You are exactly right, these folks have absolutely no knowledge of history. President Bush won in 2000 against the odds, led the way to the historical gain of seats in 2002 and was reelected with even more gains in the Senate and House. The author ought to check out the last time this happened. President Bush knows darn well how and when to use his political capital, this bill was not the place.
Rush pointed out that Sensenbrennor was given a promise that a separate vote on drivers' licenses would be voted on early in the next, more conservative session. On that same day, Tom Ridge told Hannity that he agrees completely with Sensenbrennor about licenses, that it's a very serious matter, and that he's confident that Sensenbrennor will latch on to this issue like a bulldog [paraphrase].
It is very frustrating for us at this moment, however. Bush does waffle a lot, and his judgement is not perfect. [Consider raising the funding of the NEA, a complete loser of a stand on the NEA outrage. Also his unwillingness to recess appoint judges, although perhaps he wanted a more RINO proof majority before tackling judge appointments.] We'll just have to see.
Name a couple.
(hint: There weren't any) The GOP reneged on the contract.
It's you that needs the history lesson.