While we haven't had many major attacks on US soil (assuming you don't count the Beltway Sniper, who was a muslim), we have lost over 3,000 soldiers in Iraq, to little avail, since Iraq is still a very disorganized mess.
Malvo was a crime problem, not a terrorism problem. Losing 3000 soldiers is not being attacked. Making mistakes in running a war is not being attacked.
Bush's number 1 job is to keep the homeland safe. Thus far post 9/11 he's batting 1.000.
The economy is doing OK for the most part, and it is doing extremely well if you are lucky to be in one of the Bush-related industries such as oil, arms production, or mercenary outsourcing.
With oil prices near 100 a barrel, the housing bubble popping, uncertian foreign policy, and the potential for further conflict, the economy is doing very very well. There is a reason why Bush got a standing O when he made an unplannned visit to wallstreet.
He has cut taxes, and I see that as the only positive thing he has done. Unfortunately, he has spent more than we saved on taxes, and some day the bill will come due.
True, but that really doesn't have anything to do with cutting taxes. Spending is inevitable when in war. Its something you cant get around. While Bush has spend too much on other things, he at least had the foresight to cut taxes as well.
If given the choice between a president who doesn't spend and doesn't cut taxes, and one who does spend and does cut taxes, I'll take the latter. More money in my pocket is always better, and its more money that goes back into the economy.
The jury is still out on the justices he has appointed. Given the fact that his first preference for SC was Harriet Miers, you must forgive for viewing Alito and Roberts with a skeptical eye. I suppose we will know more when the DC gun case goes to the Supreme Court. I hope we are not surprised by a bad outcome.
Thus far, the conservative voting block is just that, a conservative voting block. There hasn't been any indication that any of these justices will pull a Souter.
Like I said, bush isn't everyones cup of tea, and he's been a huge disappointment in my eyes. However that doesn't mean everything he's done is a disaster.