Instead, they chose divisive policies and tactics that were rammed through by brute force and intimidation. Anyone who disagreed was marginalized or vilified– and their patriotism called into question.

You got the feeling that Bush/Rove/Cheney quite arrogantly felt that the rest of us just didn't count– they were representing the “Real” Americans. IMO, that was their biggest failure- and that is also the reason for the emergence of widespread BDS.

Nancy Pelosi:

Two years ago, she said; “Bills should generally come to the floor under a procedure that allows open, full and fair debate consisting of a full amendment process that grants the minority the right to offer its alternatives, including a substitute.”

Back when they were in the minority. In 2004, then-Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi proposed a “Bill of Rights” for the minority party, lamenting the “incivility and the heavy hand of the majority” and accusing Republican Speaker Dennis Hastert of shutting out Democratically-offered alternatives.

By passing a new package of House rules by a 242-181 vote today, Democrats eliminated in some cases the minority party's ability to file a so-called “motion to recommit.” In the past, such motions served as one of the only opportunities the minority party had to influence the substance of any tax-related legislation. This article is from Democrat spokes network MSNBC.

Interesting. No?

I would amend your “I’m the President and the decider and this is my decision. I have the power to say how it will be and this is how it is.” slightly to reflect your correct opinion that “Cheneyism triumphed” to “I’m the President and the decider and this is my decision, pending review by my Vice. I have the power to say how it will be and this is how it is, until my Vice changes it.”