Looks like the president is reflecting Ken Mehlman’s conviction that if the election is a choice rather than a referendum, Republicans will win. Campaigning in 2002, President Bush would invariably refer to the “Senate” when making a case for his judges or tax cuts, rather than say Senate Democrats. If this means he has no intention to remain above the fray – Welcome Mr. President.

From today:

THE PRESIDENT: “Our Party and members of the United States Congress stood squarely for tax relief for everybody who pays taxes. And the Democratic Party has a clear record.
“In 2001, more than 90 percent of the Congressional Democrats voted against cutting income tax rates.
“More than 90 percent of the Democrats voted against a bill that provided tax relief for married couples.
“More than 90 percent of the Democrats voted [against] a bill that would have put the death tax on the road to extinction.
“More than 90 percent of the Democrats voted against a bill that doubled the child credit.
“More than 95 percent of the Congressional Democrats voted against cutting taxes on capital gains.
“And recently during the budget debate, Democrats used the occasion to call for $173 billion in tax hikes and fee increases.
“The difference is clear, if you want the government in your pocket, vote Democrat. If you want to keep more of your hard-earned money, vote Republican.”