The reason the Bush strategy works so well is because it plays to the media and Democrat template that he is a bumbling, partying, fratboy dunce.
Rather than rail against the media, Bush has learned to play them to his own advantage and they take the bait every time--especially the NY Times.
Another example of this fine-tuned (Karl Rove?) strategy is when Bush claimed he didn't need congressional approval for mounting the Iraqi War nor was he going to need the approval of the UN. The Democrats had a cow--I never saw such pontificating. So Bush--knowing all along what would happen--appeared to relent, and gave the Democrats the debate they appeared to want. In the process, the pro-Saddam element (McDermott, Bonior) became the face of the party right before the Nov. 5 election.
And it was a matter of formality that the UN would go along with Bush's plan. He never was going to leave them out, so the Democrat's attack resulted in the appearance of a major diplomatic coup on Bush's part.
Strategy simplified: 1) Leak that you're not going to give Democrats what they want or say they want and let them wax hysterical. 2) Then come out with a proposal that gives them something they want along with something we want that would help one of their constituency groups. 3) Focus on that part of the proposal which benefits their constituency group and triangulate them.
He's also playing another angle brilliantly--his use of Colin Powell. I really didn't like his appointment, but now I'm a believer. Powell really is a moderate and willing to speak his mind--Bellefonte couldn't be more wrong. And he has an active voice in the administration. He is also highly respected among democrats, moderates and internationals. But he's also a loyal soldier; after he has his say, he stands behind his commander-in-chief. I believe he helps mollify opponents who knows he will insure their voice will be heard at the WH. Then look at what the President does. Powell "insisted" that he work through the UN, which Pres. Bush did, and in the process, just happened to reveal its enormous weaknesses, in fact its increasing irrelevance. Gotta love the strategery. What President Bush is doing deserves its own appellation. He's developing a new political path, not to mention the New Tone.