1. We are still a fundamentally moderate nation, as evidenced by a relatively close vote percentage margin of victory (albeit still broader than either of W's)
2. The republicans are fundamentally in trouble. they appealed overwhelmingly to the elderly and to white males...only. this demographic will continue to shrink within the over-all electorate. take solace, however, my friends on the other side of the aisle, as this problem can be corrected. a return to truefiscal conservatism, and a focus on electing competent peopleon the state level,could have a rejuvinating effect on their viability.
3. "brand loyalty" in politics has a diminished self life these days. with the instant information age, the days of the FDR-style 30 year one-party dominance are a thing of the past.
4. the republicans lost their mandatebecause they choked on their own excesses, and in actions, if not rhetoric, abandoned their core principles. the american middle has no tolerance for hypocrisy.
5. This is not, despite what the pundits will tell you, a "re-alignment" election. such concepts are a thing of the past.
6. the land is the democrats to govern, provided they learn from the instant repudiation of the republican party, and avoid choking on their excesses.
7. history has shown us, time and time again, that the latter will not occur.
The republicans think the democrats took a beating during the Clinton years when they took control of congress with Newt Gingrich and with Dubya at the helm for the last 8 years. I got news for the republicans. They took an even BIGGER beating this election at the hand of the democrats. Now they have to deal with a radical thinking president who has both houses on his side! I can't think how it could be any worse for the republicans! The country simply got tired of their constant emphasis of social issues over any other issues. The christian-right side of the party did them in, no question about it. The only way the party will recover is to distance themselves from this fringe element of the party. If they don't, it will be a good LONG time before they are close to having control of anything again!
The 80's had Reagan Democrats. Now we have Obama Republicans - couldn't have won without'em!!
Thought 3)
We must now proceedify swiftlyto achieve the embracitude of our fellows whoattempted to electionize McCainwith their votes. We cannot afford for them to disembarcerate from the ship called America.
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"I would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade, which would then force women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." Senator John McCain
Source: Ron Fournier, Associated Press Aug 24, 1999
McCain had0 appeal to females. Republican political wheels often forget that there is another sex besides male.
This Republican has been swimming against an increasingly belligeranttide for several years. The last Republican congress was the most mean minded, uncompassionate, spiteful and stingy bunch theUS has ever seen. At the same time they were quick to push through de-regulation that their backers in the banking industry wanted.
If the Democrats in congress andthe white house can get through this meltdown of the world economy in good form they could be inoffice for well over a decade.
If the Democrats in congress andthe white house can get through this meltdown of the world economy in good form they could be inoffice for well over a decade.
provided they don't fall victim to the pelosi wing of the party.
The only way the party will recover is to distance themselves from this fringe element of the party. If they don't, it will be a good LONG time before they are close to having control of anything again!
Those "evangelicals" got prominence for the first time in 1980. They are a very fickle bunch: If a Republican politician fails to support one little thing that they want theydrop him like a hot rock.
If the Democrats in congress andthe white house can get through this meltdown of the world economy in good form they could be inoffice for well over a decade.
provided they don't fall victim to the pelosi wing of the party.
How will they do that? They put her in charge of setting the agenda...
If the Democrats in congress andthe white house can get through this meltdown of the world economy in good form they could be inoffice for well over a decade.
provided they don't fall victim to the pelosi wing of the party.
I cannot imagine that Pelose/Reid will interpret this as anything other than a mandate for liberalism.
They will self-destruct.
Having stated the lessons learned so well, which I agree with wholeheartedly, I have an honest question for you.
Do you think the Dems will be stupid enough to pass a new AWB?
That was the single most important factor in the loss of both houses in 1994, and will be again if they do it.
So, have they learned that lesson? Or will they burn thier own houses and give them back to the reps by passing more such nonsense?
Your opinions are always appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
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"I would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade, which would then force women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." Senator John McCain
Source: Ron Fournier, Associated Press Aug 24, 1999
Lessons Learned
