Wow. I can't believe how much denial I am reading here. You guys sound as clueless as the Republicans did leading up to 2006.
How much certainty do you advise we put on polls 14 months before an election before we're not in "denial"?
I'm reading lots of people expressing concern about the size of Dem losses, but making reasoned arguments as to how things will play out. I understand if you guys are looking for hope; I've been there too. I think it's too much to expect others to feel bad for not sharing certainty that your hopes are the predetermined path for the future.
The real problem is, the Democrats have to give a rather long winded explaination (because its a complex situation) as to why they had to use reconciliation...the Republicans need only launch attacks, probably successful ones, based on a very simple message (however misleading)...that the Democrats rammed government health care down the country's throat.
Lief makes good points as to why the Democrats did it, but deep down you guys probably will admit that like 8 or 9 times out of 10, the dumb/simple message trumps the nuanced/complex/long winded truthful message.
And that media war wouldn't last a month outside the parties bases. Who truly believes anyone would change their vote next November over an issue of frikkin Senate parlimentary procedure no matter how it's pitched? The only people still worked up over this a few weeks after it happens were going to vote straight ticket Republican anyway. The only way the "rammed it down our throats" argument has any legs is if the reforms enacted are broadly considered a failure. And they won't--most people won't be effected at all, which makes it pretty hard to make ordinary voters give a damn about how something got passed in Washington.
Bottom Line: Voters will hold more against a do-nothing president and congress than one that plays a bit of political hardball.
