After Prof. Jacobson's introduction, I certainly hope you will find me a suitable addition to Legal Insurrection!
It would be wrong of me to ignore the biggest news of the political year in my first post, and I'm sure nobody here will mind being reminded of Tuesday's events anyway. At my “other” website, The Politicizer, I wrote an article in July of 2009 predicting a similar outcome.
While in my wildest dreams I could have never possibly imagined the hole President Obama dug himself, the midterm results do not entirely quell my fears:
“Led by Newt Gingrich, the 104th Congress proposed legislation that included term limits for Congressmen, tax cuts, welfare reform, a balanced budget amendment, and an independent auditing of the House’s finances. Though most legislation was held up, altered, or vetoed, its ramifications were ultimately positive for the Clinton Administration. After the 1994 mid-term elections, Clinton’s approval rating shot up and he was re-elected after an abysmal start. This turnaround is credited to “Clintonian triangulation.” Clinton, under the influence of his top-advisor (Dick Morris), advocated policies different from traditional Democrat positions, like balancing budgets. Clinton was perceived as being “above” divisive left and right-wing politics and gained tremendous popularity. (See also, Clinton’s ’96 declaration of big government’s end.)”
The GOP in 2012 is looking strong. Though we are not out of the woods quite yet. (Unless, of course, Tim Geithner keeps looking for economic advice from a comedian.)
In the meantime, I will enjoy knowing that there are forty-five Obamacare-supporting House Democrats no longer in Congress, though I still have to reside in a state where no sitting Democratic Senator has ever been unseated.
In the meantime, I will enjoy knowing that there are forty-five Obamacare-supporting House Democrats no longer in Congress, though I still have to reside in a state where no sitting Democratic Senator has ever been unseated.
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Kathleen, I look forward to your input. Big shoes to fill. (I believe that William wears a 13 1/2!)
ReplyDeleteYes, this by no means is the death of Obama. Even though we are practically guaranteed the Senate after 2012, unless we nominate a confident, articulate, competent, sensible Republican who is not gaff prone and doesn't come with baggage, Obama could very well win reelection. This is especially true since we won't have the terrible economy and as large of an enthusiasm gap for tailwinds.
ReplyDeleteI am not particularly impressed with the GOP standard bearers from past elections. I would rather one of our good current or previous governors take on Obama. We need someone who is as close to a "generic" Republican as possible (I assume "the Republican nominee" would beat "Obama" in most polls right now), while not being a complete snore. Currently, I like Pawlenty/Rubio since my ideal Christie/Ryan ticket consists of emphatic deniers of desire to run.
Welcome Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteFortunately Obama is not Clinton, he is unlikely to triangulate. The substance of his agenda will not be altered.
Living in NY may be a bummer, but at least it's not MA. I cannot understand the people up here...
ReplyDeleteAt least we are not CA
ReplyDeleteObama saying the difference between 1994 and today is "... this time you have me" is already showing dividends (for the GOP). I don't think it's in Obama's DNA to triangulate. And, analogies to 1994 are imperfect in that a much larger percentage of the population gets its news from alternative media not available at that time, like this great blog and others, FOX News, etc. It won't be nearly as easy for voters to forget what Obama is really like. Best of luck to you, Kathleen! You'll do a great job!
ReplyDeleteKathleen:
ReplyDeleteDelighted to welcome your voice to one of my favorite virtual places in the whole wide world.
Being a red stater behind deep blue lines here in Taxachusetts still in recovery from the recent unpleasantness at the polls, I feel your pain. :)