Here is my hypothesis as to why "14% of Democrats support Bush".

[Alexander]

Because they supported him in 2000. And maybe they even voted for Dole in 1996, and Bush's father in 1992.

Remember, there are lots of DINOs out there, particularly in the South, who have yet to change their registration. So when John Q. Pollster calls John Q. DINO and says "Are you a Democrat or Republican", they're probably going to say "Democrat", to accurately reflect the status of their registration.

However I seriously doubt Bush is making any kind of new headway into Democratic territory. He's already given up on the undecideds, and is sticking to shoring up his base on Election Day. How many new crossover votes could there possibly be for him?

[The Traveler]

1. They are not thinking clearly. (n/t)

[The Doctor.]

2. I'm a Republican who voted for Gore...

(I did like McCain though...)

I will DEFINITELY be voting for Kerry on the 2nd.

[Kimber Scott]

4. I used to be a Republican who voted for Gore and Clinton, twice.

I never had Republican values, though. I didn't even know what each party stood for until Bush pissed me off enough to find out! So, even though, my card said Republican, my heart said Democrat.

[The_Casual_Observer]

3. It could be support for the war, or pro life

or anti gay. Some registered Dems on my street aren't supporting Kerry, and although I didn't ask, this is my guess.

[still_one]

5. here's what I think

Rove had his surrogates spread the word that if they are contacted by a poll to say they are Democrats voting for bush

[Spiffarino]

6. You're mostly right

Here in the South there are a lot of folks who register Dem but vote consistently Rep. They're mostly church people (lots of fundies) who vote anti-abortion.

This year the Repubs have been working hard on the churches and the church crowd. Nearly every Baptist and Methodist I know is voting for the Chimp because they've been instructed that he's a man of God. I find this utterly bizarre, but apparently the folks have been persuaded that Bush is doing God's work.

It's sad that good people can be hoodwinked into voting for somebody who doesn't care even a little about them, let alone understand anything about them. But that is precisely what is happening.