Pure Horserace: GOP's Bush Fatigue

Republican Candidates Distancing Themselves From President As His Poll Numbers Plummet

(CBS)  When the leading Republican candidate for president bemoans the lack of strong leadership these days, it's a pretty clear sign that the party is less than excited about its political prospects. Speaking at a rally in Wilmington, Del., Rudy Giuliani said the feeling that the country is on the wrong track shows a lack of leadership, according to The Associated Press. "What we're lacking is strong, aggressive, bold leadership, like we had with Ronald Reagan," Giuliani said.

In the recent AP-Ipsos poll, just 21 percent said the U.S. is heading in the right direction. When the Republican candidates gathered for last week's debate, they appeared to be putting some distance between themselves and President Bush. Courting the base of the party that has stood firm behind the president for the past 6 1/2 years, it may seem wise not to criticize the administration too much — but there are further signs cracks are developing.

Fundraising appears to be lagging for Republicans, a sign that there is less enthusiasm within the party and something that may hurt the GOP at all levels. Democratic presidential candidates have outraised Republicans by a wide margin so far. And, according to the AP, the president is having less success in that area as well. His annual fundraiser for congressional candidates took in just over $15 million this week. Last year's dinner raised $27 million.

And new numbers from the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll tell more.

According to the poll, just 62 percent of Republicans now approve of the president's performance, while 32 percent disapprove. The administration has angered many in the party by pushing an immigration reform bill that many in the GOP see as amnesty for the millions of immigrants currently in the country illegally.

With the notable exception of Sen. John McCain, the GOP field opposes the current legislation, which might help explain why, after months of signs of discontent with the candidates, 73 percent of Republicans in this poll say they are satisfied with their choices. Another reason for that number: Fred Thompson's campaign. He is in second in the poll, with 20 percent.

In 2000, Democrats faced the thorny issue of how to deal with attitudes toward then-President Clinton, whose relationship with Monica Lewinsky and the subsequent impeachment trial left many in that party wary of getting too close. Already in this cycle, it seems Republicans are facing something similar — Bush fatigue. — Vaughn Ververs


Still A Media Darling? Barack Obama had to know it was inevitable — but it's still unwelcome. This week, after bubbling under the surface for months, the Democrat's relationship with an indicted Chicago land developer has been thrust into the media spotlight, thanks to two articles in the Chicago Sun-Times and The New York Times.

The relationship between Obama and Tony Rezko — accused of asking for kickbacks from companies seeking state business — is complicated. It includes the sale of a small amount of land from Rezko's wife to Obama while Rezko was already under investigation — a decision Obama himself called "boneheaded." Rezko also helped Obama raise money for past campaigns — money Obama has since donated to charity. The Sun-Times article focuses on a letter Obama, then a state senator in Illinois, wrote endorsing a housing development, proposed by Rezko, just outside his district. Obama's campaign claims he wrote the letter because the project would have a positive impact on the community — not as a personal favor to Rezko.

No one has accused Obama of doing anything illegal, but appearing chummy with Rezko and his associates, some of whom are now in jail, runs counter to Obama's image as a man above the negative influences of politics. While this controversy is hardly the kind that can sink a candidacy, it shows the media may no longer be treating Obama with kid gloves. The Obama campaign has basked in relatively positive coverage for months. Seeing how it responds to media criticism may say a lot about how Obama's candidacy will do over the long haul. — David Miller


Ode To Obama: So what if the media isn't as kind to Obama as it once was — he's still a huge star on YouTube. First came the pro-Obama/anti-Hillary video that spoofed Apple's landmark "1984" ad, and now comes "I Got A Crush… On Obama," a cheesy pop/R&B love ballad devoted to the Democratic hopeful. Featuring a young, curvaceous and often scantily-clad woman (and some dubious lip synching), the video has logged more than 56,000 views since it appeared on the site on Wednesday.

Featuring such lyrical gems as "you're into border security, let's break this border between you and me," the video also prominently displays the infamous tabloid photo of Obama at the beach in swim trunks, which Obama has bashed the media for using. Even though it's used in a complimentary context this time, we wouldn't be surprised if Obama hopes subsequent tributes to him are a little more… subtle. — David Miller


How To Get Media Coverage: The ears of political reporters everywhere perked up yesterday when they received an e-mail from Tommy Thompson's camp promising a "major announcement about the future" of his presidential campaign. That's the kind of loaded language that puts everyone on "dropout" alert.

By the time dozens of campaign watchers dialed into the conference call, it had become fairly clear that Thompson was not going to be announcing the end of his campaign and the candidate clearly relished the suspense he was able to build throughout the afternoon, saying he was "delighted that you’re all here." After a veiled lecture about the failure of the media to cover his policy papers on Iraq, energy and health care, he allowed that "most of you have signed in this afternoon to find out whether or not I was dropping out of the race."

Of course, the answer was no. Thompson was there to answer another oft-asked question — whether his campaign would be participating in the Iowa straw poll. So far, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Jim Gilmore have decided not to commit the resources needed to play in what amounts to a fundraiser for the Iowa Republican Party, leaving the importance of the event as a barometer of strength in doubt. Thompson left no doubt that he would play in it and play hard, contending that it remained as important as ever if not more so.

Thompson has based his campaign almost solely on an Iowa-first strategy, hoping familiarity he has with voters there as the former governor of neighboring Wisconsin would catapult him into the running. So it was no surprise that he continues to see the straw poll as important. But he certainly found a way to get reporters to pay attention to him — if only for a day. — Vaughn Ververs


We Had Him First: Veteran Republican strategist Ed Gillespie has helped run presidential campaigns and served as chairman of the Republican National Committee. He's now the counselor to President Bush, being named this week to replace outgoing White House fixture Dan Bartlett. In March, he was our "Political Player," and gave CBS News' Brian Goldsmith his take on the current political landscape. Check out the Gillespie interview here. — Vaughn Ververs


Editor's Note: Pure Horserace is a daily update of political news as interpreted by the political observers at CBSNews.com. Click here to sign up for the e-mail version.

[randalds]

Thank God for alternative news sources (Fox News, etc.) so we can get the whole story.

Posted by mike71067 at 08:43 AM : Jun 15, 2007

ROTFLMFAO!!!!!!

Oh wait....you're serious?

[condumism]

America and the entire world has GOPig fatigue. These traitors are a complete disgrace to all America, except the braindead of the Southern States of Hypocrits. Here%u2019s a list of the Republican Senators up for Reelection in 08. Ask them how much Israel influences their vote on Iraq? These sell out America for Israel traitors are listed below:

Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN)
Allard, Wayne- (R - CO)
Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA)
Cochran, Thad- (R - MS)
Coleman, Norm- (R - MN)
Collins, Susan M.- (R - ME)
Cornyn, John- (R - TX)
Craig, Larry E.- (R - ID)
Dole, Elizabeth- (R - NC)
Enzi, Michael B.- (R - WY)
Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC)
Hagel, Chuck- (R - NE)
Inhofe, James M.- (R - OK)
McConnell, Mitch- (R - KY)
Roberts, Pat- (R - KS)
Sessions, Jeff- (R - AL)
Smith, Gordon H.- (R - OR)
Stevens, Ted- (R - AK)
Sununu, John E.- (R - NH)
Warner, John- (R - VA)

[sjc_1]

The thing I like about Obama, when he makes a mistake he will admit it. Now, if he can just keep from making the mistakes in the future, he might just have one.

[aaabee-2009]

Now is the time for all the right wing nut supporters to do their part and enlist, so innocent victims won't get drafted to go die for a bunch of lies." posted by brianbwb at 05:28 AM : Jun 15, 2007

Time for right wing nut supporters to do their part? It was time YEARS ago.

These are the very same people who had no qualms about making "evidence" to invade Iraq, have no empathy for those soldiers dying over there, and won't listen to those that voted them in, to pull us out of war.

Those right wing nut supporters, as you call them, have the reins of power in their hands and everone in the US and the world can see what they choose do to with it, and they choose to continue supporting Mr. Veto.

The GOP colors have been flying in full view for quite awhile.

[aaabee-2009]

So who has any better ideas? If you say "The Democrats", I'm going to say that you just jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Posted by mike71067 at 08:50 AM : Jun 15, 2007

Well, Mike Given that those are the only two political choices America has, I would much rather be the one heating the pan, than the one frying in it.

There isn't anything less than honorable in the planks of my party's platform. Plus, when it comes to trading lives for oil, my party is pretty big on finding alternative fuels.

Planks from the Democrat Platform:
A strong, respected America
Defeating terrorism
Keeping weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists
Promoting democracy, peace, and security
Strengthening our military
Achieving energy independence
Strengthening homeland security
A strong, growing economy
Creating good jobs
Standing up for the great American middle class
Strong, healthy families
Reforming health care
Improving education
Protecting our environment
A strong American community

How much of this did Bush do for America in his two terms, when he wasn't taking world tours or entertaining queens.

[mike71067]

"Thing is, Bush still represents the best ideas that the GOP has to offer. Sad but true, which is why I'm no longer a Republican."
-Posted by micma at 01:40 AM : Jun 15, 2007

So who has any better ideas? If you say "The Democrats", I'm going to say that you just jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

[mike71067]

Interesting how this article doesn't mention that the Democrat Congress has lower approval ratings than Bush. Leave it to the liberal media to omit things they don't want us to know. Thank God for alternative news sources (Fox News, etc.) so we can get the whole story. The liberals no longer have a monopoly on news like they used to.

[drinuk]

Would'nt buy a second hand car of any of 'em,
they are all as "Bent" as a three dollar bill. Time for the people to start running the shop, these lunatics have run the madhouse quite long enough..............to all our cost. Fatigue my A R S E ! Crooked, evil and self interest more like.

[bluestardad]

REPUBLICANS ARE DONE FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS!

[brianbwb-2009]

Well, if America is tired, too bad, bend over and get ready for another dose, the same "we have evidence" lies are now being spread to justify bombing Iran.

Bush, Lieberman, Rice, Obama, all of the wannabe puppets on both sides are now letting the plans of the "military-industrial complex" out into the open, Iraq was too small to rip off the treasury for, only $35 gigabucks per month, they need a much wider war, so here come the lies and anti Islam agitprop.

Now is the time for all the right wing nut supporters to do their part and enlist, so innocent victims won't get drafted to go die for a bunch of lies.

WW3, some of us have learned learned better, but not enough, it seems...

[micma-2009]

Thing is, Bush still represents the best ideas that the GOP has to offer.

Sad but true, which is why I'm no longer a Republican.

[iceman_1960]

"Pure Horserace: GOP's Bush Fatigue"

Dubya could always appear at the GOP Convention wearing fatigues.

Not quite like that flightsuit, but more appropriate.

[iceman_1960]

Lets have accurate polling here.

From the Republicans' favorite pollster, Rasmussen:

June 13, 2007

59% say Congress is doing a fair, good or excellent job
41% say Congress is doing a poor job.

For Bush: 63% disapprove ("strongly" or "somewhat") his performance, and 34% approve ("strongly" or "somewhat").

I strongly approve of publishing the actual poll results, and strongly disapprove of "spinning" them.

Sources:

http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/19_say_congress_doing_good_or_excellent_job

http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/political_updates/president_bush_job_approval

[cozzicon]

"Not only is there Bush fatigue, but the latest WSJ/NBC poll has Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid's democrat controled Congress at only 23% approval. Bush at 29%." --Posted by airmanc5


And who is it that is keeping the congress from functioning? Democrats? I think not.

People may not be happy with the "congress", but they aren't angry with the democrats. They've attempted, in good faith, everything they said they would.

So with Bush vetoing everything under the sun, the republican minority filibustering, Bush making a turnaround on immigration, Bush making a politically expedient turnaround on climate change, and the remains of the GOP floundering for talking points- how do you expect anything to get through congress?

And what would you suggest- vote in more republicans?

Are you daft?

[iceman_1960]

Bob Kerrey of Nebraska.

The guy who told Bill Clinton that joke about the two l*esbians who went into the bar...

[cozzicon]

It's kind of amusing actually. Watching the republican candidates sweat it out and *hope* upon everything holy that they don't get the "Bush Endorsement".

It's some of the best entertainment around. On one hand they have to talk about the incompetence of this administration, an on the other they have to duck the Bush endorsement.

It's simply Priceless.

[prinzowhales]

"Fatigue"?--These Republicans--and most of the Democratic candidates for that matter--have supported Bush and his war...the notable exceptions being Congressman Ron Paul, Senator Obama, Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich--and Obama, though he voted against the extension of the Stupid Peoples' War to the Iraqi theater, has voiced his support for any and all actions against Iran and supported pro-war Joe Lieberman in his successful run for Senator for Israel from Connecticutt...he's a sneaky little weasel, that pretty boy is....

If there is any "fatigue" it has only come from their last minute sprint away from Fearless Leader...like prostitutes leaping and running from their customers' beds when the vice squad comes a raiding a Washington cathouse.

If you want a new face on Bush policies, these vile, smiling faces are for you. If you want real change, an end to wars of aggression, then you will vote for Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel or one of the Third Party candidates untainted from sharing Bush's bed.

[homespunlady]

This is the type of "fatigue" that is usually found in an Intensive Care Unit.
Put a fork in it; This "lame duck" is done.

[meckert5]

We all suffer from Bush fatigue. The only Republican candidate that can change that is Ron Paul! http://www.RonPaul2008.com

[iceman_1960]

Bush fatigue. ("Feeling a little Bushed"). Dubya will be the Willie Horton of 2008.

...Et Tu, Rudy ?

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) %u2014 Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, in an indirect swipe at President Bush, said Thursday the overwhelming attitude that the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction reflects a lack of leadership.

Speaking at a Flag Day rally in Wilmington, Del., Giuliani told more than 200 supporters: "What we%u2019re lacking is strong, aggressive, bold leadership like we had with Ronald Reagan."

The same AP-Ipsos poll found public approval with the job Bush is doing at 32 percent, matching an all-time low.