This seems like a no-brainer for the Democrats: Challenge each and everyRepublican candidate on whether they approve of George W. Bush and his administration at every opportunity. Unlike challenging the policies, which might turn around and are more easily spun, W.'s popularity appears set in stone. So force the Republicans to make a difficult choice: pander to the right-wing authoritarians who support the man and alienate the other 70% of the country, or tack to the middle and erode the "base" that has been credited for the previous two presidential "victories".

...to those who suffer from Hansen's Disease, but it's quite clear that Dubya has become worse than a leper. Our leader has certainly earned his political pariah status. NO ONE wants to be tied to this failed President and his political leprosy, not even Sen. McCain, who is in some weird sort of love/hate relationship with him.

In McCain's view, of course, Dubya was right to go into Iraq but was wrong not to scorch the earth of the entire country. Guess what he meant, when he vowed last night to go to the gates of Hell in pursuit of Osama bin Laden, was that he was prepared to turn the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan INTO Hell to achieve that end.

Hmmm, what obsessive person and his prey from classic literature does that bring to mind? Capt. Ahab and Moby Dick, perhaps?

"...I'd leave that up to President Bush. And I think he could go either way on that."

--Sam Brownback

Geez Sam, don't go out on a limb, or anything. Tell us how you really feel!

Mr. Grieve,

I applaud your bravery and pluck to be able to sit through an entire 'debate' with members of the former Republican party as they trumpet their worthiness while they tiptoe around their own giant elephant in the room that represents the aiding and abetting of their party's complete and utter failure to govern responsibly, effectively or even legally. You deserve a croix de something or other.

Did anybody count references to Ronald Reagan? I know it was more than 1.

Of course the majority of the wackos last night are for a pardon!

Chimpy vetoed the will of the vast majority of the american people a few days ago, why not reverse the decision of a jury after hearing all the facts? Listening to the american people is so pre 9-11.

What scumbags!

To be fair, some of those 28 were Nancy Reagan, and probably at least a couple refer to the venue. Also, some were from the moderators. The transcript can be found here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18478985/print/1/displaymode/1098/

I count 9 hits on "Bush", including one for HW and one for Jeb. Most of the rest seem to be from the moderators. I was in a hurry, hopefully someone can take time to do a more detailed count.

Scooter will be a cell mate of Bush when they toss them both into a cell together. Wait till they hear that the Warden is Cheney...heh, heh, heh.

cheney wouldnt toss anyone into any cell, come on.

He would have them strapped to the cieling.

I never could find out which way their supposed to be facing though.

Up, or down?