Well, it wasn't a Nixon-to-China moment on global warming

Here's a typical rumor that went around last fall:

September 19, 2006

Will Bush Change His Mind on Global Warming?

"President Bush is preparing an astonishing U-turn on global warming," according to The Independent. "After years of trying to sabotage agreements to tackle climate change he is drawing up plans to control emissions of carbon dioxide and rapidly boost the use of renewable energy sources."

"Administration insiders privately refer to the planned volte-face as Mr Bush's 'Nixon goes to China moment,' recalling how the former president amazed the world after years of refusing to deal with its Communist regime. Hardline global warming sceptics, however, are already publicly attacking the plans."

And here's what we got:

America is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will enable us to live our lives less dependent on oil. These technologies will help us become better stewards of the environment -- and they will help us to confront the serious challenge of global climate change.

Draw your own conclusion, I suppose. I think it's kind of like Iraq - too little, too late.

UPDATE: Not global warming, but too good to skip: a trip down memory lane with previous Bush State of the Union speeches.