Lately, Republicans have been united in opposition to two public figures: Barack Obama and George Bush.

While conservatives have tripped all over themselves to praise Rush Limbaugh’s leadership and vision, they wasted no time distancing themselves from the man who may turn out to be the most conservative president elected in this century.

Bush was barely mentioned at the recent CPAC conference. Newt Gingrich, who did mention him, attacked “Bush-Obama” economic policies.

In today’s Politico, former GOP Hill leadership staffer John Feehery offers fellow Republicans a refresher on how Presidents Bush and Obama are different:

One believes in the free-market system; the other deeply distrusts it. One loved the investment class; the other has shown deep disdain for it. One pushed against domestic spending, the other pushes for it. One pushed to boost defense and intelligence spending; the other will seek to slash it.

Conservatives say their beef with Bush is that the former president spent too much money. Gee. If only Republicans had controlled Congress and been able to stop him.

In truth, fickle Republicans and conservatives don’t like George Bush because he wasn’t popular when he left office. And now that he’s out of power, there are no consequences for dissing him.

Sure, old leaders don’t get much respect from people still in the game (just ask Bill Clinton). But George Bush put together a center-right majority that twice captured the White House. If the message is that even he’s not conservative enough for the refashioned Republican party, whom do conservatives expect to join their coalition?