Sad to say, I have to agree with most of this article overall. I give President Bush credit for defending America against another attack, for some tax cuts, and for appointing two good SC justices—all important things—but that’s about it. Communication skills—whether on Iraq or on conservative principles—abysmal. Cutting spending and downsizing government—abysmal. Effect on the Republican Party—abysmal.
Did he? We know Alito was not his first choice. His choice was Harriett Meirs, which caused a significant party uprising.
And, some say that Alberto Gonzalez was his first choice over Roberts, but that was thwarted less publicly.
W might not be due quite so much praise for his SCOTUS appointees, and those he forced him to change directions might deserve most of the credit.