Naturally, I couldn't agree with you more, although I'm sure Mr. Bush's apologists would be quick to point out that this was the "best deal" the President could have gotten out of the Democrat/RINO coalition in Congress. The President needs to say lots of "green" stuff that a majority of the electorate (who reflexively call themselves "environmentalists", without thinking about what that really means) will dearly love. Then he needs to explain why we've got to increase domestic production (e.g. "as a 'stop-gap' until alternative fuels come on line"). Then he needs to start beating up on anyone, Democrat, RINO, his baby brother, etc. who stands in the way of increased domestic production. You may have noticed that the Democrats, who surely know what's driving the President's approval ratings down (although they'll ascribe it to other things) are not exactly beating up the President over this. They're smart enough to know that when your opponent is busy making a fool of himself you should stand aside, and let him have at it.