Bloodless Coup

Chipping at the Solid Bush Base

Elections are frequently about "swing" voters. That seems to be more true than ever this year as according to the polls those who favor and oppose the president seem to be fervently holding to their positions. The millions upon millions that are going to be spent appear likely to be focused at a tiny slice of the electorate. My question is -- why is this the case? True, I'm no fan of the president so I might be missing something. But is there ANYTHING that could cause the president's popularity with Republicans to fall? Right now his numbers with his "base" are better than Reagan's were, even in light of severe concerns in many quarters about issues such as Iraq. I suppose this is why I am keeping my eye on the effect of Diplomats and Commanders for Change. It strikes me that nothing is going to lower his support in his base constituency until other Republicans start talking more openly about the failures of his policies (and yes, I'm discounting the Republicans he's fired for daring to criticize him). This organization may open a door that will allow Republicans to honestly and constructively criticize the president. And that could, in turn, cause his support among Republicans to finally begin to wane.