[wolf78]

Angle was not a great candidate (I like her but she’s not great at persuading people), but taking Reid out would have been a tough job no matter who it was.

I think in many ways Angle was a terrible candidate. A Sarah Palin also has her troubles and weaknesses (as has any candidate), but she always has a smart move or a soundbite up her sleeve to control the story. Angle let the Reid camp frame the story.

E.g. there are ways to answer a question like "what's your stance on the wars?" without really taking a position (historical context, progress made yadda yadda yadda). But saying "I'll tell you once you elect me." is a major fauxpas. An independetn / non-ideological / issue-oriented voter could never vote for such a candidate. And even if you cock up, there are ways to charm yourself out of the predicament. But not for Angle.

The fact that she got within 5% of Reid is a testament to Tea Party strengh.

[Truthsearcher]

Bottom line, winning senate races is tough, winning senate races against entrenched and powerful incumbents is near impossible.

People who thought we were going to draw the straight flush and take out Reid, Boxer, Murray, Bennett, Feingold and Lincoln in one swoop were simply not being realistic.

The fact that we got two, and possibly 3, and came very close in another, and won the large majority of the open contests, is a great night. Any other election cycle without this much anticipation, a +6-7 would have been hailed as a tremendous victory.