The GOP's Gambling Problem

In his sycophantic column on Sunday extolling George Bush, William Kristol closed his column with this line.

What it comes down to is this: If Petraeus succeeds in Iraq, and a Republican wins in 2008, Bush will be viewed as a successful president.

I like the odds.

On the same day, on the West Coast, GOP wordsmith and rug wearer extraordinaire Frank Luntz wrote the following;

The simple answer is that it doesn't look good for the Republicans. A GOP victory is not absolutely out of the question, of course, but getting there would take a forward-looking agenda, unparalleled message discipline, a strict focus on the millions of independent voters, an innovative candidate and campaign and a lot of luck.

In other words, don't bet on it.

Nothing like conflicted cliches to start your Sunday. Hey fellas, either the GOP is a good bet to retain the Presidency or they aren't. But may I suggest with those oddsmaking skills, neither of you two geniuses ought to head to Vegas any time soon.