Republicans don't seem to be as nasty in general as the Dems.
My guess is that they were thinking about winning when
the WOT started...I think this was the DEMS strategy...
Start as being for the war. When things get tough(as they are known
to do in war) criticize vehemently the elected leader.
Present yourself as more thoughtful, and voila, you get
the weak-kneed, and the fearful to go your way, and you win.
It's really a matter of accenting what is bad about the
opponent, and presenting yourself as better. The only good
thing about the system, is that most "leaders" can't hang
around forever.
I'm sure the next cycle will circle around WOT, immigration,
and socialist quality taxes, scandals, age, and gender.
After 2004, Democrats decided their best strategy was to get nasty. They block Social Security reform, and in general have presented no plans. They hate Bush, that's their entire platform.
Republicans would be smart to learn a lesson. There should be no placating after this elections. Republicans should learn a lesson: Get nasty. Stand up for conservatism. Run on bumper sticker slogans. Hey, it works for the Democrats.