Inside the Republican National Convention, the official line is that the Iraq war is a success. But in the back hallways of Madison Square Garden and in swing states around the country, criticism of the war is mounting. Independents and even Republicans are questioning the administration’s motives and their handling of the war.

How will the war in Iraq affect the November election? Republican party officials say it will help the incumbent, but other GOP-ers aren’t so sure.

Click one of the “Listen” links to hear more on Iraq, the Republicans and about what it may mean for George W. Bush’s re-election bid.

Guests:

Audie Cornish, WBUR reporter

Frank Newport, editor-in-chief, The Gallup Poll

David Sanger, White House correspondent, The New York Times

Michael Hirsh, senior editor, Newsweek

Mary Matalin, former assistant to George W. Bush and counselor to Dick Cheney. She is an adviser to the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign.

Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff for George W. Bush

David Frum, former Bush speechwriter and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute

Bill Harrop, ambassador to Israel, 1991-1993, and ambassador to Zaire, 1987-1991

General Merrill McPeak, Air Force Chief of Staff in the first Gulf War, member of Senator Kerry’s “Bush Truth Squad.”