The old Bush v. the old Democrats

If this (i.e., killing off Social Security) is the way Bush intends to start off his "new relationship" with the Democrats, I hope it's doomed to failure.

President George W. Bush plans to respond to last night's Republican wipeout with a combination of conciliation and firmness that is unlikely to pacify an empowered and emboldened opposition. Aides say that beginning with an appearance in the East Room this afternoon, Bush will try to cast the blue wave as an opportunity rather than a defeat, and will vow to plunge ahead with transformative goals like reworking the Social Security system for fiscal longevity. "The same group of problems are there," White House Press Secretary Tony Snow tells TIME. "You just will have some different people in the leadership. We have an opportunity to have an activist last two years of this Presidency, which will be good for the country." Snow, who worked conservative talk radio for three hours yesterday afternoon, said Democrats now "have to decide whether they're going to be part of the solution, or are going to try to shut down the government for two years and point fingers at the President."

This sounds like the old Bush to me. Challenge them to do his bidding and try to ridicule them if they don't. The old Democrats might have bought that. I sure hope empowerment inspires them not to do so this time.