Mr. Bush's effort to pander to his far right constituency appears reckless and self-serving to most Americans.

I'm beginning to wonder if anyone is capable of seeing a poll that doesn't fit their preconceptions. I should do tests.

The Constitutional amendment is opposed by a grand total of 48 percent, compared to 41 percent in favor. One assumes that the other 11 percent had no opinion. It is awfully difficult to rework 48 percent into "most Americans." And I'm sure many of these people, like myself, are against gay marriage, but don't think it's a Constitutional, or even a Federal issue.

And when you get to the next question, about making gay marriage legal, 64 percent oppose it, while only 30 percent favor it. Again, one assumes that 6 percent aren't sure.

If you want a number that means "most" Americans, try 64 percent. Note also that in ALL groups divided out in the poll, only one group, "liberals," has more people favoring legal gay marriage. The rest oppose it, most by large margins.

Now, if you go by your assumptions, this means that 64 percent of America is far-right loonies. I don't think so.