Perhaps a more dynamic and imaginative leader could create the conditions for a more conservative agenda. I doubt it would make very much difference just now, but Bush isn't that leader. He's not without talents, but they are more those of a national, rather than a party or factional, leader. In this, he's more in the mold of his father or Eisenhower or Washington, than of Reagan or the Roosevelts, who were as skilled at partisan and ideological command, as at national leadership.
The issues that make the press? Don't you mean, the issues the press decides should make the press? The mainstream media is always going to run stories that benefit their liberal agenda.
The issues that conservatives win on are (mostly) the very same issues that Bush won the election on (and, again, I'm counting Bush as a conservative -- although *not* the weaklings in Congress). Tax cuts, limited but effective government, personal accountability, increased military spending, school vouchers, a ban on partial-birth abortion...those are conservative issues. And they still resonate with most of the country. The danger is when the moderates/RINOs start tapdancing around with social security, or education spending, or ANYTHING that has to do with spending -- liberals will always be willing to outspend conservatives. As for immigration issues, even within the conservatives, there's a great deal of disagreement on it. Isolationism and conservatism do NOT go hand in hand (for instance, I'm livid over the steel tariffs).
That being said, I will readily admit that Bush doesn't have the bully-pulpit oratory power that Reagan had; however, he's far more conservative than his father ever was (good god, we lost so many damn seats -- *overnight* -- when he broke his "no new taxes" pledge -- it ain't even funny). Bush is more of a Truman or maybe even a Coolidge; not particularly fond or great at over-arching oratory but a very effective "manager" of power. All I care about with Bush is that he gets the majority of the issues I care about as a conservative taken care of -- which he has. Tax cuts -- done. Increased military spending -- done. Partial birth abortion ban -- on the way.
And let's not forget the single most important reason to have a conservative president -- appointments to the courts. Now, don't get me wrong, we've had some real f'ing idiots put on the courts by Republicans -- David Sou...I can't even say his name :p -- but, on the par, Bush's nominees are conservative. Which is why it drives me absolutely bats**t when a basically liberal RINO like McLame comes along and sides with the Dems on blocking his nominees. We've got to get those nominees appointed.
Okay, this thing is rambling all over the place, but er, you get some of my points. I don't think conservatism is dead. I think it's feared by the Republicans in Congress as again, being too "dangerous" to pursue -- but then again, even if they lost control of the congress, it was a conservative who gave them that control in the first place -- Newt.
--KL