Buck Up, GOP
As the November midterms approach, there seems to be a growing sense of unease on the Right. Every poll that shows races tightening or every story about the Democrats being poised to go negative in the closing weeks of the campaign brings a chill to the spine of Conservatives as they wonder if they peaked too early. Even Ricochet’s own Peter Robinson, never known for wobbly knees, seems to be concerned with each poll showing any sort of change drifting to the Democrats. Well, to borrow a phrase from the President to his dispirited base, “buck up.” Everything will be fine.
Polls tend to tighten as elections get closer, and the trend was so unfavorable for the Dems, it would have been surprising if things didn’t get a little closer. But the anger and seriousness of purpose of the Tea Party folks and others on the Right are not dissipating; they still can’t wait for November 2 to arrive. And the groups that most strongly back the President are those traditionally least likely to vote. Besides which, pollsters still privately concede that their data may be underestimating discontent as respondents, aware of the campaign to tar critics as racists, are increasingly unwilling to express their views openly.
However, if you’re looking for the most indisputable evidence that everything will be fine, look no further than Bob Shrum, Democratic political consultant, among whose assignments has been senior advisor to the Kerry-Edwards campaign in 2004 and the Gore campaign in 2000. He worked to get Dick Gephardt the 1988 Democratic Presidential nomination, and he helped prepare Michael Dukakis for his debates against George H.W. Bush that same year. In all, he’s 0-8 when it comes to his work on Presidential campaigns. That Bob Shrum has confidently predicted that Democrats would hold on to both houses of Congress. So sleep well.
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Re: Buck Up, GOP
Thank you, Pat. I feel much better now. (And you're right about Shrum. He's an utterly flawless contra-indicator.)
Sep '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
Although I haven't verified it, I'm hearing a lot about health insurance open enrollment periods hitting in October that could contain some surprises for those who haven't been paying attention to the health care debate. They could be a tad upset after seeing the new and improved premiums and services (or lack thereof).
May '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
Shrum is, indeed, the butt end of the compass. If you're paying Bob Shrum for advice, that's a sign that your judgment is hopelessly flawed, and you should on no account be given any power.
But dammit, Pat, this is too easy. It can't possibly be happening.
May '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
I just realized that I have as many political victories as Bob Shrum and I have never worked as a political consultant.
Aug '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
It's good that we can't be complacent, for that is a dangerous trap. This is the Super Bowl to beat all Super Bowls, and the United States literally hangs in the balance. It's a litmus test of the character of the American people. If they can't rise to the occasion, they don't deserve to have a country.
There are big-time butterflies in everyone's stomach. Democrats have no accomplishments to run on! Just massive amounts of garbage legislation that everyone knows is a minefield of unintended consequences. Theyve screwed the pooch.
Every big election I've seen since Truman's time has gotten serious and "tight" as the big day nears.
Nature and Americans love a cliffhanger.
The facts are all on our side. When the Dems say "Don't give the keys back to the Republicans! They'll take us back to the bad old days of Bush!"
Really? Five percent unemployment, low inflation, booming housing market, stronger dollar than today.... I wish we could go back to those days. The Democrats were the major problem, blocking many GOP reforms and constantly haranguing our fellow citizens with doom and gloom through the LeftPress.
Aug '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
There is one big oversight the GOP should correct: In the Congressional elections of '06, the Democrats gained control. It's they who have been running things since '07, and not one dime was spent without their approval.
Why isn't that mentioned constantly? It's baffling.
May '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
OK, maybe it's paranoia, but I am somewhat disturbed the fact that Twitterverse seems to have lost something over the last few months. Don't know why...
Oct '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
River: There is one big oversight the GOP should correct: In the Congressional elections of '06, the Democrats gained control. It's they who have been running things since '07, and not one dime was spent without their approval.
Why isn't that mentioned constantly? It's baffling. · Oct 4 at 11:19am
I agree - why is that not a constant "talking point"?
Aug '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
Let's keep the pedal to the metal boys and girls. I just sent $100 to the Emmer for governor campaign and will contribute more to other campaigns.
Send money, volunteer, man the phones - whatever it takes!
May '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
Yeah, maybe....but even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.
This is no time to relax. save the celebrations for Nov. 3rd.
Jul '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
River: There is one big oversight the GOP should correct: In the Congressional elections of '06, the Democrats gained control. It's they who have been running things since '07, and not one dime was spent without their approval.
Why isn't that mentioned constantly? It's baffling. · Oct 4 at 11:19am
Because the ignorant electorate, not understanding that only Congress can appropriate, associates spending with the President.
Aug '10
Re: Buck Up, GOP
So true, Kenneth. That's the real cancer on the body politic. Blind and proud ignorance.
Kenneth
River: There is one big oversight the GOP should correct: In the Congressional elections of '06, the Democrats gained control. It's they who have been running things since '07, and not one dime was spent without their approval.
Why isn't that mentioned constantly? It's baffling. · Oct 4 at 11:19am
Because the ignorant electorate, not understanding that only Congress can appropriate, associates spending with the President. · Oct 4 at 5:49pm