Is Bush Running Against GOP?

On his first big swing through New York State, Republican presidential front-runner George W. Bush isn't just distancing himself from his party's cantankerous, congressional conservatives, he's defining himself as the other guy -- not one of them, reports CBS News Correspondent Bill Whitaker.

"Too often my party has focused on the national economy to the exclusion of all else," Bush has complained.

For the second time in a week, Bush has criticized Republican leaders for budget cuts that hurt the poor and for slashing the federal role in education.

"Too often my party has confused the need of limited government with a disdain for government itself," the Texas governor said.

On Wednesday, he called it constructive criticism.

"I'm talking from the heart and I hope the Republican Party appreciates it," he said.

Up on Capitol Hill, Republican leaders put on brave smiles to put the best face on the Bush blast.

"I think the governor is running for president. I don't have any concern that he's running against Congress," said Rep. J.C. Watts, R-Okla.

While across the aisle, Democrats crowed.

"I don't blame him for distancing himself from Republican leadership. Republican members are doing the same thing," said Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D.

It's as if Bush were taking tips from Republican nemesis President Clinton, who ran for re-election by distancing himself from troublesome congressional Democrats.

But bedrock conservatives warn that if Bush doesn't straighten up and fly right, the right wing will fly away. Cathie Adams is Texas president of the conservative Eagle Forum.

"You don't separate yourself from your base and you don't offend the base by taking issues that are most dear to them and mocking your conservative base about them," Adams said.

But right now, front-runner Bush seems to view hard-right Republican leaders like political Kryptonite. Get too close and it'll sap your strength.

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