Steve Schmidt's moment of clarity...

[DrToast]

You remember him, right? John McCain's campaign manager.



This guy?

Well, the thing about him is that he's never been socially conservative. Sure, he's pandered to them like a good chunk of Republicans, but it sounds like he's one of the few that will acknowledge that's not a viable strategy anymore.

Speaking publicly for one of the first times since the end of the presidential campaign, John McCain's campaign manager Steve Schmidt painted a dire portrait of the state of the Republican Party, arguing that the GOP has largely been co-opted by its religious elements.

"If you put public policy issues to a religious test, you risk becoming a religious party," Schmidt declared. "And in a free country, a political party cannot be viable in the long term if it is seen as a sectarian party."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/17/steve-schmidt-mccain-camp_n_188354.html

He's right, of course, but will anyone listen?

[Mz Pip]

1. It may take a few more losses

for them to get it. These losses will more than likely be in the Senate since the House districts are so gerrymandered that even Michelle Bachmann can manage to keep her seat.

2010 will be crucial for the Democrats.

[DrToast]

2. I think you're right...

The decision they seem to be trying to put off is whether or not to alienate the social conservative base in the hopes of appealing to more moderates. They haven't done it yet, but maybe after 2010.

They're really in a tough spot.

And I love it.