Running against a disliked predecessor rather than defend your own record has a long tradition in American and World Politics. This tradition exists because, in many cases, it works. The Grand Champion of this strategy was FDR. He, and the rest of the Democratic party, ran against Herbert Hoover not only in 1932 but also in 1936 and 1940 presidential campaigns but in the mid-term elections as well.

FDR's record was anything but stellar, but this campaign strategy was effective despite the double-dip economy. President Obama is in a similar position, they cannot run effectively on their record; therefore they will run against Bush. This is their best hope at this time. This strategy has been used in virtually every election since voting came about.

To quote an old axiom, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Pragmatism is very much a part of our political process.