Did the GOP need "clarity and wisdom" to adjust after Warner won back in '01? No need, it was just a blip on the radar. So we lose an election. Can't win 'em all.
Dubya's approval rating wasn't 35-40 back then, either. Congressional approval was not at significant lows, either.
The clarity and wisdom (no quotes needed) comes from realizing that Dubya has largely sucked for the last year. The GOP polls poorly. The polls are accurate. W can fix things, but not if he doesn't recognize the problems.