Rove's Troubles Expose Strategic Drawbacks of a United Front

[WillyT]

<snip>

But the drive for party unity has always carried costs too, and they seem to be growing in Bush's second term. By asking so few tough questions of Rove — and DeLay — congressional Republicans may be increasing their vulnerability to Democratic charges that the GOP is abusing its unified control over government to protect its own.

"They really have become so arrogant that they don't think the rules apply to them," Democratic consultant Joe Lockhart says — an argument likely to headline many campaigns by Democrats next year.

The emphasis on party cohesion also constricts Bush's maneuverability on issues. Bush and Rove have achieved such overwhelming agreement in part by advancing an agenda that, on most major decisions, responds to the demands of the GOP's hard-core supporters. But in pursuing such an ideologically aggressive course, Republicans risk antagonizing more moderate voters.

Indeed, the micro- and macro-politics of Rove's vision have often seemed at odds. With one hand, he has encouraged innovative efforts to court new voters, particularly African Americans and Latinos. With the other, he has promoted an agenda that polarizes the electorate and often provokes resistance from many voters, including minorities, outside of the GOP's core conservative coalition.

<snip>

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-outlook18jul18,0,5416841.column?coll=la-home-nation

Of course what Ron doesn't mention, is that when your party rallies around a corrupt and traitorous flag, unity is only skin deep.

:shrug:

[WillyT]

1. So... You Guys Already Saw This ???

LOL!!!

:shrug: