Oh come on. You are immensely bright and know better than predicting that Bush will suffer politically.
People will judge by the results of this effort, not the day to day hiccups, difficult as they may be.
A presidential speech or address to Congress can readily turn public opinion. As a whole, the American people are very reasonable and fair.
This makes the Roberts confirmation easier, as well.
Gets the stupid Karl Rove thing off the radar, gets Cindy off the radar, gets the Roberts confirmation off the radar.