Most of the polls that came out last week actually stabilized, and two rose.
I agree Frist is a disaster, but I think Hastert has been quietly effective. You certainly can't blame the House for failing to move most of the conservative agenda forward.
The real dilemma is that no conservative, including Bush, can "do" the kinds of things with government that would give him the publicity that generates news. The tax cuts have to work their magic, Iraq will continue to pacify, and so on. He could, and should, take an activist stand on border control immigration.
Nevertheless, Rove and the WH team are not undefeated in four election cycles, including two in Texas, one mid-term, and 2000. I trust them, more than Freepers, to know what they are doing. Whatever they think they have in the "new tone," the final fact is that it IS Bush. He isn't going to change, and apparently Rove and others think this is a key to winning.They said a year ago, when Bush's ratings were in the 70s, that the election would be close. Many here thought they were sandbagging, but I learned my lesson on that in 2000.
The House has been a great asset, but Hastert, as a leader, and a vocal and visible proponent on Bush's policies, has been sub-par at best...
By the way, don't underestimate FReepers and our intuitive senses, yourself included... Rove and co. are magnificent strategizers, but they aren't all knowing... I really feel that if they wait too long to counter-attack, it may be too late.