This may seem an odd diary on the day when our 44th President is being inaugurated. But the title got your attention and I think that in a very perverse way (I write this as a progressive democrat) one must acknowledge that Bush achieved his objectives.
How can I make this claim? It must be understood that Bush & Company from the outset never intended to serve the American people in its entirety. Bush & Co. wanted to advance the interests of their base, and even more narrowly, the people who finance that base. Before one slams this idea, I think it is unrealistic of Obama to believe he can represent all the American people. Not possible. The 20-30% base that Bush ended up with will always be against Obama. Look at the Republican Senate leader who today announced he may hold up Hillary's appointment as Secretary of State. It will probably be for just a few days; but they have no intention of "playing ball" with Obama, despite his dinners with them. I think Obama should realize this and govern to push his base, especially the progressive base.
Bush did achieve what the people who put him in office wanted. First, look at the tax breaks they have racked up (with democratic help) over the past 8 years. Second, look at the concentration of wealth in ever fewer and fewer hands, also achieved over the last two terms. Third, look at the increased centralization of power in the executive branch. Bush & Cheney invented the "unitary" president approach (not that I applaud it). Fourth, look at the foreign policy "successes" in Iraq which have helped consolidate US corporate power over Middle East Oil and also cemented Israel's power. What does he care that a few thousand ordinary Americans died to achieve this? Fifth, look at the loss of constitutional rights for the average American person (FISA anyone? the Patriot Act? etc). Note too that some of these constitutional rights losses occurred with the help and support of Democrats, including Obama (especially on FISA).
In short, I think Bush can go back to Texas with the knowledge that he indeed achieved the mission that those who put him in power wanted. Again, don't attack me for wanting this: I am opposed to everything Bush & Co. stand for. But we must also ask: Will Obama be as "successful" as Bush?