Tuesday, October 26, 2010

DNC Chairman Kaine Sees Sliver of a Silver Lining

The President, still on the campaign trail though he won the election in November 2008, is sharp in tone as the election nears. Mr. Obama is more critical of the opposition now, launching into long, mocking diatribes against Republicans that depart conspicuously from the prevailing unity message of his last campaign. His words are weighted with long stretches of acknowledgment about the difficulties of the last two years.

Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, said on a Sunday talk show:

"The voters are tired of the fact that the federal government has not listened to them over the past two years, has moved in its own direction, at its own rhythm, and they want to pull back on that," Steele said.

As pointed out here, the only rebuttal Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has is to say, well, the GOP will probably not take control of the Senate.

"Four or five months ago, the Republicans thought they had a great chance at taking both houses," Kaine said. "For a variety of reasons, the Senate has gotten much more difficult for them. And again, we're seeing this week strong moves in polling for our Senate candidates" in several states.

That, Chairman Kaine, is your silver lining?

The President is jetting around the country to what have been safe Blue States and pleading for those still loyal to him to get out the vote for the Democrats on November 2. Young voters, minorities, women all have his attention. Problem is, Independent voters turned away from his leadership some months back and are not returning to the fold. Obama can go on The Daily Show all he wants and it will not change the results come election night. All he will have accomplished is to diminish his stature in office.

More: In addition to their anticipated congressional gains, Republicans also expect pickups in the 37 states that are electing governors, and in legislative races down the ballot. Those elections could have repercussions for congressional redistricting next year and for the presidential contest in 2012.

Though political reports for traditional media outlets are struggling mightily to put a happy face on the impending wave of GOP victories, such as pointing out that in California, Whitman and Fiorina are losing ground, it is hard to see much change from predictions coming true. California remaining in Democratic control? No real surprise. The surprise was that Boxer and Brown have had to work so hard for it against two first time political candidates. Both Boxer and Brown are deeply entrenched Democratic politicians with big support from unions and lobbyists in possession of deep pockets.

We will see the results in one week. I see November from my house.

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