Democrats - are you panicking right now?

[CatoMinor]

No, because there's this thing called 2016, when all of those Tea Party Senators come up for re-election. There's a good chance that Democrats gain as many seats two years from now as Republicans could gain this year.

Now, I'd panic/care if there was a possibility that we could maintain the number of seats in this election that we currently have, because 2016 would then produce the possibility for a filibuster-proof majority, but alas...

Whether Democrats have a majority or not come 2015 in the Senate won't affect legislation or policies that are passed over the next two years, and won't stop Democrats from regaining the Senate come 2017.

Maybe, but I wouldn't be so quick to assume 2016 will be a big Dem year. 2012 was supposed to see GOP gains and look how that turned out.

[King]

If Democrats panicked, they'd actually win. Truth is most probably aren't even going to vote.

[windjammer]

Seriously guys, there is always a way to be positive!


OMG REPUBLICANS JUST WON 10 SEATS, no problem, in the opposition the democratic party will rebuild.

[dmmidmi]

I'm getting used to the idea of the GOP taking the Senate, and the clusterf[Inks] that will accompany it.  But I'm not going to panic over something I have zero control over.

I have about as much control over who controls the Senate as I do over whether or not the Detroit Tigers win the World Series. I'd love to see both happen, but if neither do, I'll live.

To be honest, if I had to choose between the two, I would much rather see the Tigers win the World Series.

[SPQR]

Ever since 2006,Democrats have won almost all of the close races in the Senate.
Nonetheless,even assuming that (NC aside,which is lean D right now) IA and CO do come home,we still need one of AK,AR or LA. Very,very,very hard.

[IceSpear]

No, because there's this thing called 2016, when all of those Tea Party Senators come up for re-election. There's a good chance that Democrats gain as many seats two years from now as Republicans could gain this year.

Now, I'd panic/care if there was a possibility that we could maintain the number of seats in this election that we currently have, because 2016 would then produce the possibility for a filibuster-proof majority, but alas...

Whether Democrats have a majority or not come 2015 in the Senate won't affect legislation or policies that are passed over the next two years, and won't stop Democrats from regaining the Senate come 2017.

Maybe, but I wouldn't be so quick to assume 2016 will be a big Dem year. 2012 was supposed to see GOP gains and look how that turned out.

You should read 2010 analysis from directly after the 2008 election. Supposedly, the only vulnerable Democratic seats were Arkansas (but Blanche Lincoln was favored) and California (but ONLY if Schwarzenegger ran!). Democrats were expected to gain seats, possibly lots of seats.

[ShadowRocket]

No because Orman's odds in KS are good and the losses can still be limited to six seats.

[folksinger]

Not really. With the Republicans collapsing in Kansas, we really only need Pryor and Hagan to pull through (assuming Orman caucuses with the Dems).

If anything, Republicans should be panicking about 2016's map. Even if they do win a thin margin this year, odds are pretty good that they'll just turn it over in two years. Anything can hapen, but their 2016 map makes our 2014 map look like a cakewalk AND they have a Presidential electorate to deal with.

[Princess Nyan Cat]

I have about as much control over who controls the Senate as I do over whether or not the Detroit Tigers win the World Series. I'd love to see both happen, but if neither do, I'll live.

To be honest, if I had to choose between the two, I would much rather see the Tigers win the World Series.

Well the first half of your dream has been shattered. Less than a month to go to see the rest of it smoking in ruins!

[JohnCA246]

Panicked but not defeatist. It' still within reach.

[Eraserhead]

I really couldn't care less if the Democrats keep control of the US Senate or not. I only pay attention to the national races at this point in the way that another man might view a blood sport.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Time to panic now? 3 weeks to go, and Begich, Braley and Udall are all trailing.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

I'm getting used to the idea of the GOP taking the Senate, and the clusterf[Inks] that will accompany it.  But I'm not going to panic over something I have zero control over.

This

[International Brotherhood of Bernard]

Not really. If the Democrats hold on, then great! GOP is dealt a huge blow in an election that by all means they should've won. If the GOP narrowly wins, then great! They probably only won Romney states and maybe one Obama state (if they're lucky) and possibly losing one of their seats to an indy as well, which isn't an enormous win at all, and will probably end up somewhat like a pyrrhic victory, as they'll be the sole recipients of blame for whatever crazy antics they pull once they're completely in charge and facing a dreadful 2016 map. I would only panic if it was looking like a big GOP win, maybe 8-9+ seat gain, which is beginning to look increasingly unlikely (not that it ever was particularly likely).

[Marston]

It does seem like the Dems may have to prepare for the possibility of working 24/7 in the lame duck to confirm as many federal judges as they possibly can.

[Mister Mets]

It's still possible for Democrats to win despite the bulk of the competitive races occurring in Romney states.

If Republicans lose, how is it serious cause for panic?

Democrats would be less able to introduce legislation, but Republicans already had the House.

Obama can always veto anything objectionable.

The main concern would be the disorganized Republicans being savvy, and limiting passed legislation to items with popular support.

[henster]

I see a 6 seat loss as a decent results for Dems leaving them in a good position for 2016. 7-9 seat loss things get dicier for Dems making it an even more uphill climb for 2016. I've been resigned to losing the Senate for awhile now and am just hoping to limit our losses for 2016.

[IceSpear]

Guys,

You need all to be positive.

If democrats keep the senate: GREAT .

If democrats lose the senate! GREAT . Mcconnell would be a disaster and would hurt the  GOP for 2016.

This. I'll be disappointed if Republicans take the Senate, but at least there will be the silver lining that McConnell and Boehner will no doubt make Hillary's trip to the White House much easier.

As the news worsens, I continue to be happy for this silver lining...

[Representative Joe Mad]

I see a 6 seat loss as a decent results for Dems leaving them in a good position for 2016. 7-9 seat loss things get dicier for Dems making it an even more uphill climb for 2016. I've been resigned to losing the Senate for awhile now and am just hoping to limit our losses for 2016.

I largely agree with your post.  The Democrats are being forced to defend or attempt to gain seats in states that aren't easy for us to win in, in a year bad for us nationally.  We just don't have the seats to lose, and so I've thought we were going to lose the majority for awhile.  That being said, as you mentioned, ideally we won't lose too many, and thus will be positioned for better year in 2016 (provided nothing terrible happens in between no and then and 2016 ends up being some sort of reverse 2008).

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Time to panic now? 3 weeks to go, and Begich, Braley and Udall are all trailing.

Things aren't looking that great, but there's still a decent chance of barely keeping the majority, with the most likely case being losing MT, SD, WV, AR, LA, and AK, but gaining Orman.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Time to panic now? 3 weeks to go, and Begich, Braley and Udall are all trailing.

Panic is never the right option. Namely because this isn't gone yet. The GOP is actually under-performing. Sure they could pick up just enough seats for the majority, but there are a lot of variables and many seats are still within the MoE at best. This is not what the GOP expected a few months back.

[Rockefeller GOP]

I'm clearly in the minority, but I could legitimately see the GOP winning control and McConnell still losing his seat...

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Of course I'm panicked. This is either going to be a disaster or a relief equivalent to taking a piss after holding it in for 5 months.

[Oakvale]

This thread: Democrats losing a bunch of Senate seats will be GREAT NEWS for the Democratic Party.

[Brittain33]

More like, after living through what happened in 2010 from Scott Brown through election day, it's hard to get too upset over a historical inevitability coming to pass.