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The following editorial appeared Thursday in the Dallas Morning News:

President Bush has become America's No. 1 whipping boy. Angry about the bailout? Blame Bush. Economy's in the toilet? Blame Bush. Upset about Iraq? Blame Bush.

That focus is to be expected from Democrats, eager for victory on Nov. 4. But what's surprising is the vigor with which Republicans — including John McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin — are piling on and looking backward. Even Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a longtime political ally of the president, distanced himself a bit in a recent interview.

It's an easy target. Bush's 25 percent approval ratings are where Richard Nixon stood when he resigned the presidency. Only 9 percent of Americans express satisfaction with the direction he's taking our country, according to a new Gallup poll. To hear the candidates talk, this election is a referendum on Bush.

As satisfying as it might be to cast your ballot with those thoughts in mind, think twice. This is not a vote to punish Bush and those Republicans and, yes, Democrats who once supported him. This is about America's future and the best candidate to lead us through the extremely tough challenges ahead.

Voters owe it to the nation to test their assumptions, review the candidates' positions and look past today's raw emotions. Because, come Inauguration Day, the blame game ends. Either McCain or Barack Obama will take full ownership of all the nation's problems and challenges, and there will be no looking back.

It's not about who most effectively distances himself from Bush but rather who has the best ideas to steer the nation toward calmer seas. That person will take the helm in the middle of the perfect storm, which means having not only a good plan but also the guts to change course quickly if conditions dictate it.

Remember that the Bush presidency will be history come Inauguration Day. The vote you cast is about who leads from that day forward.