I agree. Many times in my life I have suffered a defeat or tragedy only to realize later that it was the best thing that could have happened to myself. The republican party grew arrogant, corrupt and failed to act. Their main goal became retaining their power and getting good press.
Time will be the judge. I feel bad because blocking immigration reform was the biggest accomplishment this term.
Now perhaps Bush will have to fight the dems as much as he has fought the Islamo Fascists. This means swing the veto club over and over again. We will find out soon enough.
Clinton not only survived 1994, he thrived because of it. It guaranteed his reelection (that and not really having viable opposition in 96).