Okay, current polls show the GOP candidates pretty close to the Democratic candidates in head-to-head polls. But is that indicative of the general election or just current feelings?

Currently the Republican hopefuls have been in debates, and generally been analyzed, about GOP friendly topics. War, immigration, and tax cuts. However, in the general election the Republican nominee won't have this luxury.

They'll be asked questions about healthcare, deficits, the recession, and a whole host of other issues on which the Republicans have ridiculous proposals if they have proposals at all. Any voters paying attention will take note, and by the record turnouts at the Democratic primaries this is a significant portion of the population.

It's difficult to imagine support for the Republican nominee, whomever he is, not waning as the primaries fade and the general election looms. Unless the Republicans actually come up with ideas between now and November.

But seeing as how they haven't done that in the past 30 years, I can't imagine them starting now.

.....how successful the GOP slime machine is @ distraction and blatant appeals to the darkside of human nature

...believe me if they find a "hook" they will be off & running w/Saint McCain remaining aloof and electable

But the current crop of Republicans is pretty easy to slime too. I can't imagine Clinton holding back, and I think Obama has learned a thing or two about playing dirty as well.

But I think general disenchantment with the GOP, plus the fact that they aren't even trying to address most of the issues America considers important, should trump slime. If the reactions in the primaries are any indication, people are so sick of these dirty tactics that every Clinton attack on Obama has actually helped Obama. Plus the right is hitting McCain with everything they've got and it's not hurting him in the least.

There's a backlash against these dirty tactics occurring as we speak. In 2004 they slimed the living hell out of Kerry, and people saw the result of voting based on slime rather than politics- more disastrous Bush policies. In 2006 all the filth the GOP had in their dirty little bag didn't save them, and I think 2008 will follow that trend.

Again, this is unless the GOP takes the radical approach of actually coming up with realistic policies that address the concerns of America.

All the GOP candidate has to do is run on his party's record of fiscal responsibility , prudent foreign policy and their ability to untie the country around it leadership.

....tho I'm much more skeptical than you are about the situation......America loves a noble underdog, somehow (it seems to me anyway) McCain almost has that media role all wrapped up.... GOP slime machine revving in the corner

dems can't afford to take anything for granted IMO

Ha!....my ass is grass smiley....gotta crash.....happy trails & thanks for the conversation, eh?

Yes, I agree, your imaginary race has the Dems way out front...

They're in for more of the same as in 2006, I'm afraid (well, actually, 'happy' would be a better word).

I don't see them getting anything back in Congress, and they may well lose more. And although McCain is their best candidate, I don't see them winning the Presidency, either....unless Americans practice the ol' 'balance the ticket' act again and elect an even more Dem Congress and a GOP President. Many people seem to feel that's the best way of keeping politicians from destroying the country, and who am I to argue with that!

That WAS sarcasm on your part, right?

Right???

I see one con has already made his snide remark, but this isn't really an attack on them. They can win votes anytime they want, all they need is some good ideas.