What is it with you guys and the violent thing? Why can’t a Gov simply invoke the 10th and take it to the USSC first? Is that such a radical notion? I mean that’s the constitutional thing to do. Why does everything have to end with capitulation before any fight even starts?
I wasn't trying so much to defend Bush -- he looked weak, and looking weak is what will cost him the election -- as to point out that it's easy for voters and politicians who don't have the responsibility for such decisions to run down his actions.
Generally speaking, politicians -- even those who make a lot of noise about no compromise and no backing off on other issues -- avoid tough cases like this when they are the ones who have answer for their decisions. It's not a sure thing that even whatever politician you like the best would act differently from Bush if they had the authority.