How to Win Over A Nation Of Partisans

A CNN/GALLUP poll last week found that a majority of the American people--53%--believe that George W. Bush has misled the public for political reasons. The same poll found that 57% believe that John Kerry has changed his mind on issues for political reasons. A separate CNN/Gallup poll showed that Richard Clarke's testimony before the 9/11 commission had immediately become a partisan football (81% of Bush voters didn't believe Clarke; 80% of Kerry voters did). This is pretty depressing.

The electorate seems both cynical and hyperpartisan. The partisanship may be a reflexive reaction to a campaign that has got too hot...

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