GWB let himself become a punching bag. He never responded or defended himself and it invited relentless criticism from the media and his political opponents. Weakness invites aggression; always has and always will. Trump is doing the right thing by hitting back.
GWB was and still is GOPe and Uniparty. He didn’t care as long as the government kept getting bigger and the crooks and donors kept making off with more money.
Part of the reluctance of GWB to respond was due to his respect for the Office of the President .. and the FACT that his father and his chief advisor told him he shouldn’t respond. The latter two later agreed that it was a mistake; but it’s too late to correct it now.
That is the central point of President DJT. For too long America and conservatives have been cowed into apologizing for our strength and vitality.
The left has systematically attacked masculinity. They have succeeded in creating generation of wimped-up males while degrading AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM.
Pres Trump represents traditional masculinity and American pride and patriotism. He wont waste time trying to make nice with those who hate him.