Cyberken, I love ya'.
It is clear that you, and only you, have the straight scoop on anything to do with this country, its inhabitants, its political system, its values. Good for you. You see everything in black and white. That is a gift.
I see everything in shades of gray. I question myself all the time on my assumptions. I have picked up interesting points of view from this thread....and some of my shades of gray have turned a little darker or lighter as a result.
I envy you the fact that you can declare (presumably not tongue in cheek) that Bush is going to outpoll Nixon in 72 or Johnson in 64. No chance in hell, of course, but if you believe it.....great. You can sleep at night with that kind of certainty in life. Hope you are not disappointed if Bush only polls 51%.
I think the election will be wickedly close. I think Bush could win the popular vote and lose the electoral college. I think the young voters are going to be a force as yet uncharted, and they will go Kerry 60-40 at least, and a few hundred thousand of them could make all the difference.
If he is elected, I will respect Bush as President. But I also believe he will be a policy lame duck more quickly than ny other re-elected President. The republican establishment, the east coast money men, the McCain, Hagal, Lugar, Pataki, Guiliani, Arnold gang are tired of having "their" party taken over by religious crusaders. They want to make policy and exert influence in traditional ways, with logic and process restored. Believe me, they don't feel that now. They are all on board now as good soldiers, to get GWB elected and so to hold on to the Executive Branch. But they don't like their standardbearer much more than we "dems" do. All those pro-choice, pro-stem cell research, fiscal conservatives (real fiscal conservatives) standing next to GWB, smiling and waving...just waiting their turn. Hoping he doesn't foul the well so badly they will have not chance in 08.
Arnold and GWB. What a pair! McCain and GWB. what a pair. Guiliani and GWB...what a pair. |
