There was political consensus, grudgingly given perhaps, but consensus about taking out Iraq in 2003. NOW the Democrat Establishment is the active allies of the Rouge nations. With the willing collaborators certain RINO Republican Senators, the Democrat Leadership has made it pretty obvious they will back NOTHING Bush trys to do EVEN if the opposition jeopardizes US National Security.
That lack of political consensus severely limits what a President can, and cannot do. I know this doesn't register with most Americans since their understanding of Politics comes from watching have a Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows but a President is not god. A President cannot just do what ever he wants when he wants because he wants to.
So President Bush is reduced to "Consensus" Diplomatic efforts due to the treason of the Democrat party and the gutlessness of certain Republican Senators.
Amen....AMEN!!! The traitorous Democrats and liberal RINO'S have helped the terrorists/insurgents.
'gutlessness of certain Republican Senators.'
I heard on Fox that, while the Senate voted FOR the fence, they voted AGAINST funding it. We need a LOT of new Senators.
The eventual consequences, of course, are still to be experienced and dealt with.