For a little expansion on this Bush love-fest, let us go to the Washington Post: __________________________________________________________ Bush has a 63 percent personal favorability rating in the poll and a 59 percent job approval score, the second-highest numbers recorded since he took office. But only half of those interviewed believe he is succeeding in his goal of bringing "needed change to Washington," and more people than not say his priorities are wrong.

Since spring, Bush's numbers have improved on education and energy, but disapproval scores have risen on his handling of the economy, international affairs and Social Security. The shakiness of his overall position is indicated by the fact that, for the second month in a row since the Democrats took over the Senate, as many people want the country to follow their lead as say Bush's direction is right.

On a wide range of issues -- the environment, energy, patients' rights, prescription drug benefits and Social Security -- the public says it trusts the Democrats in Congress more than Bush.

Although the White House has counted on the tax rebate checks now reaching mailboxes to boost Bush's support, the poll suggests that the biggest legislative victory so far in his term may have limited appeal.

Only 3 out of 8 of those polled thought the tax cut would be good for the economy. One out of 5 said it would be bad, and 2 out of 5 said it would make no difference. More people than not -- 52 percent to 45 percent -- said it would not leave enough money to finance Social Security, education and health care adequately while keeping the budget balanced.

The survey results show that there has been a gradual erosion in the belief that Bush is providing strong leadership for the country. During last year's campaign, he projected those qualities far more effectively than Gore did -- with 62 percent of the voters seeing him as a strong leader in October and only 33 percent doubting it. Now the numbers are much closer -- 55 percent yes and 43 percent no. __________________________________________________________

But ya know what? None of these actual issues really matter that much. Just as it was clear that Bill Clinton was an operator, no matter how much you tried to defend his obvious executive strengths, it is clear that Bush is a boob, no matter how much his handlers try to shield him from public scrutiny. Let me say that again: it is obvious that Bush is a defensive lightweight in way over his head. One look at him and any other impression is impossible. This is why his popularity numbers are so hard to move. You can trumpet all the trumped-up statistics you want, we all know what is OBVIOUS. The majority of Americans are fundamentally uncomfortable with a government being run by...who? Good question. And as soon as a real economic or foreign crisis hits -- and it will -- the obvious weakness of a leaderless government and the confusion and missteps that will follow will have people longing for the days when a real, articulate executive was in charge, and Bush's numbers will plummet.