Why the NYT or any other media outlet is surprised by the strong “values” bloc supporting President Bush is a bit bewildering. It’s not like this is new. Take the abortion issue – historically in previous presidential elections some 12 percent of Americans (one in every 8) have been single-issue voters, usually breaking 2 to 1 in favor of pro-lifers. That’s how America has been voting in national elections the last 16 years. Take the abortion edge, throw sanctity of marriage referenda into the mix, and you’ve got the makings of a happy day for the GOP in 2004.