As you pointed out, the GOP had something to lose, and lost it. I hope they learned that playing nice will get them nowhere with the Democrats and the MSM.
In 2008 Bush got on TV and demanded 700B from congress. But it was too late. He did not demand more regulation in 2003. He had other priorities.
Like the WOT and getting the US out of the recession that followed the tech bubble burst (which he and the GOP did).
Democrats also have him on the deficit...
Wrong! If the previous administration had kepts its promise after numerous attacks from Bin Laden instead of leaving that mess for Bush, 9/11 wouldn't have happened, the WOT would not have been necessary, and our deficit wouldn't be any where near what it is.
"WOT ": He pushed us into a new war, sales pitch of a lifetime, Iraq. He put all his political chips on Iraq and lost. Probably the single most thing he did to destroy his presidency. He went from loved to hated. Even blacks liked him between Sept 11 and Iraq, a gift from God he threw away.
"tech bubble burst" : Using that argument Obama gets a free pass for eight years for the Bush/Republican housing bust.