Final point: there is an intrinsic flaw in the Democrats current approach, one that victimized Boris Yeltsin, among others. Their campaigns are totally devoid of real ideas, and mainly criticize Republican failings (often perceived versus real).
If the Democratic plan is to attack Bush in place of proposing real, workable ideas (and workable is key-- mostly Democrats propose even greater spending), they will lose in 2006.
I'm minded to agree with that
Even if, and it's a big if, the Democrats do win control of Congress in 2006, without a coherent (moderate-cum-liberal-cum populist) agenda, they'll be back out on their arses in 2008. It is simply not good enough for Democrats to fight and win elections on the back of popular discontent with Bush and the GOP.
The problem is for Democrats is that even if they do with a majority in the House, it's unlikely they'd have the numbers to push through any strong liberal agenda. For the Democrats to gain control, they'll need a stronger 'Blue Dog' contingent. They can't rely on the same level of ideological cohesion as the GOP [the Gypsy Moths are virtually, if not already, extinct]. In the Senate, however, it's possible for them to have liberal/populist majority of sorts
I'm more confident of Democrats making more significant progress in the 36 gubnatorial races
Dave
