The man was screwed from the git go. You can use the bully pulpit all you want. If the majority does not want to go along with it they won’t.
Part of being an effective leader is to get people to go along with you, Bush didn't have it. Reagan had it.
The real problem is that the majority in the legislative branch, i.e. the Republicans, sat on their hands, or they were tapping their feet.
Dubya was too wrapped up with Iraq to pursue any real reform.
The major difference between the two parties is this: at least Pubbies occasionally admit to doing wrong, such as overspending during the Bush II administration. Democrats never admit to any wrongdoing, because their intentions are always noble.