They don't mean a thing if they don't get the swing.
Independent voters are leaning against the re-election of President Bush amid doubts about his handling of the economy and Iraq, a poll released Saturday indicates.
A majority of independents, 53 percent, said they oppose Bush's re-election, while 40 percent favor it, according to the Newsweek poll. Republicans favor his re-election by an 86-10 margin, while Democrats oppose it by the same amount.
Overall, his re-election was favored by 44 percent of respondents and opposed by 50 percent. More of those surveyed favored his re-election in May, but since then, people have been evenly split or slightly opposed on that question.
Bush's overall job approval in the poll was 52 percent. People were closely divided on his handling of the economy, with 44 percent approving and 48 percent disapproving. Just over half, 51 percent, disapprove of his handling of Iraq, while 42 percent approve.
This confirms what so many of here already know. The Democratic party has a real chance to win this thing. The conditions are right for victory. Success or failure now just depends on how well the party, and our eventual nominee's team, plays its cards.