Bush's Internal Numbers Must Show His Base Eroding

[KittyWampus]

at least somewhat.

It's doubtful that Bush's out-of-control behavior won any undecided voters tonight. And his liberal hating rhetoric is anathema to moderates.

I think the GOP is trying to stop an erosion of their base.

Kerry, on the other hand, most likely clinched the deal for even more after this second debate.

[Shopaholic]

1. I thought so too--

he was really pandering to that base tonight--school prayer, stem cell, abortion, the constitution--judges, the supreme court--he hit all the conservative RW talking points.

[unblock]

2. actually, i think doesn't know how to do anything else

his entire presidency, he turned over running the country to cheney and rove, and he himself did little more than fundraise, which means 4 years of nothing but red meat for the party faithful.

he's forgotten how to pursuade people when he doesn't have tax loopholes and special treatment to offer.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Yeah.

Bush was extremist in his answers on stem cell and abortion because he is trying to assure his base will stay with him.

[dsewell]

4. My take too.

He actually wasn't out of control: he was controlling in the one mode he's any good at, backwoods-preacher-folksy. His people told him to go with what he knows, and he did. It's too little, too late, though: he base needed to get fired up BEFORE voter registration drives ended and before the bulk of the fundraising for the campaign ended. Firing up his base now means they'll be at the polls, which they were going to be anyway. He doesn't gain as much as he loses by losing the center.

[Ugnmoose]

5. I feel the same way

He was clearly pandering to the base. Why? The only reason is that they are probably seeing some defection. There is no way he can win without solid support from the hardcores. But at the same time I also agree that he did not win himself any points with moderates that he desperately needs to bring over.

[opihimoimoi]

6. Booosh is TOOOOAST

Strident...much too Strident...plus, bush don know how to answer questions...