[Ed_in_NJ]

"Where is the conservatism?"

Being overwhelmed by the "compassion."

[dr_who_2]

Actually, I'd say the "compassionate conservative" line is more like "read my lips". The mood of the country is such that they could probably care less what compassionate things Bush does in Africa, Afganistan, Iraq, etc, and Bush's social programs at home haven't bought him anything either (big surprise there). The Democrats may come off as total idiots, but on domestic issues, Bush has made his father's mistake and surrendered the microphone over to them. The only people who will be using the term "compassionate conservatism" will be the Democrats (mockingly). So we're stuck with a more conservative, combative Bush in 2004 if everyone crosses their fingers ...or an American Hugo Chavez. Ramesh Ponnuru was right on.