At a time where the EU is busy synchronizing, a direct vote for a President (who, by the way, has almost only representative functions, the legislative and executive bodies being the EU parlament and commission) could be described as experimental at best. There is no reason comparing him to the american President, in power or legitimacy.

Bush got in through a corrupt vote anyway, so what's the point in fighting against it. Any government will do what they want and no matter what protest there is, they don't care. If the protests get out of hand (usually provoked) the government call in riot police then the armed forces and kick the s**t out you. Proved time and again in all countries across the globe including the UK and US.