All is not lost...

[kentuck]

The Republicans and their friends in the media are pushing the story that the Republicans are going to obliterate the Democrats in the next election. The latest poll they use says that the voters favor the Repubs over the Democrats by 4% and, with the Independent voters, they enjoy about a 20% lead over the Democrats. For what it is worth...

However, the Repubs do have Sarah Palin. And they do have the tea-baggers. Unlike the Democrats, they are willing to go into districts and run against the incumbents or the favorites of the Party. This does not always turn out well, as in the 23rd District of NY.

I would say that as long as the Repubs have Palin and the Tea-baggers, the Democrats are still in the game. Next year's election could turn out to be very interesting. Democrats are not ready to fold on the next election quite yet.

Especially if the Democrats can pass healthcare legislation, close Guantanamo, and end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? Also, if they can get convictions in the trials in NYC? A lot can happen in the next year. There may be just a bit of premature celebration by the Republicans?

[DJ13]

1. Its sad

There wouldnt be a need for the hand wringing over next year's elections since we have a solid majority in power, if only our party would cease being the same corporate puppets as the Republicans were from 2001 through 2006.

You would think the party leaders would have learned what not to do while they watched the GOP crash and burn, but no, they couldnt resist going for the same brass ring that led to the downfall of the GOP.

[emulatorloo]

2. The Republicans are trying very hard to create reality

Democrats are certainly going to need to get their sh*t together this year. The first thing they have to do is get Healthcare Reform done. Harry Reid can't let the Republicans get away with delaying it into next year.

I laugh over the "voters favor the Repubs over the Democrats by 4%" talking point. Do they ever tell us the Margin of Error?

As to the Independent voters, it is important to remember that most of them are former Republicans who are alienated by the GOP's pandering to the base, Remember that only 21% of the public self-identify as Republicans these days.

So I can see how when faced with a "generic ballot", these former Republicans would have a kneejerk reaction to favor the Republican.

However what will they do when faced with an actual ballot and a crazed Republican teabagger-type candidate. Somehow I do not think they will vote for the rabid teabagger.

[Greyhound]

3. I hope this is right.

What I'm seeing here in the west is rage.

People that have never followed politics, who probably rarely vote, and get all of their information from the idiot box (IOW the majority) are majorly pissed off and looking for someone to blame.

As we know, facts are irrelevant when the flock is running scared and they will follow the loudest bleat and so far all the audible bleating is coming from the reich-wing (of both parties).

As you point out there is still time for the Democratic party to counter this, let's hope they get serious soon.

[Laelth]

4. Democrats will do fine UNLESS they pass this turd of a "health insurance reform" bill.

You heard it here first, and I will keep saying it, if you insist.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Swamp Rat]

5. So far, the Democrats are doing a good job considering the steaming pile of shit they were handed

by Bushler and the GOP.

Are the Dems doing everything I want them to the way I want them to do it? - no. However, I do not believe for a nanosecond the cable "news" propaganda that says the GOP is on the rise, or doing better, etc.

Actually, all the wailing and whining and bluster on TV is a manifestation of the fact that the GOP is coming apart at the seams. :D

[Toots]

6. My disapproval of the Democrats does not in any fashion equate to approval for Republicans..

It may however equate to the election of Republicans if enough people like myself choose to just not vote...