Anyway, let's look at some more details in depth.
On the Democrat side of things, the self-denial is really quite laughable. Some are so distraught that they had to bring in grief counselors to help them work through the burdensome pain of dealing with all the shtoopid citizens who voted wrong. They probably have reason for worry, though, because the vendetta against them is only just beginning. Most Americans don't believe Obama will work with the new GOP majority in the House, and Tea Party leaders are already setting their sights on the next round of forced retirements in 2012, one of whom is our very own Claire-bear McCaskill. Obama himself told one of his biggest groups of sycophantic disciples, MoveOn.org, that they were likely to see difficulties at the polls for the next three election cycles. This is probably at least partly due to the fact that when the 2010 Census results are released, the gerrymandering will begin, and with the GOP's huge gains in state legislatures across the nation, it could provide an incredible advantage for Republicans for years to come. For a terrific explanation of how this process can work, go here. The bottom line is that Republicans can redraw the lines for Congressional districts, boxing in a whole lotta' Democrats into small areas and thus reducing their representation in Congress. While this could be considered dirty politics, it is also standard practice. It is what it is; at this point, we have an urgent need to get the country back on track, and that means necessarily marginalizing all elected Democrats as quickly as possible. I say go for it.
One interesting question in examining the overall results of this election is whether or not the economy or Obamacare presented a bigger can of gasoline for Democrats. Some good thoughts on that one (emphasis mine):
True, voters named the economy, not health care, as the most important issue facing the country. But this further highlights the tension between the Democrats and the American people — for the Democrats appeared to prioritize these issue in reverse order. Moreover, asking about the most important issue isn’t the same as asking about the most objectionable action. Exit polls didn’t ask voters to name the worst thing the Democrats have done — perhaps because the answer is obvious.
President Obama and this Congress spent most of their time from April 2009 through March 2010 on Obamacare. They passed it in clear defiance of popular will. It’s their signature piece of legislation. Every Republican voted against it. Most Republicans ran on repealing it. Republicans won in a landslide ...
It’s not that hard to connect the dots. This election wasn’t mostly about the economy. It was about voters emphatically rejecting unlimited government, federal arrogance, and fiscal irresponsibility — and, in particular, the 2,700-page mound of legislation that best embodies all three.
I agree. So, did the Dems learn their lesson? Well, given that they've already made moves to spend another $600 billion in what is essentially another stimulus, and given that they appear to be fighting hard to keep Nancy Pelosi in charge of the Dems in the House (and throwing a party for their own awesomeness over the past two years), I'd say the answer is unequivocally no. That's why they need to be kicked out (and they should take their Big Government Republican friends with them!).
Speaking of Obamacare, the new presumed GOP Speaker, John Boehner, is still maintaining that he won't let Obamacare get implemented. Also, with the new Republican majorities in state houses all over the country, the number of states suing the federal government over the Constitutionality of Obamacare has risen to 26, with the possibility of more coming on board shortly. Yep, over half of all states are now suing to block Obamacare, which is Barack Obama's signature piece of legislation. Can we say governing against the will of the people? Oh yes, with backlash like this, repeal is most certainly an option (emphasis mine):
Will the American people support repeal when push comes to shove? There's a good chance they will. That's because of Irving Kristol's Rule of Social Programs. When you want to help the poor, Kristol wrote back in the 1980s, you must deal in the middle class.
The trouble with ObamaCare is that it cannot deal in the middle class. The middle class already has health insurance. Just like HillaryCare, the fundamental fact about ObamaCare is that the middle class is going to get stuck with the bill for the 30 million without health insurance. If you don't understand that, I've got a bridge to sell you.
...
One of the under-appreciated weaknesses of liberalism is that there's a huge disconnect between the official liberal narrative and the facts on the ground. Liberals talk about issues and peace and justice and sweetness and light, but politicians understand that the game is about getting reelected. Democratic voters understand that it's all about My Benefits. Republican voters understand it's all about My Taxes. Ordinary Americans know it's all about jobs, jobs, jobs.
Right now, nobody is much interested in the liberal narrative or the needs of elected politicians. That's because it's pretty obvious to ordinary Americans that ObamaCare isn't good for jobs, jobs, jobs. It's pretty obvious to Republicans that ObamaCare isn't good for My Taxes. And there's a chance that the odd Democrat may soon tumble to the notion that another big entitlement might be a threat to My Benefits.
And maybe the fact that even non-political types are concerned about a gigantic database with everyone's most intimate medical records in it controlled by a corrupt, inefficient, incompetent government may have something to do with it, too. Just sayin'.
Here's an example I heard recently that fits well with our discussion of Obamacare: at what point do you compromise between food and poison? Well, that's stupid question, isn't it? But, it's very illustrative of this issue because Obamacare is clearly an overreach of government power, and most people who oppose it do so on the principle that the government needs to be cut back. If elected Reps seek compromise on this issue that is clearly so toxic to most Americans, what will they be saying? They will be saying that they're willing to force-feed Americans a little bit of poison, just as long as it's not quite enough to kill us. See how this simply cannot be reconciled?
Anyway, there are problems a'plenty for Democrats, and they will probably remain for the foreseeable future. But what about the Republicans? Is it all puppies and rainbows? Um...no.
I think it is fair to say that this wasn't so much a welcome embrace of the Republican party so much as an utter rejection of the far Left radicalism of the current crop of Democrats. There simply weren't many alternatives. Allow me to demonstrate:
- 72% of voters say the GOP has lost touch with its base, and 79% like the Tea Party philosophy of smaller government
- more than 30% of GOP primary voters say they would consider a third party candidate in 2012 rather than go with anyone currently on the radar
- the American people want clarity, not compromise
I believe these things indicate that they've been given the reigns of power in a very reluctant fashion, and with a very short leash. They have two years to prove themselves worthy, or the backlash will hit them in a big, big way, too. It's one thing to face a political opponent with whom you know you will disagree; it's entirely another to be betrayed by your own people. I believe that the anger leveled at Democrats this time around will be magnified several times over if the newly elected GOP doesn't act fast and decisively to roll back what the Dems have done.
It will be very interesting to see how this plays out when January rolls around. I think the bottom line for Republicans was perfectly encapsulated by Michael Ramirez a few days ago:
Your turn...what are you going to do about all this...?
On a side note, I joked a few days ago about how it was always the Democrats who magically found bags of ballots in the trunks of their car when elections got close...turns out that wasn't a joke.
In the next few days, I'm going to have a post about the economy and the rapidly increasing danger of inflation, as well as some thoughts on my own personal wishlist for Constitutional amendments and things the GOP needs to hammer immediately. Just for fun, you know.
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