Many have noted that a 51% victory doesnt mean a broad mandate. However, it is even more important to note that because Bush ran a campaign (and administration) based on lies and misrepresentations, he really has no mandate at all.
At best, he has a mandate for his lies, not for what he is actually doing. Indeed, surveys show that most Republicans BELIEVE the lies and misrepresentations, so that is in fact what they thought they were voting for.
More below the fold
If Bush actually DID what he said he was doing ("Clear Skies", "Healthy Forests", "Freedom on the March in Iraq", etc.) his "mandate" would mean something and we would not be so dismayed.
We are dismayed precisely because we live in the reality based community and know that he doesnt have the slightest intention of "reaching out across the aisle" or "shrinking the deficit" or any of his other fantasy based talking points.
Count on Bush to crow about his "mandate" and his "political capital", but dont get upset about it. He will behave no differently than he has for four years. It will sound good to his base and to the newsies until January when he actually has to try to get something done. At that point (mark my words - this is a no-brainer) he will actually have to try to get something done in the real world and facts are going to be very stubborn and very adverse for his program - And we will have the job of pointing out (and pointing the media toward) the mismatch between his lies and reality.
We will also be treated to news stories about "disarray among Republicans" as they try to reconcile the religious fanatic wing of their party with the reality based wing (yes they do exist and there are more than 6 of them in the Senate, so there is a lot of political room for us to operate).
I dont wish for bad things to happen to the US. But since Bush's policies make them inevitable, I will be happy to indulge myself in a little malicious glee when his chickens come home to roost. I just have to be patient until January.