But meanwhile, the White House and Republican leadership emissaries are quietly telling conservative interest groups and pundits opposed to the Miers nomination that they are out of step with their rank and file.Those appear to be the "opposition is weak" dismissal; the "you risk being shunned for being out of step with the clique" threat; the "opposition is fueling the enemies" anti-loyalty lament and guilt-trip; and the "trust in the president" cheer.Conservative activist Michael D. Brown said internal GOP polling being cited by party and administration emissaries purports to show that "70 percent of self-identified conservative voters have a favorable impression of Harriet Miers."
The emissaries are warning that ordinary Republicans beyond the Washington Beltway continue to support the nomination because they trust President Bush, even after several weeks of conservative opposition to her, according to several conservative Miers critics who have been courted by the White House.
The administration is "disappointed that conservatives inside the Beltway are fighting among ourselves over this nomination, and it fuels the fires for our enemies, for Democrats," said Mr. Brown, the former Federal Emergency Management Agency director.
"Good job, Brownie."
You missed one, but it was subtle:
"ordinary Republicans beyond the Washington Beltway"
The 'elitist' slam is right there--it's only the 'Beltway' conservatives that don't support Miers, donchaknow?