[livius]

No, all of the surveys had the PP projected to win easily on Sunday. The Iraq issue had died down, the economy was hot, and ETA terrorism was way down.

But the Socialists won not only because of the shock and fear, but because they were so quick to whip it up and use it to their own advantage. They also they started to stir up social disturbances that were quite intimidating. Seeing armored vehicles pulled up in front of the PP offices on Sat. night to protect them from the mobs (of students, "peace activists" and other leftists) was very unnerving to Spaniards, I think.

I don't think the Socialists knew about the attack in advance, but they sure knew how to use it when it happened. We should be really prepared here in the US for a similar play.

[yonif]

No, all of the surveys had the PP projected to win easily on Sunday. The Iraq issue had died down, the economy was hot, and ETA terrorism was way down.

I am not doubting what you say, however, can you provide me a source showing these polls?

[yonif]

And remember ETA terrorism was around during Christmas, when they intercepted an ETA attempt to bomb the train station.