I knew it was the ANG and make a mistake (probably because I was the Lincoln was a Navy vessel. I also am well aware that GHW Bush was a war hero in WWII, and that part of the reason GWB wanted to fly when he entered the ANG was because of his Dad.
I agree that "changing the tone" was not a good thing in the long run, but it was what he believed was the right thing, and in the end any President of character needs to do what he (or she?) thinks best. I also was frustrated that he didn't defend himself, but don't think that had any bearing on Obama's election, considering the spiteful political climate and the hatred for him in the media prior to 2008.
I don't have to agree with a person on every detail to respect them. And I respect President Bush every bit as much as I respect Ronald Reagan as men of character, courage, commitment and patriotism.
“And I respect President Bush every bit as much as I respect Ronald Reagan as men of character, courage, commitment and patriotism.”
There’s the source of the disagreement you have with conservatives.
Men of character and patriotism don’t work to undermine their country and don’t violate their oath to protect and defend the US Constitution. Bush did that. Whether it was ignorance or malice, he did that.