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This is madness, but there is method in it. The talk among congressional Democrats is about the tactics Newt Gingrich used as House minority whip in 1993 and 1994. As they remember it, Gingrich opposed, blocked, attacked, zinged, or at least criticized everything President Clinton and Democratic leaders proposed. It was a scorched-earth approach, Democrats believe. And it worked, crippling Clinton and resulting in the 1994 election that gave Republicans control--lasting control, it turned out--of the House and Senate. Now Democrats, after losing three straight elections, hope brutal tactics will work for them.

Memo to the Democrats: those tactics are much more effective when you have the facts on your side as well.

Also more effective if you have ideas or better plans. Newt had the contract with America...the average Dems. liked some of the ideas in that contract. That's why the Republicans won.