Restoring Conservatism?

President Bush could take a few steps out of the hole he's dug himself with his conservative base, by holding congress to this task.

"If Mr. Bush is really serious, he'll now take Mr. Frist at his word and send his own White House rescission request to Congress. True, Congress would have to vote affirmatively to approve any rescission, but the showdown would be an ideal fiscal responsibility litmus test. Emergencies like a hurricane require emergency changes in spending priorities, not a blank check." WSJ.com - Spending Revelation

Since his second term began with the bold announcement of Social Security reform, George Bush has lost battle after battle and with the appointment of Harriet Miers, appeared to be a beaten man. Hopefully this call for spending constraint is more than one last gasp from a boxer on one knee.

In addition, he needs help from his majority, fellow Republican-led Congress. The president has not done the best job pressing for his initiatives, but he sure deserves better from his own party!

UPDATE: Thomas Sowell echoes my thoughts on Congress:

President Bush has taken on too many tough fights -- Social Security being a classic example -- to be regarded as a man who is personally weak. What is weak is the Republican majority in the Senate.