Point is the 'left' weren't trying to steal anything. It was a Cabal game. Bush was the chosen one but that tension between Republican 'values' and 'Democrat' values has to be nurtured. Seesaw.
Democrats for the sensible 'social' concerns. Republicans for 'war' and geopolitical manouvering. War was the agenda, Bush was the annointed one for the job. Democrats for pretence of opposition. Keeps the impression of reality and voters deciding.
Trump apparently the first real outsider that managed to leak in. Real opposition. PANIC. Down him by any means necessary.