Joe Conason's Journal: Leaked Republican poll: Voters think America's on

the wrong track, worried about jobs

http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2003/09/11/leaked_poll/

Branding irony
Even on a dark anniversary, there is always a politician lurking somewhere whose antics can provide some amusement. Proof came in my e-mail this morning from a kindly Capitol mole. The mole sent me a copy of "Fall Communications Environment," the funny memo dispatched yesterday by Rep. Deborah Pryce, R-Ohio, the chairman of the House Republican Conference, to all of her GOP colleagues. Having verified its authenticity with a helpful member of Pryce's staff, I think parts of it are definitely worth sharing -- especially because it provides insight into what Republicans really worry about behind the usual partisan bluster:

SNIP

"More than any time this year, Americans are increasingly concerned about the economy, their job situation, and the latest developments in Iraq. Because of these concerns converging together in recent weeks, anxiety about the direction of the country has escalated. In the most recent New Models survey conducted by the Winston Group (September 3-4, 1,000 registered voters), the direction of the country now stands at 37-51 right direction-wrong track."

_SNIP___

Worse yet, the House Democrats seemed to be getting some traction, according to the Republican pollsters' findings:

"Of those who heard a message from House Democrats, 44 percent were more favorable to Democrats, and 38 percent were less favorable. This is the first time this year that their message received a positive reaction. By contrast, the House Republican message was neutrally received among those who heard a message from Members, with 40 percent being more favorable to House Republicans and 43 percent less favorable."

MORE

The poll is cited in a letter from the Chair of the House Republican Conference to collegues.....I love the part about the GOP's "brand image" ....reminds me of the marketing of Iraq....

And while you're at it, check out the link to the polling outfit...Republican and with ties to ABC among other outfits....
http://www.winstongroup.net/about.htm

They're getting scared now...

You should be, freepers. You should be.

he's no longer emperor.

"Voters think America's on drugs."