Social Middle

President Bush again steers clear of the excesses of the far right.

Dems don't get this; Bush is governing using the best lesson from all the 12-step groups. Take what you need, leave the rest.

He's governing using many (not all) of the best ideas of conservatism. He's leaving the baggage - like Jerry Falwell and Jimmy Swaggart - behind.

Spelled another way - he's outflanked the Dems on the right, without smacking into the wall in the process.