Before starting this, I feel compelled to remind readers that I feel I am a political moderate. I've stated before that I felt I was to the 'Left' of the Bush Administration, but to the 'Right' of the Obama administration. Now that I've stated this caveat...
The voters of this country sent a strong message to the President and the Democrats about the directions in which they've taken our Country in the past two years. It appears to me that the Obama Administration felt that they knew what was best for the United States, regardless of what the citizens said. This mindset seems to have been created by Nancy Pelosi, the Lame Duck Speaker of the House.
As the Speaker of the House almost two years ago, she promised a transparent, and an honest and ethical Congress. I have to admit that I was hopeful of what she was saying, albeit, I didn't believe it. It turned out I wasn't surprised either...
And this was one of her shining moments during the debate for the Health Care Bill...
I mean... W~T~F!!!!!!! Who passes, signs, believes ANYTHING without reading it first?!?!
Yet, this 2500 page monster was forced through Congress without anyone having taken the time to read it.
And so it goes...
At this point, the Republican party has regained control of the House of Representatives, and has narrowed the gap between the Democrats and the Republicans in the Senate. Pundits on TV last night were commenting that the more conservative Democratic senators that will be up for re-election in two years may lean more toward the Republican view point over the next two years.
Here in Mississippi, we had two incumbent conservative Democratic congressmen to lose their seats... simply because they were Democrats. This was a strong back-lash against anything Democrat.
I think the BIGGEST mistake the Republicans could make at this point would be to assume that the Mind Set of the country has swung back to the Republicans. Like two years ago, when Obama and the Democrats stormed Washington, a great deal of that was a back lash against the incumbent party... this has happened again. On 'The Today Show' this morning, the talk was that the Obama Coalition failed to last two years...
I think that what has been missed in the analysis of this election... as well as the Presidential Election of 2008, has been the role of the Independent voters...
I think, as in 'my opinion,' that the Tea Party was mis-read... Republicans and Democrats alike referred to them as a 'party' when in reality, I think it was more of a 'Tea Party Movement'...
I believe that the "Tea Party" is where the Independents much like myself seemed to gravitate towards... Included in this mix of Independents were the Democrats and Republicans that felt abandoned by their parties. They had to have somewhere to go...
The Republicans weren't doing it for me, nor were the Democrats. When one thinks about it, Republicans will tend to vote Republican regardless of who the party runs out... as will the Democrats. I have often wondered, who really watches MS-NBC or Fox... the answer is those who are already minded that way. I've discovered that when I am watching the morning news, I can only watch about 15 minutes of any of them before I have to change channels... with the exception of MS-NBC.
I used to watch that channel religiously until the campaign for the 2008 elections started, and they became so Pro-Obama... Same with Fox... candidates/supporters who were on their shows were given complimentary passes, which of course, meant they wouldn't be asked any difficult questions.
I am convinced that the primary reason that Obama won in 2008 was that the Independents were fed up with the Republican party. The Independents were going to vote for ANYTHING that wasn't Republican... and that's why Obama and the Democrats amassed such power. Of course, the popular vote in the election was very close... The difference was the vote of the Independents.
What happened in two years? The Independents have abandoned Obama and the Democrats. The last count I heard was that the Republicans picked up 60 seats in the House... Good bye, Ms Pelosi...
Now, the Republicans have to be of a mind-set that they have to come in and perform... They shouldn't gloat over this victory, because the country is still in one Hell of mess... Yes, I know that Obama inherited a mess when he was elected, but Obama needs to remember that the Senate and the House during the last two years of the Bush Administration were controlled by the Democrats...
And so it goes...
Much of what I heard on the news this morning was that the new Congress, which has a greatly different composition now, will be obstructionists... that the Republicans will try to block programs that Obama and the Democrats desire...
The Republicans are saying that they won't be obstructionists, but instead, will be glad to debate the issues. Even Harry Reid this morning made a statement along the this guideline... he said something about how he will be more than glad to reach across to the other party... we won't work from the Far Left.. nor the Far Right... but instead will meet in the middle.
WHAT A CONCEPT?!?!?! Where has this been the past two years??? During some of the most critical conversations being made concerning Health Care, the Republicans were left out... and Obama would make comments along the lines of, 'we don't need you to do this.'
So... we are at a cross roads. The change in the composition of Congress may actually help Obama. I think Clinton was one of the more successful presidents that we have had in a long time... of course he had to negotiate with a Republican Congress...
I am optimistic about our country today... The voters DID turn out... the voters DID speak...
Please excuse my verbosity... I kind of got carried away... the next two years could be interesting...
~shoes~
Pretty spot on analysis, I think. I hope the Republicans don't go too far to the right too soon (can't BELIEVE I just said that) because you're right; this is all about the independents.
ReplyDeleteIt's just a basic political truth, though, that this is a center-right country and so the closer we move toward that again the more successful candidates who fall in line with that will be.
I am very interested to see how the next two years play out. I'm all but convinced Obama is a one termer, but time will tell. My biggest fear is that the new majority in the House will begin to turn things around and President Fail will get the credit for it.
@ Gucci Mama... thank you. I agree, I think the U.S. is a 'center-right' country. I think that is where we are our best.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what it would take for Obama to be re-elected. Some of the scuttlebutt coming from within the Democratic Party seems to be that Hilary wants to run again... and this was the reason that it was leaked a few weeks ago that Biden could be dropped as the VP, and replaced by Hilary for 2012...
The balance that will exist now at least seems to calm me a bit. I don't like the idea of either political party having absolute power... Debate is a good thing...
~shoes~
I think debate is a WONDERFUL thing... and I agree - the next couple of years should be interesting.
ReplyDeleteOne of my only complaints with ALL of it yesterday (and during the early voting) is that the general population in their anger, disgust and unrest voted a straight republican ticket. SOME of the democrats (and yeah - they might lean a little towards my side of the fence LOL) got the boot last night just to have a republican in... and to me that was crazy. That means the voters didn't show enough interest in "who is best for the job" - just "get the democrats out". And that's crazy.... get to know the candidates (or at least the part of them that they aren't bs'ing about. LOL)
I'm with you though. "the balance that will exist now" seems to bring my stress levels down a bit....
let's have tea.
xoxoxoxo
gobbles
What's up Shoesies ?
ReplyDeleteWell, you're talking about Republicans taking over, but I live in CA, the land of the fucking fruits and nuts and we are flooded with Democrats in office now. So I wouldn't know anything about the Repubs because I don't see them here.
I totally agree with you that Obama was elected because people were tired of the Republican Party. Otherwise I don't think he stood a chance. Honestly, I also think Sarah Palin drove a nail into that coffin too.
Yes we can ? No we can't Bitch !
Tea Party ? Not familiar with it, probably because all I think of when I hear it is the Tea Bag party, and I think everyone in office could use one of those...............
Good post. It summed up basically how I went from someone who voted Democrat across the board without even considering the issues to someone who votes mostly Republican now based on my views on the real issues and what politicians have the same views. I consider myself an Independent now.
ReplyDeleteGobbles... Good Afternoon!! I referenced the two conservative Democratic congressmen that were thrown out with the Bathwater. It seems that most of the moderate/conservative Democrats just weren't able to distance themselves enough from how the Democratic Party has become defined by today's standards. Gene Taylor, who had been our district 4 congressman went as far as to announce that he did not vote for Obama in the presidential election in 2008... Their being Democrats didn't bother me. The only issue I did have with them were their votes for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, and evidently, that's what came back and haunted them.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the Republicans in 2008 has happened to the Democrats in 2010...
~shoes~
@ Senorita... Hey you... it's good to see you back around. I was worried about you!
ReplyDeleteI don't get too caught up in party affiliation. Like I said, Mississippi lost two conservative Democrats in this Anti-Democrat environment in which we live.
I agree with your assessment in that Obama's chances without the political chaos. Voters were willing to try something else, and Obama had campaigned from a more moderate position. After the election, however, he went back to the Left. I also agree that I do believe that Sarah Palin hurt the McCain ticket. I think she was too much of an unknown cast into the limelight too quickly! I think she is a decent person; I don't think I would want her as my president. Given that, her endorsement in the recent elections did seem to help some candidates.
LMAO @ 'tea bagging'... it was ironic to me that James Carville etal were referring to members of the 'Tea Party' as 'tea baggers.' That wasn't very nice on a whole host of ways, which may well turn into another post.
It's good to see you!!
@ Peggy Sue... you define me to a 'T!' I do tend to vote issues instead of party. I like being considered an Independent. I think in future elections, that we Independents won't be so lightly regarded! Frustrated Independents elected Obama in 2008; frustrated Independents showed the Democrats the door in 2010.
~shoes~
All this talk of reaching across the isle and debating differences is amusing. For the past term the only ones who did this were the Democrats. Mitch told his boys and girls not to ever vote on anything proposed by the President, and that's what they did.
ReplyDeleteThe regular GOP are being calm and smile but no hateful rhetoric. Good idea because the power in Congress is a fickle thing. With the new blood from the Tea drinkers percolating now, the GOP will have a new task. How do you run your old line agenda with a group of rebels out to make a name for themselves?
I absolutely agree debate is a good thing. To have a debate there needs to be two sides of reasonable responsible people involved. These are people who are not taking their instructions from the head of either party. These are people who are able to ignore all that instruction and all the money from lobbyists to vote for what is good for he citizens of the country.
So far with Tea drinkers, there is nothing near reason or responsibility. Now that very grave responsibility is on the shoulders of the GOP and their new Libertarian friends. For as much as Democrats don't like GOP ideas, the GOP does not like Libertarian ideas.
As to Independents, I think a lot of us reasonable people would choose to be called independent. But for myself, I chose to be a Democrat because my Mom and Grandmother were Democrats, so that was my raising. Independents get no vote in Primary Elections. They are therefore left to vote in he general for the choice of two political parties they choose not to be associated with. I know there are Independents who will register as one party or another while ideologically still independent, but those are also the angry people who show up year after year at the Primary polls thinking they are going to vote for one of the lesser supported people and find out they cannot as they are independent. So others choose their candidates.
You realize I am sure that the words: May your life be interesting is a curse not a well wish!
While you are thinking about interesting times, try to consider the amount of money that was given by non-profit advocacy groups to the Tea drinkers' supported candidates. Oh, and Rick Scott former career carpet bagger bought the Florida governor's seat for $70 of his personal wealth.
@ Charlene... Hey you... I don't know for a fact, but I am sure that there were all kinds of monies given by all kinds of groups to fund and support all kinds of candidates.
ReplyDeleteI don't apologize for considering myself as an Independent. The current ideology of either party, Democrat or Republican, excludes me. My Mom and Dad were Democrats from way back, and they used to say that the Democratic Party left them behind.
It seems to me that almost everyone in politics today is in it to get from it whatever they can.
Still I remain optimistic...
~shoes~
Pelosi, you ignorant SLUT !!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Republican, and I've currently got an election erection !!!
Ahhh, I did vote Republican across the line. I consider Scott the lesser of the two evils at this point. A means to an end if you will.
ReplyDeleteAnd if the man would stick to his promise: Drug Test ALL Gov't Assistance Takers.
Oh what a concept!! I bet our state would be flippen rich because they wouldn't be paying half the people they do now. Hell, I bet 2/3rds of the claims would be denied!!
Like you said Shoes, we are way to far to the Left at this point and my objective as a voter was to swing us more towards just Right of Center. Which is where I consider us best as well.
I'm pleased with the elections yesterday. Hopefully what they are saying about working together is true. Even Oblama said today he would "work" with the house. Time will tell.
And Good Riddence Nancy. I really couldn't stand her from the get go.
I still have fear about 2012 and its no secret a lot of us do. Who do we run so Oblama won't win a second term? Its only another year and we'll be putting up our parties suggestions and honestly I'm not out and out in love with any of them. Yet.
Oh, and I forgot to say....
ReplyDeleteI really think there should be term limits for all offices. This lifetime in the Senate and House bullshit needs to go.
Just sayin.
i don't trust the republican leadership to live up to the pretty words further than i could throw the tanning bed john boehner seems to love so much. there's just no way. i see the next two years being a parade of dismal obstructionism when nothing gets done. call me a pessimist, but i've seen this movie before, and i didn't like the ending the first time...
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say "hi"!!!! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Pissy
It's frustrating for people who are in the center and don't believe fully in either party. Myself and my husband are in that position. I just wish that the people who were voted into office realize that it's more of an anti-establishment directive rather than "we totally believe in you"mandate.
ReplyDeleteI'm for a little compromise, respect and concilliatory attitude (did i spell that right? not sure, i was a math major so SORRY). At any rate, only time will tell.
@ HEff.. LMAO @ you and your Election Erection!!!
ReplyDelete@ PeeDee... The reason I was pleased to see the Republicans do well is so that some form of 'obstructionism' or 'debate' will have to be established. The Republicans can't let this go to their heads, and begin to act the way they have in the past, or the way the Democrats have the past two years, or they will be replaced in two years hence.
@ Magnolia... first of all, CONGRATULATIONS on being sworn into the bar in your state!! You Rock!!! You will make a fine attorney!!! Just always do what is right, and you can't go wrong.
I was hopeful that all that Obama said would be true when he was elected... about everyone working together, a transparent operation... blah... I was disappointed in his failure/refusal to do so. I am hopeful that the obstructionism between the two parties will produce something productive. One can always hope, and I am an optimist.
@ Pissy.. Hey YOU... It's good to see you!! :o)
@ Lynn... thank you for stopping by! I may be naive, but I do think at one time that the parties worked together better than they have in past years... or maybe I've just been wrong. I am hopeful for some compromise, some respect, and some conciliatory attitude between the parties. You are right, only time will tell.
~shoes~
Wandered over from Peggy Sue's blog.
ReplyDeleteI am a Libertarian.
Which means I can find things I agree with in a lot of political philosophies, but I will NEVER agree that we need more government.
And growing the government seems to be the only solution anyone has come up with in the last few years.
If they had sent that money to the taxpayers (the ones they stole it from) we'd be out of the depression already.
Good post.
The parties used to be much more willing to work together for the good of the country. Now, it's about power, and greed. The problem isn't so much the size of the actual government, it's the laws and structures that siphon money from the poor and middle class to Big Business and the Extremely Wealthy Few. Bush-Cheney were the best ever at that, and the middle class never even figured it out. "Less government" doesn't help, if it means less regulation and a faster drain of the nation's resources into the pockets of the wealthiest. I wish there could be sincere and open discussion, and that we could find things to agree on and then keep working on the rest, you know?
ReplyDelete