[TSchmereL]

piqued, piqu·ing, piques

1. To cause to feel resentment or indignation. 2. To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity. 3. To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.

ETYMOLOGY: French, a prick, irritation, from Old French, from piquer, to prick, from Vulgar Latin *piccre, ultimately of imitative origin.

[hsalaw]

I think he was "punning" on the fact the dems have "peaked," that is, reached their maximum value, and everything is downhill from here for them: Main Entry: 2 peak Function: verb intransitive senses : to reach a maximum (as of capacity, value, or activity) -- often used with out transitive senses : to cause to come to a peak, point, or maximum