I don't agree completely that the base will forgive him. But I think people need to realize that
national security is the first and foremost responsibility of the executive branch. The administration's actions to date affirm this. Bush knows that he has to stay popular with Mr. and Mrs. middle America in order to be reelected. I believe this administration has the ability to defeat terrorism, and destroy/capture both bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. But they'll need a second term to do it. Peggy is right on when she says that Bush is doing what he has to do to keep or expand the power balance he has. The comparison to FDR is simple: In time of war, FDR faced, and Bush is facing, heavy political criticism from the opposition. FDR did, and Bush will, maintain focus on the war. If terrorists have the ability to attack us with ease, and compromise our security, farm bills, trade bills, and any other domestic issues will no longer matter. Democracy won't matter. Freedom and liberty will be fond memories of things past.
The wild card in all of this is the possibility of a Perot redux. A 3rd party candidate getting 20 million votes could cost Bush reelection. This is truly scary. And to all the Bush-bashers, don't complain about anything if he loses. You will have helped the opposition succeed, and this nation will suffer for it.