Washington Whispers: GOP voters: like a rock

U.S. News ^ | August 9, 2006 | Paul Bedard

[new yorker 77]

Many Democrats may hate the war in Iraq and itch to dump the president, but a new GOP survey shows that Republican base voters stand ready to jam the November polls to return their team to Congress. A three-page-survey memo obtained by Washington Whispers reveals that despite reports of some dissatisfaction with the economy, the war, and President Bush, 81 percent of Republican voters are "almost certain" to vote and an additional 14 percent say they are "very likely." It goes without saying that they'll vote Republican: By a margin of 84 percent to 6 percent, they will pull the GOP toggle switch in the voting booth. And here is something you don't hear very often: 88 percent of Republicans approve of how the prez is handling his job. What's it all mean? Analysts say that GOP voters are ready to dig in and play defense against the charges Democrats are tossing at Republican candidates.

The memo also helps to define what issues work for Republican candidates. The survey--officially tilted "Base Mobilization Survey Finds and Conclusions"--divided the issues into foreign and domestic. On the foreign side, it's all terrorism and war with polling that finds GOP voters back the war, worry about Democratic attacks on the fight against terrorism, and think the Patriot Act, moves to tighten the border, and even telephone surveillance are good things. And their favorite domestic issues aren't a surprise: They are pro-tax cuts, big on cultural values, and worried that Democrats want to put too much bureaucracy in healthcare. Another nonshocker: They don't like the media's war stories, thinking that they are too negative. Some 60 percent of the GOP base expresses "extremely high dissatisfaction" with the coverage of the war.

[Warren_Piece]

Almost every Republican I know personally has either/or re-registered as an independent or refused to donate to the party.

Do you live in an insane asylum?

[bybybill]

Most Republicans know the difference between "us and them". In reality, there aren`t many folks in our party that enjoy shooting themselves in the foot. A few, but really , only a few.

[SmithL]

I'll most certainly vote.

But then, I always do.

[griswold3]

Ditto!!

[The Sons of Liberty]

My guess is that the best democrat I know, "Give 'em Hell" Zell Miller isn't going to vote to abandon our troops, and neither will I !

See you at the polls.

[vbmoneyspender]

After seeing what is happening with a squish being in charge of Israel, it should scare the bejeezus out of conservatives at the thought of a party of squishes being in charge here.

[jazusamo]

Almost every Republican I know personally has either/or re-registered as an independent or refused to donate to the party.

You need to make new acquaintances.

[John D]

The only person with an R behind their name I would never vote for is McCrazy, but then he is not really a Republican.

[ansel12]

"In many cases the liberal media, acting as a cheerleader for the Democrats, has hardened that "rock"."

I agree, what was a powerful asset for the left is now becoming a liability, as it becomes more and more identified as "a cheerleader".

Every year more voters ponder, if their past support for democrat positions, was simply a reflection of media bias.

[beeler]

No, I live in the red-blooded, conservative, traditional values Southern heartland, and assuming you're a Yankee, y'all can't win without us.

[KC_Conspirator]

I think as the election gets closer and people get reminded of what the democrats are and stand for, they are likely to come home. I am one of those people. I am sure I will have a come to Jesus moment.

[ChadGore]

VISUALIZE 62,041,268 Bush fans.
We Vote.

[John D]

You do not know any true Republicans do you? That is a shame.

[beeler]

If "us" means conservatives, we aren't in the same camp as the Republican party.

[WhiteGuy]

Return of 'The Fairness Doctrine', - bush veto

Impeachment proceedings, - Nothing more than an election year rallying point

Liberal Judges, - Why would bush nominate liberal judges?

Higher Taxes, - bush veto

Immediate Amnesty - unfortunately bush would probably sign off on this one....

Abandoning Our Troops - No chance, the president is still commander in chief.

[tcrlaf]

We really have no choice....

When we see a Democrat now, we see a terrorist, out to destroy our way of life....

[beeler]

Absolutely, which is exactly what we have now.

[beeler]

I don't hang out with Leftists and RINOs, thanks though.

[Diddle E. Squat]

By a margin of 84 percent to 6 percent, they will pull the GOP toggle switch in the voting booth.

Another bitter pill for the small but spamming No-Nose Republican contingent here!

[Howlin]

Almost every Republican I know personally has either/or re-registered as an independent or refused to donate to the party.

Perhaps if you'd stay away from those who CALL themselves Republicans and talk to some REAL ones, you'd have a different outlook.