Every now and then someone posts a diary that says something like "My right-wing father-in-law finally admits that Bush is an idiot." Something similar happened with my Republican brother-in-law. But I'm starting to notice a pattern. These people become disillusioned with Republican leaders, but come Election Day they go crawling back to the Republicans.
My brother-in-law sent me a photo of a veteran wearing "bullshit protector" earflaps while Senator Kennedy was addressing the veterans' group. [UPDATE: Someone's comment pointed out that this photo was actually taken during a Bush speech.] I wrote back, "He ought to wear it when Bush speaks. He has cut funds to veterans while posturing as the friend of the military." And I included a quote from a highly decorated veteran and former P.O.W. who said Bush has broken his promise to the vets.
My brother-in-law responded, "I definitely agree at this point in time. I gave Bush a chance but he's failing miserably, both domestically and overseas. Certainly time for new direction on many policies, issues and programs!"
I was tempted to view this as a signal that the electoral tide is going to turn against the Republicans. My brother-in-law lives in central Pennsylvania, a very conservative area. (He's not far from Dover High School, where the school board tried to mandate intelligent design. My wife actually taught in that school years ago.) He is a regular churchgoer and loves country music, especially the singers who wrap themselves in the flag.
But I've heard this kind of "voter's remorse" from him before. I remember when he became disillusioned with Reagan. I think we're seeing a boomerang phenomenon. In an earlier version of this post, I compared this behavior to a battered wife who can't seem to walk away from her abusive spouse. It was a crude metaphor, as someone pointed out, so I've abandoned it. The point is that they come back to the same GOP that burned them repeatedly.
My brother-in-law keeps voting Republican even though the party is mostly pushing programs that are against his own interests. Over time he sees how badly the Republican leader screws things up and becomes disillusioned. But in the next election cycle a new Republican comes on the scene with a new crusade--against same-sex marriage, for example--and my brother-in-law becomes a true believer again.
The Karl Roves seem to have a bottomless supply of wedge issues. The solution is for Democrats to devise uniting issues that are so powerful that they prevail over the divisive tactics of the right. I think we're starting to see signs of this. For example, I was very heartened by Kerry's call this week for a deadline on Iraq.