[Richard Axtell]

Well, I choose to support Bush, and at the same time criticize him, and continue to do anything I can to influence policy change in certain areas, particularly the fraud of McCain-Finegold CFR laws. I don't yet see Bush as a "Clintonesque politician"; one who would blithely take his political base for granted, while dishonestly courting the "center" by adopting issues and policies from the opposing side. Not YET, at least.

I am hoping he will respond to his base, and limit this leftward movement, and return to Constitutional integrity; either by reversing his stance, of promoting his own initiative for reform of "CFR reform" to eliminate unconstitutional aspects of that legislation. This would happen after November 2002, when Republicans control both houses of Congress once again. I am hoping for this and much more.

But, if he chooses to ignore his base, he will have ignored a most important lesson from the past. He will have violated a cardinal rule of politics, and will lose the next election... whether I support him or not.

[sheltonmac]

"Well, I choose to support Bush, and at the same time criticize him, and continue to do anything I can to influence policy change in certain areas, particularly the fraud of McCain-Finegold CFR laws."

This, dear sir, should be the attitude of every conservative who voted for Bush. It is possible to support the president while at the same time criticizing those policies with which you disagree. Conservatism is not embodied in one man or one administration. It is a constant struggle.