Clinton never touched 50% in REAL elections and the democratic party started bleeding from then on. Even as MSM was hyping Clinton's high approval ratings, republicans start to gain in REAL elections. When Bush came, it accelerated even faster beating historic trends - republicans grab all three branches and local houses & governorships. Meanwhile, Sierra Club, AFLCIO & NARAL all lost their power significantly.
Economy, inspite of Katrina, Corporate scandals, 9/11 attach and 2 wars grew amazingly without MSM recognition of ANYTHING. MSM lost most of its' clout if not all.
History will judge differently about Bush.