"DPW and the illegal immigration/borders issues are not the same."
Granted. But I think a lot of the resentment of Portgate is the same disconnect that the beltway gods have with us out here in the hinterland. We shout, but they don't here.
"The *polls* that showed a *majority* of *adults* against the DPW deal were taken as quickly as possible after 3 days of non-stop lying about takeovers/running security/purchasing US assets. One of the better pollsters, Rasmussen, perhaps, but I really don't recall exactly, even prefaced their published poll on the issue as "our first poll", knowing they would have to back and and reassess after the truth came out."
My impression is that a large majority of Americans is against this deal, just as they are against illegal immigration. Even here on FR, a previous poll asking "Should a state-owned Arab company be allowed to manage six major United States seaports?" yielded 53% no and 33% yes. The current poll, which was initated after the White House went on the offensive, is worded "After a few days of fact finding and debate, do you now support or oppose the Dubai Ports deal?" The response is currently 49% support and 38% oppose. Not a ringing endorsement on a board that has so many Bush locksteppers.
"I have my own beefs w/the RNC and I have been contributing to individual candidates, rather than the party. Since all our guys seem to have more than enough funds, the spigots haven't dried up. I live in the heartland and I back President Bush. I would never want to be responsible for the donks regaining any majority in either house, let alone the WH."
Like you, I back individual candidates. I refuse to support the RNC. I also do not support Bush generally, though do support him on issues where he takes a conservative stand.