I think he takes and sees his role as head of State as above the day to day fray and probably hoped that his foot soldiers would do the engaging and battle for him and his administration but they have not.
A President has a unique role not just a political one but a State one as well and can anyone imagine the Queen of England getting involved in day to day politics of course not and I think that is part of the reason why it seems that GWB has not fought back.
Last time most Americans paid attention to English politics, the monarch was involved in day to day politics. Of course that was George III. By the way,
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Good points and I think you’re correct.