CHALK ONE UP FOR THE PRESIDENT – AT 9:05 A.M. ET:   We're happy to rush in with the report that President Obama has one solid accomplishment to his credit.  He is making Americans nostalgic for George Bush.  John Fund of The Wall Street Journal gives us the remarkable revelation, and quotes Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg:

"Though voters agree the economy was an 'inherited' problem, they do not like to hear politicians blaming Bush or looking backwards," he concluded in his study. In an interview with Jane Hamsher of the blog Firedog Lake, Mr. Greenberg went on to say: "I'm really puzzled by Democratic leaders stuck in a message that demonstrably doesn't work." He puts it down to the president listening to economic advisers who want him to set a rhetorical tone that "will help confidence to come back."

But so far the only thing that seems to be coming back is nostalgia for George W. Bush. A new CNN poll finds voters still believe Mr. Obama is a better president than Mr. Bush was, but by only 47% to 45%. That's down from a whopping 23-point margin last year. "Democrats would be wise to think twice before bringing up the name of President Bush on the campaign trail this fall," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

COMMENT:  We expected a political resurrection for Mr. Bush, but not this soon.  We thought the timing might be more Trumanesque – it took Mr. Truman some years to become popular again, after leaving the White House.  And look at Dick Cheney.  He packs 'em in wherever he goes, and just announced a new speaking tour.

President Bush will publish his memoir right after the election.  I suspect his popularity will increase even more.

October 13, 2010