[Wayne07]

Unless we are all mis-remembering, Bush seemed to be the right man for the times, especially given the Democrat alternative.

I agree. Bush had no serious competition in the primaries; McCain being a distant second and an even worse choice. Bush didn't look that bad at the time, and even the China and Iraq decisions weren't obvious blunders. In hindsight though, huge blunders.

[dfwgator]

Bush also benefitted from running against two ridiculous Rat nominees, in Gore and Kerry. And he barely beat them.