[colorado tanker]

Good analysis. The base was already tired of the Bush administration weakness on fiscal restraint and other issues. The split in the party over immigration is a self-inflicted wound and a gift to the Democrats that will probably hand the House and Senate to the Dems this mid-term. If that happens it will mean a loss of the Iraq war, no majority on the Supreme Court and loss of the tax cuts. Oh, and no border fence plus an amnesty program to sign up lots more Dem voters. I hope the no-compromise zealots on this issue will enjoy their handiwork.

[dirtboy]

I hope the no-compromise zealots on this issue will enjoy their handiwork.

I am curious why this is the handiwork of the "no-compromise zealots."

Poll after poll shows Americans want something done about border security and do not want amnesty for illegals.

The base has told Bush and the GOP for years that they don't want amnesty. And that is not some kind of zealous irrationality - the Reagan amnesty didn't work - there is historical cause for that position.

And because Bush and RINOs in the GOP refuse to listen to the base, OR a strong majority of the American public, WE'RE NO-COMPROMISE?

Talk about getting it exactly backwards. Heck, even Krauthammer is saying, secure the border first. But Bush refuses to listen. HE is the one who won't compromise and take the prudent step of first securing the borders.

So if the party fissues, it will be his doing, not the fault of the base.

[Shermy]

"Oh, and no border fence plus an amnesty program to sign up lots more Dem voters. I hope the no-compromise zealots on this issue will enjoy their handiwork."

The Democrats fear going to the voters opposing an enforcement first approach. That's one reason why Ben Nelson signed onto the Sessions amendment.

IMO the "hurting Republicans" meme was created be the lobbyists and laundered through the MSM. The only way it could hurt Repubs is if they don't make clear their difference from Bush and the MSM is allowed to continue confusing the issue.