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Democratic sweep may be long-lasting (FORWARD, THE RAT BRIGADE!)
Chicago Tribune ^ | December 26, 2006 | Don Rose a freelance writer and political consultant in Chicago

Posted on 12/26/2006 7:20:03 AM PST by Chi-townChief

There is strong evidence that November's Democratic sweep may be more than a one-shot reaction to an unpopular president and his war--it might be one of those pivotal elections leading to a lasting, long-term majority in the Congress and potentially the presidency.

Democrats took control of Congress, making history by taking 30 House and six Senate seats without losing a single incumbent or open race. This was especially impressive against a House so gerrymandered that 95 percent of incumbents tend to keep their seats. In all, nearly 58 percent of the total national congressional vote went to the Democrats, as did more than 55 percent of the Senate vote (if you include votes cast for two independents who caucus with the Democrats).

Further, another dozen House seats that stayed Republican were decided by extremely narrow margins--many under 1,000 votes. In 2008 those seats will again be vulnerable, especially in the larger turnout expected in a presidential year, although a few of this year's upsets could revert back.

Yes, voters reacted against the war and corruption, but also the two-tiered economy, with its increasing income inequality. Many of the incoming senators and House members ran and won on populist economic issues, which have long been a unifying Democratic theme--downplaying some of the more divisive social issues.

---

Of course the new Democratic Congress will have to accomplish a few things to solidify the situation. It will have to deliver on ethics, the minimum wage, reforming the Medicare prescription legislation, eliminating obstacles to labor union organizing--and maybe even make a bid toward shortening the war, if Democrats can really get their act together.

If they deliver, history may yet see 2006 as tidal an election as was 1932.

(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 911; bugeyespiglousy; iraq; liberals; pukealert; rats; ratsloose80in08
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This guy sounds a bit full of it and I would look for a swing back to the right in the 2012-2016 time period.
1 posted on 12/26/2006 7:20:05 AM PST by Chi-townChief
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To: Chi-townChief

Thanks again stay at home cut and run conservatives, you sure made your point. Now what?


2 posted on 12/26/2006 7:22:28 AM PST by jmaroneps37 (Millions of Democrat babies aborted in 1988 or earlier did not vote this year.)
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To: Chi-townChief

RATS true colors will be showing for one and all by January 2. IMO, don't count on them staying in power after the country goes in the toilet bowl and we're perceived as cowards all over the world.


3 posted on 12/26/2006 7:23:23 AM PST by ExTexasRedhead
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To: Chi-townChief

Within three months of the new congress taking control the country will wake up and say "Who elected these a$$holes?"


4 posted on 12/26/2006 7:25:38 AM PST by DarthVader (Conservatives aren't always right , but Liberals are almost always wrong.)
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To: Chi-townChief
Thanks for the post. Your reply: "I would look for a swing back to the right in the 2012-2016 time period"

That's an optimistic outlook assuming the RINOS' become Conservatives by then. If not, the Dims will control Congress for another 40 straight years.

5 posted on 12/26/2006 7:28:29 AM PST by moonman (`)
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To: moonman

I think a lot of people will know Obama is not what he's cracked up to be by then.


6 posted on 12/26/2006 7:29:40 AM PST by Chi-townChief
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To: moonman

"If not, the Dims will control Congress for another 40 straight years."
_________________________________________________________

If a shamnesty bill is passed and signed, IMO, that is our future.


7 posted on 12/26/2006 7:32:18 AM PST by Roccus (Able Danger??? What's an Able Danger????)
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To: Chi-townChief
If they deliver, history may yet see 2006 as tidal an election as was 1932.


This guy is freaking nutz

8 posted on 12/26/2006 7:39:37 AM PST by Condor51 (Mayor Daley (D-Chi) For POTUS . Really, why not? He's more conservative than Rudy! /s)
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To: Chi-townChief

Ah the sheeple strike again - we have such short-term memory.

Bad news...

We deserve it! The Republicans have totally blown it! Just unbelievable.


Good news...

The Democrats will not get their act together.


Hopefully it will send the message to everyone - if you are corrupt get out of our government (I know it is a pipedream!)


9 posted on 12/26/2006 7:40:14 AM PST by surfer
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To: Chi-townChief

Actually, this is probably a valid scenario given the Republicans inability to take advantage of every opportunity given them.

Even if the Dems screw up totally, 2008 will hinge on who the RINOs who run the party now put up for president. If they do a 1996 and put the next good ole boy in line because "it's his turn", they will go down to stunning defeat, taking even more senators and representatives with them.

In 1996, only two years after Newt and company swept the Congress, a highly vulnerable Clinton was given a sure loser as an opponent, Bob Dole. It looks like they are going to do it again with McCain. If you think the conservative base stayed home this time (actually, they didn't - polls show it was the Reagan Democrats and independents who voted Dem in '06) wait till Johnny McCain is the candidate - the man who tried to kill the Patriot Act, stifle judges with the gang of 14, and wrote the amnesty for all legislation with fat Teddy.


10 posted on 12/26/2006 7:40:21 AM PST by oldbill
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To: surfer
- we have such short-term memory.

Sad but true.

The Lib's know this and use it as a tool politically.

11 posted on 12/26/2006 7:44:44 AM PST by EGPWS
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To: Chi-townChief

This guy does not sound full of it to me. He makes some valid points. However, things change and events change things. A swing back to the right in the 2012-2016 period is distinctly possible.

But I am very pessimistic about the future. I am praying for the best but preparing for the worst.


12 posted on 12/26/2006 7:46:23 AM PST by TSchmereL ("Rust but terrify.")
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To: oldbill

Interestingly, if the OKC bombing hadn't provided Ol' Slick with his own little Reichstag Fire, Dole would have kicked his ass all the way back to Arkansas in '96.


13 posted on 12/26/2006 7:52:02 AM PST by Chi-townChief
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To: TSchmereL

I can't imagine another 60-year house rat majority like this guy thinks.


14 posted on 12/26/2006 7:53:40 AM PST by Chi-townChief
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To: Chi-townChief

A reasonably good analysis. A lot can happen between now and then but the numbers don't look too good for retaking the Senate in '08. The WH has got to be rated a tossup at this point, but it may come down to a contest of star power, given how vapid the reasoning ability of the electorate seems to be. In that case, Hussein Obama and Hillary! have it, McCain doesn't, and Rudy might. The GOP might seriously consider focusing on the House and making a serious attempt at holding the vulnerable seats in the Senate. The bench looks pretty thin for holding the Presidency. McCain and Rudy are going to be spending a lot of time trying to keep the base together, much less making inroads into the Indie and Reagan Democrat vote.


15 posted on 12/26/2006 7:56:32 AM PST by chimera
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To: Chi-townChief

While some of the Republican victories WERE by very slim majorities, the same could be said of some of those of the Democrats. If the disgruntled conservatives had not stayed home or voted for the Libertarian candidate, the story of Election 2006 would have been vastly different.


16 posted on 12/26/2006 7:57:18 AM PST by srmorton (Choose life!)
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To: srmorton

The problem was that the rats just needed to get it close enough to steal as in Virginia, Montana, and Missouri.


17 posted on 12/26/2006 8:02:25 AM PST by Chi-townChief
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To: Chi-townChief

Hard to say. You can't count on abominable misbehavior by the new CongressRats to disillusion the voters. After all, the American people voted for clinton twice, when it was more than obvious what he was.

Let's just hope that the Republicans pull themselves together and give their base some good, strong candidates and planks to vote for. It's not enough to hope that people will vote for you just because they hate the other guy more.


18 posted on 12/26/2006 8:03:34 AM PST by Cicero (Marcus Tullius)
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To: Cicero

bump with no comment


19 posted on 12/26/2006 8:07:28 AM PST by Ciexyz (I highly recommend "Apocalypto" - raves, raves, raves.)
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To: Chi-townChief
I really really really hope this guy is wrong. A descent into socialism must be resisted at all costs.

There is reason to argue both political parties are moving in that direction, but I think the Republican party can be turned around from the inside. The Democrats are too far gone.

20 posted on 12/26/2006 8:07:38 AM PST by SoFloFreeper
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To: EGPWS

Thus keeping us in the revolving door of short-term thinking...causes the majority of problems we face!


21 posted on 12/26/2006 8:10:57 AM PST by surfer
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To: jmaroneps37
Now what?

Now the GOP makes a no-BS assessment of why people either voted them out and move back to conservatism. If they have stones, they'll grab the RINOs by the scruff of the neck and slap them around a bit as well.

22 posted on 12/26/2006 8:15:43 AM PST by theDentist (Qwerty ergo typo : I type, therefore I misspelll.)
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To: Chi-townChief
Well, it could mean anything. Yes, it could be a permanent turning point. Or, it could mean next to nothing. Or, it could mean....

I love the ending. "Sure, the liberals have to actually accomplish something." Love that. You mean the Democrats actually have to do something to win eternal hegemony? Imagine that.

23 posted on 12/26/2006 8:21:08 AM PST by KellyAdmirer
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To: surfer
Thus keeping us in the revolving door of short-term thinking...causes the majority of problems we face

I feel like I'm posting to myself! ; )

As Dubya' stated early on about Iraq AND the WOT, this isn't going to be short term but we will prevail.

As Osama has stated, the Americans are weak and and lack conviction to win over the long term.

I hope paraphrasing is acceptable. ; )

24 posted on 12/26/2006 8:21:32 AM PST by EGPWS
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To: Chi-townChief

I pray you are right ... but from now on they will control even more of the Diebold machines than they did this last time.

And that control will have to be pried FTCDHs.


25 posted on 12/26/2006 8:24:17 AM PST by Let's Roll ("...given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor - you will have war"- W.Churchill)
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To: Chi-townChief

"I can't imagine another 60-year house rat majority like this guy thinks."

When the amnesty that BUSH wants is passed, the Democrats will suddenly get 20 million new voters. That sounds to me like at least a 60 year rat majority.


26 posted on 12/26/2006 8:24:35 AM PST by antisocial (Texas SCV - Deo Vindice)
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To: Chi-townChief

"Democratic sweep may be long-lasting"

Scariest scenario yet. There goes the country. Lights out.


27 posted on 12/26/2006 8:25:27 AM PST by 353FMG (I never met a liberal I didn't dislike.)
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To: jmaroneps37
Thanks again stay at home cut and run conservatives, you sure made your point. Now what?

This election was not decided by conservatives staying home, but was instead decided by independents either voting Dem or staying home. The GOP earned this loss with full marks.

28 posted on 12/26/2006 8:32:06 AM PST by Major Matt Mason (Moderates cannot be allowed to control the GOP - 11/7/06 is the proof.)
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To: theDentist
Now the GOP makes a no-BS assessment of why people either voted them out and move back to conservatism. If they have stones, they'll grab the RINOs by the scruff of the neck and slap them around a bit as well.

The problem is, the moderates pretty much control the RNC, which has probably always been the case. They couldn't wait for Reagan to die.

29 posted on 12/26/2006 8:38:09 AM PST by Major Matt Mason (Moderates cannot be allowed to control the GOP - 11/7/06 is the proof.)
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To: Chi-townChief

donks will last as long as the lie lasts.


30 posted on 12/26/2006 8:38:44 AM PST by Tarpon
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To: jmaroneps37
Thanks again stay at home cut and run conservatives, you sure made your point. Now what?

Very good comment, I see you are doing all you can to make the writers prediction come true. Thanks "sac off"

31 posted on 12/26/2006 8:45:00 AM PST by org.whodat (Never let the facts get in the way of a good assumption.)
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To: EGPWS

We need to stop playing politics on the war-front...just so foolish - it removes any honor in fighting for just cause.

I was impressed to see some of the recent action in Iraq - looks like we are taking steps to stop the insurgents even those protected by the people in power in Iraq. We need to hunt them down and stop no matter whose door they hide behind.

If we don't defeat them there we will have to here...I would rather fight over there.


32 posted on 12/26/2006 8:45:35 AM PST by surfer
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To: jmaroneps37
Thanks again stay at home cut and run conservatives, you sure made your point. Now what?

In my state, our "true" conservative, Republican candidate for Governor got slaughtered by 24 points. He got his base support, which turned out, and nothing more. The liberal 'Rat candidate, who successfully sold himself as a "new" or "moderate" 'Rat (he really isn't, but the electorate didn't seem to mind), garnered almost all of the Independent and swing 'Rat vote (some people call them "Reagan Democrats"). So now what? We need to learn, once and for all, that in many areas, simply winning your base means you lose 70-30 in the general election. Reagan was able to package a popular persona, a conservative message, and an optimistic and hopeful outlook into an appealing campaign that attracted the base as well as those in the middle ground. This time around, we didn't, and with the gradual fading of the memory of 9/11 and the perception that Bush is "losing" in Iraq, it added up to the wipeout we had in November. We'd better get our ducks in order early for '08, or it's hello to President Hillary or President Hussein Obama.

33 posted on 12/26/2006 8:52:31 AM PST by chimera
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To: Chi-townChief

Actually, the gerrymandering helped the democrats not lose any of their seats. The war and corruption, along with the media spending years telling people how bad it was that we had no "checks and balances" because republicans were in the majority, led to our defeat.

I don't imagine we will hear a word about "checks and balances" if the democrats take the white house in 2008. We instead will hear about the great "cooperation" between the branches that make it easy to "get things done".


34 posted on 12/26/2006 8:54:20 AM PST by CharlesWayneCT
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To: Chi-townChief

It will last until the first recession when the Rats are in control. Then who will they blame ? No war, no Pubbie administration ... oh, what's a Rat to do then ?


35 posted on 12/26/2006 8:58:21 AM PST by cinives (On some planets what I do is considered normal.)
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To: surfer
If we don't defeat them there we will have to here...I would rather fight over there.

To me and others we are at war.

To the the followers of Al Qaeda, we are at war.

To most in our country however, we are in a skirmish that isn't worth the trouble and not fighting would be a good thing so we could focus on more important "way of life" threatening issues.

36 posted on 12/26/2006 8:59:36 AM PST by EGPWS
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To: EGPWS

yep...

Sheeple just need to take a refresher in history...it keeps repeating itself and we keep making stupid mistakes!


37 posted on 12/26/2006 9:03:06 AM PST by surfer
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To: Chi-townChief

btt


38 posted on 12/26/2006 9:04:48 AM PST by Cacique (quos Deus vult perdere, prius dementat ( Islamia Delenda Est ))
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To: cinives
It will last until the first recession when the Rats are in control.

Recession is just an asset to the Rat's proving the point that we need to go to government for help.

The sheeple will be more than happy to praise the government for helping out after the government creates a problem worthy of help.

39 posted on 12/26/2006 9:06:47 AM PST by EGPWS
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To: Chi-townChief

The Democratic "tide" will last until the next Al Qaeda terrorist act on American soil.


40 posted on 12/26/2006 9:09:32 AM PST by denydenydeny ("We have always been, we are, and I hope that we always shall be detested in France"--Wellington)
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To: Major Matt Mason
They couldn't wait for Reagan to die.

Any Republican who would tote that attitude doesn't belong in the Republican party.

Ronald Reagan was a Democrat originally, however he was a Democrat with vision and the fortitude to follow through with his vision over being loyal to a political party.

41 posted on 12/26/2006 9:15:17 AM PST by EGPWS
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To: denydenydeny
The Democratic "tide" will last until the next Al Qaeda terrorist act on American soil.

Until the next Al Qaeda terrorist attack that is so big that it can't be pushed under the political rug and brushed off you mean.

Right?

42 posted on 12/26/2006 9:17:59 AM PST by EGPWS
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To: surfer
Sheeple just need to take a refresher in history...

Yes, they do.

It doesn't say much about our public education system does it.

43 posted on 12/26/2006 9:22:05 AM PST by EGPWS
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To: jmaroneps37
Thanks again stay at home cut and run conservatives, you sure made your point. Now what?

LOLOLOL. These posts are just as bad as the "Bush's Fault" posts.

44 posted on 12/26/2006 9:25:45 AM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Why can't Republicans stand up to Democrats like they do to terrorists?)
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To: theDentist
Now the GOP makes a no-BS assessment of why people either voted them out and move back to conservatism.

Nah, it's so much easier for Republicans to remain socialist-lite and then have their paid bootlickers denigrate conservatives if they don't vote for the establishment's RINOs.

45 posted on 12/26/2006 9:29:14 AM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Why can't Republicans stand up to Democrats like they do to terrorists?)
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To: Chi-townChief

It won't take that long; the four day SanFranNan coronation is going to open a lot of heretofore lethargic eyeballs. It is sure to be Wellstone Memorial Redux.


46 posted on 12/26/2006 9:38:09 AM PST by Dionysius
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To: Chi-townChief

This thread explains that the Democratic "sweep" was nothing more than a historical norm and that hope is far from lost for the Republicans. Especially with al-Qaeda's number two guy thanking the Democrats for the shared victory of the Republican's defeat.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1738236/posts


47 posted on 12/26/2006 9:46:28 AM PST by Tarnsman
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To: Chi-townChief

Where's the sweep? The Senate is even and the House is only a few votes to the wrong side.


48 posted on 12/26/2006 9:46:44 AM PST by upcountryhorseman (An old fashioned conservative)
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To: Chi-townChief

Here are Intrade's 2008 GOP probabilities:

Presidency 47%
Senate 30%
House 30%

In my opinion, the outlook is bleak because Democrats and McCainiacs will:

(1) give the vote to many previously illegal aliens, and

(2) wield campaign finance laws and media regulations to suppress political criticism.


49 posted on 12/26/2006 11:19:10 AM PST by mdefranc
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To: jmaroneps37
Thanks again stay at home cut and run conservatives, you sure made your point. Now what?

Blame the voter, eh? That strategy will certainly help win a majority next time.

50 posted on 12/26/2006 4:56:00 PM PST by Timmy
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