When political control depends upon the unwavering loyalty of party members, the party's greatest fear is internal dissent. Karl Rove excelled at quashing disagreement with the president's message, often orchestrating attacks upon the integrity of those who publicly aired their opposition to the president's policies.

Rove's power depended upon his ability to punish disagreement with a popular president. In 2006, disagreeing with the president may be essential to electoral victory.

Mr. Rove's associates say he appreciates the need of candidates to distance themselves from the White House to win. But he was described as angered by candidates who he thought were going too far in criticizing Mr. Bush out of concern that attacks could further damage an already weakened president, they said.

Republicans no longer find it politically profitable to sell shares in the imaginary paradise over which the president rules. After six years of failing to deliver on promises to eliminate gay sex, pornography, abortion, and flag burning, Rove can't even count on the evangelical base to rescue Republicans. Rove may feel high after escaping indictment, but he's delusional if he thinks an "unrelenting focus on terrorism" will be enough to assure Republicans victories in November. Focusing on the administration's failures (a diversion of attention from bin Laden to Iraq, inadequate port security, politically motivated "threat levels") can scarcely be considered a smart strategy for Republicans.