How Bad Will It Be? [Fred Barnes]

Weekly Standard ^ | 10/23/2006 | By Fred Barnes

[johnny7]

REPUBLICANS and conservatives, brace yourselves! Strategists and consultants of both parties now believe the House is lost and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi will become speaker. At best, Republicans will cling to control of the Senate by a single seat, two at most. For many election cycles, Republicans have been the boys of October, using paid media and superior campaign skills to make up lost ground and win in November. This year, they were the boys of September, rallying strongly until that fateful day, September 29, when the Mark Foley scandal erupted. October has been a disaster so far. A strong finishing kick for Republicans, minimizing Democratic gains, is possible. They pulled one off brilliantly in President Bush's first midterm election in 2002. But recovery will be harder this time, a lot harder.

The press is fixated on the so-called generic ballot--Do you want a Democratic or Republican Congress?--as an indicator of Republican setbacks on November 7. But that gauge has rarely been predictive. Two others are more reliable: presidential approval and party enthusiasm. And they tell an ominous story for Republicans about the difference between 2002 and 2006.

[eeriegeno]

What about the Harry Reid land scandal Fred? Maybe you should concentrate on that instead of throwing in the towel?

[veronica]

He's playing the "scare us into voting card"...

I think that's true. I generally don't listen to him, I far prefer Rush, but with the election coming up I am tending to pay more attention across the board.

My hope is that some event in the next few weeks refocuses the public on the really important issues and what's at stake. Bush has a good record of benefiting from luck and timing, and I hope that kicks in in some manner.

[paudio]

Better to lose now, in a mid-term election.

If we lose now, I bet: the 'lesson' will be because the Republican party was too conservative! Hence, they need somebody like McCain or Rudy to 'answer' that.

[johnny7]

Yeah... punish the Republicans and f _ _ k the country...

[ballplayer]

Its A holes ,and whimps in the republican party like this that have taken over the Republican party like the left wing commies that have taken over the Democrat party.
There is NO ONE representing the traditional Americans out here .With Pansies like Fred Barnes speaking for Republicans makes me sick

[Chuck54]

Nah, we just don't answer to the Dems/MSM "Wave the Fag" campaign.

I think we hold both houses for the simple reason Americans are smarter than given credit for.

[Shocked2]

I can't wait to vote. I wouldn't vote for my lovely wife if she were running for some office as a Democrat. Sorry honey, wrong team!!!

[Beagle8U]

"If we lose now, I bet: the 'lesson' will be because the Republican party was too conservative! Hence, they need somebody like McCain or Rudy to 'answer' that."

BINGO! Only voters that go to the polls count, staying home to punish Republicans is like starving yourself to death to protest hunger.

You can't make a party more conservative by voting them out of office, that idea is insane.

Change comes from within.

[Jim Noble]

If that is the case then the party could not have been very strong to begin with.

And THAT is certainly the case.

This is not the time for a post-mortem, but November after the 7th will be quite busy around here.

[visualops]

We have the best economy in our lifetimes

Last night on TV I heard a lib pundit mention the "terrible shape" the economy was in. It irks me no end to see comments like that go unchallenged.
I recall a breakdown of public opinion as - ask people how the country is doing- they tend to be pessimistic and follow lib media. Ask them how their state is doing and they are a bit more optimistic- ask them about their town, things are even better- ask them about themselves, and things are great.

[liberty or death]

Is there a seat by seat analysis or generic poll out on the web any where?

[ground_fog]

another cowardly beltway Republican

[bray]

"Let me be the First to call you President Kerry!"

Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters

[RetSignman]

This type of rhetoric is used to motivate Republicans get out to vote, it's been done before and IMHO will work again.

[Cedric]

Credit where credit is due: The Dems saw old Mo heading for the Pubbies' bench in late September and launched the Foley slime ball in response. Decency notwithstanding, you have to admire their fervor.

[johnny7]

Change comes from within.

Spot-on... that's why we have primary's. Staying home on Nov. 7 is akin to having a doctor remove the wrong leg for gangrene.

[Cedric]

The economy is easy to lie about.

[johnny7]

Who's quote is that?

[beckysueb]

Well thats an easy conclusion to come to when the only people you poll are DEMOCRATS!

[veronica]

This is the first one of their dirty tricks to really stick. But Foley has to shoulder much of the blame himself, and whoever encouraged him to seek reelection is to blame as well.