Not in my estimation. I found him unsteady in 2000. I often cringed. I don't cringe much anymore. Bush is simply that much better.
I would surmise your cringing was your unfamiliarity with him. I cringed too ... Bush is a cool cat who can look stupid while he's being sublime.
He hasn't changed. My view of him has.
Torie, people say he's a "poker player", but I see a chess master. That's the most hidden, but effective intellect of all.