"I'm not being negative. I'm attempting to accurately predict what will happen on election night.
I actually have a VERY positive long term outlook. I think with the Dems running the house American will be reminded of just who they are and in what they believe. This will help Repubs to win back the house, grow the lead in the Senate and maintain the presidency in 2008.
I am not a gloom and doomer; however when I sit back and examine the facts, I see the Dems picking up 16-18 seats in the House. (Senate will be 51-47-2, Repubs in control)."
Thank you! This has been exactly my line of thinking, but I've been loathe to post my thoughts here because of some of the inevitable reactions it would receive (and I know how quick people are to point at signup dates and scream "TROLL!").
I will air my views on this just once: I'm actually worried that the Republicans will hang on to power this midterm. Why? For the reasons you stated, pretty much.
Let's assume the Republicans manage to hold on to their majority, yet they do very little to change how they've been governing over the next two years. You think the GOP backlash is bad now? I can easily imagine the Democrats in 2008 grabbing the White House, and healthy majorities in both Houses.
I don't believe the Democrats with a slim majority in one—or even both—Houses will be able to destroy the country in two years time. As a nation we're stronger than that, and we can weather the storm. As you say, let the American public be reminded of why they voted the Democrats out of power...and remind the Republicans of why they were voted IN.
We do not acquire power by being in the minority. Speaker Pelosi will insist that corporate lobbyists pour money into the DCCC for the 2008 cycle -- simply to protect their business interests.
Moreover, your philosophy is exactly what the Republicans told themselves in 1954 when they lost the House; that they would gain it back in 1956. Well, we waited 40 years for our majority.
I do not subscribe to your philosophy.
You win wars by winning battles.
Nothing is gained by putting the Democrats in power except to embolden them and their MSM allies.
It will be a reflection on Bush.
Don't worry about 2008.
We need to win in 2006 first.