaders
Pandering to Vicente Fox
Bogging us down in Iraq while the Iranians continue to develop nuclear weapons
Excessive spending
Alberto Gonzales
Norman Minetta and no profiling
I could go on and on.
When Bush was nominated, very many conservatives had second thoughts about him. He lived up to our fears just like his father did.
The catastrophy on Tuesday was mainly, but not exclusively of Bush's making. He had help in the Republican Congress from people like John McCain and his gang of 14.
But this isn't just me saying it.
Mark Levin has said as much.
Newt Gingrich has said as much. So have many other - Sean Hannity, etc.
I repeat. When Republicans loose elections, they re-assess their views and try to become more like the Dems.
When Dems loose elections, they come back fighting for what they believe in.
Only time will tell if you are correct or I am, but I sincerely hope I am wrong and you are right.