You're probably right. In fact, you are right, I guess.
The point is that Bush did not feel that way and I don't think it was a cynical ploy to attract Mexican voters.
I just think it was obvious to him that we had a humongous bunch of people to deal with, the majority of whom arrived well before he did. If he would have just done the political thing and not expressed his feelings ...
But that is not him. He actually tells you what he thinks and does what he says he will do.
So his moral virtue is his political liability. Maybe you'd rather have Jon Cary. I would not.
He also said he wouldn't sign CFR. Don't make him out to be a saint. He is a politician. You don't side with the other Party when the overwhelming majority of your own holds a different psotion. It is selfish to do so.