Party Like It's 1994!
The latest numbers from the CNN/Opinions Dynamics poll, out today, "show an electoral landscape that mirrors that of 1994, when Republicans gained 54 seats in the House and took back control of Congress for the first time in more than 40 years."
The latest numbers give Republicans a three-point edge on the generic ballot question, which is just about the same advantage the party enjoyed heading into the heart of the '94 campaign season.
A full 50 percent of respondents said they intend to vote for a candidate who opposes President Obama. Sixteen years ago, 51 percent of voters said the same of President Clinton heading into the midterm elections.
The Republicans' lead is significantly more among likely voters, generally seven to ten points on Rasmussen.
I'll never forget election night in 1994. The magnitude of the Republicans' sweep that year was unexpected, and it was too much fun to watch the mournful network crews verging on tears as they announced one GOP victory after another. Let's hope it happens again; if it looks like a big night, I think I'll tune in Katie Couric.
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Re: Party Like It's 1994!
Since Katie's on her way down, John, maybe she'll go out with a bang.
Jul '10
Re: Party Like It's 1994!
It may sound odd to you younger folk, but the 1994 election night night returns were similar in impact on me to the fall of the Berliin Wall. It was almost inconceivable that the Republicans took the House. In my entire sentient life I had never seen it, The House beng controlled by Tip O'Neill seemed to be the natural state of politics. I remember being transfixed as I watched C-Span, it was as if time itself had been transcended!
Two things strike me: First, say what you will about Newt, he made that happen. It could have been very, very different. Second, I don't dare hope for the same outcome this year. Twice in one lifetime? C'est impossible!
Jun '10
Re: Party Like It's 1994!
Amen, Patrick! I had barely been alive the last time the Republicans controlled the House before 1994. The Senate takeover was an upset, but the House takeover was unthinkable. No longer, however; let's do it again!
May '10
Re: Party Like It's 1994!
I remember all the "Angry White male" talk from that night, how the "voters threw a tantrum". I also remember when Congress convened hearing about how there were parts of the Capital NO REPUBLICAN member of Congress had been in during the 40 years the Democrats held the house.
Jun '10
Re: Party Like It's 1994!
If Democrats were thinking people, instead of "feeling" people, they'd want two years of gridlock as well. It's the only thing that can save Obama from stepping off an even bigger cliff. Obama's instincts won't protect him from himself, but gridlock might. Call it rehab for spending addiction.
Re: Party Like It's 1994!
John, I'm with you. If it happens -- and I still think that's a big if, and I still think if it does happen, we'll have to keep a sharp stick handy to make sure our guys stick to their knitting -- but if it happens, I want to hear about it from Katie Couric.
No, wait, from Keith Olbermann, if he hasn't taken his own life by the time the polls close in California.
May '10
Re: Party Like It's 1994!
That "voters threw a tantrum" bit was pure Peter Jennings. I have a fond memory of another classic on-air moment with him. ABC News did a long marathon program at new year's 2000, when the Y2K bug was predicted to cause airplanes to fall out of the sky and other such mayhem. Hours into the broadcast full of all sorts of unhinged speculation, with Jennings pacing around the set and acting like he hadn't slept for days, he interviewed some firefighters and other first responders who were poised and suited up to address the emergency. He asked the captain, somewhat gravely, if the fire department's own systems had all been brought up to date and made Y2K safe. The captain responded that, as far as he knew, there were no computer chips in the fire hoses. I could have kissed that guy.
Jul '10
Re: Party Like It's 1994!
Personaly, I wish Rush were on the tube to comment on the returns.
My memory of all the talking heads falling all over themselves and talking to bitter, and I do mean bitter, democrats talking about a "Wind of Hate" sweeping the nation was mostly annoying.
It's going to be a positive occasion, I'd like to be uplifted as it happens.
I'm also hoping to gloat a little.
Besides, the Republicans will waste no time in finding some way to sellout and compromise on Health Care Repeal just to insure that everyone who didn't vote for them will know they really aren't as bad as the people who did vote for them.