The Circular Firing Squad of George W. Bush

The current effort to enact an immigration reform bill amnesty for illegal aliens is all but kaput. Harriet Reid knows it, the Fat Drunk knows it; and the Gitmo inmate's sympathizer from South Carolina knows it. In spite of the anger coming from Americans - Democrat and Republican alike - George W. Bush is clueless.

President Bush pressed divided Republicans on Tuesday to support him on immigration overhaul, saying "status quo is unacceptable."

In a rare visit to the Capitol for lunch with the Senate's GOP membership, Bush said he recognized that immigration was an emotional issue and that many do not agree with him. Still, he said, "Now is the time to get it done."

That's right, get it done, prove how in touch with the base you are.

The measure supported by the White House, which legalizes up to 12 million unlawful immigrants and tightens border security, stalled last week in the face of broad Republican opposition.

Bush's personal effort to salvage the derailed bill came as key lawmakers reached for a deal that could quickly revive the measure. He needs to change enough minds among GOP senators to push through a top domestic priority.

"The White House will stay engaged," Bush told reporters after the lunch.

"Some members in there believe that we need to move a comprehensive bill, some don't," the president said. "I understand that. It's a highly emotional issue."

But it was unclear whether Bush changed any minds. His approach has sparked a backlash among some of the party's core supporters, who see the legislation as amnesty for people who sneaked into the country.