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The Democratic Strategist

Political Strategy for a Permanent Democratic Majority

Is Polarization Failing? Part Two

ARG just released a national poll that suggests Bush’s plunging approval ratings are actually being propped up by persistent Republican loyalty, which disguises an astonishing free-fall among independents:

Among Republicans (36% of adults registered to vote in the survey), 84% approve of the way Bush is handling his job and 12% disapprove. Among Democrats (38% of adults registered to vote in the survey), 18% approve and 77% disapprove of the way Bush is handling his job. Among Independents (26% of adults registered to vote in the survey), 17% approve and 75% disapprove of the way Bush is handling his job as president.

In other words, the views of Independents about Bush’s job performance are identical to those of Democrats.Karl Rove’s polarization strategy depends on building up hyper-loyalty among Republicans, raiding conservative Democrats, and getting close to an even split among Independents who don’t like either party.At present, Independents ain’t buying it, and that’s really bad news for the GOP so long as Democrats are smart enough to promote a message Indies can like.

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