Could the outcome of this election change the national narrative?

[Person Man]

This election may probably mean very little in the long run, especially if no one from SCOTUS retires and Ginsberg may well live through the next administration (Stevens was what? 90? when he retired?)

However, if the republicans win NC,AR,LA,SD,MT,CO,WV,AK and hold KY,GA, that would mean that Democrats would lose more incumbents than they had lost in decades and be at a huge disadvantage in the 2016 elections (In this environment of polarization, I don't think anyone wants to elect a lame duck) and could face the wilderness for years. This could definitely change the narrative from "Obama's Coalition of the Ascendant" back to one based on Bush's coalition, but maybe with the twist that the Religious Right is replaced by Big Oil. Though the new birth control front is kind of attacking beyond enemy lines for the Religious Right.

[IceSpear]

It might change the narrative for a little while, but it's not going to have any staying power. It would just confirm the hypothesis that two different electorates (one D leaning, one R leaning) turn out for presidential and midterm years, and that will be the "new normal".

[Never]

It might change the narrative for a little while, but it's not going to have any staying power. It would just confirm the hypothesis that two different electorates (one D leaning, one R leaning) turn out for presidential and midterm years, and that will be the "new normal".

[Del Tachi]

This election may probably mean very little in the long run, especially if no one from SCOTUS retires and Ginsberg may well live through the next administration (Stevens was what? 90? when he retired?)

However, if the republicans win NC,AR,LA,SD,MT,CO,WV,AK and hold KY,GA, that would mean that Democrats would lose more incumbents than they had lost in decades and be at a huge disadvantage in the 2016 elections (In this environment of polarization, I don't think anyone wants to elect a lame duck) and could face the wilderness for years. This could definitely change the narrative from "Obama's Coalition of the Ascendant" back to one based on Bush's coalition, but maybe with the twist that the Religious Right is replaced by Big Oil. Though the new birth control front is kind of attacking beyond enemy lines for the Religious Right.

Yes, because we know that millions of Americans are sympathetic to the cause of Exxon Mobil and Halliburton just as they are the cause of Evangelical Christianity. 

[Person Man]

This election may probably mean very little in the long run, especially if no one from SCOTUS retires and Ginsberg may well live through the next administration (Stevens was what? 90? when he retired?)

However, if the republicans win NC,AR,LA,SD,MT,CO,WV,AK and hold KY,GA, that would mean that Democrats would lose more incumbents than they had lost in decades and be at a huge disadvantage in the 2016 elections (In this environment of polarization, I don't think anyone wants to elect a lame duck) and could face the wilderness for years. This could definitely change the narrative from "Obama's Coalition of the Ascendant" back to one based on Bush's coalition, but maybe with the twist that the Religious Right is replaced by Big Oil. Though the new birth control front is kind of attacking beyond enemy lines for the Religious Right.

Yes, because we know that millions of Americans are sympathetic to the cause of Exxon Mobil and Halliburton just as they are the cause of Evangelical Christianity. 

Probably more so, actually. The skateboarding pastor in the abandoned Wal-Mart doesn't write as many paychecks.

[henster]

2010 'changed the narrative' for about six months.

[Person Man]

2010 'changed the narrative' for about six months.

Then again, the takeover of Congress wasn't complete and was fueled mostly be retirements. Then again, maybe a handful of congressional seat will switch. It will be interesting to see where things go post 2016.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

The purpose of this election is reform. The tea party has done a good job of it so far in last midterm and we did it in prez elections. We must somehow set the tone over Obama's low expectations in Nov. And we still have time.

It will play out in Ky, the most.

[GaussLaw]

The coalitions are similar, but the emphases and attitudes are different.

I am obviously oversimplifying this, but
Bush and his coalition = Family Research Council
Current RNC Supports = Americans for Prosperity

[Orser67]

It seems like there's a good chance that this election could solidify a reverse of 1968-1992, when the Republicans usually controlled the presidency and the Democrats usually controlled Congress. Certainly, it would be a big deal if Republicans finally started defeating a large number of Democratic incumbents.

[Franzl]

It seems like every election is called the most important one ever.

[RogueBeaver]

For about 6 weeks, then COALITION OF THE ASCENDANT as usual.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Any good books out there on the 1994 New York Governor election and or Texas Governor or Virginia Senate all from 1994?

This used to be on Netflix but is not currently. Great documentary on VA in 1994

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Perfect_Candidate

[NHLiberal]

Any good books out there on the 1994 New York Governor election and or Texas Governor or Virginia Senate all from 1994?

This used to be on Netflix but is not currently. Great documentary on VA in 1994

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Perfect_Candidate

Which one is the "perfect candidate"?