maybe I am missing the point
Isn't Tom saying that Bush is somewhat immaterial to the political future?
The chemistry of 08 is unknown and the public is, oh so fickle.
Assuming that some extraordinary event doesn't come along and make Bush a hero, the GOP candidate will surely be someone that will distance himself from Bush and will have a record of opposition to Bush in some circumstances.
Sounds like John McCain. Do you see the American public holding McCain accountable for the Bush administration? I doubt it.
