Black Box Report

On Monday Gen. David Petraeus will try to sell the administration party line; that the surge is working and “trust us this time we know what we’re doing.” The problem is - forget Democrats - Republicans aren't likely to be buying what Bush and friends are selling. And do you blame them? His war and his approval ratings are in the toilet - and every headline they seem to generate only has GOP lawmakers reaching for the Tums.

But Republicans quick to place all blame on the Oval Office ought to look in the mirror as well. Resignations, scandals and investigations seem all too common for GOPers. The Grand Old Party, long admired for its discipline and unity, has fractured at the seams with all factions pointing fingers at the other.

But here comes the scary part, it's going to get worse before it gets better. The faithful are uninspired by the crop of presidential hopefuls, and for good reason - are they moderate or conservative? They and their party seem at a loss for that answer and the Republican way forward. Bush, Cheney, Rove and Delay may have gotten them into this mess but I’m still waiting for the person with a plan to get them out.

Republicans, get ready for a long, cold political winter.