GOP Still Hasn't Seen the Bottom

Just when the Grand Old Party thought it couldn't get worse, it has: Conservative infighting from a caustic radio host, stumbles from its emerging non-white leaders—Michael Steele and Bobby Jindal both—and polls that suggest just 25% of Americans support them. Meanwhile, Dems enjoy great popularity and steady donations. "I have no idea where the bottom is," a Republican pollster tells Politico.

“The left has put together the most powerful political coalition I’ve ever witnessed,” says former Rep. Tom DeLay, once a coalition builder himself. His party comrades lay the blame on their leaders—including gaffe-prone Steele, decaying powerhouse Newt Gingrich, and congressional members who haven't offered counterpoints to Democrats' policies. "It's unclear what is the Republican stimulus plan,” says former Gov. Mitt Romney.