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Holly Bailey

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Earlier this week Holly wrote a really interesting piece about the electoral parallels between now and 1993—and the fact that the GOP is hoping for a dramatic Democratic defeat in next year's midterms, similar to what happened in 1994. Holly points out...

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Posted Tuesday, November 03, 2009 11:29 PM

Election Results Show Lack of Confidence in Obama

Howard Fineman
Election Day 2009 was not a repudiation of Barack Obama, but it sure wasn't a vote of confidence, either. Exit polls in Virginia and New Jersey showed that fewer than 40 percent of voters factored the president per se into their polling-booth equation. But the deep skepticism that the (shrunken) electorate showed toward Democratic candidates can't be interpreted in any other way than as a vote of not-quite-confidence in the man in the White House. The fact is, as the exits showed, voters are overwhelmingly worried about the economy—and the president has done little or nothing, it seems, to allay that fear. That presents an opening to the Republican Party next year, if they can take advantage of it.

Two gubernatorial elections do not a new national party make. Nationwide, the GOP currently has the allegiance of only one in five voters—the lowest percentage since Abe Lincoln was building the party a century and a half ago. If the Republicans are going to build on the momentum they acquired today, they are going to have to present credible alternative plans for economic revival. The national party might take a look at what Bob McDonnell did in Virginia. He had specific, detailed plans for transportation, education, and other bread-and-butter concerns in the state, especially in the swing-voter suburbs near Washington.

As for Obama, he needs to pass—and convincingly sell the virtues of—legislation that helps real people in real ways.

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Posted By: Davole (November 4, 2009 at 9:13 PM)

The fact that Barack Obama frantically campaigned for the democrats who were defeated in 2 states demonstrates that it was a referendum on him and his radical policies and priorities."

Barack Obama has lost his previous ability to mesmerize and delude the American public!

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Posted By: thehappyamerican (November 4, 2009 at 8:36 AM)

Obama ran for the office he holds on  a campaign which  held a central theme: AMERICANS SUCK FIRST (AND WORSTE). An exciting, emotional campaign!

   But one that does not inspire.

    Going broke and losing your job is emotional! But not exciting! And how do we look to  Mr. Americans Suck for inspiration WHEN he throws  trillions of dollars at a will-o-the -wisp called "Doing Something? "

    Obama is no leader, and he never has been!

    Now...we know!

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Posted By: johniewalkerblue (November 4, 2009 at 8:31 AM)

With all due respect D_Kennedy, Democrats like yourself would be much better served to acknowlege the obvious discontent eminating from the American people. What does it take in order for you to understand that the Adminstration's policies are being rejected as too far left for this nation at this time? If you remain in denial and continue to poke fun at "teabaggers and far right wacko's", you are missing the point. Its the moderates that should concern the DNC, they overwhelmingly voted against the Democrats yesterday and they continually poll against the President's perceived radical policies.

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