Shawn: I think McIntyre's theory is a valid one. To the extent
that the Democrats can make the "dispirited GOP base" a
self-fulfilling prophecy, they will. The more
conservatively-inclined voters that stay home, the better for the
Dems.
Is the press playing along? Well, just take a look at the Jim
Webb Megaphone the Washington Post. 'Nuff said.
In fairness, it is hard to make something a self-fulfilling
prophecy unless it is based on something tangible. Clearly there is
unrest in the GOP base this year, and one can hardly blame the Dems
for trying to capitalize on it. If it were the Dems who were
dispirited, you can be sure the GOP would be trying to take
advantage of it--all's fair in love and war and politics.