Could it be that the Republicans are treating their base the same as the DeathoCrats treat their black base??
I was making the same statements around the 2004 election cycle time and was virtually crucified by many FReepers.
Perhaps, but the difference is the GOP base sits home when pushed too far. The Democrat's greatest rebellion was Nader, a very small portion, and they were sufficiently shamed into voting for someone they hated (Kerry) in '04.
It's suicidal for the GOP to behave this way, GOP voters are not Dems voters.
Aside from immigration and spending, the GOP had a winning platform in '04. What do they do after the election? Abandon implementing that platform in large measure. So, what? GOP voters are now supposed to elect based on pleasing campaign rhetoric, but not expect deliverance of what was promised?
Sure, the base would understand if 55 Reps vote one way on legislation and Dems block it. They'd vote Reps in, so long as they were convinced the Reps were sweating out every option to make it reality. No one believes they do that. Judges are a case in point. 50 plus Cheney to get rid of the filibuster, would they do it? Nope, some Reps sold out and didn't face any penalty for doing so. Now Saad's withdrawn as estrada eventually withdrew.
The GOP's biggest mistake was thinking it could sell but not intend to deliver. The RINO's share more blame than the others, but the others have a responsibility to discipline McCain and the rest. They haven't done so. If that means Mccain jumps, so be it. He's taking down the party, and so are the other RINO's.