Darkening the Door

This comment by Tom Tancredo at last night's Republican debate could prove problematic for President Bush's ability to sustain even the low levels of popularity he maintains now:

“Some time ago, 2003, I think it was, that I got a call from
Karl Rove who told me that because of my criticism of the
president, I should never darken the doorstep of the
White House,” he said.

He added, “As president, I would have to tell George
Bush exactly the same thing that Karl Rove told me”
because he was so disappointed in various aspects of
the President’s program, including education and the
prescription drug bureaucracy, as well as immigration
reform.

The little support the president has comes from Republicans who feel they must support their party leader. Hearing leaders of the party openly criticize the president--and not be criticized in turn--may allow them to feel free to disapprove of him also.

Update (6-8-07): Today's Gallup Poll update shows that the President's approval rate has continued to slip overall, and also among Republicans. In mid-April 76% of Republicans approved of his job performance, the poll shows that this figure has slipped to 70%. It's still high, but it should be high since it's the President's party. It's worth noting that these figure were collected prior to the debate and Tancredo's comments, but the general environment may be changing and Republicans may feel more free to speak ill of Mr. Bush.