Bush Fights Losing Battle Over Kids' Health Care

Many Republicans, however, disagree with Bush saying he has been no better than the big government Democrats. I've mentioned before that conservatives have harshly criticized him for federal funding of education (No Child Left Behind Act) and increasing Medicare funding (Medicare Modernization Act).

He was also asked if he will be a liability or an asset to his party come the elections in 2008. He bit back that he would be an asset having stuck to his guns on fiscal responsibility. I have to disagree about him being an asset on this issue.

The battle for the White House and control of Congress will be hard fought over the next 14 months. I can just imagine attack ads against Republican Congress members who were forced to vote against child health care to favor big tobacco. This is not a winner. I don't think Republicans want this kind of liability.

SCHIP expansion will make through Congress. If the president chooses to veto it, he will lose further credibility with his own party and risks losing other battles, as well.