We, who are partisan and know what we believe in politically, like red-meat political fights.
The great unwashed masses out there who fancy themselves independents and moderates, and who decide every election in this nation, like tame, gentleman politicians.
That's why Bush's "new tone" worked so effectively in the election. Thune simply wants to live (politically) to fight another day in South Dakota.
You have to admire his patience (which reminds me of W's patience) as unnerving as it can get to be.