I differ in the notion that conservative Republicans back Bush. They really never have. The most that can be said is that Bush successfully divided Republicans (as nobody before had) into conservatives -- as had always been defined that way, and neo-conservatives which are, in effect, pro-war liberals. :^)

I agree with a lot of this. But I do know several "old school" (paleo) conservatives who backed GW Bush (and still do), because he was on their "team" and they felt he could win. For many people (on both sides, really), that is enough.