We're on the same page, see post #90.
The dems are not making any big mistakes in Congress. Their margins will increase in both the House and the Senate, barring a dramatic change in the political landscape.
I don't think a strong conservative can win The white House - for whatever reason, the electorate just doesn't have the confidence in conservative values, either legit or irrational.
Conservatives need to check the way the winds are blowing, and evaluate what parts of their agenda have significant popular support, and push those aspects.
Frankly, I see the conventional wisdom on FR is to push aspects of the conservative agenda that are waning. The electorate is hostile to the president and the GOP - they kicked them in the raisins in 2006 and unless some conservative minds open, the electorate will be hot to kick them in the raisins again in 2008.