For seven long years, Republicans in Congress have resolutely supported George Bush in pretty much everything that he said and did, as he systematically ground this country (and everything it used to stand for) into the dust.

Now, when it’s time to face the voters, suddenly they think they can get away with taking the fifth?

In a contentious segment on “Hardball” tonight, host Chris Matthews accused Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and his conservative allies of “taking off your uniforms,” pretending they’re not Republicans, and running against President Bush. “I’m not going to let anyone get away with that kind of foolery,” Matthews said. He asked Cantor at least five times whether he supported the job Bush is doing — and all five times Cantor refused to answer.

Guys like Cantor seriously think that everyone will magically forget how Republicans in Congress marched in solid lockstep to Bush’s tune? Bush said “Jump!” and they jumped. Bush said “Heel!” and they heeled.