What Next for Bush? Let's Hope for Investigations

I've thought about today's actions by Bush (giving in to Dems by firing Rumsfeld; appearing conciliatory towards Dems) and what it means for conservatives. While it's possible Bush is just worn down and has decided to acquiesce to Democratic demands, I don't think it really matters much. At first, conservatives will feel betrayed at his conciliatory nature (think of his graciousness towards his predecessor) - but I don't think there's much to worry about.

Bush was never really that conservative, despite how the media portrays him. His only "conservative" traits are his penchant for economic growth via tax cuts, his previously hawkish foreign policy, originalist judges and his religion. And that's it. Everything else, I believe, he was willing to compromise and he might try to do so at first.

The one thing Bush can't stand, however, is to be shown up by his opponents. And once the House begins its investigations ( which Pelosi confirmed today), Bush will see that the Dems are trying to show him up. And that will be the savior to conservatives - no legislation will be passed and Bush will go back to his strident positions on judges, taxes and social issues sans compromise. Assuming any Left-wing legislation makes it to him, which is highly unlikely, Bush will use his veto pen.

Almost nothing of importance will be accomplished between now and the 2008 elections - and that's a good thing. The conservatives will find their way, led by a true conservative Minority Leader (Pence or Shadegg, hopefully) and actually stand on issues again, which are far more popular than those of their opponents.

The only two big "compromise" issues that have a chance are 1) amnesty for illegals; and 2) pay-go rules that eliminate the tax cuts. We can only hope that the Democratic investigations into Bush and the Iraq War begin as soon as possible.