Whatever. I was surprised that Bush scored as high as he did in my matrix. On reflection, however, I would have to agree that Bush’s positions on most issues are conventionally conservative, even if he did have to be walloped upside the head with a 2x4 before coming around, at least nominally, on immigration. Bush’s key problem, apart from the baggage associated with his name, has been the utter lack of any sense of urgency and a willingness to join battle with the left. Bush took the base for granted and ran his campaign as an exercise in presenting a moderate appeal to independents and persuadable Democrats. That was a profound misreading of the mood of the base.
You are right.
Had Bush not been so low energy, it would be different. He had a huge war chest.
Now, he has a chest filled with broken promises.