Because Bush 2004 - 2008 was a disaster.
Because in 2006, conservatives stayed home in disgust and disappointment of Bush.
Because in 2008 conservatives could not stomach McCain and because independents swung to Obama.
That's a convenient misconception about 2006.
Smackdown! By Independents & Moderates
Why? Because exit polls show there's a large chunk of the electorate that is moderate, independent-minded and turned off by partisanship. In exit polls, 47 percent of voters described their views as moderate, 21 percent liberal and 32 percent conservative. And 61 percent of the moderates voted Democratic this year.Because in 2008 conservatives could not stomach McCain and because independents swung to Obama.On party identification, 26 percent said they're Independent, which is in line with recent elections. But this year, Independents went Democratic by a 57-39 margin. That's what gave the day to Democrats. In the 2002 midterm, by contrast, Independents went Republican in a 48-45 split.
You're starting to get warm. Conservative disaffection with McCain are badly overrated anecdotes, IMHO.
Enemies of the White House - Discontent is growing on the center-right.
Most voters, including independents, remain right of center. This was ratified by the exit poll on Election Day. Only 22 percent identified themselves as liberal, while 34 percent were conservatives and 44 percent moderates.Independents favored the GOP by 18 % in 2010. Self identified conservatives are up to 42 %, and self identified are liberals are 20 %. I posted two threads about the 2010 exit poll. Independents can vary a great deal from state to state. In states like Massachusetts, they are more than half of registered voters. In the last election, independents usually varied between 20+ and 40+ percent depending on the state in question.