But responsibility really is central to the Bush presidency. Indeed, it might actually help the president to be more explicit about this, rather than rolling out one policy proposal after another, each seemingly unconnected to the next. Democrats have an advantage when policies are considered separately, because their positions, taken one at a time, are often more popular, or at least sound more appealing on the evening news. But Republicans have an advantage when policies are presented thematically, because their big ideas are often more popular than Democratic ideas. Republican vision trumps Democratic wonkery.
Successful leaders promote policies that encourage a certain set of virtues.
Whether through education, tax, or housing policy, Thatcher wanted to encourage Britons to be independent, enterprising, loyal with friends, and fierce against foes. If someone were to attempt an anatomy of Bushism, they would say that so far Bush policies encourage the responsible virtues. They encourage Americans to be disciplined about their own lives, devoted to taking care of their families, and attentive to the needs of their neighbors. This may not be a heroic vision. It certainly doesn't embody the grand national aspirations that leaders like Lincoln, TR, or Ronald Reagan had for America.