RNC warns in memo, congressional Republicans better not criticize Bush

Hotline has the memo here.

I think the memo is right and wrong. It claims that W "is" the party, he "is" their brand, and that if he gets further diminished they all go down with him.

First off, yes, Bush is your brand, and we're all quite happy about it. Please do wrap yourself in him as often as possible.

The problem is that Bush is already damaged goods and he is ALREADY taking other Republicans down with him. There is nothing GOP congressmen can do to get Bush's numbers up. But there is a lot they can do to bring THEIR numbers down. Sticking their necks out to defend Bush at this time will only suggest to the public, including their own base, that they don't get it. That they think, incredibly, that all is well in Washington, and that Bush, like Brownie, is doing a heck of a job.

You turn voters around by proving to them that you deserve their loyalty, and that's through your own actions. It's a message Democrats need to learn as well.