I think the gay marriage thing is going to be a big issue this next election cycle. Bush and the Republicans are smart to stay above the fray and let events play out. Many rank-and-file Democrats are disgusted over this issue. Even the Catholic Church here in Massachusetts have broken ranks with the party of Ted Kennedy over this issue and they are predicting that the Democrats will lose a lot of votes next year.
Contrary to what you might think, not many people in Massachusetts are very happy with this ruling.
I think the Democratic Party is reduced to its core constituency:
Homosexuals and Trade Unionists.
This means the battle for the 21st century is the polarization inside the Republican Party, which will splinter and assume the 2 party position.
The Democratic Party, I predict, will dwindle to marginal status in the next decade.
Homosexuality and Trade Unionism are the core issues they are passionate about.