"We need a balanced budget amendment passed once and for all in Bush's next term."
LOL!! Please do not hold your breath, as you seem to be an intelligent fiscal conservative, something that is opposite of our President (who will be elected to a 2nd term, btw).
I understand that this President is not the most fiscally conservative, but I do think that part of the reason is the WTC attacks, corporate scandals, brankruptcy of the airlines, and the War on Terror. I think Bush knows that a lot of fiscal progress has to be made in the next term to get this country back on track.
We need to most of all close the trade deficit, have a balanced budget amendment, begin paying off huge chunks of the nat'l debt, and reduce our dependency on foreign oil. I think understands this. It's just that there is a lot going on right now that he can't really control at once.