Two problems with Morris’ thesis. First, BushCo is incapable of responding effectively to a crisis, and in particular the windfall giveaway to their sponsors in the oil sector is not a trend they can buck.

Second, Bush’s rebound strategy is probably already being planned, and it will likely have more to do with engineering an ‘October surprise’ to shore up his anti-terrorist credibility. Whether that entails provoking a Tonkin-like act of Iranian aggression against US intersts which would call for massive retaliation and muster jingoistic sentiment; or — not too outlandish to rule out — facilitating a well-timed terrorist attack on U.S. soil, it will allow the Shrub an ludicrous and outrageous opportunity to try and look decisive (you know his ‘decisive monkey’ scowl?) and shore up Republican prospects.