"In other words: Bush supporters live in a fantasy world while Kerry supporters know what the hell is going on. Have I got that about right?"

As far as the perceptions referred to in the study go, you've got it right.
I feel uncomfortable saying that because it sounds so bloody smug, but I've noticed here on so many of our rants that you can cite the facts repeatedly to the true believers and it has no effect. That's one reason I'm becoming a cranky -- or crankier -- old asshole.

Steven Kull, the program director is quoted in today's edition of our local (pro-Bush) paper:

"To support the president and to accept that he took the United Stated to war based on mistaken assumptions is difficult to bear, especially in light of the continuing costs in terms of lives and money" Kull said.

"Apparently, to avoid cognitive dissonance, Bush supporters suppress awareness of unsettling information."

I noticed in one of the debates when Bush was talking about the Iraq war he said that we were attacked and he had to defend the country. Kerry had to remind him that it was not Iraq that attacked us. And Cheney has repeatedly connected 9/11 and Iraq. So it's not just unaided "cognitive dissonance;" the administration is encouraging these misperceptions.

I found this a few days ago, before the report came out & thought it was right on: http://cagle.slate.msn.com/politicalcartoons/pccartoons/archives/plante.asp?Action=GetImage
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you may have to go to 10/08/04 on the drop-down menu after you get there.

clint