Agreed. 90% think CFR is no big deal. I'm betting 50% think credibility is a very big deal; they are more interested in politicians who do what they say they'll do than in actual issues.
So let's examine that. You've admitted CFR is not resonating with the public. I think you'd agree that Bush's credibility has (he won an election on it). What is the reasoning behind signing this law? He stands to lose more votes by flipflopping than he does by taking a principled stand against CFR and explaining to the public why he vetoed, doesn't he?
CFR is not a big deal with the public. They do not see it as the equivalent of slavery as some do on FR. But if Bush were to veto it, daschle, hillary, and mccain(and their buddies like Russert and Matthews in the press) are there like vultures to capitalize on it.
Look at the political calculus here. Bush signs it and the most vile part(the ad bans 60 days before an election) by previous SCOTUS precedant is thrown out.
The issue is dead. It will not raise it's ugly head again and Bush doesn't hand an issue to the dems.