[steveegg]

The problem is far deeper than just the Bush campaign. Indeed, one can argue that the campaign is running a hair further right than the current stable of Pubbies are. Unfortunately, that isn't saying much (CFR, amnesty for illegals, no limits on spending all ring too many bells).

As I said before, the fortunate thing is the RATs are struggling down the same road, and unlike the Pubbies, they do have someone nipping at their core. The question is how many states Nader will get in with only grass-roots support (he's already opted out of Arizona), and whether he'll last until November.

All that doom-and-gloom having been said, I do realize that as bad domestically the Pubbies have been, a RAT-infested Oval Office and a RAT-run Congress, even as a "lesson" to the GOP, would be infinitely worse. It remains to be seen how many others see that.

[nathanbedford]

I believe we are in accord here: There need not necessarily be a trade off between the middle and the base. Reagan showed us how to take both.

To do it the candidate must be on the offensive and he must set the agenda. He must present an affirmative vision in broad terms for America.

Clearly, Bush has the tools to do this. He can present a vision to carry the next stage of the war on Terrorism (not Iraq) and a vision for the good jobs his tax cuts will create in a new information economy. He cannot do this while he is back on his heels.

[babaloo]

The last "lesson" sent to the Republicans gave us Clinton.