You kind of have to enjoy the way that, no matter what happens, no matter how weak his position is George W. Bush stays the same petulant bullying brat he always has been, and shows that it's not just Iraq where he can't change tactics.

President George W. Bush assailed the Democratic-led Congress on Saturday for challenging him over funding the Iraq war and the firing of federal prosecutors, and demanded that lawmakers back down. - Reuters

Oooh, he demanded! Showing that even some Republicans have stopped quaking in fear when Bush stomps his foot and demands things, this morning's Sunday talk shows featured Senators Arlen Specter, Chuck Hagel, and Lindsey Graham all criticizing the handling of the prosecutor firings and calling for compromise on whether and under what circumstances Karl Rove and others would testify to Congress. (The compromises they suggested weren't adequate, mind you, but it's significant that they're not standing with Bush on this.)

Bush's twin blasts against the Democrats marked a striking departure from weeks of trying to foster a cooperative spirit with them to make progress on immigration law overhaul, energy initiatives and health care. White House officials said Bush still wants progress on those issues, but felt compelled to lay down markers on principles close to his heart: the separation of powers between the White House and the legislative branch and his role as commander in chief in charge of the Iraq war. - Reuters again

"Principles close to his heart" - read, "I'm the decider." That's his principle, that no matter the polls, no matter the stinging electoral rebuke dealt him and his party in November, he only ever has to pretend to compromise, and others must always submit to him if he really wants something.

He seemingly can't acknowledge, even to himself, that things have changed, and that demanding things is no longer enough. Like a playground bully, he'll keep blustering and fighting and striking out wherever he thinks he sees weakness, and that's exactly why Democrats have to continue standing strong. Because his only principle is that he should always get what he wants.