A Tale of Two Three Headlines

Conservative Christians Criticize Republicans—“Some of President Bush's most influential conservative Christian allies are becoming openly critical of the White House and Republicans in Congress, warning that they will withhold their support in the midterm elections unless Congress does more to oppose same-sex marriage, obscenity and abortion."

Uh oh! Damage control! Damage control!

Mrs. Bush: Don't Campaign on Marriage Ban—“The first lady told ‘Fox News Sunday’ that she thinks the American people want a debate on the issue. But, she said, ‘I don't think it should be used as a campaign tool, obviously.’"

Gee, that’s almost…nice. But it’s really just the GOP’s way of sending out the nicest face to let the base know they might not be able to sell gay-hate like they used to, so keep your eyes peeled for other wedge issues, gang!

Bush Set To Send Guard to Border—“Mexican President Vicente Fox called to express concern over the prospect of militarization of the border, and Bush reassured him that it would be only a temporary measure to bolster overwhelmed Border Patrol agents, the White House said.”

"The president made clear that the United States considers Mexico a friend and that what is being considered is not militarization of the border but support of Border Patrol capabilities on a temporary basis by National Guard personnel," said White House spokeswoman Maria Tamburri.

Oh, okay then.

Rove is having private meetings with conservative Council for National Policy to try to placate them. I guess the GOP has to hope that picking on illegals will generate a sufficient redirection of the hatred that fuels their Dominionist base. I dunno, though. Hating Mexicans has never been as lucrative as hating gays for Daddy Dobson and Co.