I think a look at the actual numerical outcome of the election rather than crappy exit polls (that also predicted a Kerry win, mind you) would benefit the democrats greatly.

They lost swing voters.
Why?
As a swing voter, I have several opinions on the subject that I'll post about eventually, but extremism has divided the nation. It's the moderates/swing voters that really counted, as it was in the last election, and the democratic party needs to learn that or they're in for another loss in four years.