Whereas Bush is actually sacrificing his entire presidency to hold the line in Iraq, appointed Alito and Roberts, and has actually attempted to do something on SS and immigration problems that have been deteriorating for DECADES.
Therefore, Reagan=Ubermensch and Bush=end-of-all-things-good.
You see, illegal immigration was the quiet crazy aunt in the attic with the “conservative base” until now. And NOW it’s a major problem and Bush is the convenient weak target to pile on against.
Only if you punt the hard issues down the road are you considered a good conservative.
You got it down pat - Dead on - (And Reagan reneged on SS reform and raised FICA taxes to boot!).
You're forgetting one thing...he's only done those things because of US. The base that is now paying attention. Don't forget how close we came to Harriett Myers.