Exactly. I don't like it either but I still plan to show up and vote Republican this year. The fact is Bush has established some strong conservative credentials in a number of areas, like his judicial nominees and most of his cabinet as well. He's pretty much ignoring his own principles for the moment on economic issues. His view, correctly or incorrectly seems to be that it will help the GOP in November. He's determined not to have Daschle running the show for the last two years of his term. I can't say I blame him.
I saw ABC news last night talking about the tariffs Bush slapped on imported steel. The reporter called him a hypocrite. What are they doing that for? They're trying to get conservatives to stay home in November. I think the Dems are concerned they don't have an issue to get their own supporters to the polls, so the media wants to drive down conservative turnout too.
I agree with you about the media's motivation but keep in mind that if Bush weren't giving them an opportunity to call him on his hypocrisy they would have a much harder time convincing conservatives to stay home.