[Hardy Harhar]

It is my long-held opinion that people do not vote FOR anyone or anything. They vote AGAINST people and ideas they don't like. Lots of conservatives voted only to vote AGAINST Clinton, or against liberal ideas. Lots of liberals go to the polls to vote against conservatives just because they don't like conservatives or conservative ideas.

That's why any conservative fall-off in support is a problem for the GOP this year. Too many hardline conservatives are disappointed with Bush, so they aren't as likely to bother campaigning, supporting, or even showing up to vote for him.

Add to that the fact that the 2000 election made the liberals mad as hell. They can't wait for a chance to vote AGAINST the GOP cause they're vengeful. Result: lower conservative turnout; higher liberal turnout.

And as for Bush's approval rating being the party's life-preserver, I doubt it. In fact, I actually doubt the poll numbers themselves. Here's why: There are no more loyal and passionate Republicans anywhere than there are here at FR. But today I bet it would be hard to get even 75% of Freepers to say they think Bush is really doing a good job. If Bush doesn't have 95% approval by Freepers, how can he have even 60% approval by the rest of the country?

[Coop]

Add to that the fact that the 2000 election made the liberals mad as hell. They can't wait for a chance to vote AGAINST the GOP cause they're vengeful. Result: lower conservative turnout; higher liberal turnout.

Oh, I see. So that explains why Janet Reno is crushing Jeb in the polls and in fundraising. That's Ground Zero for the big Dem payback.

Yes, it all makes sense now. :-)

[Lee_Atwater]

There are no more loyal and passionate Republicans anywhere than there are here at FR.

I don't think you fully understand the dynamics of this message board. There are many posters who are third party (i.e. Libertarian, Constitution, Buchanan types) who never vote major party and do not much care for the President.