We'll disagree about this forever, Simon, but I will at least answer your question: I think, for better or worse, Bush has shown a crapload of grit since 9/11. Yes, we've had mistakes made, but I believe we're fighting a different war than we've ever fought and I think it's natural that mistakes will be made. What's important is that we recognize the mistakes internally, adjust, and move forward.
We're not fighting a country. We're fighting an idea. In my opinion, that's a tough sell, but he sells this based on his resolve and I'm of the opinion, right or wrong, that it's a war that had to be fought sooner or later. This guy chose to fight it despite how popular it makes him look today. That, to me, displays grit.
(I only brought up Clinton because of your reference to the biggest kitty ever in the White House. I believe Clinton was far and away a much bigger kitty than GW. Much bigger. Clinton, particularly in his second term, was all about the legacy and not about the American people.)