Before anyone gets angry or miffed at the title, allow me to explain.
Bush's demeanor has changed. He seems more congenial. He seems cooperative. Outside the activist wings, most Americans like to see pols work together and get things done.
In getting rid of Rumsfeld, Bush is showing a willingness to change. The Iraq policy will change. Bush is showing that he does not have all the answers and seems willing to change tactics.
Bush will seem more moderate these last two years.
Bush's approval rating will rise now as he cedes ground, starts vetoing some bills, working and debating with Congress and doing his part to get things done. Yes, therwe will be some fireworks compromise will come of it. He will push less, accomplish more and be given credit for doing so.
Clinton's best years in terms of approval and accomplishment were in his second term. These years made his legacy as a successul moderate politican who got things accomplished.
Bush will be helped in this repsect by the Dems and Pelosi who are not showing signs of pursuing a strong ideological agenda. Minimum wage, tax increase on the top half percent, some health care reforms? He may veto some of them, Congress may amend some of those vetoed bills and legilsation will be passed.
The Dems do not look like they will be pursuing an agenda of retribution but rather one of fixing things that are wrong. There will be disagreements but life will go on and things will get done.
The Dems are thinking of 2008 and my feeling is that they do not see a confrontational agenda as being helpful for their WH plans.
You all may not like this but it's what I think is going to happen. Moderates will think better of him and Congress. GOP-type libertarians may loosen up. The Right Wing may not but they will still give tepid approval if vetoes some measures and at least makes a fight.
Sure the liberal base will never like him. I'll never forgive him for the Iraq War and will always have a bit of contempt for him for all the horrors between 2002-2005. But I hate him less than I used to. My contempt is now stronger for the RW base of SoCons, Jingoists, Nationalists, Bigots and Ditto-heads who bash Bush like blood-thirsty wolves than for Bush himself.
Americans are forgiving people and I think Bush, by being less powerful will gain face these last two years as things improve and cooperates with others.
Please understand, I'm not a Bush supporter AT ALL. I voted against him twice and still wish he had lost in 2004. We'd be better off now. But I am a realist and this is my sneaking suspiscion of how the next 12-18 will transpire.