I agree with Mary Matalin:
"Conservatives are cranky but not self-destructive," said GOP adviser Mary Matalin, a former aide to Vice President Cheney. "A thing we could do, have time to do and will do in the remaining time will be to hammer home what a Pelosi-Rangel-Conyers House would really mean." She was referring to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), who would become House speaker if Democrats win, and fellow liberals Charles B. Rangel (N.Y.) and John Conyers Jr. (Mich.), who are in line for committee chairmanships.This is actually the end of the article but it should be near the top. I would agree that Republicans are cranky but we're not stupid and we understand what's going on. Those who care about the country won't be talked into being upset about Foleygate. Sorry, every time I read that evangelicals are upset about this scandal, I laugh at the attempt to discourage me from going to the polls. It's ridiculous to think that something that minor would cause me to sit out such an important election. I care more about the war against Islamic fascists than about a Senator engaged in cybersex with pranksters.
Here is what those who are running the campaign are saying:
Mark McKinnon, who was Bush's chief media adviser in 2000 and 2004, said the campaign may look better in a few weeks if Republicans can refocus the electorate on what a Democratic takeover might mean in terms of policy.Here is what Republicans who aren't running the campaign are saying:
"I think Republicans wish the election were three weeks ago and the Democrats wish it were today," he said. "The fact is, it is three weeks from now. Whatever is going on right now is not the endgame; it's the middle game."
Rove, who believes that Republicans will hold both the House and Senate, said Democrats have failed to capitalize on events because they lack a clear message that presents a compelling alternative to the Republicans. "Generally when you're trying to nationalize something and you're the out party, you have a consistent message," he said. "I'm not sure what that consistent message is on the other side. Is there unanimity on Iraq? I don't think so."
Rove, speaking by telephone while on a campaign swing with the president, discounted polls and other indicators suggesting that Democratic voters are far more energized than Republicans. He said the GOP's get-out-the-vote operation, which proved more effective than the Democrats' in the past two elections, will be as strong or stronger this year.
Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman said that for the past six weeks, a voter mobilization effort in competitive House and Senate districts has produced more contacts than during an equivalent time in 2004
With top Republican strategists now privately predicting substantial House losses, President Bush and top GOP officials plan to spend the final days of the 2006 campaign attempting to rally partisans and limit conservative defections with dire warnings about the consequences of a Democratic Congress.Who do we believe?
[...]
The mood among most GOP strategists -- with the exception of Rove and a few others -- is decidedly downbeat heading into the final 18 days. They see poll after poll showing a growing number of GOP House incumbents in serious danger, including many who just weeks ago were considered relatively safe for reelection.
[...]
"The fact of the matter is, right now people are embarrassed by Republicans, and the economic base is still angry" because of high government spending over the past six years, Armey said. Consequently, he predicted, Democrats will take control of the House in three weeks.
And then there's this:
Amid predictions that demoralized conservative voters might sit out the election, Bush and other senior Republicans will escalate charges that Democrats will raise taxes, weaken national security and liberalize social policies. Bush struck those themes in campaign appearances yesterday in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and White House senior adviser Karl Rove said he "will consistently refresh that message" between now and Election Day.Why is this news? What the heck do you expect the president to do? Of course they are going to scare the base into voting! If I were them, I would be plastering Pelosi's face and record on every single commercial for every single House race and even for the Senate races. Heck, I would even do it for local races. That's what's motivating me, Speaker of the House Pelosi.
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60 Minute's Voter Suppression Piece
Oh. My. Heck!!! He called for a fast
The Democrats have won the election
Karl Rove Predicts Republican Victory
Brilliant Strategy
More Voter Suppression
Yes, they really sound discouraged
Say it on the record, you cowards
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