This here Daily Kos Diary takes a look at what newspaper endorsements back in 2000 said about then-Governor Bush. Some of my favorites include:

"The Texas governor states he would not engage in "nation building." Good. It can't be done from  the outside, and such an effort isn't worth rivers of American blood."
-Tampa Tribune

"Bush has offered solutions to problems. He has, to his credit, not given the impression that he has the last word on every problem to confront government. He would listen."
-Chicago Tribune

"Mr. Bush will be a far better friend to Michigan workers. Preserving and growing jobs through smarter economic and conservation approaches is far better for the state's unionized work force than the empty and tired slogans of Mr. Gore."  
-Detroit News

"Americans of both parties are weary of the scandals and ceaseless investigations that have marred the last eight years and long to leave them behind."
-Houston Chronicle

Golly, I bet they're all surprised.