Yes, he has done good things for himself. And perhaps, for the country during this time. However, by not defending himself and the ideas that Republican hold--even worse, by absorbing blames for somebody else's mistakes like in the case of Katrina, he let the the image and brand of conservatism and Republicanism tainted. This, in turn, prepares the way for 0bama to get elected. If 0bama get elected and he succeeds in fundamentally change the United States, like he promises, whatever good thing Dubya achieved might be swept away by 0bama.
I cannot blame McCain for separating himself from Bush. Because Dubya didn't do anything to defend conservatism and Republican brand, the brand is tainted, at least for a short run. McCain has no choice but separating himself from him.
If you go to Whitehouse.gov, you will find a collection of speeches by President Bush. In any one of those speeches, you will find defenses of:
1. conservatism
2. his administration
3. his policies
4. the American people
The relentless uncritical recitation of “he never defends himself” is simply a way of rationalizing the selling out of Bush by conservatives. As you keep saying in your post. Its okay, he won’t defend himself. Its tautological. He defends himself all the time. I bet he will do it again tomorrow in his radio address. You don’t care. No one cares— but for 25% of us who remain loyal.
With that said, he is not up for election so I don’t much care. But you and other Bush critics are not entitled to your own facts— particularly at this point. Too many conservatives have decided not to defend Bush. That is the problem. Even if Bush did not defend himself, it would not justify failing to defend Bush. Bush’s policies are good. That will become painfully clear no matter whether McCain or Obama wins.
So consider an end to your rationalization, you are not helping your cause.