The saying goes that politics is the art of addition.  Even first time candidates for any elective office quickly realize that their circle of friends and family is not enough, that they need the support people unlike themselves if they are to have any hope of winning. It's elemental.

That's what makes the Republican game plan (assuming there is one) so baffling to me.  As each day goes by, they seem to alienate another sector of our society, and most of the time it seems absolutely intentional.

While they are home for the August recess, I just wonder who’s left for them to subtract from their ever shrinking universe of supporters.

The conventional wisdom is that the Republicans made themselves safe districts, ones made up of homogeneous conservative constituents who appreciate their uncompromising and dismissive attitude toward those who disagree.  I have to wonder about that.