<It's frankly impossible to underestimate the intellect of Bush. Just listen to the man! To appear as an idiot to the entire world - to the point that even *British* Conservatives denounce him as such in parliament and urge that he not be supported, is not the political strategy of a smart fellow. The series of really STUPID utterances goes back to his first entry into politics, back in Texas.

Have it your way. I suppose it's a lot more palatable for you than the alternative. You will of course grant the possibility that being in solid opposition to a large number of people because you believe you are right and they aren't is not necessarily the sign of stupidity. In some corners of the world, it's called integrity and principle.

To a certain mindset the smart thing, the clever thing, the politically expedient thing, would be to adjust your principles and policies to meet the winds of politics, so that one is always sailing comfortably with the wind. You know...political strategy. No doubt a smart politician like Clinton would have the Europeans eating out of his hand.

From long experience, going back to Reagan, if the Left is busting blood vessels shrieking in horror at the absolute idiocy of the President, he is probably doing exactly the right thing.