[summer]

This is just a minor observation, and not a comment intended to provoke anyone. I would like to tell you how I see GW's actions, speaking as an independent / swing voter.

Most of my life I have heard two things: (1) everyone in the GOP hates anything to do with public education, and (2) everyone in the GOP is owned by big business.

I did not vote for any GOP candidate while listening to this.

I realize the above are generalizations, but I am simply saying this is the mantra repeated over and over by the opposition to the GOP.

In light of how close the election was in Nov 2000, I think GW has to consider many angles that may not be on the minds of some people here.

IMO, By GW signing the education bill and this CFR bill, he makes it more difficult for the opposition to make the above accusations, because most voters do not have a grasp of all the nuances of these issues. They only hear: a GOP president may NOT hate public education, and a GOP president may be willing to reform CF.

Consequently, I actually think it is possible -- possible -- for GW to have picked up votes from those voters outside the GOP, as a result of the above two actions.

Again, this is not intended to provoke anyone, or to pass judgment in any way on GW or any person here.

I am merely saying something from the view where I see things, and I realize that view may not be the view of the majority of voters, or the majority of this forum, or of GW's political party, but, I am just putting it on the table. That's all. Have a good day.

[RAT Patrol]

Thanks summer. It's valuable he hear a different perspective.

[monday]

"Consequently, I actually think it is possible -- possible -- for GW to have picked up votes from those voters outside the GOP, as a result of the above two actions. "

I hope you are right. I am sure that GW hopes you are right. Unfortunately he may need them to offset votes he may have lost by the above two actions.