Policy And Politics

Dan Balz has a good analysis of the policy-side of Bush's speech. It's also a good reminder of how presidents are rarely defined by the agenda they campaign on (FDR is a prime example of this). More often than not, presidents must respond to what's thrown at them. Here is an excerpt:

"President Bush once saw the immigration issue as an opportunity to expand the Republican Party by attracting more Hispanic voters with a message of tolerance and inclusion. His nationally televised speech last night was an admission that the issue has now become a problem that, if not managed carefully, could quickly become a historic liability for his party."