I do agree with you about the fact that Washington people fear the MSM far too much. Reagan had plenty of PR nightmares.
For some reason, Bush got stuck on this 'new tone' and 'compassionate conservative' to such an extent that he lost some discliplin within his Administration. Even with the New Media trying to carry his water, they never carried their own. He didn't lead a conservative movement. That is where I think it all went wrong in the PR department.
But that is still no reason abandon the Iraqi people to a bloodbath.
I don't know, but it just have been G.W.'s "Born again Christian" turn the other cheek state of mind.
In American politics....... that will never work. And it didn't.
(jmo)