2006 A Nationalized Midterm Election or Not?

[WMS]

Not unless the Dems get a coherent policy agenda which they can campaign nationally on... which I sadly doubt, so far on social security, health care, foreign policy etc... the Dems are offering nothing new, let alone inventive. 

We need a Democratic agenda to reform social security, not simply defending the status quo, social security needs modernising but what being offered by the GOP simply isn’t acceptable. On top of this practical, effective polices need to be thrashed out on “bread and butter” issues which are more than simply the same warmed up, expensive socially democratic polices of the past and a clear, strong but sensible approach on foreign policy and most importantly Iraq is also needed.

The American people, want and deserve a choice between competing visions of the future, not a Democratic party offering a policy settlement which takes no account of the modern world and a Republican Party with an equally unrealistic but at least forward looking agenda. – Doubt they’ll get it though , the partisan extremists and special interests on both sides wouldn’t let them.

Ben's got a good point here.

Are the Republicans vulnerable? Yes.
Can the Democrats take advantage of that vulnerability? Err, I'll get back to you when the Dems actually have a national plan...but right now I'd say No.

[WMS]

Democrats will release their comprehensive plan most likely in January.

This is a little early but so many people are calling for one they've decided it needs to come out soon.

It better cover everything...since the Dems haven't really had one since 1994.

[WMS]

It better cover everything...since the Dems haven't really had one since 1994.

Neither have Republicans.

Oh, they've had one...you may not like it, but they've had a plan.

[WMS]

Oh, they've had one...you may not like it, but they've had a plan.

What plan are you talking about? Lower taxes, privatize everything, free trade, corporate welfare?

Can you say they have failed to achieve it?

[WMS]

Can you say they have failed to achieve it?

They've made significant progress in all four.

How about this for a Democratic plan? Energy independence, fiscal responsibility, universal healthcare, honest and open government, ethics reform, investment in emerging economic industries, and flexible plan for withdrawal from Iraq.

It sounds better than the void they have so far. The devil is in the details, of course.

[WMS]

It sounds better than the void they have so far. The devil is in the details, of course.

I think the Democratic plan will be somewhat similar to what I just laid out, with a surprise or two thrown in, while universal healthcare may or may not be included.

The foreign policy bit will be important to see the details of, for certain. Of course, I'll be interested in seeing just what Democratic foreign policy is, since I have no idea at the moment.

[WMS]

The foreign policy bit will be important to see the details of, for certain. Of course, I'll be interested in seeing just what Democratic foreign policy is, since I have no idea at the moment.

Alright, Mr. Democrat-basher, then what is the Republican foreign policy? Do we really know?

*bashes Democrats* *or not*

Realism mixed with neoconservatism, with the former dominating as of late. For more details, please consult with your nearest John Ford representative.

[WMS]

The foreign policy bit will be important to see the details of, for certain. Of course, I'll be interested in seeing just what Democratic foreign policy is, since I have no idea at the moment.

Alright, Mr. Democrat-basher, then what is the Republican foreign policy? Do we really know?

Yes, in fact we do -all too well.   Surf the Project for a New American Century, and read through the 2002 National Security Strategy if you haven't already.  It will tell you all you need to know. 

Um, yeah, what Frodo said.