D-I-V-O-R-C-E

A friend emails a link to this Bruce Bartlett Article in RealClearPolitics.com, saying it "'bout sums it up!"

I agree with the main premise if he oversimplifies some of the subtopics. The main point is that the Bush - Conservative alliance was temporal, lasting as long as both needed each other.

The truth that is now dawning on many movement conservatives is that George W. Bush is not one of them and never has been. They were allies for a long time, to be sure, and conservatives used Bush just as he used them. But it now appears that they are headed for divorce. And as with all divorces, the ultimate cause was not the final incident, but the buildup of grievances over a long period that one day could no longer be overlooked, contained or smoothed over.

Then he lists grievances: Campaign Finance Reform, Immigration, profligacy and expanded entitlements. I think some of these may co-exist in the big tent, but the point is taken. Bartlett closes:

Had George W. Bush demonstrated more fealty to conservative principles over the last five years, he might have gotten a pass on Miers. But coming on top of all the big government initiatives he has supported, few in the conservative movement are inclined to give him the benefit of a doubt any longer.

Amen. Had the President listened to the caution expressed about Chief Justice Roberts's nomination, he should have been a little more cautious with the second pick.

Politics Posted by jk at October 18, 2005 2:12 PM