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I agree. The GOP bench isn't thin on quality people; only thin on quality people that anyone has heard of. This is a concern. Plus, while I don't believe the polling results on Bush and Iraq, I do sense that many people are getting weary of the status quo. I hestitate to call it "Bush Fatigue," but there's an element of that which will work against any Republican in '08.

"there's an element of that which will work against any Republican in '08."

That exists in every election year. Democrats always rally around their candidate come election year. Also, if you think McCains positive press coverage would continue when he became the Republican Nominee you're insane. They would do a total 180 on him the day after he clinched the nomination.

I think you're right on to call it Bush Fatigue. This often happens after a two-term presidency. I'm old enough to remember the '60 election. It wasn't that people back then didn't like Ike or that things were all that bad in the country at the time (they weren't), it's just that the electorate was in the mood for a change and when a charismatic candidate from the out party came along they were willing to give him a look.

Except for '96, the Bush name has been on the national ballot going back to 1980. It's not that I think any of those candidates were bad, it's just that many people may be ready to look elsewhere come '08. Whether we like it or not, John McCain and Rudy have name recognition right now. While I don't particularly like either of them, I can't stand the thought of Hillary! in the WH, and other other 'Rat I'd consider voting for President has been dead a long time.