In my nearly six years living in Washington, all under the reign of President Bush, I can’t recall a time when conservatives and the Bush Administration have clashed so virulently. The issue of immigration has divided traditional allies and caused what could be an irreparable rift.
Things were pretty bad during the battles over No Child Left Behind, the Medicare prescription drug bill and the Harriet Miers implosion. However, the debate over immigration — coming during a low point in Bush’s presidency — has the likes of Sen. Teddy Kennedy and the National Council of La Raza agreeing more often with the Bush administration than conservatives. That spells trouble.
Bush’s decision yesterday to insult and demean critics of the bill didn’t help. In fact, it’s caused such a backlash that opponents are now even more devoted to stopping the bill. One leading critic wrote to me today, “His remarks were offensive to many grassroots citizens and activists. How elitist! Outrage is growing because of remarks like these — just tune in any talk radio program or read any newspaper.”
Thank you, Mr. President, for finally giving your base an issue to rally around. Unfortunately for you, it could be your ultimate undoing.
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