I always thought Rove was completely overrated and was proved right in this last election. Many of us on FR would make better strategists and it wouldn't be hard if the GOP only fought back rather than the 'new tone'.
Well, I give Rove and team credit for a period of good victories from 200-2004. In 2004, their strategy of registering new voters and turning out the vote was great. However, their late campaigning put them behind way early, and the same happened in 2006. Also, in 2004 the Swift Vets (and later Dan Rathers lies) gave the campaign a much needed jump start.