ohio, you said it very well. The disclaimer seems to be a habit, an apology for saying something nice about President Bush. We don’t read or hear the same kind of remark about any other politician or public figure.
Get a life.
You don't see the same disclaimer for the less-than-perfect Ronald Reagan, because it is now accepted that he is a 'saint' and no one questions your integrity if you admire him.
Interesting self-protective double standard going on, IMHO.