As I’ve gone through various blogs this morning and in recent days I’ve been struck by the amount of pessimism by Democrats as to the real likelihood that their party will do well in tomorrow’s elections. After so many disappointments, it’s difficult to conceive that victory–that the vindication of what we have been saying for so many years–might finally be at hand.
Nothing can be taken for granted and every vote counts, none of this is a done deal. Yes, recent polls like the Pew Research Center’s show races tightening and at least some GOP voters holding their nose and deciding to vote for their candidate. The GOP, led by Bush and Rove, are very very good at getting out the vote and framing the debate. The GOP has rigged the game well through aggressive gerrymandering (though I’m sure the Dems did the same previously).
Still, there is much cause for optimism. I can’t think of a single pollster that thinks the Democrats won’t take back the House–and even GOP strategists are privately conceding the House and focusing their efforts on not losing the Senate.
The latest Gallup/USA Today poll also shows the race narrowing, observing that the question of who Americans would rather see controlling Congress had gone down to 51% Dem/44% GOP, a 7 point margin as opposed to a 13 point one two weeks ago. On the other hand, that’s the same spread seen as we went into the 1994 elections (51% GOP/44% Dem), and we all know what happened then.
Last but not least, never in my generation has America been as challenged as it is at this juncture. With thousands of our sons and daughters dead in Iraq; with an administration that wants to “stay the course, full speed ahead” while steering that course with no plan, no allies, and no grasp on reality; with threats of terrorism that are addressed through partisan sound-bytes instead of taking nuke blueprints offline; with humiliating debates on what constitutes “torture” (in America!)–if all of these things do not push the electorate to unleash an electoral earthquake and boot the bastards responsible out of office, then nothing will.
Take nothing for granted, it isn’t over until it’s over. But the chance for change is good, in at least one House of Congress if not both–and I look forward to celebrating victory with friends tomorrow night.
No related posts.
{ 1 comment }
I’m being rather upbeat about the whole thing, even with some margins tightening here and there. I watched several of the punditry panels on television this weekend and when you look at the Senate race by race, there’s a very real chance for the Democrats to take the Senate. The Republican incumbents in Virginia and Missouri have yet to poll over 50% which usually doesn’t bode in their favor headed into election day.
Yes, the Democrats have to “run the table” as some have been saying. But I think Howard Dean has been very shrewd with his 50-state strategy. It certainly will pay dividends in the House and maybe the Senate as well.
Comments on this entry are closed.