No, the main point is the group of blue collar men support Bush with little reason for it. Because of this loyalty they get very little from the Republican party. You are a perfect example of this. Your loyalty to Republicans derives in part from Libertarians principles. Since the Republicans know the Libertarians are not likely to jump ship and vote Democrat they don't have to give you anything.

Bush has given you virtually nothing in terms of the policies you want, in fact you seem to complain about nearly all his economic policies. Since he is in no danger of losing yours and ebnelson's votes he has no incentive to do anything you want. He can regulate, run deficits, add tariffs, etc because he knows your demographic won't punish him at the polls. Therefore he can satisfy other demographics safely by doing these things.

If you can try and wrap your brain around this concept: not everyone in the world thinks that the government has to "give" them something.

The fact that the Left can't even perceive this idea is why they are endlessly puzzled as to why someone would vote for someone who wasn't promising them loot. Maybe it's because some voters think other issues are more important.

The best thing a government can do is leave my life and livelihood alone. The Republicans don't do a very good job of this lately, but the Democrats really suck at it.

I don't like some of Bush's economic policies, but the tax cut was good, and it gave the economy the kick in the ass it needed. Economic growth will handle most needs after that.

BTW, candidates for both political parties cater to their extremes during primaries, and move to the center for general elections. Been doing it for years. Bush already has the nomination locked, which is why he's already planted comfortably in the near-center. Dean will cool off too, if he wins. Others like Kucinich are just nuts.