Analysis: Bush unwelcome on the trail

Source: AP

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. - Republican presidential candidates can't be any more clear: President Bush isn't welcome on the campaign trail.

Competing to succeed him, top GOP candidates Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson and John McCain barely utter Bush's name. They essentially ignore the lame-duck president, or give him only passing credit, as they rail against the status quo and promise to fix problems he hasn't solved.

"We all know Americans want change," said McCain, an Arizona senator, explaining the aversion to aligning with Bush. "I give him credit for a number of things but I think the fact is Americans are turning the page, including our Republican primary voters."

The candidates are walking a fine line. They are trying to tap into the deep discontent those voters feel about the state of the country without alienating any who hold Bush in high regard. At the same time, they have to counter the Democrats' powerful arguments for a new direction.

How candidates handle the 800-pound elephant in the room now could have implications beyond the primary. Privately, Republican strategists agree their nominee will lose next fall if the general election is a referendum on Bush. They say GOP candidates are wise to distance themselves from the president now, given his unpopularity among the public at large.

Bush holds the opposite view.

Asked last week whether he is an asset or a liability for Republican candidates, Bush replied: "Strong asset."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070923/ap_on_el_pr/republicans_bush

Strong asset my ass!

was that no matter who the democrat or republican nominee is, 2008 will be a referendum on Bush. Guess who wins that one?

Meet the New Butcher of Baghdad

....these ungrateful republicans and candidates....this is their fearless Leader they're snubbing....a man a few short years ago who could simply grab Lott by the collar and toss him out of the majority leader job....

....a man who could easily mislead the best of OUR fearless Leaders into giving him a blank check for unlimited wars, profiteering and campaigning issues....have some love and respect for the man....

....hasn't bush always been there for you, your party, your base, unlike our fearless Leaders treat us?....and where's that bushco corporate gratitude and smile for bringing home all those lucrative corporate wars and contracts?....c'mon, let's see a little grin....

....bush may be lame and a duck but he still has time; maybe even enough time to start you one or more lucrative corporate wars before he leaves office....perpetual war requires perpetual faith, hang in there....