Just how bad a president is George W. Bush? Jimmy Carter recently agreed with critics who say that he (Mr Bush, that is) may be the worst in history. It would be a mistake to roll one's eyes and say: "Look who's talking." The opinion carried extra weight coming from such a notably inept predecessor, like Pelé calling another footballer the best who ever played.

Another mistake would be to dismiss this measuring of awfulness as a waste of time. Judging how bad a president Mr Bush has been - and how bad he is perceived to have been - is part of gauging the political climate. Much of the electorate is eager to repudiate the Bush presidency, without a doubt. But is it the president's ideas and world-view they are avid to reject or the way he tried (and failed) to implement them?