Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Claire Berlinski, Ed. ·
Nov 3, 2010 at 11:04am
I'm sensing an unusual hesitation to comment here on Ricochet. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but I know on my end, I'm having a conflicted reaction, and perhaps an ungracious one. On the one hand, these results are joyous; they're historic; and they're surely numerically game-changing. One does not wish to be anything but grateful for them. On the other, some highly symbolic races were lost. I don't want to spoil a good mood by reflecting too much on those, but in honesty, the photos of Barbara Boxer looking so damned pleased are like a mosquito bite on a beautiful summer evening.
Anyone else feel that way? I think I just need to grow up and get over it, probably.
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Comments :
Oct '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
I'd say "let California slide into the ocean" after last night, but if that happened, where would I get my Summer special FX extravaganzas?
Oh, and I do have a few friends there too. That would make me sad.
Thankfully, I can avoid looking at Boxer's smug face. I know she was sweating a lot more than she's used to before last night, though.
May '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Yes, yes, yes! Harry Reid looking so darn happy with himself! What is wrong with Navada. I almost don't believe he actually won. It may sound paranoid but could it possibly be rigged?
Oct '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
I agree. My home district, Alabama District 5, just elected its first Republican Congressman since 1870 (although Parker Griffith changed parties after being elected as a Dem). I should be happier but the Senate results are very disappointing overall.
Aug '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Right, Claire, it does rankle. But to me it's more like walking barefoot on a snow white beach and stepping into a warm pile of dog effluvium.
Looking on the bright side, if Republicans had gained full control of both houses they would be held responsible for everything that happens. Americans aren't patient, and when things get worse - which they surely will - conservatives won't be blamed as much as they might have been.
We'll tell them, "We inherited a real 'progressive' Democrat mess!"
May '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
I really can't take any joy from it, Claire. I live in California -- that is, until I can find a way to escape -- and my governor is now a superannuated political hack and administrative incompetent wholly bought and paid for by the public employee unions. While handing Governor Moonbeam the keys to the car, the idiot California voters simultaneously approved a proposition that effectively eliminates the legislative supermajority requirement for raising taxes. What did our President say about riding in the back seat? That's nothing: California taxpayers are going to be dragged behind that hotrod the next four years by Jerry and his union pals.
And honestly, did John Boehner really have to CRY?
Oct '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
I can feel the same hesitation, Claire.
As for me, I continue to process the situation in California. Taking all the ballot measures into consideration along with Boxer and Brown's wins (Brown? Really?), We are clearly a state that doesn't want to be governed; we want to be babysat. CA appears to WANT to slide down the gutter, and I'm crestfallen that no about-face was performed on the road to ruin.
But I love California so.....
This is what I'm dealing with on a Wednesday morning, and I believe that there are more like me that don't want to jump in the fray just yet. We're mourning a little bit.
Jul '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
I wouldn't say "disappointing", I'd say predictable. I never believed Angle or O'Donnell would win - they were terrible candidates. I also never believed Raese or Fiorina would win - they were marginal candidates up against huge Dem advantages in registration. We shall see what happens with Rossi and Buck.
I'd actually say that, from a perspective of several months back, we should count ourselves delighted that we won Wisconsin and Illinois. And thrilled that Toomey overcame the dirty Pennsylvania Democrat machine.
And in a perverse way, I'm not entirely unhappy that Sarah Palin's vaunted reputation takes a hit in the wake of the failure candidates like O'Donnell and Angle, whom she so foolishly endorsed.
May '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Oh, the mood in my camp this morning is distinctly down. Surely we're not the only California conservatives who feel like passengers in the lifeboat that got left behind.
One bright spot, however, was that we did uphold our attempt to reform the redistricting process, something Arnold failed at in his first term. That's a big thing for this highly gerrymandered state. And in my town election we voted to reform public pensions (but only for new employees).
Oct '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
I live in Washington State, outside of King County, and am saddened by the weak showing of Dino Rossi. We really needed to get rid of Murray but we Washington Republicans are used to disappointment. On the bright side we voted down the state income tax.
The brightest points in yesterday's election came from Florida: Rubio and West. Oh, and then there is the fact that Pelosi will not be Speaker after January.
May '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
The two most glaring anomalies on the electoral map is New York and California. And you have to ask, "Why?"
Well, let's talk about the attraction that these two states have had in our culture. These are places that call out to the narcissistic and embrace them as their own. After all, nobody says, "I want to be famous! I want to be somebody! I'm moving to Cleveland!" No, you head to Hollywood or NY.
The other attraction of California is to the person of leisure who seeks the sun and the surf. No nasty American work ethic there. Then there's the anything goes attitude of SF that draws all types from life's big top.
Now all you have to do is add a failed nation state to the south and you've got an American State like no other in the Union.
And once you start stacking one liberal dream on top of another, well, the sane ones either move out or get crushed.
Finally, as noted elsewhere, California has introduced new verbiage to our political lexicon. The SF Board of Supervisors banned Happy Meals yesterday in the name of "food justice."
May '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
In LA they elected a DEAD woman, for Pete's sake! Our state is doomed.
Aug '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Don't let the situation in California ruin the day. I am suprised that Meg and Carly kept it so close.
This state is a whole-nother animal, nothing here is a simple as it seems. Last night's tsunami broke hard at the California line. That just means that center-right Californians have their work cut out for them, or an exit strategy to plan. I am not going any where, short pants and blue water take the edge off all sorts of bad news. I have day off and two good books and it is time to hit the coast.
Sep '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
November 2nd is All Soul's Day, where Catholics devote special prayers for the deceased, so there is some precedent.
Jul '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
I'll go upbeat here. Here are just a few reasons to be thrilled:
Out: Alan Grayson, Phil Hare, Russ Feingold, Joe Sestak, James Oberstar, Betsy Markey, Periello, Etheridge, Kratovil, Shea-Parker, Kanjorski.
Any time you can sweep out weasels like that, you should celebrate.
In: Rubio, Toomey, Noem, West, Scott, Schilling, Gibson, Barletta.
These are terrific candidates with bright futures.
Come on, people, stop whining. Remember where we were two short years ago.
Oct '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Claire Berlinski, Ed.: I'm sensing an unusual hesitation to comment here on Ricochet. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but I know on my end, I'm having a conflicted reaction, and perhaps an ungracious one. On the one hand, these results are joyous; they're historic; and they're surely numerically game-changing. One does not wish to be anything but grateful for them. On the other, some highly symbolic races were lost. I don't want to spoil a good mood by reflecting too much on those, but in honesty, the photos of Barbara Boxer looking so damned pleased are like a mosquito bite on a beautiful summer evening.
Anyone else feel that way? I think I just need to grow up and get over it, probably. ·
Claire, I am not sure what "highly symbolic races" you are referring to. Symbolic in what way?
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Today, in southern California, the sun is shining and it's like summer: about 80, maybe 85 -- and I live at the beach; it's probably 90 in the valley -- and I should be rejoicing that I live in this wonderful, sunny, optimistic, energetic, innovator's paradise of a state.
Except.
Barbara Boxer's speech -- her smug, "The View" style politics -- it was all too much for me last night.
Oct '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Kenneth: I'll go upbeat here. Here are just a few reasons to be thrilled:
Out: Alan Grayson, Phil Hare, Russ Feingold, Joe Sestak, James Oberstar, Betsy Markey, Periello, Etheridge, Kratovil, Shea-Parker, Kanjorski.
Any time you can sweep out weasels like that, you should celebrate.
In: Rubio, Toomey, Noem, West, Scott, Schilling, Gibson, Barletta.
These are terrific candidates with bright futures.
Come on, people, stop whining. Remember where we were two short years ago. · Nov 3 at 11:46am
You know, the process works. A weak candidate elected is often a weak representative in office. I would rather see a Marco Rubio elected and be effective than have a Sharon Angle victorious and be a failure.
Jul '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
It should be a reminder that our work is not done simply by dominating one election cycle. The GOP needs to adhere to their smaller government rhetoric, and we need to continue to work to promote conservative ideas over the next two years. As long as we learn from our losses, we will be stronger in 2012 giving us a very good chance of putting conservatives in the Senate and White House.
Nov '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
To say I was deflated over what has happened in my home state of California is an understatement. I am reminded of the last section from "Casey at the Bat"
"Oh! somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light.
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville -- mighty Casey has Struck Out."
Yes in many places the sun is indeed shining bright but I cannot help but feel like a resident from Mudville today.
Oh wherefore art thou Peter Robinson - I need a ray of sunny optimism today.
Jul '10
Re: Post-Election Punditry Hesitation
Louie Mungaray: Don't let the situation in California ruin the day. I am suprised that Meg and Carly kept it so close.
This state is a whole-nother animal, nothing here is a simple as it seems. Last night's tsunami broke hard at the California line. That just means that center-right Californians have their work cut out for them, or an exit strategy to plan. I am not going any where, short pants and blue water take the edge off all sorts of bad news. I have day off and two good books and it is time to hit the coast. · Nov 3 at 11:41am
I'm with you, Louie. It's 80 degrees with golden sunshine and a light breeze here in Marin. Perfect day for a hike in the hills, with Ricochet podcasts on my iPod.
People can diss California all they want, but things aren't all that great elsewhere and I'd sure rather suffer here than in Detroit or Cleveland.