The Democratic left tried but failed to demonize the GOP during the Gipper's run when he laughed at and treated their distortions and lies as lies. Then he beat Carter, and hammered Mondale into submission. THAT is something the GOP has refused to do since.
Steyn is right -- Dubya ought to slam his 80% approval rating and bully pulpit and bludgeon the Rats on a number of conservative issues WITH THE TRUTH. I think it'll work with most Americans...
Quite frankly, if George Bush can't convince Americans with truth and principles, insead of smoke and nirrors, the Republic is already well on its way to hell in a hand basket.
President Bush has a very closely contested election, and a media and democrat party that has been Clintonized. Should he attempt to bludgeon the democrats from the bully pulpit, it is likely it would never get air time.
What he is doing is going to all these local appearances, where he gets local coverage in places like Des Moines and Little Rock. The local press covers him, and the Beltway Press pays no attention.
Do I wish that President Bush could make a national speech laying out all that's wrong with the Rats? Sure. But I am also realistic enough to know that this would be pointless and could possible open the President up to a full-scale attack. This would not be productive, plus the networks probably wouldn't carry it.