In other words, Mr. Bush would like a few new victories even as the balance of power could prevent them.

Mr. Bush may not like the proposed legislation for substantive reasons.

Mr. Bush likes to be in bed by 10.

Mr. Bush likes to take the measure of people on the playing field.

Mr. Bush would like to keep it, at least for his first year.

Mr. Bush now likes the term "wise and effective reform."

Mr. Bush likes the idea but doesn't want to push it until after the election.

Mr. Bush likes to boast that he does not change his thinking to fit the politics of the moment.

But Mr. Bush would like to turn that pyramid on its head.

But not always in the ways that Mr. Bush and his advisers would like.