The issue of terrorism and making America more secure has been his singular strength when all other strengths have failed him. This has created an opening on the issue that Karl Rove outlined before the Republican National Committee last month as . . . a key electoral issue in 2006. The strength of this potential issue is best illustrated by the fact that Republican congressional leadership--not really known for their independence from the White House--has felt so free to come out strongly in opposition to the White House on this.