Peter Canellos on Sen. Barfbag

Only two people mentioned as possible Republican presidential contenders seem eager to adopt the Bush image of a president who is boldly aggressive overseas, committed to a steady run of tax cuts, and willing to pursue the social agenda of the religious right.

Those would-be Bush inheritors are the president's younger brother, Governor Jeb Bush of Florida, who is downplaying the possibility of a run, and Senator George Allen of Virginia, who is actively drumming up enthusiasm for an '08 run.

Allen is banking on the idea that voters will want more of the same. He does not offer even a stylistic contrast with the president. He is blunt and direct, he pays homage to the wisdom of the common man, and he pursues a staunch conservative agenda.

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But as of now, the Republican field looks to be quite large and full of candidates who are anything but Bush clones, plus one who is.

Right now, with Bush's approval ratings in the low 40s, possible candidates are eager to distance themselves. But the three years between now and the election is a long time: By 2008, President-elect Allen could be laughing all the way to the White House.